2005 NISSAN 350Z warning light

1. Soft top operating switch
2. Soft top indicator light (on the combination
meter)
3. Top side rail
4. Top latch lever
5. Soft top
6. Top storage lid
7. Trunk lid
8. Rear window
9. Rear section of the top
BEFORE OPERATING THE TOPThe soft top of your 350Z Roadster is electrically
operated. You can fully open or close the top
only by pressing the operating switch (on the
lower side of the instrument panel).
The soft top operating switch must be operated
under all of the following conditions:

When the foot brake pedal is depressed.

When the vehicle is stopped.

When the engine is running.
CAUTION
Always keep the engine running while
operating the soft top. The top will also
operate when the ignition switch is in
the ONposition, but run the engine to
prevent a discharged battery.
Be sure to follow the operating instructions, and
all the warnings and cautions in this section.
Improper operation of the top could cause
a system malfunction, damage, or deterio-
ration of the top material and related parts.
WARNING

Park the vehicle in a safe and level
place and apply the parking brake.

Make sure the area is clear of ob-
stacles and there is enough clear-
ance over the top (for example, in a
garage or a covered area). More than
approximately 6.6 ft (2 m) from the
ground is required to open or close
the top safely. Otherwise, the top
may damage any objects above it
SPA1689
Interior/exterior view
SOFT TOP (Roadster models)
Pre-driving checks and adjustments
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CLOSING THE TOP1. Apply the parking brake and move the selec-
tor lever to the P (Park) position (for the
automatic transmission model) or the shift
lever to the N (Neutral) position (for the
manual transmission model).
2. Start the engine.
3. Depress the foot brake pedal.
4. Press CLOSE on the soft top operating
switch and hold it until the top is fully closed.
•The soft top indicator light will illuminate
while the top is in motion. (In about 20seconds, the closing movement will finish
and the indicator light goes off.)
•Windows will automatically be fully
opened.
•The passenger seatback will automatically
move forward, unless the seatback tilt
cancel switch is in the CANCEL position.
It will return to the original position after
the top operation. (See “Automatic pas-
senger seatback tilt function” shown on
the previous page of this section.)
5. Release the switch when the top is fully
closed. (The indicator light goes off.)
6. Securely engage the front edge of the top to
the vehicle body with the top latch lever.
IF THE TOP DOES NOT OPEN OR
CLOSE ELECTRICALLYIf you cannot operate the soft top with the
operating switch, first check whether all the
following operating conditions are completed:

foot brake pedal is depressed

vehicle is stopped

ignition switch is ON (Run the engine when
operating the top.)
If the top still does not move under the aboveconditions or has any system malfunction, see a
NISSAN dealer as soon as possible. When you
must close the top by yourself, in the event of
emergency or when an immediate dealer service
is not available, close the top manually according
to the procedures shown in this section.
When closing the soft top manually:

Move the vehicle to a safe place, away from
traffic.

Two people should perform this procedure,
as some of the top parts are extremely heavy.
The top cannot be opened manually.
WARNING

Do not drive with the top partially
opened.

If the top cannot be operated prop-
erly, see a NISSAN dealer as soon as
possible to have your vehicle
checked.
SPA1693
Pre-driving checks and adjustments
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04.8.23/Z33-D/V5.0


and falls simultaneously. Support the
top by hand so it does not strike the
body.
b. Lower the rear part of the top and push it
onto the top storage lid. The top is locked to
the storage lid, but the bottom of the rear part
is not closed tightly.
CAUTION

After closing the top manually, have
the system checked and/or repaired
by a NISSAN dealer as soon as pos-
sible.

Avoid leaving the vehicle outside for
long periods or driving at high
speeds. The rear of the top is not
locked completely, and this may al-
low wind and rain to get into your
vehicle.CARE OF THE SOFT TOP AND THE
VEHICLE BODYTo use your Roadster safely and comfortably,you need to observe all the warnings and cau-
tions shown in the previous pages. Also, to
maintain a good appearance of the soft top and
the vehicle body, you need to care for them by
cleaning and/or washing properly.
CAUTION

Do not use an automatic car wash or
a high-pressure car wash to clean
your vehicle. The top may be dam-
aged and water may leak into the
inside of the vehicle.

Store the vehicle with the top closed
if it is not to be used for long periods.
Keeping the top stowed for long pe-
riods may cause wrinkles on the sur-
face of the top.
See “Cleaning exterior” in the “7. Appearance
and care” section for detailed instructions.

A protective clear tape is applied to the top
storage lid painted surface where the soft top
contacts the surface. When the top is fully
closed, the tape may transmit some light,
visible from the inside of the vehicle. This
does not affect the water and air tightness of
the seal.
The inner surface of the trunk and top storage
lids may show a fibrous, or marbled pattern.
This is the normal appearance of the material
used in these parts.
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Pre-driving checks and adjustments


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1. Air flow control dial
2. Temperature control dial*
* The display of degrees:
“60-75-90” is used for °F (US).
“18-25-32” is used for °C (Canada).
3. Fan control dial
4. Rear window defroster button
(Refer to the “2. Instruments and controls”
section.)
5. Air intake button
(Air recirculation and Fresh air)
6. A/C (air conditioner) button
WARNING

The air conditioner cooling function
operates only when the engine is
running.

On hot, sunny days, temperatures in
a closed vehicle could quickly be-
come high enough to cause severe or
possibly fatal injuries to people or
animals. Do not leave children or
adults who would normally requirethe assistance of others in your ve-
hicle. Unattended pets should also
not be left alone.

Do not use the recirculation mode for
long periods as it may cause the
interior air to become stale and the
windows to fog up.

Positioning of the heater or air con-
ditioner controls should not be done
while driving, so full attention may be
given to vehicle operation.
Start the engine and operate the controls to
activate the air conditioner.
NOTE:
In your vehicle, the air conditioner system is
designed to automatically activate the cooling
function when operating the air flow control dial,
the fan control dial or the air intake button. (The
indicator light on the A/C button will illuminate.)
Push the A/C button off when the cooling
function is not necessary.
SAA0602
HEATER AND AIR CONDITIONER
(Automatic)4-8
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The exhaust system and body should
be inspected by a qualified mechanic
whenever:
•The vehicle is raised for service.
•You suspect that exhaust fumes
are entering into the passenger
compartment.
•You notice a change in the sound
of the exhaust system.
•You have had an accident involv-
ing damage to the exhaust system,
underbody, or rear of the vehicle.THREE WAY CATALYSTThe three way catalyst is an emission control
device installed in the exhaust system. Exhaust
gases in the converter are burned at high tem-
peratures to help reduce pollutants.
WARNING

The exhaust gas and the exhaust sys-
tem are very hot. Keep people, ani-mals or flammable materials away
from the exhaust system compo-
nents.

Do not stop or park the vehicle over
flammable materials such as dry
grass, waste paper or rags. They may
ignite and cause a fire.
CAUTION

Do not use leaded gasoline. Deposits
from leaded gasoline will seriously
reduce the three-way catalyst’s abil-
ity to help reduce exhaust pollutants.

Keep your engine tuned up. Malfunc-
tions in the ignition, fuel injection, or
electrical systems can cause overrich
fuel flow into the three-way catalyst,
causing it to overheat. Do not keep
driving if the engine misfires, or if
noticeable loss of performance or
other unusual operating conditions
are detected. Have the vehicle in-
spected promptly by a NISSAN
dealer.
Avoid driving with an extremely low
fuel level. Running out of fuel could
cause the engine to misfire, damag-
ing the three-way catalyst.

Do not race the engine while warm-
ing it up.

Do not push or tow your vehicle to
start the engine.
LOW TIRE PRESSURE WARNING
SYSTEMThis vehicle is equipped with the low tire pres-
sure warning system. It monitors tire pressure of
all tires except the spare. When the low tire
pressure warning light is lit, one or more of your
tires is significantly under-inflated. The system
also displays pressure of all tires (except the
spare tire) on the trip computer by sending a
signal from a sensor that is installed in each
wheel.
The low tire pressure warning system will acti-
vate only when the vehicle is driven at speeds
above 20 MPH (32 km/h). This system may not
detect a sudden drop in tire pressure (for ex-
ample, a flat tire by catching something while
driving).
Starting and driving
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Tire pressure rises and falls depending on the
heat caused by the vehicle’s operation and the
outside temperature. Low outside temperature
can lower the temperature of the air inside the
tire which can cause a lower tire inflation pres-
sure. This may cause the low tire pressure
warning light to illuminate.
If the warning light illuminates in low ambient
temperatures as described above, check the tire
pressure for all four tires. Adjust the tire pressure
to the recommended COLD tire pressure shown
on the Tire and Loading Information label to turn
the low tire pressure warning light OFF.
Frequently check the tire pressure indicator on
the trip computer and adjust pressure of each
tire properly. See “Trip computer” in the “2.
Instruments and controls” section for the tire
pressure indicator.Low tire pressure warningIf the vehicle is being driven with low tire pres-
sure*, the low tire pressure warning light comes
on, and the chime sounds for about 10 seconds.
On the trip computer, the PSI indicator starts
flashing and the current display switches to the
tire pressure indicator.
*: lower than 26 psi (for 225/50R17 and
235/50R17 tires on
Roadster model)lower than 28 psi (except for the above)
For additional information regarding the above
warning, see “Trip computer” and
“Warning/indicator lights and audible remind-
ers” in the “2. Instruments and controls” section.
WARNING

If the low tire pressure warning light
in the meter panel comes on and/or
the PSI indicator on the trip computer
flashes while driving, avoid sudden
steering maneuvers or abrupt brak-
ing, reduce vehicle speed, pull off the
road to a safe location and stop the
vehicle as soon as possible. Serious
vehicle damage could occur and may
lead to an accident and could result
in serious personal injury. Check the
tire pressure for all four tires. Adjust
the tire pressure to the recom-
mended COLD tire pressure shown
on the Tire and Loading Information
label to turn the low tire pressure
warning light OFF. If you have a flat
tire, replace it with a spare tire as
soon as possible. (See “Flat tire” inthe “6. In case of emergency” section
for changing a flat tire.)

When a spare tire is mounted or a
wheel is replaced, tire pressure will
not be indicated and the low tire
pressure warning system will not
function. Contact a NISSAN dealer as
soon as possible for tire replacement
and/or system resetting.

Do not inject any tire liquid or aerosol
tire sealant into the tires, as this may
cause a malfunction of the tire pres-
sure sensors.
CAUTION
Do not place metalized film or any metal
parts (antenna, etc.) on the windows.
This may cause poor reception of the
signals from the tire pressure sensors,
and the low tire pressure warning sys-
tem will not function properly.
FCC Notice:
Changes or modifications not expressly
5-4
Starting and driving


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WARNING
Never remove or turn the key to the
LOCK position while driving. The steer-
ing wheel will lock. This may cause the
driver to lose control of the vehicle and
could result in serious vehicle damage
or personal injury.
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONOn automatic transmission models, the ignition
lock is designed so that the key cannot be
turned to LOCK and removed until the selector
lever is moved to the P (Park) position.
When removing the key from the ignition, make
sure the selector lever is in the P (Park) position.
If the selector lever is not returned to P (Park)
position, the key cannot be moved toward
LOCK.
When the key cannot be turned toward the
LOCK position, proceed as follows to remove
the key:1. Move the selector lever into the P (Park)
position.
2. Turn the ignition key slightly in the ON direc-
tion.
3. Turn the key toward the LOCK position.
4. Remove the key.
If the key is removed from the ignition switch, the
selector lever cannot be moved from P (Park)
position.The selector lever can be moved if
the ignition switch is in the ONposition
and the foot brake pedal is depressed.
There is an OFF position in between LOCK and
ACC, although it does not show on the lock
cylinder. When the ignition is in OFF the steering
wheel is not locked.
In order for the steering wheel to be locked, it
must be turned about 1/6 of a turn counterclock-
wise from the straight up position.
To lock the steering wheel, turn the key to
the LOCK position. Remove the key. To
unlock the steering wheel, insert the key
and turn it gently while rotating the steer-
ing wheel slightly right and left.
SSD0083
IGNITION SWITCH5-6
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Make sure the area around the vehicle is
clear.

Maintenance items should be checked peri-
odically, for example, each time you check
engine oil.

Check that all windows and lights are clean.

Visually inspect tires for their appearance and
condition. Also check tires for proper infla-
tion.

Lock all doors.

Position seat and adjust head restraints.

Adjust inside and outside mirrors.

Fasten seat belts and ask all passengers to
do likewise.

Check the operation of warning lights when
key is turned to the ON (3) position. See
“Warning/indicator lights and audible re-
minders” in the “2. Instruments and controls”
section.1. Apply the parking brake.
2.Automatic transmission:
Move the selector lever to P (Park) or N
(Neutral). (P preferred.)
The starter is designed not to operate if the
selector lever is in one of the driving posi-
tions.
Manual transmission:
Move the shift lever to N (Neutral) position,
and depress the clutch pedal to the floor
while cranking the engine.
The starter is designed not to operate unless
the clutch pedal is fully depressed.
3. Crank the enginewith your foot off the
accelerator pedalby turning the ignition
key to START. Release the key when the
engine starts. If the engine starts, but fails to
run, repeat the above procedure.

If the engine is very hard to start in extremely
cold weather or when restarting, depress the
accelerator pedal a little (approximately 1/3
to the floor) and hold it then crank the engine.
Release the key and the accelerator pedal
when the engine starts.

If the engine is very hard to start because it is
flooded, depress the accelerator pedal all theway to the floor and hold it. Crank the engine
for 5 to 6 seconds. After cranking the engine,
release the accelerator pedal. Crank the en-
ginewith your foot off the accelerator
pedalby turning the ignition key to START.
Release the key when the engine starts. If the
engine starts, but fails to run, repeat the
above procedure.
CAUTION
Do not operate the starter for more than
15 seconds at a time. If the engine does
not start, turn the key off and wait 10
seconds before cranking again, other-
wise the starter could be damaged.
4.Warm-up
Allow the engine to idle for at least 30
seconds after starting. Do not race the en-
gine while warming it up. Drive at moderate
speed for a short distance first, especially in
cold weather.
In cold weather, keep the engine running for
a minimum of 2 to 3 minutes before shutting
it off. Starting and stopping the engine over a
short period of time may make the vehicle
more difficult to start.
BEFORE STARTING THE ENGINE STARTING THE ENGINE5-8
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