2006 NISSAN 350Z brake

When shifting down, move the selector lever
to the − (down) side. (Shifts to lower range.)

Moving the selector lever to the same side
twice will shift the ranges in succession.
However, if this motion is rapidly done, the
second shifting may not be completed prop-
erly.

In the manual shift mode, the transmis-
sion automatically shifts down to 1st
gear before the vehicle comes to a stop.
When accelerating again, it is necessary
to shift up to the desired range.

When canceling the manual shift mode, re-
turn the selector lever to the D position. The
transmission returns to the normal driving
mode.

In the manual shift mode, the transmis-
sion may not shift to the selected gear.
This helps maintain driving performance
and reduces the chance of vehicle dam-
age or loss of control.Accelerator downshift
— In D position —For passing or hill climbing, fully depress the
accelerator pedal to the floor. This shifts the
transmission down into the lower gear, depend-
ing on the vehicle speed.
Fail-safeWhen fail-safe operation occurs, the automatic
transmission will be locked in 4th gear.
If the vehicle is driven under extreme con-
ditions, such as excessive wheel spinning
and subsequent hard braking, the fail-safe
system may be activated. This will occur
even if all electrical circuits are functioning
properly. In this case, turn the ignition key
OFF and wait for 3 seconds. Then turn the
key back to the ONposition. The vehicle
should return to its normal operating con-
dition. If it does not return to its normal
operating condition, have a NISSAN dealer
check the transmission and repair if neces-
sary.
Shift lock releaseIf the battery charge is low or discharged, the
select lever may not be moved from the P (Park)
position even with the brake pedal depressed.
To move the selector lever, depress the brake
pedal, apply the parking brake, and push the
shift lock release button by using a suitable tool
as shown. Push the selector lever button, then
the selector lever can be moved to N (Neutral).
This allows the vehicle to be moved if the battery
is discharged.
If the lever cannot be moved out of P (Park), have
a NISSAN dealer check the automatic transmis-
sion system as soon as possible.
SSD0347
5-12
Starting and driving


05.10.18/Z33-D/V5.0


MANUAL TRANSMISSION
ShiftingTo change gears, or when upshifting or down-
shifting, fully depress the clutch pedal, shift into
the appropriate gear then slowly and smoothly
release the clutch.
This vehicle is equipped with a short throw
shifter manual transmission. To ensure smooth
gear changes, fully depress the clutch pedal
before operating the shift lever. If the clutch
pedal is not fully depressed before the transmis-
sion is shifted, a gear noise may be heard.
Transmission damage could occur.Start the vehicle in 1st gear and shift to 2nd, 3rd,
4th and 5th up to 6th gear in sequence accord-
ing to the vehicle speed.
To back up, depress the shift lever and then
move it to the R (Reverse) position after stop-
ping the vehicle completely.
If it is difficult to move the shift lever into R
(Reverse) or 1 (Low gear), shift to N (Neutral),
then release the clutch pedal. Fully depress the
clutch pedal again and shift into R or 1.
WARNING

Do not downshift abruptly on slip-
pery roads. This may cause a loss of
control.

Do not over-rev the engine when
shifting to a lower gear. This may
cause a loss of control or engine
damage.
CAUTION

Do not rest your foot on the clutch
pedal while driving. This may damage
the clutch.
Fully depress the clutch pedal before
shifting to help prevent transmission
damage.

Stop your vehicle completely before
shifting into R (Reverse).

When the vehicle is stopped with the
engine running (for example, at a
stop light), shift to N(Neutral) and
release the clutch pedal with the foot
brake applied.
SSD0536
Starting and driving
5-13


05.10.18/Z33-D/V5.0


Suggested maximum speed in each
gearDownshift to a lower gear if the engine is not
running smoothly, or if you need to accelerate.
Do not exceed the maximum suggested speed
(shown below) in any gear. For level road driving,
use the highest gear suggested for that speed.
Always observe posted speed limits, and drive
according to the road conditions, which will
ensure safe operation. Do not over-rev the en-
gine when shifting to a lower gear as it may
cause engine damage or loss of vehicle control.
Gear MPH (km/h)
1st 35 (56)
2nd 60 (96)
3rd 90 (144)
4th —
5th —
6th —To apply:pull the parking brake lever up
1.
To release:
1. Firmly apply the foot brake.
2.Automatic transmission models:
Move the selector lever to the P (Park) posi-
tion.
Manual transmission models:
Place the shift lever in the N (Neutral) posi-
tion.
3. While pulling up on the parking brake lever
slightly, push the button
2
and lower the
lever completely
3.4. Before driving, be sure the brake warning
light goes out.
WARNING

Be sure the parking brake is fully
released before driving. Failure to do
so can cause brake failure and lead
to an accident.

Do not release the parking brake
from outside the vehicle.

Do not use the gear shift in place of
the parking brake. When parking, be
sure the parking brake is fully en-
gaged.

Do not leave children unattended in a
vehicle. They could release the park-
ing brake and cause an accident.
SPA2110
PARKING BRAKE
Starting and driving
5-15


05.10.18/Z33-D/V5.0


To set cruising speed,accelerate the vehicle
to the desired speed, push the COAST/SET
switch and release it. (The SET indicator light
will come on.) Take your foot off the accelerator
pedal. Your vehicle will maintain the set speed.

To pass another vehicle,depress the ac-
celerator pedal. When you release the pedal,
the vehicle will return to the previously set
speed.

The vehicle may not maintain the set speed
when going up or down steep hills. If this
happens, drive without the cruise control.
To cancel the preset speed,use one of the
following three methods:
a) Push the CANCEL switch; The SET indicator
light will go out.
b) Tap the brake pedal; The SET indicator light
will go out.
c) Turn the MAIN switch off. Both the CRUISE
indicator and SET indicator lights will go out.

If you depress the brake pedal while pushing
the ACCEL/RES set switch and reset at the
cruising speed, turn the MAIN switch off
once and then turn it on again.

The cruise control will automatically be can-
celled if the vehicle slows down more thanapproximately 8 MPH (13 km/h) below the
set speed.

If you depress the clutch pedal (manual trans-
mission) or move the selector lever to N
(Neutral) position (automatic transmission),
the cruise control will be canceled.
To reset at a faster cruising speed,use one
of the following three methods:
a) Depress the accelerator pedal. When the
vehicle attains the desired speed, push and
release the COAST/SET switch.
b) Push and hold the ACCEL/RES set switch.
When the vehicle attains the speed you
desire, release the switch.
c) Push, then quickly release the ACCEL/RES
set switch. Each time you do this, the set
speed will increase by about 1 MPH (1.6
km/h).
To reset at a slower cruising speed,use one
of the following three methods:
a) Lightly tap the brake pedal. When the vehicle
attains the desired speed, push the
COAST/SET switch and release it.
b) Push and hold the COAST/SET switch. Re-
lease the switch when the vehicle slows
down to the desired speed.c) Push, then quickly release the COAST/
SET switch. Each time you do this, the set
speed will decrease by about 1 MPH (1.6
km/h).
To resume the preset speed,push and re-
lease the ACCEL/RES set switch. The vehicle
will resume the last set cruising speed when the
vehicle speed is over 25 MPH (40 km/h).
Starting and driving
5-17


05.10.18/Z33-D/V5.0


WARNING

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.

Never leave the engine running while
the vehicle is unattended.

Do not leave children unattended in-
side the vehicle.1. Firmly apply the parking brake.
2.Automatic transmission models:
Move the selector lever to the P (Park) posi-
tion.
Manual transmission models:
Place the shift lever in the R (Reverse) posi-
tion. When parking on an uphill grade, place
the shift lever in the 1 (Low gear) position.
WARNING

Safe parking procedures require that
both the parking brake be set and the
transmission placed into P (Park) for
automatic transmission models or in
an appropriate gear for manual
transmission models. Failure to do
so could cause the vehicle to move
unexpectedly or roll away and result
in an accident.

Make sure the automatic transmis-
sion selector lever has been pushed
as far forward as it can go and cannot
be moved without depressing the
button at the end of the lever.
3. To help prevent the vehicle from rolling into
the street when parked on a sloping drive
way, it is a good practice to turn the wheels
as illustrated.

HEADED DOWNHILL WITH CURB:
1
Turn the wheels into the curband move the
vehicle forward until the curbside wheel
gently touches the curb.
MSD0002
PARKING/PARKING ON HILLS
Starting and driving
5-19


05.10.18/Z33-D/V5.0


HEADED UPHILL WITH CURB:
2
Turn the wheels away from the curband
move the vehicle back until the curb side
wheel gently touches the curb.

HEADED UPHILL OR DOWNHILL, NO
CURB:
3
Turn the wheels toward the side of the road
so the vehicle will move away from the center
of the road if it moves.
4. Turn the ignition key to the LOCK position
and remove the key.The power assisted steering uses a hydraulic
pump, driven by the engine, to assist steering.
If the engine stops or drive belt breaks, you will
still have control of the vehicle. However, much
greater steering effort is needed, especially in
sharp turns or at low speeds.
WARNING
If the engine is not running or is turned
off while driving, the power assist for
the steering will not work. Steering will
be much harder to operate.
BRAKING PRECAUTIONSThe brake system has two separate hydraulic
circuits. If one circuit malfunctions, you will still
have braking at two wheels.Vacuum assisted brakesThe brake booster aids braking by using engine
vacuum. If the engine stops, you can stop the
vehicle by depressing the brake pedal. However,
greater foot pressure on the brake pedal will be
required to stop the vehicle and the stopping
distance will be longer.Using the brakesAvoid resting your foot on the brake pedal while
driving. This overheats the brakes, increases
wear on the brakes and pads, and reduces gas
mileage.
To help save the brakes and to prevent the
brakes from overheating, reduce speed and
downshift to a lower gear before going down a
slope or long grade. Overheated brakes may
reduce braking performance and could result in
loss of vehicle control.
POWER STEERING BRAKE SYSTEM
5-20
Starting and driving


05.10.18/Z33-D/V5.0


WARNING

While driving on a slippery surface,
be careful when braking, accelerat-
ing or downshifting. Abrupt braking
or accelerating could cause the
wheels to skid and result in an acci-
dent.

If the engine is not running or is
turned off while driving, the power
assist for the brakes will not work.
Braking will be harder.Wet brakesWhen the vehicle is washed or driven through
water, the brakes may get wet. As a result, your
braking distance will be longer and the vehicle
may pull to one side during braking.
To dry brakes, drive the vehicle at a safe speed
while lightly pressing the brake pedal to heat-up
the brakes. Do this until the brakes return to
normal. Avoid driving the vehicle at high speeds
until the brakes function correctly.Parking brake break-inBreak in the parking brake shoes whenever thestopping effect of the parking brake is weakened
or whenever the parking brake shoes and/or
drums/rotors are replaced, in order to assure the
best braking performance.
This procedure is described in the vehicle ser-
vice manual and can be performed by a NISSAN
dealer.
ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM (ABS)The anti-lock brake system controls the brakes
so the wheels will not lock when braking abruptly
or when braking on slippery surfaces. The sys-
tem detects the rotation speed at each wheel
and varies the brake fluid pressure to prevent
each wheel from locking and sliding. By prevent-
ing wheel lockup, the system helps the driver
maintain steering control and helps to minimize
swerving and spinning on slippery surfaces.Using the systemDepress the brake pedal and hold it down.
WARNING
Do not pump the brake pedal. Doing so
may result in increased stopping
distances.
Normal operationThe anti-lock brake system will not operate at
speeds below 3 to 6 MPH (5 to 10 km/h) to
completely stop the vehicle. (The speeds will
vary according to road conditions.) When the
anti-lock system senses that one or more wheels
are close to locking up, the actuator (under the
hood) rapidly applies and releases hydraulic
pressure (like pumping the brakes very quickly).
While the actuator is working, you may feel a
pulsation in the brake pedal and hear a noise or
vibration from the actuator under the hood. This
is normal and indicates that the anti-lock system
is working properly. However, the pulsation may
indicate that road conditions are hazardous and
extra care is required while driving.Self-test featureThe anti-lock brake system consists of electronic
sensors, electric pumps, and hydraulic solenoids
controlled by a computer. The computer has a
built-in diagnostic feature that tests the system
each time you start the engine and move the
vehicle at a low speed in forward or reverse.
When the self-test occurs, you may hear a clunk
noise and/or feel a pulsation in the brake pedal.
This is normal and is not an indication of any
malfunction. If the computer senses any mal-
function, it switches the anti-lock brake system
off and turns on the ABS warning light in the
Starting and driving
5-21


05.10.18/Z33-D/V5.0


instrument panel. The brake system then oper-
ates normally, but without anti-lock assistance.
If the light comes on during the self-test or while
driving, take the vehicle to a NISSAN dealer for
repair.
WARNING
The anti-lock brake system is a sophis-
ticated device, but it cannot prevent ac-
cidents resulting from careless or dan-
gerous driving techniques. It can help
maintain vehicle control during braking
on slippery surfaces but remember that
the stopping distance on slippery sur-
faces will be longer than on normal
surfaces even with the anti-lock brake
system. Stopping distances may also be
longer on rough, gravel or snow covered
roads, or if you are using tire chains.
Always maintain a safe distance from
the vehicle in front of you. Ultimately,
the responsibility for safety of self and
others rests in the hands of the driver.Tire type and condition of tires may also
affect braking effectiveness.

When replacing tires, install the
specified size of tires to the front and
rear.

When installing a spare tire, make
sure it is the proper size and type as
specified on the Tire and Loading
Information label. See “Vehicle iden-
tification” in the “9. Technical and
consumer information” section for
the Tire and Loading Information la-
bel location.On slippery surfaces such as wet asphalt roads,
vehicle wheels may spin when the vehicle is
accelerated. This wheel spin reduces accelera-
tion, or causes the vehicle to swerve, thus
decreasing vehicle stability.
When the vehicle drive wheels begin to spin, the
traction control system (TCS) controls the en-
gine torque using an electronic control system,
and it also controls automatic control shifting if
necessary (for automatic transmission models).
This reduces spinning of the drive wheels, and
result in improved vehicle acceleration perfor-
mance. It also improves the vehicle stability by
swerving motion.

When the traction control system is operat-
ing, the slip indicator light in the meter panel
blinks.

If the slip indicator light blinks, the vehicle is
under slippery conditions. Be sure to drive
carefully. See “Slip indicator light” and “Trac-
tion control system (TCS) off indicator light”
in the “2. Instruments and controls” section.

Indicator light
If a malfunction occurs in the traction control
system, the SLIP and
indicator lights
come on in the meter panel.
As long as these indicator lights are on, the
traction control function (except the ABS) is
canceled. The vehicle will behaves like a
TRACTIONCONTROL SYSTEM
(TCS) (if so equipped)
5-22
Starting and driving


05.10.18/Z33-D/V5.0