2006 NISSAN 350Z key

5 Starting and drivingPrecautions when starting and driving ............................ 5-2
Exhaust gas (Carbon monoxide) ................................. 5-2
Three way catalyst .......................................................... 5-3
Tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) ................. 5-3
Avoiding collision and rollover ..................................... 5-5
Drinking alcohol/drugs and driving ............................ 5-5
Ignition switch ....................................................................... 5-6
Automatic transmission ................................................. 5-6
Manual transmission ....................................................... 5-7
Key positions ................................................................... 5-7
NISSAN vehicle immobilizer system .......................... 5-8
Before starting the engine ................................................. 5-8
Starting the engine ............................................................... 5-9
Driving the vehicle ................................................................ 5-9
Automatic transmission ................................................. 5-9
Manual transmission .................................................... 5-13
Parking brake ...................................................................... 5-15
Cruise control (if so equipped) ...................................... 5-16
Precautions on cruise control ................................... 5-16
Cruise control operations ........................................... 5-16Break-in schedule .............................................................. 5-18
Increasing fuel economy .................................................. 5-18
Parking/parking on hills .................................................... 5-19
Power steering .................................................................... 5-20
Brake system ....................................................................... 5-20
Braking precautions ..................................................... 5-20
Anti-lock brake system (ABS) .................................. 5-21
Traction control system (TCS) (if so equipped) ........ 5-22
Vehicle dynamic control (VDC) system
(if so equipped) .................................................................. 5-23
Cold weather driving ......................................................... 5-25
Freeing a frozen door lock ......................................... 5-25
Anti-freeze ...................................................................... 5-25
Battery ............................................................................. 5-25
Draining of coolant water ........................................... 5-25
Tire equipment .............................................................. 5-25
Special winter equipment .......................................... 5-26
Driving on snow or ice ................................................ 5-26
Engine block heater (if so equipped) ..................... 5-26


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WARNING

Do not leave children or adults who
would normally require the support
of others alone in your vehicle. Pets
should not be left alone either. They
could accidentally injure themselves
or others through inadvertent opera-
tion of the vehicle. Also, on hot,
sunny days, temperatures in a closed
vehicle could quickly become high
enough to cause severe or possibly
fatal injuries to people or animals.

Properly secure all cargo to help pre-
vent it from sliding or shifting. Do not
place cargo higher than the seat-
backs. In a sudden stop or collision,
unsecured cargo could cause per-
sonal injury. (Coupe models)

Closely supervise children when they
are around cars to prevent them from
playing and becoming locked in the
trunk where they could be seriously
injured. Keep the car locked with the
trunk closed when not in use, andprevent children’s access to car keys.
(Roadster models)
EXHAUST GAS (Carbon monoxide)
WARNING
Do not breathe exhaust gases; they con-
tain colorless and odorless carbon mon-
oxide. Carbon monoxide is dangerous.
It can cause unconsciousness or death.

If you suspect that exhaust fumes are
entering the vehicle, drive with all
windows fully open, and have the
vehicle inspected immediately.

Do not run the engine in closed
spaces such as a garage.

Do not park the vehicle with the en-
gine running for any extended length
of time.

Keep the rear hatch/trunk lid closed
while driving, otherwise exhaust
gases could be drawn into the pas-senger compartment. If you must
drive with the rear hatch/trunk lid
open, follow these precautions:
1. Open all the windows.
2. Set the air recirculation mode OFF
and the fan control at the maxi-
mum position to circulate the air.

If electrical wiring or other cable con-
nections must pass to a trailer
through the seal on the rear
hatch/trunk lid or the body, follow
the manufacturer’s recommendation
to prevent carbon monoxide entry
into the vehicle.

If a special body, camper, or other
equipment is added for recreational
or other usage, follow the manufac-
turer’s recommendation to prevent
carbon monoxide entry into the ve-
hicle. Some recreational vehicle ap-
pliances such as stoves, refrigera-
tors, heaters, etc. may also generate
carbon monoxide.
PRECAUTIONS WHEN STARTING
AND DRIVING5-2
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05.10.18/Z33-D/V5.0


reduces coordination, delays reaction
time and impairs judgement. Driving af-
ter drinking alcohol increases the likeli-
hood of being involved in an accident
injuring yourself and others. Addition-
ally, if you are injured in an accident,
alcohol can increase the severity of the
injury.
NISSAN is committed to safe driving. You must
not drive under the influence of alcohol. Every
year thousands of people are injured or killed in
alcohol related accidents. Although the local
laws vary on what is considered to be legally
intoxicated, the fact is that alcohol affects all
people differently and most people underesti-
mate the effects of alcohol.
Remember, drinking and driving don’t mix! And
that is true for drugs, too (over the counter,
prescription, and illegal drugs). Don’t drive if
your ability to operate your vehicle is impaired by
alcohol, drugs, or some other physical condition.
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONThe ignition lock is designed so the key cannot
be turned to the LOCK position and removed
until the selector lever is moved to the P (Park)
position.
When removing the key from the ignition switch,
make sure the selector lever is in the P (Park)
position.
If the selector lever is not returned to the P (Park)
position, the key cannot be moved to the LOCK
position.
When the key cannot be turned to 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 toward the ON
direction.
3. Turn the key to 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
1
in between the
LOCK and ACC positions. The OFF position is
indicated by a “1” on the key cylinder. When the
ignition switch is in the OFF position, the steer-
ing 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.
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IGNITION SWITCH
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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.
MANUAL TRANSMISSIONThe ignition switch includes a device that helps
prevent accidental removal of the key while
driving.
The key can only be removed when the ignition
switch is in the LOCK position.
To turn the ignition switch to the LOCK position
from the ACC or ON position, turn the key to the
OFF position, push the key in, then turn the key
to the LOCK position.
There is an OFF position
1
in between the
LOCK and ACC positions. The OFF position is
indicated by a “1” on the key cylinder.In order for the steering wheel to be locked, it
must be turned about 1/6 of a turn clockwise
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.
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.KEY POSITIONSThe switch includes an anti-theft steering lock
device.
LOCK (Normal parking position) (0)
The ignition key can only be removed when the
switch is in this position.
OFF (1)
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Starting and driving
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The engine can be turned off without locking the
steering wheel.
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.
ACC (Accessories) (2)
This position activates electrical accessories
such as the radio when the engine is not running.
ON (Normal operating position) (3)
This position turns on the ignition system and the
electrical accessories.
START (4)
This position activates the starter motor, starting
the engine.NISSAN VEHICLE IMMOBILIZER
SYSTEMThe NISSAN Vehicle Immobilizer System will not
allow the engine to start without the use of the
registered key.
If the engine fails to start using a registered key
(for example, when interference is caused by
another registered key, an automated toll road
device or automated payment device on the key
ring), restart the engine using the following
procedures:1. Leave the ignition switch in the ON position
for approximately 5 seconds.
2. Turn the ignition switch to the OFF or LOCK
position and wait approximately 10 seconds.
3. Repeat steps 1 and 2.
4. Restart the engine while holding the device
(which may have caused the interference)
separate from the registered key.
If this procedure allows the engine to start,
NISSAN recommends placing the registered key
on a separate key ring to avoid interference from
other devices.
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
the ignition key is turned to the ON position.
See “Warning/indicator lights and audible
reminders” in the “2. Instruments and con-
trols” section.
BEFORE STARTING THE ENGINE
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Starting and driving


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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.
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
5-speed automatic transmissionThe automatic transmission in your vehicle is
electronically controlled by a transmission con-
trol module to produce maximum power and
smooth operation.
Shown on the following pages are the recom-
mended operating procedures for this transmis-
sion. Follow these procedures for maximum ve-
hicle performance and driving enjoyment.Starting the vehicleAfter starting the engine, fully depress the foot
brake pedal and push the selector lever button
before shifting the selector lever to the R (Re-
verse), N (Neutral), D (Drive) or Manual shift
mode position. Be sure the vehicle is fully
stopped before attempting to shift the selector
lever.
This automatic transmission model is de-
signed so that the foot brake pedal must
be depressed before shifting from P (Park)
to any drive position while the ignition
switch is ON.
The selector lever cannot be moved out of
P (Park) position and into any of the other
gear positions if the ignition key is turned
to the LOCK, OFF or ACC position or if the
STARTING THE ENGINE DRIVING THE VEHICLE
Starting and driving
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05.10.18/Z33-D/V5.0


key is removed from the ignition switch.
1. Keep the foot brake pedal depressed and
push the selector lever button to shift into a
driving gear.
2. Release the parking brake and foot brake,
then gradually start the vehicle in motion.
WARNING

Do not depress the accelerator pedal
while shifting from P (Park) or N
(Neutral) to R (Reverse), D (Drive) or
manual shift mode. Always depress
the brake pedal until shifting is com-
pleted. Failure to do so could cause
you to lose control and have an acci-
dent.

Cold engine idle speed is high, so use
caution when shifting into a forward
or reverse gear before the engine has
warmed up.

On slippery roads, do not downshift.
This may cause a loss of control.

Never shift to P (Park) or R (Reverse)
while the vehicle is moving forward.Never shift to P (Park) or D (Drive)
while vehicle is moving backward.
These could cause an accident.
CAUTION
When stopping the vehicle on an uphill
grade, do not hold the vehicle by de-
pressing the accelerator pedal. The foot
brake should be used for this purpose.
To move the selector lever,
: Push the button while depressing the
brake pedal,: Push the button,: Just move the selector lever.
ShiftingAfter starting the engine, fully depress the brake
pedal and shift the selector lever from P (Park) to
R (Reverse), N (Neutral), D (Drive), or Manual
shift mode position.
Push the button to shift into P (Park) or R
(Reverse). All other positions can be selected
without pushing the button.
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WARNING
Apply the parking brake if the selector
lever is in any position while the engine
is not running. Failure to do so could
cause the vehicle to move unexpectedly
or roll away and result in serious per-
sonal injury or property damage.
If the key is turned to OFF or ACC for any reason
while the vehicle is in R (Reverse), N (Neutral), or
any D (Drive) position, the key cannot be turned
to LOCK and be removed from the ignition
switch. Move the selector lever to the P (Park)
position, then the key can be turned to LOCK.
P (Park):
Use this selector position when the vehicle is
parked or when starting the engine. Make sure
the vehicle is completely stopped.The brake
pedal must be depressed and the selector
lever button pushed in to move the selec-
tor lever from N(Neutral) or any drive
position to P (Park).Apply the parking brake.
When parking on a hill, first depress the foot
brake pedal, apply the parking brake, then shift
into the P (Park) position.
CAUTION
Use this position only when the vehicle
is completely stopped.
R (Reverse):
Use this position to back up. Always be sure the
vehicle is completely stopped before selecting R
(Reverse).The brake pedal must be de-
pressed and the selector lever button
pushed in to move the selector lever from
P (Park), N(Neutral) or any drive position
to R (Reverse).
N (Neutral):
Neither forward nor reverse gear is engaged.
The engine can be started in this position. You
may shift to N (Neutral) and restart a stalled
engine while the vehicle is moving.
D (Drive):
Use this position for all normal forward driving.Manual shift modeWhen the selector lever is shifted from D to the
manual shift gate with the vehicle stopped or
while driving, the transmission enters the manualshift mode. Shift range can be selected manu-
ally.
In the manual shift mode, the shift range is
displayed on the position indicator in the meter.
Shift ranges up or down one by one as follows:
M1→
←
M2→
←
M3→
←
M4→
←
M5
M5 (5th):
Use this position for all normal forward driving.M4 (4th):
For driving up or down long slopes where engine
braking would be advantageous.M3 (3rd) and
M2 (2nd):
Use for hill climbing or engine braking on down-
hill grades.
M1 (1st):
Use this position when climbing steep hills
slowly or driving slowly through deep snow,
sand or mud, or for maximum engine braking on
steep downhill grades.

Remember not to drive at high speeds for
extended periods of time in lower than
M4
range. This reduces fuel economy.

When shifting up, move the selector lever to
the + (up) side. (Shifts to higher range.)
Starting and driving
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