2008 NISSAN 350Z Owners Manual

first 30 seconds after a reset, the display shows
(----).Elapsed time (h:m:s) and trip
odometer (mls or km)Elapsed time:
The elapsed time mode shows the time since the
last reset. The displayed time can be reset by
pushing the trip computer setting switch
B
for
more than approximately 1 second. (The trip
odometer is also reset at the same time.)
Trip odometer:
The trip odometer mode shows the total dis-
tance the vehicle has been driven since the last
reset. Resetting is done by pushing the setting
switch
Bfor more than approximately 1 second.
(The elapsed time is also reset at the same time.)
Stopwatch (h:m:s)You can use the trip computer as a stopwatch.
Each time the trip computer setting switch
Bis
pushed, the stopwatch will be operated as fol-
lows:
After 100 hours, the time will start from the reset
display again.Even if the display is switched to the other mode
while the time is starting, the stopwatch contin-
ues to advance until you stop the time in the
stopwatch mode. When the ignition switch is
turned to the OFF position, the time is reset.
Up-shift indicator setting (rpm) (for
manual transmission models)The up-shift indicator setting mode is used to
set the desired engine speed (rpm) for the
up-shift indicator (situated in the tachometer) to
illuminate. When the engine speed approaches
or reaches the set figure, the up-shift indicator
will flash or illuminate to show the driver the
timing for shifting into a higher gear. See “Driving
the vehicle” in the “5. Starting and driving”
section for the use of the up-shift indicator.
When the up-shift indicator setting mode is
selected, the rpm indicator blinks and the engine
speed currently set is displayed. (The initial
factory setting is 7,500 rpm.) The figure can be
changed between 2,000 and 9,000 rpm by
pushing trip computer setting switch
B. Press-
ing the switch for less than approximately 1
second will add the figure by 100 rpm. If pushing
for more than approximately 1 second, the figure
will increase by 500 rpm.
If the battery cable is disconnected, the set
engine speed will be returned to the initial figure
(7,500 rpm).
Display priorityIf a low outside air temperature warning,
low dte (distance to empty) range warning
and low tire pressure warning occur simul-
taneously, other display modes switch au-
tomatically to the outside air temperature
display.
When trip computer mode switch
A
is
pressed, the display switches to the mode
chosen before the warning display, but the
ICY indicator will continue blinking.
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or
Anti-lock Braking System
(ABS) warning light
Low washer fluid warning light
High beam indicator light (Blue)
Automatic transmission check warning
light (A/T models)
Seat belt warning light
Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL)
or
Brake warning light
Supplemental air bag warning light
Slip indicator light
Charge warning light
Automatic transmission position indicator
light (A/T models)
Traction Control System (TCS) off indica-
tor light (if so equipped)
Door open warning light
Cruise main switch indicator light
(if so equipped)
Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) off indi-
cator light (if so equipped)
Engine oil pressure warning light
Cruise set switch indicator light
(if so equipped)
Soft top indicator light (Roadster models)
Low tire pressure warning light
Front passenger air bag status light
Turn signal/hazard indicator lights
CHECKING BULBSApply the parking brake and turn the ignition key
to ON without starting the engine. The following
lights will come on:
,
or
,
,
The following lights come on briefly and then go
off:
,
or
,
,
,
,
,
If any light fails to come on, it may indicate a
burned-out bulb or an open circuit in the elec-trical system. Have the system repaired
promptly.
WARNING LIGHTS
or
Anti-lock Braking
System (ABS)
warning light
When the ignition switch is in the ON position,
the Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) warning
light illuminates and then turns off. This indicates
the ABS is operational.If the ABS warning light illuminates while the
engine is running, or while driving, it may indicate
the ABS is not functioning properly. Have the
system checked by a NISSAN dealer.
If an ABS malfunction occurs, the anti-lock
function is turned off. The brake system then
operates normally, but without anti-lock assis-
tance. See “Brake system” in the “5. Starting
and driving” section.
WARNING/INDICATOR LIGHTS
AND AUDIBLE REMINDERS
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Automatic transmission check
warning light (A/T models)
When the ignition switch is turned to the ON
position, the automatic transmission check
warning light comes on and then turns off. This
indicates that the automatic transmission system
is operational.
If the light comes on while the engine is running
or while driving, it may indicate that the auto-
matic transmission system is not functioning
properly. Have a NISSAN dealer check and
repair the transmission.
or
Brake warning light
This light functions for both the parking brake
and the foot brake systems.
Parking brake indicator:
When the ignition switch is in the ON position,
the light comes on when the parking brake is
applied.
Low brake fluid warning light:
The light warns of a low brake fluid level. If the
light comes on while the engine is running with
the parking brake not applied, stop the vehicle
and perform the following:
1. Check the brake fluid level. Add brake fluid as
necessary. See “Brake and clutch fluid” in the
“8. Maintenance and do-it-yourself” section.
WARNING

Your brake system may not be work-
ing properly if the warning light is on.
Driving could be dangerous. If you
judge it to be safe, drive carefully to
the nearest service station for re-
pairs. Otherwise, have your vehicle
towed because driving it could be
dangerous.

Pressing the brake pedal with the
engine stopped and/or a low brake
fluid level may increase your stop-
ping distance and braking will re-
quire greater pedal effort as well as
pedal travel.

If the brake fluid level is below the
MINIMUM or MIN mark on the brake
fluid reservoir, do not drive until the
brake system has been checked at a
NISSAN dealer.
2. If the brake fluid level is correct, have the
warning system checked by a NISSAN
dealer.Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) warning
indicator:
When the parking brake is released and the
brake fluid level is sufficient, if both the brake
warning light and the ABS warning light illumi-
nate, it may indicate the ABS is not functioning
properly. Have the brake system checked by a
NISSAN dealer. See “Anti-lock Braking System
(ABS) warning light” earlier in this section.
Charge warning light
If the light comes on while the engine is running,
it may indicate that the charging system is not
functioning properly. Turn the engine off and
check the alternator belt. If the belt is loose,
broken, missing or if the light remains on, see a
NISSAN dealer immediately.
CAUTION
Do not continue driving if the belt is
loose, broken or missing.
Door open warning light
This light comes on when any of the doors
and/or rear hatch are not closed securely while
the ignition switch is in the ON position.
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Engine oil pressure warning
light
This light warns of low engine oil pressure. If the
light flickers or comes on during normal driving,
pull off the road in a safe area, stop the engine
immediatelyand call a NISSAN dealer or other
authorized repair shop.
The engine oil pressure warning light is not
designed to indicate a low oil level. Use the
dipstick to check the oil level.See “Engine
oil” in the “8. Maintenance and do-it-yourself”
section.
CAUTION
Running the engine with the engine oil
pressure warning light on could cause
serious damage to the engine almost
immediately. Turn off the engine as
soon as it is safe to do so.
Low tire pressure warning light
Your vehicle is equipped with a Tire Pressure
Monitoring System (TPMS) that monitors the tire
pressure of all tires except the spare.
The low tire pressure warning light warns of lowtire pressure or indicates that the TPMS is not
functioning properly.
After the ignition switch is turned ON, this light
illuminates for about 1 second and turns off.
Low tire pressure warning:
If the vehicle is being driven with low tire pres-
sure, the warning light will illuminate.
When the low tire pressure warning light illumi-
nates, you should stop and adjust the tire pres-
sure to the recommended COLD tire pressure
shown on the Tire and Loading Information label.
The low tire pressure warning light does not
automatically turn off when the tire pressure is
adjusted. After the tire is inflated to the recom-
mended pressure, the vehicle must be driven at
speeds above 16 MPH (25 km/h) to activate the
TPMS and turn off the low tire pressure warning
light. Use a tire pressure gauge to check the tire
pressure.
For additional information, see “Tire pressure
monitoring system (TPMS)” in the “5. Starting
and driving” section and in the “6. In case of
emergency” section.
TPMS malfunction:
If the TPMS is not functioning properly, the low
tire pressure warning light will flash for approxi-
mately 1 minute when the ignition switch isturned ON. The light will remain on after the 1
minute. Have the system checked by a NISSAN
dealer.
For additional information, see “Tire pressure
monitoring system (TPMS)” in the “5. Starting
and driving” section.
WARNING

If the light does not illuminate with
the ignition switch turned ON, have
the vehicle checked by a NISSAN
dealer as soon as possible.

If the light illuminates while driving,
avoid sudden steering maneuvers or
abrupt braking, reduce vehicle speed,
pull off the road to a safe location
and stop the vehicle as soon as pos-
sible. Driving with under-inflated
tires may permanently damage the
tires and increase the likelihood of
tire failure. Serious vehicle damage
could occur and may lead to an acci-
dent and could result in serious per-
sonal injury. Check the tire pressure
for all four tires. Adjust the tire pres-
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sure to the recommended COLD tire
pressure shown on the Tire and
Loading Information label to turn the
low tire pressure warning light OFF.
If the light stays on after adjusting
the tire pressure and driving over 16
MPH (25 km/h), have the system
checked by a NISSAN dealer. If you
have a flat tire, replace it with a spare
tire as soon as possible.

When a spare tire is mounted or a
wheel is replaced, the TPMS will not
function and the low tire pressure
warning light will flash for approxi-
mately 1 minute. The light will remain
on after 1 minute. Contact your
NISSAN dealer as soon as possible
for tire replacement and/or system
resetting.

Replacing tires with those not origi-
nally specified by NISSAN could af-
fect the proper operation of the
TPMS.
CAUTION

The TPMS is not a substitute for the
regular tire pressure check. Be sure
to check the tire pressure regularly.

If the vehicle is being driven at
speeds of less than 16 MPH (25
km/h), the TPMS may not operate
correctly.

Be sure to install the specified size of
tires to the front and rear.
Low washer fluid warning light
This light comes on when the washer fluid is at a
low level. Add washer fluid as necessary. See
“Window washer fluid” in the “8. Maintenance
and do-it-yourself” section.
Seat belt warning light
The seat belt warning light and chime remind you
to fasten seat belts. The light illuminates when-
ever the ignition key is turned to ON, and will
remain illuminated until the driver’s seat belt is
fastened.
The seat belt warning light may also illuminate ifthe front passenger’s seat belt is not fastened
when the front passenger’s seat is occupied. For
5 seconds after the ignition switch is in the ON
position, the system does not activate the warn-
ing light for the front passenger.
See “Seat belts” in the “1. Safety — Seats, seat
belts and supplemental restraint system” section
for precautions on seat belt usage.
Supplemental air bag warning
light
After turning the ignition key to the ON position,
the supplemental air bag warning light will illu-
minate. The supplemental air bag warning light
will turn off after about 7 seconds if the system is
operational.
If any of the following conditions occur, the front
air bag, side air bag (if so equipped) and curtain
air bag (if so equipped), and pretensioner sys-
tems need servicing and your vehicle must be
taken to a NISSAN dealer.

The supplemental air bag warning light re-
mains on after approximately 7 seconds.

The supplemental air bag warning light
flashes intermittently.

The supplemental air bag warning light does
not come on at all.
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Unless checked and repaired, the supplemental
restraint system (air bag system) and/or the
pretensioners may not function properly. For
additional information, see “Supplemental re-
straint system” in the “1. Safety — Seats, seat
belts and supplemental restraint system” sec-
tion.
WARNING
If the supplemental air bag warning
light is on, it could mean that the front
air bag, side air bag, curtain air bag
and/or pretensioner systems will not
operate in an accident. To help avoid
injury to yourself or others, have your
vehicle checked by a NISSAN dealer as
soon as possible.INDICATOR LIGHTS
Automatic transmission
position indicator light (A/T
models)
When the ignition key is turned to the ON
position, the indicator in the tachometer shows
the automatic transmission selector lever posi-
tion. See “Driving the vehicle” (automatic trans-mission) in the “5. Starting and driving” section.
Cruise main switch indicator
light (if so equipped)
The light comes on when the cruise control main
switch is pushed. The light goes out when the
main switch is pushed again. When the cruise
main switch indicator light comes on, the cruise
control system is operational.
Cruise set switch indicator
light (if so equipped)
The light comes on while the vehicle speed is
controlled by the cruise control system. If the
light blinks while the engine is running, it may
indicate the cruise control system is not func-
tioning properly. Have the system checked by a
NISSAN dealer.
Front passenger air bag status
light
The front passenger air bag status light
(
) will be lit and the passenger front air bag
will be OFF depending on how the front passen-
ger seat is being used.
For front passenger air bag status light opera-
tion, see “NISSAN Advanced Air Bag System” in
the “1. Safety — Seats, seat belts and supple-
mental restraint system” section of this manual.
High beam indicator light
(Blue)
This light comes on when the headlight high
beam is on and goes out when the low beam is
selected.
Malfunction Indicator Light
(MIL)
If the Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) comes on
steady or blinks while the engine is running, it
may indicate a potential emission control mal-
function.
The malfunction indicator light may also come on
steady if the fuel-filler cap is loose or missing, or
if the vehicle runs out of fuel. Check to make sure
the fuel-filler cap is installed and closed tightly,
and that the vehicle has at least 3 US gallons (14
liters) of fuel in the fuel tank.
After a few driving trips, the
light should
turn off if no other potential emission control
system malfunction exists.
If this indicator light comes on steady for 20
seconds and then blinks for 10 seconds when
the engine is not running, it indicates that the
vehicle is not ready for an emission control
system inspection/maintenance test. See
“Readiness for inspection/maintenance (I/M)
test” in the “9. Technical and consumer informa-
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tion” section of this manual.
Operation
The malfunction indicator light will come on in
one of two ways:

Malfunction indicator light on steady — An
emission control system malfunction has
been detected. Check the fuel-filler cap. If the
fuel-filler cap is loose or missing, tighten or
install the cap and continue to drive the
vehicle. The
light should turn off after a
few driving trips. If the
light does not
turn off after a few driving trips, have the
vehicle inspected by a NISSAN dealer. You
do not need to have your vehicle towed to the
dealer.

Malfunction indicator light blinking — An en-
gine misfire has been detected which may
damage the emission control system. To re-
duce or avoid emission control system dam-
age:
a) Do not drive at speeds above 45 MPH
(72 km/h).
b) Avoid hard acceleration or deceleration.
c) Avoid steep uphill grades.
d) If possible, reduce the amount of cargo
being hauled or towed.
The malfunction indicator light may stop
blinking and come on steady.Have the vehicle inspected by a NISSAN
dealer. You do not need to have your vehicle
towed to the dealer.
CAUTION
Continued vehicle operation without
having the emission control system
checked and repaired as necessary
could lead to poor driveability, reduced
fuel economy, and possible damage to
the emission control system.
Slip indicator light
The light will blink when the Vehicle Dynamic
Control (VDC) system or the Traction Control
System (TCS) is operating, thus alerting the
driver to the fact that the road surface is slippery
and the vehicle is nearing its traction limits.
This light also comes on when the ignition switch
is turned to the ON position. The light will turn off
if the VDC or TCS is operational.
Traction Control System (TCS)
off indicator light (if so
equipped)
The light comes on when the Traction Control
System (TCS) off switch is pushed to OFF. This
indicates the TCS is not operating.
This light also comes on when the ignition switch
is turned to the ON position. The light will turn off
if the TCS is operational.
When the TCS off indicator light and slip indi-
cator light come on with the TCS turned on, this
light alerts the driver to the fact that the system’s
fail-safe mode is operating, that is the TCS may
not be functioning properly. Have the system
checked by a NISSAN dealer. If a malfunction
occurs in the system, the traction control func-
tion will be canceled but the vehicle is still
driveable. For additional information, see “Trac-
tion Control System (TCS)” in the “5. Starting
and driving” section of this manual.
Vehicle Dynamic Control
(VDC) off indicator light (if so
equipped)
The light comes on when the Vehicle Dynamic
Control (VDC) off switch is pushed to OFF. This
indicates the VDC system and Traction Control
System (TCS) are not operating.
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This light also comes on when the ignition switch
is turned to the ON position. The light will turn off
if the VDC system is operational.
When the VDC off indicator light and slip indi-
cator light come on with the VDC system turned
on, this light alerts the driver to the fact that the
system’s fail-safe mode is operating, that is the
VDC system may not be functioning properly.
Have the system checked by a NISSAN dealer.
If a malfunction occurs in the system, the VDC
system function will be canceled but the vehicle
is still driveable. For additional information, see
“Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) system” in the
“5. Starting and driving” section of this manual.
Soft top indicator light
(Roadster models)
This light illuminates when the soft top is being
operated or it is stopped before reaching a full
open/close state. When the top is fully opened,
the light will turn off. When the top is fully closed,
the light will flash.
The soft top can be moved with the soft top
operating switch only under all of the following
conditions:

When the vehicle is stopped.

When the foot brake pedal is depressed.

When the ignition switch is ON.
CAUTION
Operate the soft top with the engine
running to prevent a discharged battery.
When the soft top is in motion, and any of the
above conditions are discontinued or the pas-
senger power seat switches (on the cushion or
the seatback) are operated, the top will stop
moving. Remove your hand from the operating
switch, and push it again under the above
conditions until the top is fully opened or closed.
The soft top indicator light will turn off when the
top open operation is completely finished. When
closing the top, the light, which is illuminated,
will begin to flash when the top close operation
is completely finished. Securely engage the top
to the vehicle by operating the top latch lever.
The light will turn off.
If the soft top indicator light flashes with the
ignition switch ON (whether the top is operated
or not, and when the top is engaged), it may
indicate the electric soft top control unit is not
functioning properly. Have your vehicle checked
by a NISSAN dealer as soon as possible.
For more details about the electric soft top
operation, see “Soft top” in the “3. Pre-driving
checks and adjustments” section.
Turn signal/hazard indicator
lights
The light flashes when the turn signal switch
lever or hazard switch is turned on.AUDIBLE REMINDERS
Key reminder chimeThe chime will sound if the driver’s side door is
opened while the key is left in the ignition switch
(ignition switch is turned off). Remove the key
and take it with you when leaving the vehicle.Light reminder chimeThe chime will sound when the driver’s door is
opened with the headlight switch on unless the
key is in the ignition switch. Make sure to turn the
light switch off when you leave the vehicle.Seat belt warning chimeThe chime will sound for about 6 seconds unless
the driver’s seat belt is securely fastened.Brake pad wear warningThe disc brake pads have audible wear warn-
ings. When a brake pad requires replacement, it
will make a high pitched scraping sound when
the vehicle is in motion whether or not the brake
pedal is depressed. Have the brakes checked as
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