2008 NISSAN 350Z transmission

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
Instruments and controls
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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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Instruments and controls


07.7.25/Z33-D/V5.0


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-
Instruments and controls
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07.7.25/Z33-D/V5.0


CEL position and the passenger seat is occu-
pied, ask the passenger to sit forward when the
top is being opened or closed.Automatic window loweringWhen the soft top operating switch is pressed,
the power windows will automatically be low-
ered completely. The windows do not rise auto-
matically after the top operation is completed.
Use the power window switches to raise them.
OPENING 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. Release the front edge of the top from the
vehicle body with the top latch lever.
5. Push OPEN on the soft top operating switch
and hold it until the top is fully opened.•The soft top indicator light will illuminate
while the top is in motion. (In about 20
seconds, the opening movement will finish
and the indicator light turns 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.)
6. Release the switch when the top is fully
opened. (The indicator light turns off.)
NOTE:
If you release the switch and press it again
while the top is being opened, the top will
slightly move to the closing direction, then
start moving to the opening direction
again. The top is designed to move in this
way. It is not a malfunction.
SPA1692
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Pre-driving checks and adjustments


07.7.25/Z33-D/V5.0


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. Push 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 fin-
ish.)
•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, which is illumi-
nated, will begin to flash.)
6. Securely engage the front edge of the top to
the vehicle body with the top latch lever. (The
indicator light turns off.)
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 above
conditions 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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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 ............................ 5-6
Ignition switch ....................................................................... 5-6
Automatic transmission ................................................. 5-7
Manual transmission ....................................................... 5-7
Key positions ................................................................... 5-8
NISSAN Vehicle Immobilizer System ........................ 5-8
Before starting the engine ................................................. 5-9
Starting the engine ............................................................... 5-9
Driving the vehicle ............................................................. 5-10
Automatic transmission ............................................... 5-10
Manual transmission .................................................... 5-13
Parking brake ...................................................................... 5-15
Cruise control (if so equipped) ...................................... 5-16
Precautions on cruise control ................................... 5-16
Cruise control operations ........................................... 5-17Break-in schedule .............................................................. 5-18
Increasing fuel economy .................................................. 5-18
Parking/parking on hills .................................................... 5-19
Power steering .................................................................... 5-20
Brake system ....................................................................... 5-21
Braking precautions ..................................................... 5-21
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) ............................... 5-21
Traction Control System (TCS) (if so equipped) ...... 5-23
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 .......................................... 5-25
Driving on snow or ice ................................................ 5-25
Engine block heater (if so equipped) ....................... 5-26


07.7.25/Z33-D/V5.0


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 ON position
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.
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.
SSD0392
SSD0503
Starting and driving
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07.7.25/Z33-D/V5.0


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.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 ENGINE
Starting and driving
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07.7.25/Z33-D/V5.0