2008 NISSAN 350Z Owners Manual

seatback tilt switch. While the switch is held
down, the seatback will move backward to the
original position that was last selected using the
reclining switch (located on the seat cushion).
Release the switch to stop the movement.
Operation conditions:
The power seatback tilt switch does not activate
under the following conditions.

when the passenger seat sliding/reclining
switches on the seat cushion are being op-
erated.

when the seat tilt cancel switch is in the
CANCEL position. (See “Seatback tilt cancelswitch” later in this section.)

when the passenger seat belt is fastened.

when the vehicle speed reaches 4 MPH (7
km/h) and more.
The automatic tilting/reclining movement will be
stopped:

when any of the above 4 conditions occur.

when the power seatback tilt switch (top or
bottom) is pushed again.

when the seatback is moved with the soft top
open/close operation.
When this interruption occurs, you cannot move
the seatback backward from the stopped posi-
tion with the power seatback tilt switch. Use the
reclining switch (on the seat cushion) to select
the seatback position.Seatback tilt cancel switch:
When the seatback tilt cancel switch
C
is
pushed to the CANCEL position, the
tilting/reclining operation using the power seat-
back tilt switch
B
will be cancelled. Only the
sliding/reclining switches (located on the seat
cushion) are operational. Push the seatback tilt
cancel switch to the AUTO position to reactivate
the power seatback tilt switch.
This cancel switch is linked with the automatic
passenger seatback tilt function of the soft top
operation. See “Soft top” in the “3. Pre-driving
checks and adjustments” section.
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Roadster models — Type B
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CAUTION
When a child restraint is installed in the
passenger seat, be sure to turn the seat-
back tilt cancel switch to the CANCEL
position. Otherwise, the child restraint
may be damaged.
HEAD RESTRAINT ADJUSTMENTTo raise the head restraint, just pull it up. To
lower, push the lock knob
Aand push the head
restraint down.
The ventilated net seats (if so equipped for
Roadster models) have non-adjustable head
restraints.Adjust the head restraints so the center is level
with the center of your ears.
WARNING
Head restraints should be adjusted
properly as they may provide significant
protection against injury in an accident.
Do not remove them. Check the adjust-
ment after someone else uses the seat.
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FRONT-SEAT ACTIVE HEAD
RESTRAINTS (except for ventilated
net seats)
WARNING

Always adjust the head restraints
properly as specified in the previous
section. Failure to do so can reduce
the effectiveness of the active head
restraint.

Active Head Restraints are designedto supplement other safety systems.
Always wear seat belts. No system
can prevent all injuries in any acci-
dent.

Do not attach anything to the head
restraint stalks. Doing so could im-
pair Active Head Restraint function.
The Active Head Restraint moves forward utiliz-
ing the force that the seatback receives from the
occupant in a rear-end collision. The movement
of the head restraint helps support the occu-
pant’s head by reducing its backward movement
and helping absorb some of the forces that may
lead to whiplash type injuries.
Active Head Restraints are effective for colli-
sions at low to medium speeds in which it is said
that whiplash injury occurs most.
Active Head Restraints operate only in certain
rear-end collisions. After the collision, the head
restraints return to their original positions.
Properly adjust the Active Head Restraints as
described in the previous section.
PRECAUTIONS ON SEAT BELT
USAGEIf you are wearing your seat belt properly ad-
justed and you are sitting upright and well back
in your seat with both feet on the floor, your
chances of being injured or killed in an accident
and/or the severity of injury may be greatly
reduced. NISSAN strongly encourages you and
all of your passengers to buckle up every time
you drive, even if your seating position includes a
supplemental air bag.
Most U.S. states and Canadian provinces
or territories require that seat belts be
worn at all times when a vehicle is being
driven.
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SEAT BELTS
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WARNING

Every person who drives or rides in
this vehicle should use a seat belt at
all times.

The seat belt should be properly ad-
justed to a snug fit. Failure to do so
may reduce the effectiveness of the
entire restraint system and increase
the chance or severity of injury inan accident. Serious injury or death
can occur if the seat belt is not worn
properly.

Always route the shoulder belt over
your shoulder and across your chest.
Never put the belt behind your back,
under your arm or across your neck.
The belt should be away from your
face and neck, but not falling off your
shoulder.
Position the lap belt as low and snug
as possible AROUND THE HIPS, NOT
THE WAIST. A lap belt worn too high
could increase the risk of internal
injuries in an accident.

Be sure the seat belt tongue is se-
curely fastened to the proper buckle.

Do not wear the seat belt inside out
or twisted. Doing so may reduce its
effectiveness.

Do not allow more than one person
to use the same seat belt.

Never carry more people in the ve-
hicle than there are seat belts. This
vehicle has only two seating posi-
tions. Never allow anyone to ride in
the luggage area.

If the seat belt warning light glows
continuously while the ignition is
turned ON with all doors closed and
all seat belts fastened, it may indi-
cate a malfunction in the system.
Have the system checked by a
NISSAN dealer.
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Once a seat belt pretensioner has
activated, it cannot be reused and
must be replaced together with the
retractor. See a NISSAN dealer.

Removal and installation of the pre-
tensioner system components
should be done by a NISSAN dealer.

All seat belt assemblies, including
retractors and attaching hardware,
should be inspected after any colli-
sion by a NISSAN dealer. NISSAN
recommends that all seat belt as-semblies in use during a collision be
replaced unless the collision was mi-
nor and the belts show no damage
and continue to operate properly.
Seat belt assemblies not in use dur-
ing a collision should also be in-
spected and replaced if either dam-
age or improper operation is noted.
CHILD SAFETYChildren need adults to help protect them.
They need to be properly restrained.
In addition to the general information in this
manual, child safety information is available from
many other sources, including doctors, teachers,
government traffic safety offices, and community
organizations. Every child is different, so be sure
to learn the best way to transport your child.
There are three basic types of child restraint
systems:

Rear facing child restraint (should not be
installed in this vehicle)

Front facing child restraint (should not be
installed in the Roadster models)

Booster seat
WARNING

Never let an infant who requires the
use of a rear facing child restraint
ride in this vehicle. Do not attempt to
hold a child in your lap or arms.

Roadster models do not have an an-
chor for a top tether strap required
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for most front facing child restraints.
Never let children who require the
use of a front facing child restraint
ride in Roadster models.

Children need special protection. The
vehicle’s seat belts may not fit them
properly. The shoulder belt may come
too close to the face or neck. The lap
belt may not fit over their small hip
bones. In an accident, an improperly
fitting seat belt could cause serious
or fatal injury. Always use appropri-
ate child restraints.

Never let a child stand or kneel on
any seat and do not allow a child in
the cargo areas while the vehicle is
moving. The child could be seriously
injured or killed in an accident or
sudden stop.
Your vehicle is equipped with a supplemental
front impact air bag system for the front passen-
ger. See “Supplemental restraint system” later in
this section. The passenger seat is not suitable
for use with a rear facing child restraint needed
for infants. Therefore, infants should not betransported in this vehicle.
All US states and provinces of Canada require
the use of approved child restraints for infants
and small children. (See “Child restraints” later in
this section.)
Also, there are other types of child restraints
available for larger children for additional protec-
tion.
InfantsInfants up to at least 1 year old should be placed
in a rear facing child restraint. Because a rear
facing child restraint is not suitable for use in this
vehicle, infants should not be transported in it.Small childrenChildren that are over 1 year old and weigh at
least 20 lbs (9 kg) can be placed in a forward
facing child restraint (except Roadster models).
Refer to the manufacturer’s instructions for mini-
mum and maximum weight and height recom-
mendations. NISSAN recommends that small
children be placed in child restraints that comply
with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards or
Canadian Motor Vehicle Safety Standards. You
should choose a child restraint that fits your
vehicle and always follow the manufacturer’s
instructions for installation and use.
Larger childrenChildren who are too large for child restraint
systems should be seated and restrained by the
seat belts which are provided. The seat belt may
not fit properly if the child is less than 4 ft 9 in
(142.5 cm) tall and weighs between 40 lbs (18
kg) and 80 lbs (36 kg). A booster seat should be
used to obtain proper seat belt fit.
NISSAN recommends that a child be placed in a
commercially available booster seat if the shoul-
der belt in the child’s seating position fits close
to the face or neck or if the lap portion of the seat
belt goes across the abdomen. The booster seat
should raise the child so that the shoulder belt is
properly positioned across the top, middle por-
tion of the shoulder and the lap belt is low on the
hips. A booster seat can only be used in seating
positions that have a three-point type seat belt.
The booster seat should fit the vehicle seat and
have a label certifying that it complies with
Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards or Ca-
nadian Motor Vehicle Safety Standards. Once
the child has grown so the shoulder belt is no
longer on or near the face and neck, use the
shoulder belt without the booster seat.PREGNANT WOMENNISSAN recommends that pregnant women use
seat belts. The seat belt should be worn snug,
and always position the lap belt as low as
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possible around the hips, not the waist. Place
the shoulder belt over your shoulder and across
your chest. Never run the lap/shoulder belt over
your abdominal area. Contact your doctor for
specific recommendations.INJURED PERSONSNISSAN recommends that injured persons use
seat belts, depending on the injury. Check with
your doctor for specific recommendations.THREE-POINT TYPE SEAT BELT
WITH RETRACTOR
WARNING

Every person who drives or rides in
this vehicle should use a seat belt at
all times.

Do not ride in a moving vehicle when
the seatback is reclined. This can be
dangerous. The shoulder belt will not
be against your body. In an accident,
you could be thrown into it and re-
ceive neck or other serious injuries.
You could also slide under the lapbelt and receive serious internal inju-
ries.

For the most effective protection
when the vehicle is in motion, the
seat should be upright. Always sit
well back in the seat with both feet
on the floor and adjust the seat belt
properly.
Fastening the seat belts1. Adjust the seat. See “Seats” earlier in this
section.
2. Slowly pull the seat belt out of the retractor
and insert the tongue into the buckle until it
clicks.

The retractor is designed to lock during
a sudden stop or on impact. A slow
pulling motion will permit the belt to
move, and allow you some freedom of
movement in the seat.

If the seat belt cannot be pulled from its
fully retracted position, firmly pull the
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belt and release it. Then smoothly pull
the belt out of the retractor.
3. Position the lap belt portionlow and snug
on the hipsas shown.
4. Pull the shoulder belt portion toward the
retractor to take up extra slack. Be sure the
shoulder belt is routed over your shoulder
and across your chest.
The front passenger seat belt has two modes of
operation:

Emergency Locking Retractor (ELR)

Automatic Locking Retractor (ALR)The Emergency Locking Retractor (ELR) mode
allows the seat belt to extend and retract to allow
the driver and passenger some freedom of
movement in the seat. The ELR locks the seat
belt when the vehicle slows down rapidly or
during certain impacts.
The Automatic Locking Retractor (ALR) mode
(child restraint mode) locks the seat belt for child
restraint installation.
When the ALR mode is activated the seat belt
cannot be extended again until the seat belt
tongue is detached from the buckle and fully
retracted. The seat belt returns to the ELR mode
after the seat belt fully retracts. For additional
information, see “Child restraints” later in this
section.
The ALR mode should be used only for
child restraint installation. During normal
seat belt use by a passenger, the ALR
mode should not be activated. If it is acti-
vated it may cause uncomfortable seat belt
tension.
WARNING
When fastening the seat belts, be cer-
tain that the seatbacks are completelysecured in the latched position. If they
are not completely secured, passengers
may be injured in an accident or sudden
stop.
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