2012 NISSAN 370Z COUPE ABS

0-14Illustrated table of contents
Warninglight Name
Page
Anti-lock Braking System
(ABS) warning light 2-10
Automatic Transmission (AT)
check warning light2-10
Brake warning light
2-10
Charge warning light2-11
Engine oil pressure warning
light 2-11
Intelligent Key system warning
light2-11
Low tire pressure warning light 2-12
Master warning light
2-13
Seat belt warning light 2-13
Supplemental air bag warning
light 2-13
Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC)
warning light2-14Indicator
light Name Page
Cruise indicator light
2-14
Front passenger air bag status
light 2-14
High beam indicator light 2-14
Low beam indicator lights 2-14
Malfunction Indicator Light
(MIL)2-14
Rear fog light indicator light* 2-15
Security indicator light
2-15
Soft top indicator light (Road-
ster models) 2-15
SynchroRev Match mode (S-
MODE) indicator*2-16
Transmission position indicator
light*2-16
Turn signal/hazard indicator
lights
2-16
Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC)
off indicator light2-16
*: if so equipped
WARNING AND INDICATOR LIGHTS

1-8Safety — Seats, seat belts and supplemental restraint system
SSS0996
Install
1. Align the head restraint stalks with the holesin the seat. Make sure that the head restraint
is facing the correct direction. The stalk with
the adjustment notches
*1must be in-
stalled in the hole with the lock knob
*2.
2. Push and hold the lock knob and push the head restraint down.
3. Properly adjust the head restraint before an occupant uses the seating position.
SSS0508
The Active Head Restraint moves forward
utilizing the force that the seatback receives
from the occupant in a rear-end collision. The
movement of the head restraint helps support
the occupant’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 position.
Adjust the Active Head Restraints properly as
described earlier in this section.

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) warning
lightMaster warning lightRear fog light indicator light*
Seat belt warning light and chimeSecurity indicator light
Automatic transmission check warning light*Supplemental air bag warning lightSoft top indicator light (Roadster models)
Brake warning light
Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) warning
lightSynchroRev Match mode (S-MODE) indi-
cator*
Cruise indicator lightTransmission position indicator*
Charge warning lightFront passenger air bag status lightTurn signal/hazard indicator lights
Engine oil pressure warning lightHigh beam indicator lightVehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) off indicator
light
Intelligent Key system warning lightLow beam indicator light*: if so equipped
Low tire pressure warning lightMalfunction Indicator Light (MIL)
Instruments and controls2-9
WARNING/INDICATOR LIGHTS AND
AUDIBLE REMINDERS

2-10Instruments and controls
CHECKING BULBS
With all doors closed, apply the parking brake
and push the ignition switch to the ON position
without starting the engine. The following lights
will come on (if so equipped):
,or,,,
The following lights come on briefly and then go
off (if so equipped):
,or,,,,,
If any light does not come on, it may indicate a
burned-out bulb or an open circuit in the
electrical system. Have the system checked by
a NISSAN dealer.
Some indicators and warnings are also dis-
played on the vehicle information display. (See
“Vehicle information display” (P.2-17) .)
WARNING LIGHTS
orAnti-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” (P.5-25).)
Automatic transmission check
warning light (if so equipped)
When the ignition switch is pushed to the ON
position, the light comes on for 2 seconds. If the
light comes on at any other time, it may indicate
the transmission is not functioning properly.
Have your NISSAN dealer check and repair
the transmission.
orBrake 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:
When the ignition switch is in the ON position,
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”
(P.8-14) .)
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 Anti-lock Braking System
(ABS) warning light illuminate, it may indicate
the ABS is not functioning properly. Have the
brake system checked, and if necessary re-

paired, by a NISSAN dealer promptly. (See
“Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) warning light”
(P.2-10) .)
WARNING
.Your brake system may not be
working properly if the warning light
is on. Driving could be dangerous. If
you judge it to be safe, drive care-
fully to the nearest service station
for repairs. Otherwise, have your
vehicle towed because driving it
could be dangerous.
. Pressing the brake pedal with the
engine stopped and/or 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.
Charge warning light
If the light comes on while the engine is running,
it may indicate 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 alternator
belt is loose, broken or missing.
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
immediately and 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” (P.8-11) .)
CAUTION
Running the engine with the engine oil
pressure warning light on could cause
serious damage to the engine almost
immediately. Such damage is not cov-
ered by warranty. Turn off the engine as
soon as it is safe to do so.
Intelligent Key system warning light
After the ignition switch is pushed to the ON
position, this light comes on for about 2 seconds
and then turns off.
This light warns of a malfunction with the
Intelligent Key system.
If the light comes on while the engine is
stopped, it may be impossible to start the
engine. If the light comes on while the engine
is running, you can drive the vehicle. However in
these cases, contact a NISSAN dealer for repair
as soon as possible.
Instruments and controls2-11

5 Starting and driving
Precautions when starting and driving ................................ 5-2Exhaust gas (carbon monoxide) ...................................... 5-2
Three-way catalyst .............................................................. 5-3
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) .................... 5-3
Avoiding collision and rollover ......................................... 5-6
Off-road recovery ................................................................ 5-6
Rapid air pressure loss ...................................................... 5-6
Drinking alcohol/drugs and driving ................................. 5-7
Push-button ignition switch .................................................... 5-8 Operating range for engine start function .................... 5-8
Push-button ignition switch operation ........................... 5-9
Push-button ignition switch positions ............................ 5-9
Emergency engine shut off ............................................ 5-10
Intelligent Key battery discharge .................................. 5-10
Before starting the engine ................................................... 5-11
Starting the engine ................................................................ 5-11
Driving the vehicle ................................................................. 5-12 Automatic transmission ................................................... 5-12
Manual Transmission ....................................................... 5-16
Parking brake ........................................................................\
.. 5-20
Cruise control ........................................................................\
. 5-21 Precautions on cruise control ....................................... 5-21
Cruise control operations ............................................... 5-22 Break-in schedule ................................................................. 5-23
Increasing fuel economy ...................................................... 5-23
Parking/parking on hills ........................................................ 5-24
Power steering ....................................................................... 5-25
Brake system ........................................................................\
.. 5-25 Braking precautions ...................................................... 5-25
Parking brake break-in .................................................. 5-26
Brake assist ........................................................................\
.... 5-26 Brake assist ..................................................................... 5-26
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) ............................... 5-26
Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) system ......................... 5-28
Performance dampers (NISMO models) ........................ 5-30
Cold weather driving ............................................................ 5-31
Freeing a frozen door lock ........................................... 5-31
Antifreeze ........................................................................\
. 5-31
Battery ........................................................................\
....... 5-31
Draining of coolant water ............................................. 5-31
Tire equipment ................................................................ 5-31
Special winter equipment ............................................ 5-31
Driving on snow or ice ................................................. 5-31
Engine block heater (if so equipped) ....................... 5-32

5-26Starting and driving
PARKING BRAKE BREAK-IN
Break in the parking brake shoes whenever the
stopping 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
service manual and can be performed by a
NISSAN dealer.
Using the brakes
Avoid resting your foot on the brake pedal while
driving. This will cause overheating of the
brakes, wearing out the brake and pads faster
and reduce 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.
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 accident.
. 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.
BRAKE ASSIST
When the force applied to the brake pedal
exceeds a certain level, the Brake Assist is
activated generating greater braking force than a
conventional brake booster even with light pedal
force.
WARNING
The Brake Assist is only an aid to assist
braking operation and is not a collision
warning or avoidance device. It is the
driver’s responsibility to stay alert, drive
safely and be in control of the vehicle at
all times.
ANTI-LOCK BRAKING SYSTEM (ABS)
WARNING
.The Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
is a sophisticated device, but it
cannot prevent accidents resulting
from careless or dangerous driving
techniques. It can help maintain
vehicle control during braking on
slippery surfaces. Remember that
stopping distances on slippery sur-
faces will be longer than on normal
BRAKE ASSIST

surfaces even with ABS. 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 driver is responsible
for safety.
. Tire type and condition may also
affect braking effectiveness.
— When replacing tires, install the
specified size of tires on all four
wheels.
— When installing a spare tire, make sure that it is the proper
size and type as specified on the
Tire and Loading Information
label. See “Tire and Loading
Information label” (P.9-13) of
this manual.
— For detailed information, see “Wheels and tires” (P.8-31) of
this manual.
The Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) controls
the brakes so the wheels do not lock during hard
braking or when braking on slippery surfaces.
The system detects the rotation speed at each wheel and varies the brake fluid pressure to
prevent each wheel from locking and sliding. By
preventing each wheel from locking, the system
helps the driver maintain steering control and
helps to minimize swerving and spinning on
slippery surfaces.
Using the system
Depress the brake pedal and hold it down.
Depress the brake pedal with firm steady
pressure, but do not pump the brakes. The
ABS will operate to prevent the wheels from
locking up. Steer the vehicle to avoid obstacles.
WARNING
Do not pump the brake pedal. Doing so
may result in increased stopping dis-
tances.
Self-test feature
The ABS includes electronic sensors, electric
pumps, hydraulic solenoids and 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 does notindicate a malfunction. If the computer senses
a malfunction, it switches the ABS off and
illuminates the ABS warning light on the
instrument panel. The brake system then oper-
ates normally, but without anti-lock assistance.
If the ABS warning light illuminates during the
self-test or while driving, have the vehicle
checked by a NISSAN dealer.
Normal operation
The ABS operates at speeds above 3 to 6 MPH
(5 to 10 km/h).
When the ABS senses that one or more wheels
are close to locking up, the actuator rapidly
applies and releases hydraulic pressure. This
action is similar to pumping the brakes very
quickly. You may feel a pulsation in the brake
pedal and hear a noise from under the hood or
feel a vibration from the actuator when it is
operating. This is normal and indicates that the
ABS is operating properly. However, the pulsa-
tion may indicate that road conditions are
hazardous and extra care is required while
driving.
Starting and driving5-27