2012 NISSAN 370Z COUPE traction control

2-14Instruments and controls
Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC)
warning light
The light will blink when the VDC system or the
traction control system is operating, thus alerting
the driver that the vehicle is nearing its traction
limits. The road surface may be slippery.
When the vehicle dynamic control warning light
illuminates when the vehicle dynamic control
system is turned on, this light alerts the driver to
the fact that the vehicle dynamic control
system’s fail-safe mode is operating, for example
the vehicle dynamic control system may not be
functioning properly. Have the system checked
by a NISSAN dealer. If a malfunction occurs in
the system, the vehicle dynamic control system
function will be canceled but the vehicle is still
driveable. For additional information, see “Vehi-
cle Dynamic Control (VDC) system” (P.5-28) of
this manual.
INDICATOR LIGHTS
Cruise indicator light
Cruise main switch indicator:
This light illuminates when the cruise control
main switch is pushed. The light turns off when
the main switch is pushed again. When the
cruise main switch indicator light illuminates, the
cruise control system is operational. (See
“Cruise control” (P.5-21).)
Cruise malfunction:
If the cruise indicator light blinks while the
engine is running, it may indicate the cruise
control system is not functioning properly. Have
the system checked by a NISSAN dealer. (See
“Cruise control” (P.5-21).)
Front passenger air bag status light
The front passenger air bag status light (),
located on the center of the instrument panel,
will be lit and the passenger front air bag will be
OFF depending on how the front passenger
seat is being used.
For front passenger air bag status light opera-
tion, see “NISSAN Advanced Air Bag System
(front seats)” (P.1-33) of this manual.
High beam indicator light
This light comes on when the headlight high
beam is on and goes out when the low beam is
selected.
Low beam indicator light
The light illuminates when the headlight switch is
turned to the
position.
Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL)
If the malfunction indicator light 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 remains on 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 Inspec-
tion/Maintenance (I/M) test” (P.9-23) .)

2-16Instruments and controls
When the soft top is operating, if any of the
above conditions are discontinued or any of the
following conditions are met, the top will stop
operating.
.When the selector lever or shift lever is in
the R (Reverse) position.
. When the vehicle moves at a speed of 3
MPH (5 km/h) or more.
. When the battery voltage is extremely low.
. When the temperature of the soft top
system becomes extremely high.
Release 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 operation is completely
finished.
If the soft top indicator light illuminates with the
ignition switch ON, 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 (Roadster models)”
(P.3-21) .SynchroRev Match mode (S-
MODE) indicator (if so equipped)
This indicator will illuminate when the
SynchroRev Match mode (S-MODE) is acti-
vated. (See “SynchroRev Match mode (S-
MODE) (if so equipped for Manual Transmission
models)” (P.5-17) .)
Transmission position indicator (if
so equipped)
When the ignition switch is pushed to the ON
position, the indicator shows the transmission
position.
For AT models:
In the manual shift mode, when the transmission
does not shift to the selected gear due to the
transmission protection mode, the AT position
indicator light will blink and a buzzer will sound.
(See “Driving the vehicle” (P.5-12) .)
Turn signal/hazard indicator lights
The light flashes when the turn signal switch
lever or hazard switch is turned on.
Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) off
indicator light
The light comes on when the vehicle dynamic
control off switch is pushed to OFF. This
indicates that the vehicle dynamic control
system and traction control system are not
operating.
AUDIBLE REMINDERS
Key reminder chime
A chime will sound if the driver side door is
opened while the ignition switch is pushed to
the ACC position or pushed to the OFF or
LOCK position with the Intelligent Key left in the
Intelligent Key port. Make sure the ignition
switch is pushed to the OFF position, and take
the Intelligent Key with you when leaving the
vehicle.
Light reminder chime
A chime will sound when the driver side door is
opened with the light switch in the
or
position and the ignition switch in the ACC, OFF
or LOCK position.
Turn the light switch off when you leave the
vehicle.

4-56Center display, heater, air conditioner, audio, phone and voice recognition systems
When this button is pushed while the CD is
being played, the CD will be ejected.
If the CD comes out and is not removed, it
will be pulled back into the slot to protect
it.
DVD (Digital Versatile Disc) PLAYER
OPERATION (models with navigation
system)
Precautions
Start the engine when using the DVD entertain-
ment system.
Movies will not be shown on the front display
while the vehicle is in any drive position to
reduce driver distraction. Audio is available
when a movie is played. To view movies in the
front display, stop the vehicle in a safe location,
move the selector lever to the P (Park) position
and apply the parking brake.
WARNING
.The driver must not attempt to
operate the DVD system or wear
the headphones while the vehicle is
in motion so that full attention may
be given to vehicle operation. .
Do not attempt to modify the system
to display a movie on the front
screen while the vehicle is being
driven. Doing so may distract the
driver and may cause a collision and
serious personal injury or death.
CAUTION
.Only operate the DVD while the
vehicle engine is running. Operating
the DVD for extended periods of
time with the engine OFF can dis-
charge the vehicle battery.
. Do not allow the system to get wet.
Excessive moisture such as spilled
liquids may cause the system to
malfunction.
. While playing VIDEO-CD media, this
DVD player does not guarantee
complete functionality of all VI-
DEO-CD formats.
Display settings
To adjust the front display mode, push the
SETTING button while the DVD is being played,
select the “Others” key and then select the
“Display” key.
To adjust the display ON/OFF, brightness, tint,
color and contrast, select the “Display Adjust-
ment” key and then select each key.
Then you can adjust each item using the multi-
function controller. After changes have been
made push the BACK button to save the setting.

5-28Starting and driving
The Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) system
uses various sensors to monitor driver inputs
and vehicle motion. Under certain driving con-
ditions, the VDC system helps to perform the
following functions.
.Controls brake pressure to reduce wheel
slip on one slipping drive wheel so power is
transferred to a non slipping drive wheel on
the same axle.
. Controls brake pressure and engine output
to reduce drive wheel slip based on vehicle
speed (traction control function) .
. Controls brake pressure at individual wheels
and engine output to help the driver maintain
control of the vehicle in the following
conditions:
— understeer (vehicle tends to not follow
the steered path despite increased
steering input)
— oversteer (vehicle tends to spin due to certain road or driving conditions) .
The VDC system can help the driver to maintain
control of the vehicle, but it cannot prevent loss
of vehicle control in all driving situations.
When the VDC system operates, the VDC
warning light
in the instrument panel flashes
so note the following:
. The road may be slippery or the system may
determine some action is required to help keep the vehicle on the steered path.
. You may feel a pulsation in the brake pedal
and hear a noise or vibration from under the
hood. This is normal and indicates that the
VDC system is working properly.
. Adjust your speed and driving to the road
conditions.
See “Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) warning
light” (P.2-14).
If a malfunction occurs in the system, the VDC
warning light
illuminates in the instrument
panel. The VDC system automatically turns off.
The VDC OFF switch is used to turn off the VDC
system. The VDC off indicator
illuminates to
indicate the VDC system is off. When the VDC
switch is used to turn off the system, the VDC
system still operates to prevent one drive wheel
from slipping by transferring power to a non
slipping drive wheel. The VDC warning light
flashes if this occurs. All other VDC functions
are off, and the VDC warning light
will not
flash. The VDC system is automatically reset to
on when the ignition switch is placed in the off
position then back to the on position.
See “Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) warning
light” (P.2-14) and “Vehicle Dynamic Control
(VDC) off indicator light” (P.2-16).
The computer has a built-in diagnostic feature
that tests the system each time you start the engine and move the vehicle forward or in
reverse at a slow speed. When the self-test
occurs, you may hear a “clunk” noise and/or feel
a pulsation in the brake pedal. This is normal and
is not an indication of a malfunction.
WARNING
.
The VDC system is designed to help
the driver maintain stability but
does not prevent accidents due to
abrupt steering operation at high
speeds or by careless or dangerous
driving techniques. Reduce vehicle
speed and be especially careful
when driving and cornering on slip-
pery surfaces and always drive care-
fully.
. Do not modify the vehicle’s suspen-
sion. If suspension parts such as
shock absorbers, struts, springs,
stabilizer bars, bushings and
wheels are not NISSAN recom-
mended for your vehicle or are
extremely deteriorated, the VDC
system may not operate properly.
This could adversely affect vehicle
handling performance, and the VDC
warning light
may illuminate.
VEHICLE DYNAMIC CONTROL (VDC)
SYSTEM

9 Technical and consumer information
Capacities and recommended fuel/lubricants ................... 9-2Fuel recommendation ......................................................... 9-4
Engine oil and oil filter recommendation ....................... 9-6
Air conditioning system refrigerant and
lubricant recommendations ............................................... 9-7
Specifications ........................................................................\
..... 9-8
Engine ........................................................................\
............ 9-8
Wheels and tires ................................................................. 9-9
Dimensions ........................................................................\
9-10
When traveling or registering your vehicle in
another country ....................................................................... 9-11
Vehicle identification .............................................................. 9-11 Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) plate .................. 9-11
Vehicle identification number (chassis number) ....... 9-11
Engine serial number ....................................................... 9-12
F.M.V.S.S./C.M.V.S.S. certification label .................... 9-12
Emission control information label ............................... 9-12
Tire and Loading Information label .............................. 9-13
Air conditioner specification label ................................ 9-13
Installing front license plate ................................................. 9-14
Except for NISMO models ............................................. 9-14
For NISMO models .......................................................... 9-16 Removing air deflectors (except for
NISMO models) ..................................................................... 9-16
Vehicle loading information ................................................. 9-17
Terms ........................................................................\
......... 9-17
Vehicle load capacity .................................................... 9-18
Loading tips ..................................................................... 9-19
Measurement of weights .............................................. 9-19
Towing a trailer ....................................................................... 9-20
Flat towing ........................................................................\
....... 9-20 Automatic transmission ................................................ 9-20
Manual transmission ...................................................... 9-20
Uniform tire quality grading ................................................. 9-21 Treadwear ........................................................................\
9-21
Traction AA, A, B and C .............................................. 9-21
Temperature A, B and C .............................................. 9-21
Emission control system warranty ..................................... 9-22
Reporting safety defects ..................................................... 9-22
Readiness for Inspection/Maintenance (I/M) test ......... 9-23
Event Data Recorders (EDR) ............................................. 9-23
Owner’s Manual/Service Manual order information ..... 9-24

DOT (Department Of Transportation) Quality
Grades: All passenger car tires must conform to
federal safety requirements in addition to these
grades.
Quality grades can be found where applicable
on the tire sidewall between tread shoulder and
maximum section width. For example:
Treadwear 200 Traction AA Temperature A
TREADWEAR
The treadwear grade is a comparative rating
based on the wear rate of the tire when tested
under controlled conditions on a specified
government test course. For example, a tire
graded 150 would wear one and one-half (1
1/2) times as well on the government course as
a tire graded 100. The relative performance of
tires depends upon actual conditions of their
use, however, and may depart significantly from
the norm due to variations in driving habits,
service practices and differences in road char-
acteristics and climate.
TRACTION AA, A, B AND C
The traction grades, from highest to lowest, are
AA, A, B and C. Those grades represent the
tire’s ability to stop on wet pavement as
measured under controlled conditions on spe-
cified government test surfaces of asphalt and
concrete. A tire marked C may have poor
traction performance.
WARNING
The traction grade assigned to this tire
is based on straight-ahead braking
traction tests, and does not include
acceleration, cornering, hydroplaning,
or peak traction characteristics.
TEMPERATURE A, B AND C
The temperature grades A (the highest), B, and
C, representing the tire’s resistance to the
generation of heat and its ability to dissipate
heat when tested under controlled conditions on
a specified indoor laboratory test wheel. Sus-
tained high temperature can cause the material
of the tire to degenerate and reduce tire life, and
excessive temperature can lead to sudden tire
failure. The grade C corresponds to a level of
performance which all passenger car tires must
meet under the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety
Standard No. 109. Grades B and A represent
higher levels of performance on the laboratory
test wheel than the minimum required by law.
WARNING
The temperature grade for this tire is
established for a tire that is properly
inflated and not overloaded. Excessive
speed, under-inflation, or excessive
loading, either separately or in combi-
nation, can cause heat build-up and
possible tire failure.
Technical and consumer information9-21
UNIFORM TIRE QUALITY GRADING