2020 NISSAN 370Z engine

5-30Starting and driving
The Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) sys-
tem uses various sensors to monitor
driver inputs and vehicle motion. Under
certain driving conditions, the VDC sys-
tem helps to perform the following func-
tions.
.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 con-
trol 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 condi-
tions).
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) warn-
ing light” (P.2-15).
If a malfunction occurs in the system, the
VDC warning light
illuminates in the
instrument panel. The VDC system auto-
matically turns off.
The VDC OFF switch is used to turn off the
VDC system. The VDC off indicator light
illuminates to indicate the VDC sys-
tem 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) warn- ing light” (P.2-15) and “Vehicle Dynamic
Control (VDC) off indicator light” (P.2-18).
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 slippery sur-
faces and always drive carefully.
. Do not modify the vehicle’s sus-
pension. If suspension parts such
as shock absorbers, struts,
springs, stabilizer bars, bushings
and wheels are not NISSAN re-
commended for your vehicle or
are extremely deteriorated, the
VDC system may not operate
VEHICLE DYNAMIC CONTROL (VDC) SYSTEM

properly. This could adversely
affect vehicle handling perfor-
mance, and the VDC warning light
may illuminate.
. If brake related parts such as
brake pads, rotors and calipers
are not NISSAN recommended or
are extremely deteriorated, the
VDC system may not operate
properly and the VDC warning
light
may illuminate.
. If engine control related parts are
not NISSAN recommended or are
extremely deteriorated, the VDC
warning light
may illuminate.
. When driving on extremely in-
clined surfaces such as higher
banked corners, the VDC system
may not operate properly and the
VDC warning light
may illumi-
nate. Do not drive on these types
of roads.
. When driving on an unstable sur-
face such as a turntable, ferry,
elevator or ramp, the VDC warn-
ing light
may illuminate. This
is not a malfunction. Restart the
engine after driving onto a stable
surface.
. If wheels or tires other than the
NISSAN recommended ones are used, the VDC system may not
operate properly and the VDC
warning light
may illuminate.
. The VDC system is not a substi-
tute for winter tires or tire chains
on a snow covered road.
Starting and driving5-31

FREEING A FROZEN DOOR LOCK
To prevent a door lock from freezing,
apply deicer through the key hole. If the
lock becomes frozen, heat the key before
inserting it into the key hole or use the
Intelligent Key system.
ANTIFREEZE
In the winter when it is anticipated that
the outside temperature will drop below
32°F (0°C), check antifreeze to assure
proper winter protection. For additional
information, see “Engine cooling system”
(P.8-4).
BATTERY
If the battery is not fully charged during
extremely cold weather conditions, the
battery fluid may freeze and damage the
battery. To maintain maximum efficiency,
the battery should be checked regularly.
For additional information, see “Battery”
(P.8-11).
DRAINING OF COOLANT WATER
If the vehicle is to be left outside without
antifreeze, drain the cooling system, in-
cluding the engine block. Refill before
operating the vehicle. For details, see
“Engine cooling system” (P.8-4).
TIRE EQUIPMENT
SUMMER tires have a tread designed to
provide superior performance on dry
pavement. However, the performance of
these tires will be substantially reduced in
snowy and icy conditions. If you operate
your vehicle on snowy or icy roads,
NISSAN recommends the use of MUD &
SNOW or ALL SEASON tires on all four
wheels. It is recommended you consult a
NISSAN dealer for the tire type, size, speed
rating and availability information.
For additional traction on icy roads,
studded tires may be used. However,
some U.S. states and Canadian provinces
prohibit their use. Check local, state and
provincial laws before installing studded
tires.
Skid and traction capabilities of
studded snow tires, on wet or dry
surfaces, may be poorer than that of
non-studded snow tires.
Tire chains may be used. For details, see
“Tire chains” (P.8-33) of this manual.
SPECIAL WINTER EQUIPMENT
It is recommended that the following
items be carried in the vehicle during
winter:
.A scraper and stiff-bristled brush to
remove ice and snow from the win-
dows and wiper blades.
. A sturdy, flat board to be placed under
the jack to give it firm support.
. A shovel to dig the vehicle out of
snowdrifts.
. Extra window washer fluid to refill the
reservoir tank.
DRIVING ON SNOW OR ICE
WARNING
.Wet ice (32°F, 0°C and freezing
rain), very cold snow or ice can be
slick and very hard to drive on.
The vehicle will have much less
traction or “grip” under these
conditions. Try to avoid driving
on wet ice until the road is salted
or sanded.
. Whatever the condition, drive
with caution. Accelerate and slow
down with care. If accelerating or
downshifting too fast, the drive
wheels will lose even more trac-
Starting and driving5-33
COLD WEATHER DRIVING

5-34Starting and driving
tion.
. Allow more stopping distance
under these conditions. Braking
should be started sooner than on
dry pavement.
. Allow greater following distances
on slippery roads.
. Watch for slippery spots (glare
ice). These may appear on an
otherwise clear road in shaded
areas. If a patch of ice is seen
ahead, brake before reaching it.
Try not to brake while on the ice,
and avoid any sudden steering
maneuvers.
. Do not use the cruise control on
slippery roads.
. Snow can trap dangerous ex-
haust gases under your vehicle.
Keep snow clear of the exhaust
pipe and from around your vehi-
cle.
ENGINE BLOCK HEATER (if so
equipped)
Engine block heaters are used to assist
with cold temperature starting.
The engine block heater should be used
when the outside temperature is 20°F
(−7°C) or lower.
To use the engine block heater
1. Turn the engine off.
2. Open the hood and unwrap the en-
gine block heater cord.
3. Plug the engine block heater cord into a grounded 3-wire, 3-pronged exten-
sion cord.
4. Plug the extension cord into a Ground Fault Interrupt (GFI) protected,
grounded 110-volt AC (VAC) outlet.
5. The engine block heater must be plugged in for at least 2 - 4 hours,
depending on outside temperatures,
to properly warm the engine coolant.
Use an appropriate timer to turn the
engine block heater on.
6. Before starting the engine, unplug and properly store the cord to keep it
away from moving parts.
WARNING
.Do not use your engine block
heater with an ungrounded elec-
trical system or a 2-pronged
adapter. You can be seriously
injured by an electrical shock if
you use an ungrounded connec-
tion. .
Disconnect and properly store the
engine block heater cord before
starting the engine. Damage to
the cord could result in an elec-
trical shock and can cause ser-
ious injury.
. Use a heavy-duty 3-wire, 3-
pronged extension cord rated
for at least 10A. Plug the exten-
sion cord into a Ground Fault
Interrupt (GFI) protected,
grounded 110-VAC outlet. Failure
to use the proper extension cord
or a grounded outlet can result in
a fire or electrical shock and
cause serious personal injury.

JVS1258X
MicrophonesSpeakersWoofer (on the spare tire)
NOTE:
To operate the active noise cancellation
and active sound enhancement prop-
erly:.
Do not cover the speakers or woofer.
. Do not cover the microphones.
. Do not change or modify speakers
including the woofer and any audio
related parts such as the amplifier.
. Do not make any modification includ-
ing sound deadening or modifications around the microphones, speakers or
woofer.
ACTIVE NOISE CANCELLATION
The active noise cancellation uses micro-
phoneslocated inside the vehicle to
detect engine booming noises. The sys-
tem then automatically produces a mu-
ted engine booming noise through the
speakers
and wooferto reduce
engine booming noise.
If the microphone
or the area around it
is tapped, abnormal noise may be output
from the speaker.
ACTIVE SOUND ENHANCEMENT
The active sound enhancement gener-
ates sounds according to engine speed
and driving modes through the speakers
and wooferto enhance the quality of
the engine sound.
Starting and driving5-35
ACTIVE NOISE CANCELLATION/ACTIVE
SOUND ENHANCEMENT (if so equipped)

6 In case of emergency
Hazard warning flasher switch ......................................... 6-2
Roadside assistance program ........................................... 6-2
Emergency engine shut off .................................................. 6-3
Flat tire ........................................................................\
.......................... 6-3Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) ........... 6-3
Changing a flat tire (for models with
spare tire) ........................................................................\
............. 6-4
Repairing flat tire (for models with
emergency tire puncture repair kit) ....................... 6-9
Jump starting ........................................................................\
....... 6-15
Push starting ........................................................................\
......... 6-17 If your vehicle overheats .................................................... 6-17
Towing your vehicle ............................................................... 6-19
Towing Automatic Transmission
recommended by NISSAN (except for
NISMO models) ................................................................... 6-20
Towing Manual Transmission recommended
by NISSAN (except for NISMO models) ............ 6-21
Towing recommended by NISSAN
(NISMO models) .................................................................. 6-22
Vehicle recovery (freeing a stuck vehicle) ...... 6-22

To shut off the engine in an emergency
situation while driving, perform the fol-
lowing procedure:
.Rapidly push the push-button ignition
switch 3 consecutive times in less
than 1.5 seconds, or
. Push and hold the push-button igni-
tion switch for more than 2 seconds.TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYS-
TEM (TPMS)
This vehicle is equipped with the Tire
Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS). It
monitors tire pressure of all tires except
the spare. When the low tire pressure
warning light is lit and the CHECK TIRE
PRESSURE warning appears on the vehi-
cle information display, one or more of
your tires is significantly under-inflated. If
the vehicle is being driven with low tire
pressure, the TPMS will activate and warn
you of it by the low tire pressure warning
light. This system will activate only when
the vehicle is driven at speeds above 16
MPH (25 km/h). For more details, see
“Warning lights, indicator lights and audi-
ble reminders” (P.2-10) and “Tire Pressure
Monitoring System (TPMS)” (P.5-3).
WARNING
.If the low tire pressure warning
light illuminates while driving,
avoid sudden steering maneu-
vers or abrupt braking, reduce
vehicle speed, pull off the road
to a safe location and stop the
vehicle as soon as possible. Driv-
ing 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
accident and could result in ser-
ious personal injury. Check the
tire pressure for all four tires.
Adjust the tire pressure 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 still illuminates while
driving after adjusting the tire
pressure, a tire may be flat or
the TPMS may be malfunctioning.
If you have a flat tire, replace it
with a spare tire (if so equipped)
or repair it with the tire puncture
repair kit (if so equipped) as soon
as possible. If no tire is flat and all
tires are properly inflated, it is
recommended you consult a
NISSAN dealer.
. Since the spare tire is not
equipped with the TPMS, 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 ap-
proximately 1 minute. The light
will remain on after 1 minute.
Have your tires replaced and/or
TPMS system reset as soon as
In case of emergency6-3
EMERGENCY ENGINE SHUT OFF FLAT TIRE

6-4In case of emergency
possible. It is recommended you
visit a NISSAN dealer for these
services.
. Replacing tires with those not
originally specified by NISSAN
could affect the proper operation
of the TPMS.
. NISSAN recommends using only
Genuine NISSAN Emergency Tire
Sealant provided with your vehi-
cle. Other tire sealants may da-
mage the valve stem seal which
can cause the tire to lose air
pressure. It is recommended you
visit a NISSAN dealer as soon as
possible after using tire repair
sealant (for models equipped
with the emergency tire puncture
repair kit).
CHANGING A FLAT TIRE (for models
with spare tire)
If you have a flat tire, follow the instruc-
tions below.
Stopping the vehicle
1. Safely move the vehicle off the road
and away from traffic.
2. Turn on the hazard warning flashers.
3. Park on a level surface and apply the parking brake. Move the shift lever to
the P (Park) position (Automatic trans-
mission models). Move the shift lever
to the R (Reverse) gear (Manual trans-
mission models).
4. Turn off the engine.
5. Raise the hood to warn other traffic, and to signal professional road assis-
tance personnel that you need assis-
tance.
6. Have all passengers get out of the vehicle and stand in a safe place, away
from traffic and clear of the vehicle.
WARNING
.Make sure the parking brake is
securely applied and the manual
transmission is shifted into R
(Reverse), or the automatic trans-
mission into P (Park).
. Never change tires when the ve-
hicle is on a slope, ice or slippery
areas. This is hazardous. .
Never change tires if oncoming
traffic is close to your vehicle.
Wait for professional road assis-
tance.