2020 NISSAN 370Z steering

faces 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 Informa-
tion label. See “Tire and Load-
ing Information label” (P.10-
14) of this manual.
— For detailed information, see “Wheels and tires” (P.8-26) of
this manual.
The Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) con-
trols 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 pre- venting 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
distances.
Self-test feature
The ABS includes electronic sensors, elec-
tric 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 not indicate a malfunc-
tion. If the computer senses a malfunc-
tion, it switches the ABS off and
illuminates the ABS warning light on the
instrument panel. The brake system then
operates normally, but without anti-lock
assistance.
If the ABS warning light illuminates during
the self-test or while driving, have the
vehicle checked. It is recommended you
visit a NISSAN dealer for this service.
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. How-
ever, the pulsation may indicate that road
conditions are hazardous and extra care
is required while driving.
Starting and driving5-29

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

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.

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

These parts are dealer options. Contact
a NISSAN dealer about obtaining these
parts. See “Changing a flat tire (for
models with spare tire)” (P.6-4) for
usage of jacking tools and tire replace-
ment.
Before using emergency tire punc-
ture repair kit
.If any foreign object (for example, a
screw or nail) is embedded in the tire,
do not remove it.
. Check the expiration date of the
sealant (shown on the label attached
to the bottle). Never use a sealant
whose expiration date has passed.
Repairing tire
WARNING
Observe the following precautions
when using the tire repair com-
pound.
.Swallowing the compound is
dangerous. Immediately drink as
much water as possible and seek
prompt medical assistance.
. Rinse well with lots of water if the
compound comes into contact
with skin or eyes. If irritation
persists, seek prompt medical attention.
. Keep the repair compound out of
the reach of children.
. The emergency repair compound
may cause a malfunction of the
tire pressure sensors and cause
the low tire pressure warning
light to illuminate. Have the tire
pressure sensor replaced as soon
as possible.
NOTE:
Do not remove any nails or screws that
have penetrated the tire when perform-
ing repairs.
JVE0014X
1. Take out the speed restriction sticker from the air compressor*, then put it
in a location where the driver can see
it while driving.
*: The compressor shape may differ
depending on the models.
CAUTION
Do not put the speed restriction label
on the steering wheel pad, the
speedometer or the warning light
locations.
In case of emergency6-11

When towing your vehicle, all State (Pro-
vincial in Canada) and local regulations
for towing must be followed. Incorrect
towing equipment could damage your
vehicle. Towing instructions are available
from a NISSAN dealer. Local service op-
erators are familiar with the applicable
laws and procedures for towing. To
assure proper towing and to prevent
accidental damage to your vehicle,
NISSAN recommends that you have a
service operator tow your vehicle. It is
advisable to have the service operator
carefully read the following precautions.
WARNING
.Never ride in a vehicle that is
being towed.
. Never get under your vehicle after
it has been lifted by a tow truck.
CAUTION
.When towing, make sure that the
transmission, axles, steering sys-
tem and drivetrain are in working
condition. If any unit is damaged,
dollies must be used. .
Always attach safety chains be-
fore towing.
For information about towing your vehi-
cle behind a recreational vehicle (RV), see
“Flat towing” (P.10-22) of this manual.
In case of emergency6-19
TOWING YOUR VEHICLE

6-20In case of emergency
SCE0792
TOWING AUTOMATIC TRANSMIS-
SION RECOMMENDED BY NISSAN
(except for NISMO models)
NISSAN recommends that your vehicle be
towed with the driving (rear) wheels off
the ground or place the vehicle on a flat
bed truck as illustrated.
CAUTION
.Never tow automatic transmis-
sion models with the rear wheels
on the ground or four wheels on
the ground (forward or back-
ward), as this may cause serious and expensive damage to the
drivetrain. If it is necessary to
tow the vehicle with the front
wheels raised, always use towing
dollies under the rear wheels.
. When towing rear wheel drive
models with the front wheels on
the ground or on towing dollies:
Push the ignition switch to the
ACC or ON position, and secure
the steering wheel in a straight-
ahead position with a rope or
similar device.

6-22In case of emergency
SCE0836
TOWING RECOMMENDED BY
NISSAN (NISMO models)
CAUTION
Do not tow NISMO models with any
wheel on the ground, or with the
front or rear wheels raised, because
this may cause damage to the front
bumper with an aerodynamic split-
ter, rear bumper with an aerody-
namic diffuser or exhaust pipes.
NISSAN recommends that you place the
vehicle on a flatbed truck as illustrated.
VEHICLE RECOVERY (freeing a stuck
vehicle)
WARNING
To avoid vehicle damage, serious
personal injury or death when reco-
vering a stuck vehicle:
. Contact a professional towing
service to recover the vehicle if
you have any questions regard-
ing the recovery procedure.
. Tow chains or cables must be
attached only to main structural
members of the vehicle. .
Do not use the vehicle tie-downs
to tow or free a stuck vehicle.
. Only use devices specifically de-
signed for vehicle recovery and
follow the manufacturer’s in-
structions.
. Always pull the recovery device
straight out from the front of the
vehicle. Never pull at an angle.
. Route recovery devices so they
do not touch any part of the
vehicle except the attachment
point.
If your vehicle is stuck in sand, snow, mud,
etc., use a tow strap or other device
designed specifically for vehicle recovery.
Always follow the manufacturer’s instruc-
tions for the recovery device.
Rocking a stuck vehicle
If your vehicle is stuck in sand, snow, mud,
etc., use the following procedure:
1. Turn off the Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) system.
2. Make sure the area in front and behind the vehicle is clear of obstruc-
tions.
3. Turn the steering wheel right and left to clear an area around the front tires.