Nissan 370Z (2018 year). Manual — part 20

SSD0829

Shift lock release

If the battery charge is low or discharged,

the shift lever may not be moved from the

P (Park) position even with the brake

pedal depressed and the shift lever but-

ton pushed.
To move the shift lever, perform the

following procedure:
1. Push the ignition switch to the OFF or

LOCK position.

2. Apply the parking brake.
3. Remove the shift lock cover

using a

suitable tool.

4. Push down the shift lock

using a

suitable tool as illustrated.

5. Push the shift lever button

and

move the shift lever to the N (Neutral)

position

while holding down the

shift lock.

Now the vehicle may be moved to the

desired location.
If the lever cannot be moved out of P

(Park), have the automatic transmission

system checked as soon as possible. It is

recommended you visit a NISSAN dealer

for this service.

MANUAL TRANSMISSION

WARNING

. Do not downshift abruptly on

slippery roads. This may cause a

loss of control.

. Do not over-rev the engine when

shifting to a lower gear. This may

cause a loss of control or engine

damage.

CAUTION

. Do not rest your foot on the

clutch pedal while driving. This

may damage the clutch.

. Fully depress the clutch pedal

before shifting to help prevent

transmission damage.

. Stop your vehicle completely be-

fore shifting into R (Reverse).

. When the vehicle is stopped with

the engine running (for example,

at a stop light), shift to N (Neutral)

and release the clutch pedal with

the foot brake applied.

Starting and driving

5-17

5-18

Starting and driving

SSD0536

Shifting

To change gears, or when upshifting or

downshifting, fully depress the clutch

pedal, shift into an appropriate gear, and

then slowly and smoothly release the

clutch pedal.
This vehicle is equipped with a short

throw shifter manual transmission. To

ensure smooth gear changes, be sure to

fully depress the clutch pedal before

operating the shift lever. If the clutch

pedal is not fully depressed before the

transmission is shifted, a gear noise may

be heard. Transmission damage could

occur.
Start the vehicle in 1st gear and upshift to

2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th and 6th gear in

sequence according to the vehicle speed.
To back up, depress the shift knob and

then move the shift lever to the R

(Reverse) position after stopping the ve-

hicle completely.
The shift knob returns to its original

position when the shift lever is moved to

the N (Neutral) position.
If it is difficult to move the shift lever into

R (Reverse) or 1st (Low gear), shift to N

(Neutral), then release the clutch pedal.

Fully depress the clutch pedal again and

shift into R or 1st.

SynchroRev Match mode (S-MODE)

(if so equipped for Manual Trans-

mission models)

The SynchroRev Match mode (S-MODE)

automatically adjusts the engine speed to

match the selecting gear ratio while

changing gears.
Precautions:
. Shift lever and clutch pedal operations

are not different than a conventional

manual transmission.

. Fully depress the clutch pedal. Insuffi-

cient pedal depression may cause

slow response of this system.

. When the clutch pedal is depressed

with the gear still engaged, the engine

speed is kept at the proper level for

the engaged gear. Thus, the engine

speed may be kept high depending on

the gear position and vehicle speed.

. When the clutch pedal is depressed

with the transmission in neutral, the

system operates for approximately 2

seconds, and then the engine speed

will decrease to the idle speed.

. When the engine coolant temperature

is low right after starting the engine,

engine speed synchronization will be

delayed or may be insufficient.

. The system controls the engine speed

up to the rev limit. Note that S-MODE

is not a function that prevents over-

revving resulting from shifting mis-

takes.

. The system does not operate while

the vehicle is backing up.

. If the engine speed is limited lower

than usual when the engine oil tem-

perature is extremely high, the system

will control up to the limited engine

speed.

. If the malfunction indicator light illu-

minates, the system may not operate

and the S-MODE indicator turns off.

SSD0830

SynchroRev Match mode (S-MODE)
warning:
The SynchroRev Match mode (S-MODE)

warning will appear on the vehicle infor-

mation display and the S-MODE indicator

will turn off if a system malfunction

occurs.
If the warning appears, the S-MODE func-

tion will not operate, but manual trans-

mission will operate normally and driving

can be continued. Have the system

checked. It is recommended you visit a

NISSAN dealer for this service.

SSD0831

Activating the system:
To activate the S-MODE, push the S-

MODE switch

. The S-MODE indicator

on the tachometer will show “S”. To

deactivate, push and hold the S-MODE

switch for more than 1 second. The S-

MODE indicator will turn off.

While the S-MODE is off, you can drive the

vehicle as a conventional manual trans-

mission model.
Note that the status of the S-MODE (on or

off) is memorized even after the ignition

switch is turned off; however, it will be

initialized (off) when the battery is dis-

connected.
The transmission position indicator

shows the selected gear: N (Neutral), 1, 2,

3, 4, 5, 6, R (Reverse).
SynchroRev Match mode (S-MODE) op-
eration:
The SynchroRev Match mode (S-MODE)

automatically adjusts the engine speed

by controlling the engine throttle. The

accelerator pedal does not have to be

depressed.
The system detects the clutch pedal and

shift lever operations, and then calculates

the target engine speed using the shifting

gear position and the vehicle speed

information.
The system provides accurate engine

speed control that helps achieve quick

gear shifting and reduces shift shock on

clutch engagement.
. When downshifting:

The engine speed is automatically

increased to the target engine speed

Starting and driving

5-19

5-20

Starting and driving

before the clutch is engaged.

. When upshifting:

The engine speed is automatically

kept after the engine speed lowers to

the target engine speed.
Rapid clutch engagement before the

engine speed lowers to the target

engine speed may cause shift shock.

. When depressing the clutch pedal

with the gear engaged:
The engine speed is automatically

kept at the proper engine speed for

the engaged gear.
This function will not operate when

low (1st) gear is selected.
There is a delay between the clutch

pedal operation and the S-MODE op-

eration. Make sure the engine speed is

adjusted before engaging the clutch

again.

SSD0832

Upshift indicator

The up-shift indicator is located in the

tachometer and shows the driver the

timing to shift into a higher gear by

illuminating. The use of the up-shift

indicator will help you to upshift at a

constant engine speed from any gear.
The up-shift indicator will start flashing

when the engine speed reaches about

500 rpm before the set figure while

driving, and then illuminate after the

engine speed reaches the set figure.
The engine speed for upshifting can be

set on the vehicle information display. See

“Trip computer” (P.2-23).

There may be a slight difference be-

tween the timing of the up-shift indica-

tor illumination and the tachometer

indication.

Suggested up-shift speeds

Shown below are suggested vehicle

speeds for shifting into a higher gear.

These suggestions relate to fuel economy

and vehicle performance. Actual up-shift

speeds will vary according to road condi-

tions, the weather and individual driving

habits.
For normal acceleration in low altitude

areas [less than 4,000 ft (1,219 m)]:

Gear change

MPH (km/h)

1st to 2nd

8 (13)

2nd to 3rd

16 (26)

3rd to 4th

25 (40)

4th to 5th

28 (45)

5th to 6th

33 (53)

For quick acceleration in low altitude

areas or in high altitude areas [over

4,000 ft (1,219 m)]:

Gear change

MPH (km/h)

1st to 2nd

15 (24)

2nd to 3rd

25 (40)

3rd to 4th

40 (64)

4th to 5th

45 (72)

5th to 6th

50 (80)

Suggested maximum speed in

each gear

Downshift to a lower gear if the engine is

not running smoothly, or if you need to

accelerate.
Do not exceed the maximum suggested

speed (shown below) in any gear. For level

road driving, use the highest gear sug-

gested for that speed. Always observe

posted speed limits, and drive according

to the road conditions, which will ensure

safe operation. Do not over-rev the en-

gine when shifting to a lower gear as it

may cause engine damage or loss of

vehicle control.

Gear

MPH (km/h)

1st

38 (62)

2nd

63 (102)

3rd

91 (146)

4th

—

5th

—

6th

—

WARNING

. Be sure the parking brake is fully

released before driving. Failure to

do so can cause brake failure and

lead to an accident.

. Do not release the parking brake

from outside the vehicle.

. Do not use the shift lever in place

of the parking brake. When park-

ing, be sure the parking brake is

fully engaged.

. To help avoid risk of injury or

death through unintended opera-

tion of the vehicle and/or its

systems, do not leave children,

people who require the assis-

tance of others or pets unat-

t e n d e d i n y o u r v e h i c l e .

Additionally, the temperature in-

side a closed vehicle on a warm

day can quickly become high

enough to cause a significant risk

of injury or death to people and

pets.

Starting and driving

5-21

PARKING BRAKE

5-22

Starting and driving

SPA2110

To apply: Pull the parking brake lever up

.

To release:
1. Firmly apply the foot brake.
2. While pulling up on the parking brake

lever slightly, push the button

and

lower the lever completely

.

3. Before driving, be sure the brake

warning light goes out.

PRECAUTIONS ON CRUISE CON-

TROL

. If the cruise control system malfunc-

tions, it will cancel automatically. The

CRUISE indicator light on the meter

panel will then blink to warn the driver.

. If the engine coolant temperature

becomes excessively high, the cruise

control system will cancel automati-

cally.

. If the CRUISE indicator light blinks,

turn the cruise control main switch

off and have the system checked. It is

recommended you visit a NISSAN

dealer for this service.

. The CRUISE indicator light may blink

when the cruise control main switch is

turned ON while pushing the ACCEL/

RES, COAST/SET or CANCEL switch. To

properly set the cruise control system,

perform the following procedures.

WARNING

Do not use the cruise control when

driving under the following condi-

tions:
. when it is not possible to keep the

vehicle at a set speed

. in heavy traffic or in traffic that

varies in speed

. on winding or hilly roads
. on slippery roads (rain, snow, ice,

etc.)

. in very windy areas
Doing so could cause a loss of

vehicle control and result in an acci-

dent.

CAUTION

On manual transmission models, do

not shift into N (Neutral) without

depressing the clutch pedal when

the cruise control is set. Should this

occur, depress the clutch pedal and

turn the main switch off immedi-

ately. Failure to do so may cause

engine damage.

CRUISE CONTROL

SSD0833

Type A (if so equipped)

JVS0449X

Type B (if so equipped)

1.

ACCEL/RES switch

2.

COAST/SET switch

3.

CANCEL switch

4.

MAIN (ON·OFF) switch

CRUISE CONTROL OPERATIONS

The cruise control allows driving at a

speed between 25 to 89 MPH (40 to 144

km/h) without keeping your foot on the

accelerator pedal.
To turn on the cruise control, push the

MAIN switch on. The CRUISE indicator

light will illuminate.
To set cruising speed, accelerate the

vehicle to the desired speed, push the

COAST/SET switch and release it. Take

your foot off the accelerator pedal. Your

vehicle will maintain the set speed.
. To pass another vehicle, depress the

accelerator pedal. When you release

the pedal, the vehicle will return to the

previously set speed.

. The vehicle may not maintain the set

speed on winding or hilly roads. If this

happens, drive without the cruise

control.

To cancel the preset speed, use one of

the following methods:
. Push the CANCEL switch.

. Tap the brake pedal.

. Turn the MAIN switch off. The CRUISE

light will turn off.
— If you depress the brake pedal while

pushing the ACCEL/RES or COAST/

SET switch and reset at the cruising

speed, the cruise control will disen-

gage. Turn the MAIN switch off

once and then turn it on again.

— The cruise control will automati-

cally cancel if the vehicle slows

more than 8 MPH (13 km/h) below

the set speed.

— If you move the shift lever to the N

(Neutral) position (Automatic

Transmission models) or depress

the clutch pedal (Manual Transmis-

sion models), the cruise control will

be canceled.

To reset at a faster cruising speed, use

one of the following methods:
. Depress the accelerator pedal. When

the vehicle attains the desired speed,

push and release the COAST/SET

switch.

. Push and hold the ACCEL/RES switch.

When the vehicle attains the desired

speed, release the switch.

. Push, then quickly release the ACCEL/

RES switch. Each time you do this, the

set speed will increase by about 1 MPH

(1.6 km/h).

Starting and driving

5-23

5-24

Starting and driving

To reset at a slower cruising speed, use

one of the following methods:
. Lightly tap the brake pedal. When the

vehicle attains the desired speed,

push the COAST/SET switch and re-

lease it.

. Push and hold the COAST/SET switch.

Release the switch when the vehicle

slows down to the desired speed.

. Push, then quickly release the COAST/

SETT switch. Each time you do this,

the set speed will decrease by about 1

MPH (1.6 km/h).

To resume the preset speed, push and

release the ACCEL/RES switch. The vehi-

cle will resume the last set cruising speed

when the vehicle speed is over 25 MPH

(40 km/h).

CAUTION

During the first 1,200 miles (2,000

km), follow these recommendations

to obtain maximum engine perfor-

mance and ensure the future relia-

bility and economy of your new

vehicle.
Failure to follow these recommenda-

tions may result in shortened engine

life and reduced engine perfor-

mance.

. Avoid driving for long periods at con-

stant speed, either fast or slow. Do not

run the engine over 4,000 rpm.

. Do not accelerate at full throttle in any

gear.

. Avoid quick starts.

. Avoid hard braking as much as possi-

ble.

Follow these easy-to-use Fuel Efficient

Driving Tips to help you achieve the most

fuel economy from your vehicle.
1. Use smooth accelerator and brake

pedal application.

.

Avoid rapid starts and stops.

.

Use smooth, gentle accelerator and

brake application whenever possi-

ble.

.

Maintain constant speed while

commuting and coast whenever

possible.

2. Maintain constant speed.

.

Look ahead to try and anticipate

and minimize stops.

.

Synchronizing your speed with traf-

fic lights allows you to reduce your

number of stops.

.

Maintaining a steady speed can

minimize red light stops and im-

prove fuel efficiency.

3. Use air conditioning (A/C) at higher

vehicle speeds.

.

Below 40 MPH (64 km/h), it is more

efficient to open windows to cool

the vehicle due to reduced engine

load.

.

Above 40 MPH (64 km/h), it is more

efficient to use A/C to cool the

vehicle due to increased aerody-

namic drag.

BREAK-IN SCHEDULE

FUEL EFFICIENT DRIVING TIPS

.

Recirculating the cool air in the

cabin when the A/C is on reduces

cooling load.

4. Drive at economical speeds and dis-

tances.

.

Observing the speed limit and not

exceeding 60 MPH (97 km/h)

(where legally allowed) can improve

fuel efficiency due to reduced aero-

dynamic drag.

.

Maintaining a safe following dis-

tance behind other vehicles re-

duces unnecessary braking.

.

Safely monitoring traffic to antici-

pate changes in speed permits

reduced braking and smooth accel-

eration changes.

.

Select a gear range suitable to road

conditions.

5. Use cruise control.

.

Using cruise control during highway

driving helps maintain a steady

speed.

.

Cruise control is particularly effec-

tive in providing fuel savings when

driving on flat terrains.

6. Plan for the shortest route.

.

Utilize a map or navigation system

to determine the best route to save

time.

7. Avoid idling.

.

Shutting off your engine when safe

for stops exceeding 30-60 seconds

saves fuel and reduces emissions.

8. Buy an automated pass for toll roads.

.

Automated passes permit drivers to

use special lanes to maintain cruis-

ing speed through the toll and

avoid stopping and starting.

9. Winter warm up.

.

Limit idling time to minimize impact

to fuel economy.

.

Vehicles typically need no more

than 30 seconds of idling at start-

up to effectively circulate the en-

gine oil before driving.

.

Your vehicle will reach its ideal

operating temperature more

quickly while driving versus idling.

10. Keeping your vehicle cool.

.

Park your vehicle in a covered

parking area or in the shade when-

ever possible.

.

When entering a hot vehicle, open-

ing the windows will help to reduce

the inside temperature faster, re-

sulting in reduced demand on your

A/C system.

. Keep your engine tuned up.

. Follow the recommended scheduled

maintenance.

. Keep the tires inflated to the correct

pressure. Low tire pressure increases

tire wear and lowers fuel economy.

. Keep the wheels in correct alignment.

Improper alignment increases tire

wear and lowers fuel economy.

. Use the recommended viscosity en-

gine oil. (See “Engine oil and oil filter

recommendation” (P.10-7).)

Starting and driving

5-25

INCREASING FUEL ECONOMY

5-26

Starting and driving

SD1006MA

WARNING

. Do not stop or park the vehicle

over flammable materials such as

dry grass, waste paper or rags.

They may ignite and cause a fire.

. Never leave the engine running

while the vehicle is unattended.

. Do not leave children unattended

inside the vehicle. They could

unknowingly activate switches

or controls. Unattended children

could become involved in serious

accidents.

. To help avoid risk of injury or

death through unintended opera-

tion of the vehicle and/or its

systems, do not leave children,

people who require the assis-

tance of others or pets unat-

t e n d e d i n y o u r v e h i c l e .

Additionally, the temperature in-

side a closed vehicle on a warm

day can quickly become high

enough to cause a significant risk

of injury or death to people and

pets.

. Safe parking procedures require

that both the parking brake be

applied and the transmission

placed into P (Park) for Automatic

Transmission (AT) model or in an

appropriate gear for Manual

Transmission (MT) model. Failure

to do so could cause the vehicle

to move unexpectedly or roll

away and result in an accident.

. Make sure the automatic trans-

mission shift lever has been

pushed as far forward as it can

go and cannot be moved without

depressing the foot brake pedal.

1. Firmly apply the parking brake.
2. Automatic transmission models:

Move the shift lever to the P (Park)

position.
Manual transmission models:
Place the shift lever in the R (Reverse)

gear. When parking on an uphill grade,

place the shift lever in the 1st gear.

3. To help prevent the vehicle from roll-

ing into the street when parked on a

sloping drive way, it is a good practice

to turn the wheels as illustrated.

.

HEADED DOWNHILL WITH CURB:

Turn the wheels into the curb and

move the vehicle forward until the

curb side wheel gently touches the

curb.

PARKING/PARKING ON HILLS

.

HEADED UPHILL WITH CURB:

Turn the wheels away from the

curb and move the vehicle back

until the curb side wheel gently

touches the curb.

.

HEADED UPHILL OR DOWNHILL, NO

CURB:
Turn the wheels toward the side of

the road so the vehicle will move

away from the center of the road if

it moves.

4. Push the ignition switch to the OFF

position.

WARNING

If the engine is not running or is

turned off while driving, the power

assist for the steering will not work.

Steering will be harder to operate.

The power assisted steering uses a hy-

draulic pump, driven by the engine, to

assist steering.
If the engine stops or the drive belt

breaks, you will still have control of the

vehicle. However, much greater steering

effort is needed, especially in sharp turns

and at low speeds.

BRAKING PRECAUTIONS

The brake system has two separate

hydraulic circuits. If one circuit malfunc-

tions, you will still have braking at two

wheels.

Vacuum assisted brakes

The brake booster aids braking by using

engine vacuum. If the engine stops, you

can stop the vehicle by depressing the

brake pedal. However, greater foot pres-

sure on the brake pedal will be required to

stop the vehicle and the stopping dis-

tance will be longer.

Wet brakes

When the vehicle is washed or driven

through water, the brakes may get wet.

As a result, your braking distance will be

longer and the vehicle may pull to one

side during braking.
To dry brakes, drive the vehicle at a safe

speed while lightly tapping the brake

pedal to heat-up the brakes. Do this until

the brakes return to normal. Avoid driving

the vehicle at high speeds until the brakes

function correctly.

Starting and driving

5-27

POWER STEERING

BRAKE SYSTEM

5-28

Starting and driving

PARKING BRAKE BREAK-IN

Break in the parking brake shoes when-

ever the stopping effect of the parking

brake is weakened or whenever the

parking brake shoes and/or drums/ro-

tors are replaced, in order to assure the

best braking performance.
This procedure is described in the vehicle

service manual. It is recommended you

visit a NISSAN dealer for this service.

Using the brakes

Avoid resting your foot on the brake

pedal while driving. This will cause over-

heating 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 sur-

face, be careful when braking,

accelerating 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 de-

vice. 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 dan-

gerous driving techniques. It can

help maintain vehicle control dur-

ing braking on slippery surfaces.

Remember that stopping dis-

tances on slippery surfaces will

be longer than on normal sur-

BRAKE ASSIST

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 driving

5-29

5-30

Starting 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 driving

5-31

5-32

Starting and driving

JVS0446X

1.

Front performance damper

2.

Rear performance damper

The performance dampers are installed in

the front and rear parts of the NISMO

models for improved handling and ride.

WARNING

. High-pressure nitrogen gas is

sealed inside the performance

dampers. Do not attempt to mod-

ify or disassemble them.

. For disposal of the performance

dampers or when scrapping the

vehicle, it is recommended you

visit a NISSAN dealer for this

service. Never burn or puncture

the performance dampers. Incor-

rect disposal procedures could

cause serious personal injury.

PERFORMANCE DAMPERS (NISMO models)