Black plate (8,1)
Model "R35-D" EDITED: 2008/ 5/ 20
The following information applies if you engage
in performance driving such as driving your
GT-R for extended periods under the following
conditions.
.Higher-RPM (approaching redline) opera-
tion
. Frequent high pedal force braking from
moderate and higher speeds
. Frequent throttle activation
. Fast revving throughout the RPM range
In such cases, the following additional main-
tenance guidelines apply.
However, you should also carefully read
your 2009 NISSAN GT-R Warranty Informa-
tion Booklet for important information
concerning warranty coverage, limitations
and exclusions.
We recommend that maintenance be performed
at a GT-R certified NISSAN dealer. NISSAN will
only pay for GT-R Performance Optimization
Services performed at a GT-R certified NISSAN
dealer.FLUIDS. Before driving, check the fluid levels and
adjust as necessary using the specified fluid.
. Check the amount of fluid for the power steering.
. Be sure to change the fluids listed below
with the specified fluids every 1,800 miles
(3,000 km) .
ITEMS GT-R SPECIFIED FLUIDS
Engine oil Mobil 1, 0W-40*1
Transmission oil Genuine NISSAN Transmission
Oil R35 Special
Differential oil
(front and rear) Castrol SAF-XJ 75W-140
Brake fluid Genuine NISSAN Brake Fluid
R35 Special DOT4*2
*1: Mobil 1, 0W-40 (100% synthetic) is the factory fill oil. The VR38 engine with its plasma-sprayed
bores was developed using this oil. NISSAN
cannot ensure proper engine operation and dur-
ability if other 0W-40 synthetic oil is used. If Mobil
1, 0W-40 is not available, Mobil 1, 10W-40 (100%
synthetic) may be used; however, some perfor-
mance loss may be noticed.
*2: Genuine NISSAN Brake Fluid R35 Special DOT4 is the factory fill brake fluid. The Vehicle Dynamic
Control (VDC) unit and other related parts were
specially designed for this brake fluid and NISSAN
cannot ensure the best performance and proper
operation of the vehicle if other brake fluid is used.
INSPECTION AND ADJUSTMENTS
OF TIRES, SUSPENSION AND
BRAKES. Measure and adjust the wheel alignment.
. Check the tire pressure and the Tire
Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) sen-
sor.
. Make tire pressure adjustments only when
the tires are cool. (
“WHEELS AND
TIRES” page 8-29)
. Secure road wheel balance weights with
aluminum tape or equivalent.
. Check the heat deterioration and wear of the
brakes. (As necessary, the brake pad and
the brake disc rotor must be replaced as a
set of four with new ones.)
REPLENISHING COOLANTCheck the coolant level in the pressurized
coolant reservoir. Adjust the level so that the
fluid is between the MAX and MIN markings. For
the coolant, use genuine NISSAN Long Life
coolant. (On delivery of new vehicle, the
reservoir is filled to the MIN level. Be sure to
replenish approximately 0.3 to 0.4 US quart (0.3
to 0.4 liter) of coolant.)
GTR-6
GT-R Overview
ADDITIONAL MAINTENANCE ITEMS
, Q I R U P D W L R Q 3 U R Y L G H G E \
Black plate (24,1)
Model "R35-D" EDITED: 2008/ 5/ 20
1. Fuse/fusible link holder (P.8-22)
2. Battery (P.8-15)
3. Engine oil filler cap (P.8-12)
4. Engine oil dipstick (P.8-12)
5. Brake fluid reservoir (P.8-14)
6. Air cleaner (P.8-19)7. Power steering fluid reservoir (P.8-13)
8. Radiator filler cap (P.8-9)
9. Coolant reservoir cap (pressure type) (P.8-9)
10. Coolant reservoir (P.8-9)
11. Window washer fluid reservoir (P.8-15) ITEMS GT-R SPECIFIED FLUIDS
Engine oil Mobil 1, 0W-40*1
Transmission oil Genuine NISSAN Transmission
Oil R35 Special
Differential oil
(front and rear) Castrol SAF-XJ 75W-140
Brake fluid Genuine NISSAN Brake Fluid
R35 Special DOT4*2
*1: Mobil 1, 0W-40 (100% synthetic) is the factory fill oil. The VR38 engine with its plasma-sprayed
bores was developed using this oil. NISSAN
cannot ensure proper engine operation and dur-
ability if other 0W-40 synthetic oil is used. If Mobil
1, 0W-40 is not available, Mobil 1, 10W-40 (100%
synthetic) may be used; however, some perfor-
mance loss may be noticed.
*2: Genuine NISSAN Brake Fluid R35 Special DOT4 is the factory fill brake fluid. The Vehicle Dynamic
Control (VDC) unit and other related parts were
specially designed for this brake fluid and NISSAN
cannot ensure the best performance and proper
operation of the vehicle if other brake fluid is used.0-10
Illustrated table of contents
ENGINE COMPARTMENT
, Q I R U P D W L R Q 3 U R Y L G H G E \
Black plate (212,1)
Model "R35-D" EDITED: 2008/ 5/ 20
FREEING A FROZEN DOOR LOCKTo 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.ANTI-FREEZEIn the winter when it is anticipated that the
outside temperature will drop below 328F(0 8C) ,
check antifreeze to assure proper winter protec-
tion. (
“ENGINE COOLING SYSTEM”
page 8-9)
BATTERYIf 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. (
“BATTERY” page 8-
15)
DRAINING OF COOLANT WATERIf the vehicle is to be left outside without
antifreeze, drain the cooling system, including
the engine block. Refill before operating the
vehicle. For details, contact a GT-R certified
NISSAN dealer.TIRE EQUIPMENTThe GT-R summer tires are made from a
specially formulated rubber to maximize the
vehicle’s performance capabilities. Performance of summer tires is substantially reduced when
temperatures are less than 32
8F(0 8C) so you
must drive carefully. NISSAN recommends the
use of winter or all-season tires on all four
wheels if you plan to operate your vehicle in
snowy or icy conditions when temperatures are
less than 32 8F(0 8C) .
WARNING
Never use summer tires when the
temperature is below 48 F( 20 8C) to
prevent permanent tread deformation
which may cause tire damage or tire
failure. This may cause a loss of vehicle
control which can result in serious
personal injury or death.
Tire chains may be used. (
“TIRE CHAINS”
page 8-36)
If you install tires, they must also be the specified
size, brand, construction and tread pattern on all
four wheels.
SPECIAL WINTER EQUIPMENTIt 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 windows 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 8F, 0 8C 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 down-
shifting too fast, the drive wheels
will lose even more traction.
. Allow more stopping distance under
these conditions. Braking should be
started sooner than on dry pave-
ment.
. Allow greater following distances
on slippery roads.
. Watch for slippery spots (glare ice) .
5-42
Starting and driving
COLD WEATHER DRIVING
, Q I R U P D W L R Q 3 U R Y L G H G E \
Black plate (220,1)
Model "R35-D" EDITED: 2008/ 5/ 20
6. Keep the engine speed of the boostervehicle
*A
at about 2,000 rpm, and start
the engine of the vehicle being jump started
*B.
NOTE:Do not keep the starter motor engaged for
more than 10 seconds. If the engine does
not start right away, push the ignition
switch to the OFF position and wait 10
seconds before trying again.
7. After starting your engine, carefully discon- nect the negative cable and then the positive
cable (
*4
?
*3
?
*2
?
*1).
8. Be sure to dispose of the cloth used to cover the vent holes as it may be contami-
nated with corrosive acid.
9. Put the battery cover on.
NOTE:If the clamp clip is difficult to connect to
the battery terminal, remove the cowl top
cover to make it easier. (
“REMOVING
THE COWL TOP COVER” page 8-8)
Do not attempt to start the engine by pushing.
NOTICE
Your NISSAN cannot be push-started or
tow-started. Attempting to do so may
cause transmission damage.
If needed, Roadside Assistance is available.
Please see your Warranty Information Booklet or
Roadside Assistance I.D. Card for the toll-free
number to call (U.S.) or Warranty & Roadside
Assistance Information Booklet (Canada) .
WARNING
. Do not continue to drive if your
vehicle overheats. Doing so could
cause engine damage or a vehicle
fire.
. To avoid the danger of being
scalded, never remove the radiator
filler cap and the coolant reservoir
cap while the engine is still hot.
When the cap is removed, pressur-
ized hot water will spurt out, possi-
bly causing serious injury.
. Do not open the hood if steam is
coming out.
If your vehicle is overheating (indicated by an
extremely high temperature gauge reading) , or if
you feel a lack of engine power, detect unusual
noise, etc., take the following steps:
1. Move the vehicle safely off the road, apply the parking brake and move the shift lever to
the
&Pposition.
Do not stop the engine.
2. Turn off the air conditioner. Open all the windows, move the temperature control to
maximum hot and fan control to high speed.
6-6
In case of emergency
PUSH STARTING IF YOUR VEHICLE OVERHEATS
, Q I R U P D W L R Q 3 U R Y L G H G E \
Black plate (221,1)
Model "R35-D" EDITED: 2008/ 5/ 20
3. If engine overheating is caused by climbinga long hill on a hot day, run the engine at a
fast idle (approximately 1,500 rpm) until the
temperature gauge indication returns to
normal.
4. Get out of the vehicle. Look and listen for steam or coolant escaping from the radiator
before opening the hood. (If steam or
coolant is escaping, turn off the engine.)
Do not open the hood further until no steam
or coolant can be seen.
5. Open the engine hood.
WARNING
If steam or water is coming from the
engine, stand clear to prevent getting
burned.
6. Visually check drive belts for damage or looseness. Also check if the cooling fan is
running. The radiator hoses and radiator
should not leak water. If coolant is leaking,
the drive belts are missing or loose, or the
cooling fan does not run, stop the engine.
WARNING
Be careful not to allow your hands, hair,
jewelry or clothing to come into contact
with, or get caught in, engine belts or the engine cooling fan. The engine
cooling fan can start at any time.
7. When the coolant temperature gauge goes down to the midpoint, stop the engine and
wait until the gauge goes down further to
“C” (cold) .
8. After the engine cools down, check the coolant level in the reservoir tank. Add
coolant to the reservoir, if necessary, after
opening the coolant reservoir cap with a
heavy cloth covering it. (
“ENGINE
COOLING SYSTEM” page 8-9)
9. Have your vehicle repaired at the nearest GT-R certified NISSAN dealer.
If needed, Roadside Assistance is available.
Please see your Warranty Information Booklet or
Roadside Assistance I.D. Card for the toll-free
number to call (U.S.) or Warranty & Roadside
Assistance Information Booklet (Canada) .
When towing your vehicle, all State (Provincial in
Canada) and local regulations for towing must
be followed. Incorrect towing equipment could
damage your vehicle. Towing instructions are
available from a GT-R certified NISSAN dealer.
Local service operators 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 precau-
tions.
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
Always attach safety chains before
towing.
NOTICE
When towing, make sure that the
transmission, axles, steering system
and powertrain are in working condi-
In case of emergency
6-7
TOWING YOUR VEHICLE
, Q I R U P D W L R Q 3 U R Y L G H G E \
Black plate (238,1)
Model "R35-D" EDITED: 2008/ 5/ 20
Inside the vehicleThe maintenance items listed here should be
checked on a regular basis, such as when
performing periodic maintenance, cleaning the
vehicle, etc.
Accelerator pedal:Check the pedal for
smooth operation and make sure the pedal
does not catch or require uneven effort. Keep
the floor mat away from the pedal.
Transmission
&Pmechanism: On a fairly steep
hill, check that your vehicle is held securely with
the shift lever in the&Pposition without applying
any brakes.
Brake pedal: Check the pedal for smooth
operation. If the brake pedal suddenly goes
down further than normal, the pedal feels
spongy or the vehicle seems to take longer to
stop, see a GT-R certified NISSAN dealer
immediately. Keep the floor mat away from the
pedal.
Brakes: Check that the brakes do not pull the
vehicle to one side when applied.
Parking brake: Check the parking brake
operation regularly. The vehicle should be
securely held on a fairly steep hill with only the
parking brake applied. If the parking brake needs
to be adjusted, see a GT-R certified NISSAN
dealer. Seat belts:
Check that all parts of the seat belt
system (for example, buckles, anchors, adjuster
and retractors) operate properly and smoothly,
and are installed securely. Check the belt
webbing for cuts, fraying, wear or damage.
Seats: Check seat position controls such as
seat adjusters, seatback recliner, etc. to ensure
they operate smoothly and that all latches lock
securely in every position. Check that the head
restraints move up and down smoothly and that
the locks (if so equipped) hold securely in all
latched positions.
Steering wheel: Check for changes in the
steering conditions, such as excessive free play,
hard steering or strange noises.
Warning lights and chimes: Make sure that
all warning lights and chimes are operating
properly.
Windshield defroster: Check that the air
comes out of the defroster outlets properly and
in sufficient quantity when operating the heater
or air conditioner.
Windshield wiper and washer*: Check that
the wipers and washer operate properly and that
the wipers do not streak.
Under the hood and vehicleThe maintenance items listed here should be
checked periodically (for example, each time you check the engine oil or refuel) .
Battery*:
Check the fluid level in each cell. It
should be between the MAX and MIN lines.
Vehicles operated in high temperatures or under
severe condition require frequent checks of the
battery fluid level.
Brake fluid level*: Make sure that the brake
fluid level is between the MAX and MIN lines on
the reservoir.
Engine coolant level*: Check the coolant level
when the engine is cold.
Engine drive belts*: Make sure that no belt is
frayed, worn, cracked or oily.
Engine oil level*: Check the level after parking
the vehicle on a level spot and turning off the
engine. Wait at least 5 minutes for the oil to
drain back into the oil pan before checking the
oil.
Exhaust system: Make sure there are no loose
supports, cracks or holes. If the sound of the
exhaust seems unusual or there is a smell of
exhaust fumes in the engine compartment,
immediately have the exhaust system inspected
by a GT-R certified NISSAN dealer.
(
“EXHAUST GAS (Carbon monoxide)”
page 5-2)
Fluid leaks: Check under the vehicle for fuel,
oil, water or other fluid leaks after the vehicle has
8-4
Maintenance and do-it-yourself
, Q I R U P D W L R Q 3 U R Y L G H G E \
Black plate (241,1)
Model "R35-D" EDITED: 2008/ 5/ 20
1. Fuse/fusible link holder
2. Battery
3. Engine oil filler cap
4. Engine oil dipstick
5. Brake fluid reservoir
6. Air cleaner7. Power steering fluid reservoir
8. Radiator filler cap
9. Coolant reservoir cap (pressure type)
10. Coolant reservoir
11. Window washer fluid reservoir
NOTICE
The coolant reservoir is equipped with a
pressure type cap, and the radiator is
equipped with a non-pressure type cap.
Do not switch the radiator filler cap and
the coolant reservoir cap. Doing so will
cause substandard cooling perfor-
mance and overheating.
Maintenance and do-it-yourself
8-7
ENGINE COMPARTMENT CHECK
LOCATIONS
, Q I R U P D W L R Q 3 U R Y L G H G E \
Black plate (243,1)
Model "R35-D" EDITED: 2008/ 5/ 20
4. Unfasten the washer hose from the 2 placeswhere it is affixed to inside of the cowl top
cover
*B.
The engine cooling system is filled at the factory
with a high-quality, year-round, anti-freeze cool-
ant solution. The antifreeze solution contains
rust and corrosion inhibitors, therefore additional
cooling system additives are not necessary.
WARNING
Never remove the radiator cap and
engine coolant reservoir cap when the
engine is hot. Wait until the engine and
radiator cool down. Serious burns could
be caused by high pressure fluid escap-
ing from the radiator or coolant reser-
voir. (
“IF YOUR VEHICLE
OVERHEATS” page 6-6)
NOTICE
. When adding or replacing coolant,
be sure to use only a Genuine
NISSAN Long Life Antifreeze/Cool-
ant (green) or equivalent with the
proper mixture ratio shown in the
following chart. The use of other
types of coolant solutions may da-
mage the engine cooling system.
. The coolant reservoir is equipped
with a pressure type radiator cap. To
prevent engine damage, use only a
genuine NISSAN coolant reservoir
cap.
Maintenance and do-it-yourself
8-9
ENGINE COOLING SYSTEM
, Q I R U P D W L R Q 3 U R Y L G H G E \