Black plate (210,1)
Model "R35-D" EDITED: 2008/ 5/ 20
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 by a GT-R certified NISSAN dealer.Normal operationThe ABS operates at speeds above 3 to 6 MPH
(5 to 10 km/h) . The speed varies according to
road conditions.
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. However, the pulsa-
tion may indicate that road conditions are
hazardous and extra care is required while
driving.
The Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) system
uses various sensors to monitor driver inputs
and vehicle motion. Under certain driving situa-
tions, the system will control braking and engine
output to help keep the vehicle on its steered
path.
.The VDC mode can be changed using the
VDC setup switch. (
“VDC, TRANS-
MISSION AND SUSPENSION SETUP
SWITCHES” page 5-21)
. When the VDC system is operating, the
indicator in the instrument panel blinks.
. If the
indicator blinks, the road condi-
tions may be slippery. Be sure to adjust your
speed and driving to these conditions. Be
sure to drive carefully. (
“Slip indicator
light” page 2-29) (
“Vehicle Dynamic
Control (VDC) off indicator light” page 2-
29)
. Indicator light
If a malfunction occurs in the system, the
and
indicator lights illuminate in
the instrument panel. As long as these
indicators are illuminated, the VDC system
function is canceled.
The VDC system uses an Active Brake Limited
Slip (ABLS) function to improve vehicle traction.
The ABLS system works when one of the driving
wheels is spinning on a slippery surface. The ABLS system brakes the spinning wheel, which
distributes the driving power to the other drive
wheel. If the vehicle is operated with the VDC
setup switch pushed and the VDC system
turned off, all VDC systems will be turned off.
The ABLS system and ABS will still operate with
the VDC system off.
While the VDC system is operating, you may feel
a pulsation in the brake pedal and hear a noise
or feel a vibration from under the hood. This is
normal and indicates that the VDC system is
working properly.
The VDC system 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 forward or backward. When the
self-test occurs, you may hear a “clunk” noise
and/or feel a pulsation in the brake pedal. This
does not indicate that there is a malfunction.
WARNING
.
The VDC system is designed to help
improve driving stability but does
not prevent accidents due to abrupt
steering operation at high speeds or
due to careless or dangerous driv-
ing techniques. Reduce vehicle
speed and be especially careful
when driving and cornering on slip-
pery surfaces and always drive care-
5-40
Starting and driving
VEHICLE DYNAMIC CONTROL (VDC)
SYSTEM
, Q I R U P D W L R Q 3 U R Y L G H G E \
Black plate (211,1)
Model "R35-D" EDITED: 2008/ 5/ 20
fully.
. If engine related parts such as
muffler are not standard equipment
or are extremely deteriorated, the
indicator or
indicator or
both indicator lights may illuminate.
. Do not modify the vehicle’s suspen-
sion. If suspension parts such as
shock absorbers, struts, springs,
stabilizer bars and bushings are
not NISSAN approved or are extre-
mely deteriorated the VDC system
may not operate properly. This could
adversely affect vehicle handling
performance, and the
indicator
or
indicator or both indicator
lights may illuminate.
. If brake related parts such as brake
pads, rotors and calipers are not
standard equipment or are extre-
mely deteriorated, the
indicator
or
indicator or both indicator
lights may illuminate.
. When driving on extremely inclined
surfaces such as higher banked
corners, the VDC system may not
operate properly and the
in-
dicator or
indicator or both indicator lights may illuminate. Do
not drive on these types of roads.
. When driving on unstable surfaces
such as a turntable, ferry, elevator
or ramp, the
indicator or
indicator or both indicator lights
may illuminate. This does not indi-
cate that there is a malfunction.
Restart the engine after driving onto
a stable surface.
. If wheels or tires other than those
recommended are used, the VDC
system may not operate properly
and the
indicator or
in-
dicator or both indicator lights may
illuminate.
. The VDC system is not a substitute
for winter tires or tire chains on a
snow covered road.
NOTE:.Make sure VDC is on before driving the
vehicle. The VDC OFF mode is an
emergency mode to help free a vehicle
stuck in mud or snow by temporarily
stopping VDC operation and keeping
torque on the wheels.
. When attempting to free the vehicle
from mud or fresh snow, the VDC will detect the tire slipping, and the engine
speed may not increase even when the
accelerator pedal is depressed. To raise
the engine speed, use the VDC set up
switch to turn the VDC system OFF.
. When the VDC system is turned OFF,
all VDC functions (including traction
control) , except for the ABS functions,
are deactivated.
Starting and driving
5-41
, 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 (213,1)
Model "R35-D" EDITED: 2008/ 5/ 20
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 exhaust
gases under your vehicle. Keep
snow clear of the exhaust pipe and
from around your vehicle.
ENGINE BLOCK HEATER (if so
equipped)Engine block heaters are available through
NISSAN dealers to assist in cold temperature
starting. The engine block heater should be
used when the outside temperature is 20 8F
( 78C) or lower.To use the engine block heater1. Turn the engine off.
2. Open the hood and unwrap the engine
block heater cord.
3. Plug the engine block heater cord into a grounded 3-wire, 3-pronged extension 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 electrical sys-
tem or a 2-pronged adapter. You can
be seriously injured by an electrical
shock if you use an ungrounded
connection.
. Disconnect and properly store the
engine block heater cord before
starting the engine. Damage to the
cord could result in an electrical
shock and can cause serious injury.
. Use a heavy-duty 3-wire, 3-pronged
extension cord rated for at least
10A. Plug the extension cord into a
Ground Fault Interrupt (GFI) pro-
tected, 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.
Starting and driving
5-43
, Q I R U P D W L R Q 3 U R Y L G H G E \
Black plate (217,1)
Model "R35-D" EDITED: 2008/ 5/ 20
bility is reduced, which could lead to
an accident and personal injury.
Also, driving a long distance at high
speeds may damage the tires.
. Do not drive at speeds above 50
MPH (80 km/h) and do not drive
more than 50 miles (80 km) with a
punctured run-flat tire. The actual
distance the vehicle can be driven
on a flat tire depends on outside
temperature, vehicle load, road con-
ditions and other factors.
. Drive safely at reduced speeds.
Avoid hard cornering or braking,
which may cause you to lose control
of the vehicle.
NOTICE
.Never install tire chains on a punc-
tured run-flat tire, as this could
damage your vehicle.
. Avoid driving over any projection or
pothole, as the clearance between
the vehicle and the ground is smal-
ler than normal.
. Do not enter an automated car wash
with a punctured run-flat tire. .
Have the punctured tire replaced by
your GT-R certified NISSAN dealer
as soon as possible, as the tire’s
performance capability is reduced.
If you have a flat tire and have to stop the
vehicle, follow the instructions below.
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
&Pposition.
4. Turn off the engine.
5. Raise the hood to warn other traffic, and to signal professional road assistance person-
nel that you need assistance.
6. Have all passengers get out of the vehicle and stand in a safe place, away from traffic
and clear of the vehicle.
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 Information
Booklet (Canada) .
For the tire removing procedure, see the
following section. (
“JACKING VEHICLE
AND REMOVING WHEELS” page 8-39)
The following circumstances indicate that the
battery is discharged.
. The starter motor does not turn or it turns
weakly and the engine does not start.
. The vehicle lights are much dimmer than
usual.
. The sound of the horn is weak. The horn
makes no sound.
NOTICE
When the battery is discharged, do not
close either of the front doors. The
automatic window adjusting function
will not work, and the side roof panel
may be damaged.
To start your engine with a booster battery, the
instructions and precautions below must be
followed.
For the battery maintenance information, see the
following section. (
“BATTERY” page 8-15)
WARNING
. If done incorrectly, jump starting
can lead to a battery explosion,
resulting in severe injury or death.
It could also damage your vehicle.
In case of emergency
6-3
JUMP STARTING
, Q I R U P D W L R Q 3 U R Y L G H G E \
Black plate (219,1)
Model "R35-D" EDITED: 2008/ 5/ 20
WARNING
Always follow the instructions below.
Failure to do so could result in damage
to the charging system and cause
personal injury.1. If the booster battery is in another vehicle
*A
, position the two vehicles (
*A
and
*B)
to bring their batteries into close proximity to
each other. Do not allow the two vehi-
cles to touch. 2. Apply parking brake. Move the shift lever to
the
&Pposition. Switch off all unnecessary
electrical systems (light, heater, air condi-
tioner, etc.) .
3. Remove the battery cover. Cover the battery with a firmly wrung out moist cloth to reduce
explosion hazard.
4. Connect jumper cables in the sequence as illustrated (
*1
?
*2
?
*3
?
*4).
If the battery is disconnected or dis-
charged, the steering wheel will lock
and cannot be turned. Supply power
using jumper cables before pushing
the ignition switch and disengaging
the steering lock.
CAUTION
. Always connect positive (+) to posi-
tive (+) and negative ( ) to body
ground (as illustrated) , not to the
battery.
. Make sure that the jumper cables
do not touch moving parts in the
engine compartment and that
clamps do not contact any other
metal.
5. Start the engine of the booster vehicle
*A
and let it run for a few minutes.
In case of emergency
6-5
, 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 \