2009 NISSAN GT-R suspension

Black plate (101,1)
Model "R35-D" EDITED: 2008/ 5/ 20
The malfunction indicator light may also come on
steady if the fuel-filler cap is loose or missing, or
if the vehicle runs out of fuel. Check to make
sure the fuel-filler cap is installed and closed
tightly, and that the vehicle has at least 3 US
gallons (14 liters) of fuel in the fuel tank.
After a few driving trips, the
light should
turn off if no other potential emission control
system malfunction exists.
If this indicator light remains on for 20 seconds
and then blinks for 10 seconds when the engine
is not running, it indicates that the vehicle is not
ready for an emission control system inspection/
maintenance test. (
“READINESS FOR
INSPECTION/MAINTENANCE (I/M) TEST (US
only)” page 9-16)
Operation:The malfunction indicator light will come on in
one of two ways:
. Malfunction indicator light on steady — An
emission control system malfunction has
been detected. Check the fuel-filler cap. If
the fuel-filler cap is loose or missing, tighten
or install the cap and continue to drive the
vehicle. The
light should turn off after a
few driving trips. If the
light does not
turn off after a few driving trips, have the
vehicle inspected by a GT-R certified
NISSAN dealer. You do not need to have
your vehicle towed to the dealer. .
Malfunction indicator light blinking — An
engine misfire has been detected which may
damage the emission control system.
To reduce or avoid emission control system
damage:
a) Do not drive at speeds above 45 MPH (72 km/h) .
b) Avoid hard acceleration or deceleration.
c) Avoid steep uphill grades.
d) If possible, reduce the amount of cargo being hauled or towed.
The malfunction indicator light may stop
blinking and remain on.
Have the vehicle inspected by a GT-R
certified NISSAN dealer. You do not need
to have your vehicle towed to the dealer.
NOTICE
Continued vehicle operation without
having the emission control system
checked and repaired as necessary
could lead to poor driveability, reduced
fuel economy, and possible damage to
the emission control system.
Slip indicator light
This indicator will blink when the VDC system is
operating, thus alerting the driver to the fact that
the road surface is slippery and the vehicle is
nearing its traction limits.
Turn signal/hazard indicator
lights
The light flashes when the turn signal switch
lever or hazard switch is turned on.
Vehicle Dynamic Control
(VDC) off indicator light
The light comes on when the Vehicle Dynamic
Control (VDC) set up switch is pushed to OFF
for more than 1 second. (
“VDC, TRANS-
MISSION AND SUSPENSION SETUP
SWITCHES” page 5-21)
This indicates that the VDC system is not
operating. When the VDC off indicator light
and slip indicator light come on with the VDC
system turned on, this light alerts the driver to
the fact that the fail-safe mode is operating, for
example the VDC system or the hill start assist
system may not be functioning properly. Have
the system checked by a GT-R certified NISSAN
dealer. If a malfunction occurs in the system, the
VDC system function will be canceled but the
vehicle is still driveable. (“VEHICLE DY-
NAMIC CONTROL (VDC) SYSTEM” page 5-
40)
Instruments and controls
2-29
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Black plate (19,1)
5 Starting and driving
Model "R35-D" EDITED: 2008/ 5/ 20
Precautions when starting and driving..................... 5-2
Exhaust gas (Carbon monoxide) ........................ 5-2
Three-way catalyst .......................................... 5-2
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) ............. 5-3
Avoiding collision and rollover ........................... 5-5
Off-road recovery ........................................... 5-6
Rapid air pressure loss .................................... 5-6
Drinking alcohol/drugs and driving ...................... 5-7
All-Wheel Drive (AWD) driving safety
precautions ................................................... 5-7
Push-button ignition switch .................................. 5-8
Operating range for engine start ........................ 5-8
Ignition switch operation .................................. 5-8
Ignition switch positions ................................... 5-9
Intelligent Key battery discharge ...................... 5-10
Before starting the engine .................................. 5-11
Starting the engine ........................................... 5-11
Driving the vehicle ............................................ 5-13
Dual clutch transmission ................................ 5-13
Driving tips ................................................. 5-19
VDC, transmission and suspension setup
switches ........................................................ 5-21
How to switch the modes .............................. 5-22
Features of each mode .................................. 5-23
Turbocharger system ......................................... 5-26
Parking brake .................................................. 5-27 Cruise control
................................................. 5-28
Precautions on cruise control .......................... 5-28
Steering-wheel-mounted controls ..................... 5-29
Indicators and display ................................... 5-29
Cruise control operations ............................... 5-29
Hill Start Assist ................................................ 5-31
Break-in schedule ............................................ 5-32
Increasing fuel economy .................................... 5-33
All-Wheel Drive (AWD) ..................................... 5-34
AWD warning light ....................................... 5-34
Tight corner braking phenomenon .................... 5-35
Tires ......................................................... 5-35
AWD system characteristics ........................... 5-35
Limited Slip Differential (LSD) ............................. 5-36
Parking/parking on hills ...................................... 5-37
Power steering ................................................ 5-38
Brake system .................................................. 5-38
Braking precautions ...................................... 5-38
Parking brake break-in ................................... 5-39
Brake assist .................................................... 5-39
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) ...................... 5-39
Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) system ................. 5-40
Cold weather driving ......................................... 5-42
Freeing a frozen door lock .............................. 5-42
Anti-freeze .................................................. 5-42
Battery ...................................................... 5-42
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Black plate (191,1)
Model "R35-D" EDITED: 2008/ 5/ 20
serious injury.
NOTICE
When the vehicle is stopped on a hill,
do not hold the vehicle in place by
depressing the accelerator pedal. Doing
so may cause the clutch to overheat and
result in transmission damage. Use the
brakes to prevent the vehicle from
moving.When parking the vehicle1. Bring the vehicle to a complete stop.
2. With the foot brake pedal depressed, applythe parking brake.
3. Move the shift lever to the
&Pposition.
4. Check the shift lever position indicator on the instrument panel to confirm that the
&P
position is selected.
5. Push the ignition switch to stop the engine.
WARNING
Before exiting the vehicle, be sure to
move the shift lever to the
&Pposition
and stop the engine. If the engine is
running and the shift lever is not in the
&Pposition, the vehicle may start mov-
ing due to partial engagement of the
clutch or to the effects of gravity on a
slope, or the vehicle may suddenly
accelerate due to accidental operation
of the accelerator pedal, possibly caus-
ing an accident.
The control of the dual clutch transmission,
Bilstein DampTronic
®electronically controlled
shock absorbers and Vehicle Dynamic Control
(VDC) can be changed to the desired modes by
operating the setup switches. Select the desired
mode best suited to the driving conditions.
NOTE:Bilstein DampTronic
®is a registered trade-
mark of ThyssenKrupp Bilstein Suspen-
sion GmbH.
Starting and driving
5-21
VDC, TRANSMISSION AND
SUSPENSION SETUP SWITCHES
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Black plate (192,1)
Model "R35-D" EDITED: 2008/ 5/ 20
1. Transmission setup switch
2. Suspension setup switch
3. Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) setup switchHOW TO SWITCH THE MODESMove the VDC, transmission and suspension
setup switches up or down to change the mode
when the engine is running.R modePush up the VDC, transmission and suspension
setup switches for more than 1 second.SNOW mode and COMF modePush down the transmission and suspension
setup switches.
VDC OFF modePush down the VDC setup switch for more than
1 second.Normal modePush the VDC, transmission and suspension
setup switches to the side opposite from the
selected modes.NOTE:.When the ignition switch is pushed to
the ON position, the VDC, transmission
and suspension set up switch indica-
tors may come on momentarily, but this
does not indicate that there is a mal-
function.
. The VDC, transmission and suspension
setup switches will return to the normal
mode when the engine is restarted.
Also, the transmission setup switch will
return to the normal mode when the
shift lever is moved between
&Aand
&M
while operating the transmission setup
switch.
5-22
Starting and driving
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Black plate (193,1)
Model "R35-D" EDITED: 2008/ 5/ 20
FEATURES OF EACH MODE
Switch
Transmission
Suspension
VDC
R mode Indicator
Function
&Aposition:
Mode for smooth driving on roads with
consecutive inclines and curves
&Mposition:
Mode for maximum performance and
quick shift operation Mode to enhance handling and cornering
for maximum vehicle performance
(Damping force is fixed.)
Mode to adjust front and rear torque
distribution in the AWD system
Normal mode Indicator OFF OFF OFF
Function Usual driving mode Usual driving mode (Damping force is
variably controlled.)Usual driving mode
Special condition mode Indicator
Function
Mode to drive on a snow-covered or
slippery-surface road Mode to enhance ride comfort (Damping
force is variably controlled.)
Mode to free vehicle from slush and deep
snow, etc.
Starting and driving
5-23
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Black plate (195,1)
Model "R35-D" EDITED: 2008/ 5/ 20
Suspension
Set up modeFeatures
.
The damping force of the shock absorbers is set maximum vehicle performance.
.
Riding comfort becomes harder.
Normal (light is off)
.
The damping force of the shock absorbers is variably adjusted for everyday driving or
maximum vehicle performance.
.
The damping force of the shock absorbers is variably adjusted for more comfortable
driving.
.
Movement of the vehicle body is larger than the normal and R modes.
NOTICE
While maximizing vehicle performance,
shock absorber control may automati-
cally be returned to the normal mode. If
theRmodeortheCOMFmodeis
selected in the case above, the suspen-
sion setup switch indicator may turn off.
Operate the suspension setup switch to
the R mode or the COMF mode and
check to make sure the indicator illu-
minates. If the indicator does not illu-
minate, have the system checked by a
GT-R certified NISSAN dealer.
Starting and driving
5-25
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Black plate (203,1)
Model "R35-D" EDITED: 2008/ 5/ 20
.Drive with the suspension setup switch in
the COMF mode to allow more suspension
stroke.
.Accelerate slowly and smoothly. Maintain
cruising speeds with a constant accelerator
position.
. Drive at moderate speeds on the highway.
Driving at high speed lowers fuel economy.
. Avoid unnecessary stopping and braking.
Keep a safe distance behind other vehicles.
. Select a gear range suitable to road condi-
tions.
. Avoid unnecessary engine idling.
. Keep your engine tuned up.
. Follow the recommended periodic mainte-
nance schedule.
. 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.
. Air conditioner operation lowers fuel econ-
omy. Use the air conditioner only when
necessary.
. When cruising at highway speeds, it is more
economical to use the air conditioner and
leave the windows closed to reduce drag. .
Use the recommended viscosity engine oil.
(
“Oil viscosity” page 9-5)
Starting and driving
5-33
INCREASING FUEL ECONOMY
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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
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