2009 NISSAN GT-R Owners Manual

Black plate (204,1)
Model "R35-D" EDITED: 2008/ 5/ 20
AWD WARNING LIGHTThe AWD warning light is located in the meter.
The AWD warning light comes on when the
ignition switch is pushed to the ON position. It
turns off soon after the engine is started.If any malfunction occurs in the AWD system
while the engine is running, the warning light will
come on.
The warning light may blink rapidly (about twice
per second) while trying to free a stuck vehicle
due to high power train oil temperature. The
driving mode may change to two-wheel drive. If
the warning light blinks rapidly during operation,
stop the vehicle with the engine idling in a safe
place immediately. Then if the light goes off after
a while, you can continue driving.
A large difference between the diameters of
front and rear wheels will make the warning light
blink slowly (about once per two seconds) . Pull
off the road in a safe area, and idle the engine.
Check that all tire sizes are the same, tire
pressure is correct and tires are not worn.
If the warning light is blinking after the above
operation, have your vehicle checked by a GT-R
certified NISSAN dealer as soon as possible.
WARNING
.
Do not attempt to raise two wheels
off the ground and shift the trans-
mission to any drive or reverse
position with the engine running.
Doing so may result in drivetrain
damage or unexpected vehicle
movement which could result in serious vehicle damage or personal
injury.
. Do not attempt to test an AWD
equipped vehicle on a 2-wheel dy-
namometer (such as the dynam-
ometers used by some states for
emissions testing) or similar equip-
ment even if the other two wheels
are raised off the ground. Make sure
that you inform the test facility
personnel that your vehicle is
equipped with AWD before it is
placed on a dynamometer. Using
the wrong test equipment may re-
sult in drivetrain damage or unex-
pected vehicle movement which
could result in serious vehicle da-
mage or personal injury.
NOTICE
.If the warning light comes on while
driving there may be a malfunction
in the AWD system. Reduce the
vehicle speed and have your vehicle
checked by a GT-R certified NISSAN
dealer as soon as possible.
. If the warning light remains on after
the above operation, have your
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Starting and driving
ALL-WHEEL DRIVE (AWD)
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Black plate (205,1)
Model "R35-D" EDITED: 2008/ 5/ 20
vehicle checked by a GT-R certified
NISSAN dealer as soon as possible.
. The power train may be damaged if
you continue driving with the warn-
ing light blinking rapidly.
TIGHT CORNER BRAKING PHE-
NOMENONWhen driving on dry pavement in AWD mode, or
immediately after starting the engine in cold
conditions, when the steering wheel is turned all
the way, the vehicle may behave as if the brakes
had been applied. This phenomenon is known
as the “tight corner braking phenomenon”.
This phenomenon is unique to AWD vehicles,
and occurs due to a difference in speeds
between the front and rear wheels while the
vehicle is turning. This does not indicate that
there is a malfunction. If this phenomenon
occurs, more force will be required to operate
the steering wheel.NOTE:.If the tight corner braking phenomenon
occurs, a slipping sound may be heard
from the tires, or a squeaking sound
may be heard from the drive system.
. If excessive operation continues when
a wheel has come off the road or at
other times when the operation causes a large difference in speed between the
front and rear wheels (the wheels are
spinning) , the oil temperature in the
drive system parts will increase.
In this case, to protect the drive system
parts, the AWD warning light blinks
rapidly and the system switches to
RWD mode or low AWD mode. Keep
the vehicle stopped and idling for a
short time. When the warning light
stops blinking, the vehicle returns from
RWD mode to normal driving mode.
. If you feel an unusual vibration in the
vehicle, even if the warning lights are
not illuminated, have the vehicle in-
spected by a GT-R certified NISSAN
dealer.
TIRESThis vehicle is equipped with special tires. When
changing the tires, install the designated special
tires. Replacing tires as a set of four with new
ones is recommended. However, if a tire is
punctured or damaged, it may be possible to
replace only the damaged tire. Determining
whether one tire or a complete set of tires
should be replaced is based on a number of
factors including tire wear and condition. Con-
tact your GT-R certified NISSAN dealer. They
can recommend if an individual tire or a complete set should be replaced.
NOTICE
If tires other than the designated tires,
tires with large differences in wear or
tires of different sizes are installed, the
AWD performance will be degraded and
the drive mechanism may be damaged.AWD SYSTEM CHARACTERISTICSThe AWD system automatically distributes the
optimal torque to the front and rear wheels. This
provides both the superior turning performance
of a front wheel drive vehicle and the traction of
a AWD vehicle.
Electronic control continuously distributes tor-
que to the front and rear wheels in the range
from 0:100 (rear-wheel drive mode) to 50:50
(all-wheel drive mode) to match the driving
conditions and road conditions. This allows the
engine output (torque) to be effectively trans-
mitted to the road surface.
Starting and driving
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Black plate (206,1)
Model "R35-D" EDITED: 2008/ 5/ 20
This vehicle is equipped with a 1.5-way me-
chanical Limited Slip Differential (LSD) .
WARNING
Sudden operation of the accelerator
pedal can result in fishtailing or side-
slip, possibly causing an accident. Use
particular caution when driving in rainy
weather or on slippery roads.
NOTICE
Use the designated differential gear oil.
If any oil other than the designated oil
is used, the LSD may not operate
correctly, and noise and vibration may
occur, possibly resulting in a malfunc-
tion.NOTE:.If the vehicle accelerates from a stop
with the steering wheel turned in cold
temperatures, the inner wheel tire may
slip and some noise or vibration may
be heard. This phenomenon is unique
to vehicles equipped with the LSD. This
does not indicate that there is a mal-
function.
. The LSD controls the speed difference between the left and right wheels, and
optimally allocates torque to the
wheels.
. The 1.5-way mechanical LSD in this
vehicle is characterized by its asymme-
trical LSD effects when the accelerator
pedal is ON and when it is OFF. This
allows the appropriate amount of tor-
que for the driving environment to be
transmitted to the road surface.5-36
Starting and driving
LIMITED SLIP DIFFERENTIAL (LSD)
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Black plate (207,1)
Model "R35-D" EDITED: 2008/ 5/ 20
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 un-
knowingly activate switches or con-
trols. Unattended children could
become involved in serious acci-
dents. .
Safe parking procedures require
that both the parking brake be
applied and the transmission placed
into the
&Pposition. Failure to do so
could cause the vehicle to move
unexpectedly or roll away and result
in an accident.
. Make sure the shift lever has been
pushed as far forward as it can go
and cannot be moved without de-
pressing the foot brake pedal.
1. Firmly apply the parking brake.
2. Move the shift lever to the
&Pposition. 3. To help prevent the vehicle from rolling 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:
*1
Turn the wheels into the curb and move the
vehicle forward until the curb side wheel
gently touches the curb.
.HEADED UPHILL WITH CURB:
*2
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:
*3
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. PushtheignitionswitchtotheLOCK position.
Starting and driving
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PARKING/PARKING ON HILLS
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Black plate (208,1)
Model "R35-D" EDITED: 2008/ 5/ 20
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 hydraulic
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, espe-
cially in sharp turns and at low speeds.
BRAKING PRECAUTIONSThe brake system has two separate hydraulic
circuits. If one circuit malfunctions, you will still
have braking at two wheels.
You may feel a small click and hear a sound
when the brake pedal is fully depressed slowly.
This is not a malfunction and indicates that the
brake assist mechanism is operating properly.Vacuum assisted brakesThe 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 pressure on the brake pedal will be
required to stop the vehicle and the stopping
distance will be longer.Wet brakesWhen 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.
Using the brakesAvoid resting your foot on the brake pedal while
driving. This will cause overheating of the
brakes, wearing out the brake and pads faster
and reduce gas mileage.
To help reduce brake wear 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 surface,
be careful when braking, accelerat-
ing or downshifting. Abrupt braking
or accelerating could cause the
wheelstoskidandresultinan
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.
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Starting and driving
POWER STEERING BRAKE SYSTEM
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Black plate (209,1)
Model "R35-D" EDITED: 2008/ 5/ 20
PARKING BRAKE BREAK-INBreak in the parking brake shoes whenever the
stopping effect of the parking brake is weakened
or whenever the parking brake shoes and/or
drums/rotors are replaced, in order to assure the
best braking performance.
This procedure is described in the vehicle
service manual and can be performed by a
GT-R certified NISSAN dealer.
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 dangerous driving
techniques. It can help maintain
vehicle control during braking on
slippery surfaces. Remember that
stopping distances on slippery sur-
faces will be longer than on normal
surfaces even with ABS. Stopping
distances may also be longer on
rough, gravel or snow covered
roads, or if you are using tire chains.
Alwaysmaintainasafedistance
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.
The Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) controls
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
preventing each wheel from locking, the system
helps the driver maintain steering control and
helps to minimize swerving and spinning on
slippery surfaces.
Using the systemDepress 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 dis-
tances.Self-test featureThe ABS includes electronic sensors, electric
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 does not indicate that there is
a malfunction. If the computer senses a mal-
function, it switches the ABS off and illuminates
Starting and driving
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BRAKE ASSIST
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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-
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Starting and driving
VEHICLE DYNAMIC CONTROL (VDC)
SYSTEM
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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
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