Black plate (196,1)
Model "R35-D" EDITED: 2008/ 5/ 20
Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC)
Set up modeFeatures
.
In addition to the normal mode function, this mode adjusts front and rear wheel power
distribution to improve handling.
Normal (light is off)
.
This mode enhances handling by brake control and engine output control when
oversteer or understeer is detected.
.
All VDC functions including Traction Control System (TCS) are deactivated. ABS is
still active.
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
to allow more power to the wheels.
The turbocharger system uses engine oil for
lubrication and cooling of its rotating compo-
nents. The turbocharger turbine turns at extre-
mely high speeds and it can get very hot. It is
essential to maintain a supply of oil flowing
through the turbocharger system. Therefore, a
sudden interruption of oil supply may cause a
malfunction in the turbocharger.
To ensure prolonged life and performance of the
turbocharger, it is essential to perform the
following maintenance procedure:
. Change your engine oil according to the
recommended intervals shown in the sepa-
rate Service and Maintenance Guide. Use
only the recommended engine oil.
. If the engine had been operating at high
engine speed for an extended period of time,
let it idle for a few minutes prior to shut-
down.
. Do not accelerate your engine to high
engine speed immediately after start.
NOTICE
This vehicle includes spark plugs that
are designed for high performance. For
this reason, if the engine is repeatedly
started and stopped over a short time,
the spark plugs may become fouled,
making the engine difficult to start. To
5-26
Starting and driving
TURBOCHARGER SYSTEM
, Q I R U P D W L R Q 3 U R Y L G H G E \
Black plate (197,1)
Model "R35-D" EDITED: 2008/ 5/ 20
prevent diminished starting perfor-
mance, avoid starting and stopping the
engine repeatedly during a short period
of time.
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 gear shift in place of
the parking brake. When parking, be
sure the parking brake is fully
engaged.
. Do not leave children unattended in
a vehicle. They could release the parking brake and cause an acci-
dent.
To apply: Pull the parking brake lever up.
To release:
1. Firmly apply the foot brake.
2. Place the shift lever in the
&Nposition.
3. While pulling up on the parking brake lever slightly, push the button
*A
and lower the
lever completely.
4. Before driving, be sure the brake warning light goes out.
Starting and driving
5-27
PARKING BRAKE
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Black plate (200,1)
Model "R35-D" EDITED: 2008/ 5/ 20
2. Accelerate your vehicle to the desiredspeed, push the SET/COAST switch and
release it. (The SET indicator will illuminate
in the instrument panel.) Take your foot off
the accelerator pedal. Your vehicle will
maintain the set speed.NOTE:If the vehicle speed reaches approximately
3 MPH (5 km/h) over the set speed, the set
speed on the vehicle information display
blinks.
Passing another vehicleTo pass another vehicle, depress the accelerator
pedal. When you release the pedal, the vehicle
will return to the previously set speed.Increasing the set vehicle speedTo 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 SET/COAST switch.
. Push and hold the RESUME/ACCELERATE
switch. When the vehicle attains the speed
you desire, release the switch.
. Push and then quickly release the RESUME/
ACCELERATE switch. Each time you do
this, the set speed will increase by about 1
MPH (1.6 km/h) .Decreasing the set vehicle speedTo 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
and release the SET/COAST switch.
. Push and hold the SET/COAST switch.
Release the switch when the vehicle slows
down to the desired speed.
. Push and then quickly release the SET/ COAST switch. Each time you do this, the
set speed will decrease by about 1 MPH
(1.6 km/h) .
Resuming the preset speedTo resume the preset speed, push and release
the RESUME/ACCELERATE switch. The vehicle
will resume the last set cruising speed when the
vehicle speed is over 25 MPH (40 km/h) .
5-30
Starting and driving
, Q I R U P D W L R Q 3 U R Y L G H G E \
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
5-35
, Q I R U P D W L R Q 3 U R Y L G H G E \
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.
5-38
Starting and driving
POWER STEERING BRAKE SYSTEM
, Q I R U P D W L R Q 3 U R Y L G H G E \
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 (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
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