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 (28,1)
8 Maintenance and do-it-yourself
Model "R35-D" EDITED: 2008/ 5/ 20
Maintenance requirement..................................... 8-2
Scheduled maintenance ................................... 8-2
General maintenance ...................................... 8-2
Where to go for service ................................... 8-2
General maintenance .......................................... 8-3
Explanation of maintenance items ....................... 8-3
Maintenance precautions ..................................... 8-5
Engine compartment check locations ...................... 8-7
Removing the cowl top cover ............................ 8-8
Engine cooling system ......................................... 8-9
Checking engine coolant level ......................... 8-11
Changing engine coolant ............................... 8-11
Engine oil ....................................................... 8-12
Checking engine oil level ............................... 8-12
Changing engine oil and filter .......................... 8-12
Transmission oil ............................................... 8-13
Power steering fluid .......................................... 8-13
Brake fluid ...................................................... 8-14
Window washer fluid ........................................ 8-15
Battery .......................................................... 8-15
Precautions ................................................ 8-15
Fluid level check .......................................... 8-16
Jump starting .............................................. 8-17 Drive belts
...................................................... 8-17
Spark plugs .................................................... 8-18
Replacing spark plugs ................................... 8-18
Air cleaner ...................................................... 8-19
Windshield wiper blades .................................... 8-19
Cleaning .................................................... 8-19
Replacing the wiper blades ............................ 8-20
Brakes ........................................................... 8-20
Self-adjusting brakes .................................... 8-20
Brake pad wear indicators .............................. 8-20
High performance brake system ....................... 8-21
Replacing the brake pads .............................. 8-21
Fuses ............................................................ 8-22
Engine compartment ..................................... 8-22
Passenger compartment ................................ 8-23
Intelligent Key battery replacement ....................... 8-23
Lights ............................................................ 8-26
Headlights .................................................. 8-26
Exterior and interior lights ............................... 8-27
Wheels and tires .............................................. 8-29
Tire pressure ............................................... 8-29
Tire and loading information label ..................... 8-31
Checking the tire pressure ............................. 8-32
Tire labeling ................................................ 8-33
, Q I R U P D W L R Q 3 U R Y L G H G E \
Black plate (237,1)
Model "R35-D" EDITED: 2008/ 5/ 20
During the normal day-to-day operation of the
vehicle, general maintenance should be per-
formed regularly as prescribed in this section. If
you detect any unusual sounds, vibrations or
smell, be sure to check for the cause or have a
GT-R certified NISSAN dealer do it promptly. In
addition, you should notify a GT-R certified
NISSAN dealer if you think that repairs are
required. (
“MAINTENANCE PRECAU-
TIONS” page 8-5)
EXPLANATION OF MAINTENANCE
ITEMSAdditional information on the following
items with “*” is found later in this section.Outside the vehicleThe maintenance items listed here should be
performed from time to time, unless otherwise
specified.
Doors and engine hood: Check that all doors
and the engine hood, operate properly. Also
ensure that all latches lock securely. Lubricate
hinges, latches, latch pins, rollers and links if
necessary. Make sure that the secondary latch
keeps the hood from opening when the primary
latch is released.
When driving in areas using road salt or other
corrosive materials, check lubrication frequently. Lights*:
Clean the headlights on a regular basis.
Make sure that the headlights, stop lights, tail
lights, turn signal lights, and other lights are all
operating properly and installed securely. Also
check headlight aim.
Road wheel nuts (lug nuts)*: When checking
the tires, make sure no wheel nuts are missing,
and check for any loose wheel nuts. Tighten if
necessary.
Tire rotation*: Tires cannot be rotated because
your vehicle is equipped with different sized tires
in the front and rear.
Tires*: Check the pressure with a gauge often
and always prior to long distance trips. If
necessary, adjust the pressure in all tires to the
pressure specified. Check carefully for damage,
cuts or excessive wear.
NOTE:. You can check the pressure of all four
tires on the multi function display. See
the separate Multi Function Display
Owner’s Manual.
. The tires of this vehicle are filled with
nitrogen gas. When the tire pressure is
low, fill the tires with nitrogen. Contact
a GT-R certified NISSAN dealer for
information on filling the tires with
nitrogen. .
If nitrogen is not available, compressed
air may be safely used under normal
driving conditions. However, NISSAN
recommends refilling with nitrogen for
maximum tire performance.
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
transmitter components: Replace the TPMS
transmitter grommet seal, valve core and cap
when the tires are replaced due to wear or age.
Tire, wheel alignment and balance: If the
vehicle should pull to either side while driving on
a straight and level road, or if you detect uneven
or abnormal tire wear, there may be a need for
wheel alignment.
If the steering wheel or seat vibrates at normal
highway speeds, wheel balancing may be
needed.
For additional information regarding tires, refer
to “Important Tire Safety Information” (US) or
“Tire Safety Information” (Canada) in the War-
ranty Information Booklet.
Windshield: Clean the windshield on a regular
basis. Check the windshield at least every six
months for cracks or other damage. Have a
damaged windshield repaired by a qualified
repair facility.
Windshield wiper blades*: Check for cracks
or wear if they do not wipe properly.
Maintenance and do-it-yourself
8-3
GENERAL MAINTENANCE
, 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 (256,1)
Model "R35-D" EDITED: 2008/ 5/ 20
ENGINE COMPARTMENT
CAUTION
Never use a fuse of a higher or lower
amperage rating than that specified on
the fuse box cover. This could damage
the electrical system or cause a fire.
If any electrical equipment does not operate,
check for an open fuse.
1. Be sure the ignition switch is pushed to the OFF or LOCK position and the headlight
switch is turned to OFF. 2. Open the engine hood and remove the
cover on the battery and the fuse/fusible link
holder.
3. Remove the fuse/fusible link holder cover.
4. Remove the fuse with the fuse puller that is located in the engine compartment fuse box.
5. If the fuse is open
*A
, replace it with a new
fuses
*B. Spare fuses are stored in the
passenger compartment fuse box.
6. If a new fuse also opens, have the electrical system checked and repaired by a GT-R
certified NISSAN dealer.
Fusible linksIf any electrical equipment does not operate and
fuses are in good condition, check the fusible
links. If any of these fusible links are melted,
replace only with genuine NISSAN parts.
8-22
Maintenance and do-it-yourself
FUSES
, Q I R U P D W L R Q 3 U R Y L G H G E \
Black plate (282,1)
Model "R35-D" EDITED: 2008/ 5/ 20
NOTICE
Take care not to spill gasoline during
refueling. Gasoline containing oxyge-
nates can cause paint damage.E-85 fuelE-85 fuel is a mixture of approximately 85% fuel
ethanol and 15% unleaded gasoline. E-85 can
only be used in a Flexible Fuel Vehicle (FFV) . Do
not use E-85 fuel in your vehicle. U.S. govern-
ment regulations require fuel ethanol dispensing
pumps to be identified by a small, square,
orange and black label with the common
abbreviation or the appropriate percentage for
that region.Aftermarket fuel additives
NOTICE
NISSAN does not recommend the use
of any aftermarket fuel additives (Ex-
ample: fuel injector cleaner, intake
valve deposit removers, etc.) which are
sold commercially. Many of these ad-
ditives intended for gum, varnish or
deposit removal may contain active
solvent or similar ingredients that can
be harmful to the fuel system and
engine.
Octane rating tipsUsing unleaded gasoline with an octane
rating lower than recommended above can
cause persistent, heavy spark knock.
(Spark knock is a metallic rapping noise.)
If severe, this can lead to engine damage.
If you detect a persistent heavy spark
knock even when using gasoline of the
stated octane rating, or if you hear steady
spark knock while holding a steady speed
on level roads, have a GT-R certified
NISSAN dealer correct the condition. Fail-
ure to correct the condition is misuse of
the vehicle, for which NISSAN is not
responsible.
Incorrect ignition timing will result in knocking,
after-run or overheating. This in turn may cause
excessive fuel consumption or damage to the
engine. If any of the above symptoms are
encountered, have your vehicle checked at a
GT-R certified NISSAN dealer or other compe-
tent service facility.
However, now and then you may notice
light spark knock for a short time while
accelerating or driving up hills. This is no
cause for concern, because you get the
greatest fuel benefit when there is light
spark knock for a short time under heavy
engine load.
ENGINE OIL AND OIL FILTER RE-
COMMENDATION
Selecting the correct oilIt is essential to choose the correct grade,
quality, and viscosity engine oil to ensure
satisfactory engine life and performance.
(
“CAPACITIES AND RECOMMENDED
FUEL/LUBRICANTS” page 9-2)
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
durability 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; how-
ever, some performance loss may be noticed.
NOTICE
Using an engine oil other than that
specified could adversely affect the
engine. See the 2009 Nissan GT-R
Warranty Information Booklet for de-
tails and exclusions.Oil additivesNISSAN does not recommend the use of oil
additives. The use of an oil additive is not
necessary when the proper oil type is used and
maintenance intervals are followed.
9-4
Technical and consumer information
, Q I R U P D W L R Q 3 U R Y L G H G E \
Black plate (294,1)
Model "R35-D" EDITED: 2008/ 5/ 20
If you believe that your vehicle has a defect
which could cause a crash or could cause
injury or death, you should immediately
inform the National Highway Traffic Safety
Administration (NHTSA) in addition to
notifying NISSAN.
If NHTSA receives similar complaints, it
may open an investigation, and if it finds
that a safety defect exists in a group of
vehicles, it may order a recall and remedy
campaign. However, NHTSA cannot be-
come involved in individual problems be-
tween you, your dealer, or NISSAN.
To contact NHTSA, you may call the
Vehicle Safety Hotline toll-free at 1-888-
327-4236 (TTY: 1-800-424-9153); go to
http://www.safercar.gov; or write to: Ad-
ministrator, NHTSA, 400 Seventh Street,
SW., Washington DC 20590. You can also
obtain other information about motor vehi-
cle safety from http://www.safercar.gov.
You may notify NISSAN by contacting our
Consumer Affairs Department, toll-free, at
1-866-668-1GTR (1-866-668-1487) .
A vehicle equipped with All-Wheel Drive (AWD)
should never be tested using a two wheel
dynamometer (such as the dynamometers used
by some states for emissions testing) , or similar
equipment. Make sure you inform test facility
personnel that your vehicle is equipped with
AWD before it is placed on a dynamometer.
Using the wrong test equipment may result in
transmission damage or unexpected vehicle
movement which could result in serious vehicle
damage or personal injury.
Due to legal requirements in some states/ areas,
your vehicle may be required to be in what is
called the “ready condition” for an Inspection/
Maintenance (I/M) test of the emission control
system.
The vehicle is set to the “ready condition” when
it is driven through certain driving patterns.
Usually, the “ready condition” can be obtained
by ordinary usage of the vehicle.
If a powertrain system component is repaired or
the battery is disconnected, the vehicle may be
reset to a “not ready condition”. Before taking
the I/M test, check the vehicle’s inspection/
maintenance test readiness condition. Push the
ignition switch to the ON position without
starting the engine. If the Malfunction Indicator
Light (MIL) comes on steady for 20 seconds and
then blinks for 10 seconds, the I/M test
condition is “not ready”. If the MIL does notblink after 20 seconds, the I/M test condition is
“ready”.
If the MIL indicates the vehicle is in a “not ready”
condition, drive the vehicle through the following
pattern to set the vehicle to the “ready condi-
tion”. If you cannot or do not want to perform the
driving pattern, a GT-R certified NISSAN dealer
can conduct it for you.
WARNING
Always drive the vehicle in a safe and
prudent manner according to traffic
conditions and obey all traffic laws.
1. Start the engine. Allow the engine to idle until the engine coolant temperature gauge
needle points between the C and H (normal
operating temperature) .
2. Accelerate the vehicle to 55 MPH (88 km/h) , then quickly release the accelerator
pedal completely and keep it released for at
least 10 seconds.
3. Quickly depress the accelerator pedal for a moment, then drive the vehicle at a speed of
53 to 60 MPH (86 to 96 km/h) for at least 9
minutes.
4. Stop the vehicle. Leave the engine running.
5. Accelerate the vehicle to 35 MPH (55 km/h)
9-16
Technical and consumer information
REPORTING SAFETY DEFECTS (US
only) READINESS FOR INSPECTION/
MAINTENANCE (I/M) TEST (US only)
, Q I R U P D W L R Q 3 U R Y L G H G E \
Black plate (1,1)
10 Index
A
Additional maintenance items ................... GTR-6
Air cleaner .......................................... 8-19
Air conditioner Air conditioner specification label ............ 9-10
Air conditioning system refrigerant and
lubricant recommendations ......................... 9-5
All-season tires ................................... GTR-5
All-Wheel Drive .................................... 5-34
All-Wheel Drive driving safety precautions ........ 5-7
Aluminum alloy wheels .............................. 7-3
Anti-freeze .......................................... 5-42
Anti-lock Braking System ......................... 5-39
Anti-lock Braking System warning ................ 2-34
Audible reminders ................................. 2-30
Automatic Automatic door lock system .................... 3-5
Average fuel consumption and speed ............ 2-15
Avoiding collision and rollover ...................... 5-5
AWD clutch high temperature warning .......... 2-35
AWD system characteristics ...................... 5-35
AWD system warning ............................. 2-36
AWD warning light ................................ 5-34
B
Battery ....................................... 5-42, 8-15
Intelligent Key battery discharge .............. 5-10
Intelligent Key battery discharge indicator . . . 2-42
Intelligent Key battery replacement ........... 8-23
Before starting the engine ........................ 5-11
Body repair ....................................... GTR-5 Booster seat installation
........................... 1-29
Booster seats ...................................... 1-27
Brake Brake assist .................................... 5-39
Brake dust .................................... GTR-9
Brake fluid ............................. GTR-3, 8-14
Brake pad and disc rotor .................... GTR-3
Brake pad wear indicators .................... 8-20
Brake system ................................... 5-38
Brakes .......................................... 8-20
High performance brake system .............. 8-21
Inspection and adjustments of tires,
suspension and brakes ...................... GTR-6
Low brake fluid warning ....................... 2-34
Parking brake .................................. 5-27
Parking brake break-in ......................... 5-39
Parking brake release warning ................ 2-34
Replacing the brake pads ..................... 8-21
Self-adjusting brakes .......................... 8-20
Braking precautions ............................... 5-38
Break-in schedule .................................. 5-32
C
Capacities and recommended fuel/lubricants ..... 9-2
Changing Changing engine coolant ...................... 8-11
Changing engine oil and filter ................. 8-12
Changing wheels and tires .................... 8-37
Checking Checking bulbs ................................ 2-23
Checking engine coolant level ................ 8-11
Checking engine oil level ...................... 8-12 Checking the tire pressure
.................... 8-32
Child restraint installation using LATCH. ......... 1-17
Child restraint installation using the seat
belts ................................................. 1-21
Child restraints ..................................... 1-13
Child safety ........................................... 1-7
Chrome parts ........................................ 7-3
Cleaning ............................................ 8-19
Cleaning exterior ..................................... 7-2
Cleaning interior ..................................... 7-4
Clearing the programmed information ............ 2-63
Closing the fuel-filler door ........................ 3-24
Closing the hood .................................. 3-18
Coat hooks ......................................... 2-56
Cockpit ............................................... 2-2
Cold weather driving .............................. 5-42
Console box ........................................ 2-56
Cool down ........................................ GTR-7
Coolant Changing engine coolant ...................... 8-11
Checking engine coolant level ................ 8-11
Coolant mixture ratio ......................... GTR-7
Draining of coolant water ..................... 5-42
Engine coolant temperature gauge ............. 2-6
Replenishing coolant ........................ GTR-6
Corrosion protection ................................. 7-5
Cruise control ............................... 2-14, 5-28
Cruise control operations ......................... 5-29
Cruise control system warning .................... 2-37
Cup holders ........................................ 2-53
Current fuel consumption ......................... 2-14
Model "R35-D" EDITED: 2008/ 5/ 20
, Q I R U P D W L R Q 3 U R Y L G H G E \