Black plate (224,1)
Model "R35-D" EDITED: 2008/ 5/ 20
NOTICE
.Tow chains or cables must be at-
tached only to the vehicle recovery
hooks or main structural members
of the vehicle. Otherwise, the vehi-
cle body will be damaged.
. Never tow a vehicle using the vehi-
cle tie downs or recovery hooks.
. Pulling devices should be routed so
they do not touch any part of the
suspension, steering, brake or cool-
ing systems.Rocking a stuck vehicleIf your vehicle is stuck in sand, snow, mud, etc.,
use the following procedure:
1. Turn off the Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC)
system.
2. Make sure the area in front and behind the vehicle is clear of obstructions.
3. Turn the steering wheel right and left to clear an area around the front tires.
4. Slowly rock the vehicle forward and back- ward.
.Shift back and forth between the
&Rand
&A↔&M
positions. .
Apply the accelerator as little as possi-
ble to maintain the rocking motion.
. Release the accelerator pedal before
shifting between the
&R
and
&A↔&M
positions.
. Do not spin the tires above 35 MPH (55
km/h) .
5. If the vehicle cannot be freed after a few tries, contact a professional towing service
to remove the vehicle.
6-10
In case of emergency
, Q I R U P D W L R Q 3 U R Y L G H G E \
Black plate (232,1)
Model "R35-D" EDITED: 2008/ 5/ 20
Air pollutionIndustrial pollution, the presence of salt in the air
in coastal areas, or heavy road salt use will
accelerate the corrosion process. Road salt will
also accelerate the disintegration of paint
surfaces.TO PROTECT YOUR VEHICLE FROM
CORROSION.Wash and wax your vehicle often to keep the
vehicle clean.
. Always check for minor damage to the paint
and repair it as soon as possible.
. Keep drain holes at the bottom of the doors
open to avoid water accumulation.
. Check the underbody for accumulation of
sand, dirt or salt. If present, wash with water
as soon as possible.
CAUTION
.NEVER remove dirt, sand or other
debris from the passenger compart-
ment by washing it out with a hose.
Remove dirt with a vacuum cleaner
or broom.
. Never allow water or other liquids to
come in contact with electronic
components inside the vehicle as this may damage them.
Chemicals used for road surface deicing are
extremely corrosive. They accelerate corrosion
and deterioration of underbody components
such as the exhaust system, fuel and brake
lines, brake cables, floor pan and fenders.
In winter, the underbody must be cleaned
periodically.
For additional protection against rust and
corrosion, which may be required in some areas,
consult a GT-R certified NISSAN dealer.7-6
Appearance and care
, 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 (236,1)
Model "R35-D" EDITED: 2008/ 5/ 20
Your new NISSAN has been designed to have
minimum maintenance requirements with long
service intervals to save you both time and
money. However, some day-to-day and regular
maintenance is essential to maintain your
NISSAN’s fine mechanical condition, as well
as its emission and engine performance.
It is the owner’s responsibility to make sure that
the scheduled maintenance, as well as general
maintenance, is performed.
As the vehicle owner, you are the only one who
can ensure that your vehicle receives the proper
maintenance care. You are a vital link in the
maintenance chain.SCHEDULED MAINTENANCEFor your convenience, both required and op-
tional scheduled maintenance items are de-
scribed and listed in your “NISSAN Service and
Maintenance Guide”. You must refer to that
guide to ensure that necessary maintenance is
performed on your NISSAN at regular intervals.GENERAL MAINTENANCEGeneral maintenance includes those items
which should be checked during normal day-
to-day operation. They are essential for proper
vehicle operation. It is your responsibility to
perform these procedures regularly as pre-
scribed.Performing general maintenance checks re-
quires minimal mechanical skill and only a few
general automotive tools.
These checks or inspections can be done by
yourself, a qualified technician or, if you prefer, a
GT-R certified NISSAN dealer.
WHERE TO GO FOR SERVICEGT-R certified NISSAN dealers are required to
have additional training and equipment and are
the only NISSAN dealers authorized to perform
warranty work on key vehicle performance
systems such as engine, transmission, suspen-
sion and brakes.
If maintenance service is required or your vehicle
appears to malfunction, have the systems
checked and serviced by a GT-R certified
NISSAN dealer.
NISSAN technicians are well-trained specialists
and are kept up to date with the latest service
information through technical bulletins, service
tips, and in-dealer information systems. They are
completely qualified to work on NISSAN vehi-
cles
before work begins.
You can be confident that a GT-R certified
NISSAN dealer’s service department performs
the best job to meet the maintenance require-
ments on your vehicle — in a reliable and
economical way. To find a GT-R certified NISSAN dealer near
you, call 1-866-668-1GTR in the US or 1-800-
387-0122 in Canada, or go to www. gtrnissan.
com/.
8-2
Maintenance and do-it-yourself
MAINTENANCE REQUIREMENT
, 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 (239,1)
Model "R35-D" EDITED: 2008/ 5/ 20
been parked for a while. Water dripping from the
air conditioner after use is normal. If you should
notice any leaks or if gasoline fumes are evident,
check for the cause and have it corrected
immediately.
Power steering fluid level* and lines:Check
the level when the fluid is cold, with the engine
off. Check the lines for proper attachment, leaks,
cracks, etc.
Radiator and hoses: Check the front of the
radiator and clean off any dirt, insects, leaves,
etc., that may have accumulated. Make sure the
hoses have no cracks, deformation, rot or loose
connections.
Underbody: The underbody is frequently ex-
posed to corrosive substances such as those
used on icy roads or to control dust. It is very
important to remove these substances, other-
wise rust will form on the floor pan, frame, fuel
lines and around the exhaust system. At the end
of winter, the underbody should be thoroughly
flushed with plain water, being careful to clean
those areas where mud and dirt may accumu-
late. (
“UNDERBODY” page 7-3)
Windshield washer fluid*: Check that there is
adequate fluid in the reservoir.
When performing any inspection or mainte-
nance work on your vehicle, always take care
to prevent serious accidental injury to yourself or
damage to the vehicle. The following are general
precautions which should be closely observed.
WARNING
. Park the vehicle on a level surface,
apply the parking brake securely
and block the wheels to prevent
the vehicle from moving. Move the
shift lever to the
&Pposition.
. Be sure the ignition switch is in the
OFF or LOCK position when per-
forming any parts replacement or
repairs.
. If you must work with the engine
running, keep your hands, clothing,
hair and tools away from moving
fans, belts and any other moving
parts.
. It is advisable to secure or remove
any loose clothing and remove any
jewelry, such as rings, watches, etc.
before working on your vehicle.
. Always wear eye protection when-
ever you work on your vehicle.
. If you must run the engine in an enclosed space such as a garage, be
sure there is proper ventilation for
exhaust gases to escape.
. Never get under the vehicle while it
is supported only by a jack. If it is
necessary to work under the vehicle,
support it with safety stands.
. Keep smoking materials, flame and
sparks away from fuel tank and the
battery.
. Your vehicle is equipped with an
automatic engine cooling fan. It may
come on at any time without warn-
ing, even if the ignition key is in the
OFF position and the engine is not
running. To avoid injury, always
disconnect the negative battery
cable before working near the fan.
. The fuel filter or fuel lines should be
serviced by a GT-R certified NISSAN
dealer because the fuel lines are
under high pressure even when the
engine is off.
CAUTION
.Do not work under the hood while
the engine is hot. Turn the engine
Maintenance and do-it-yourself
8-5
MAINTENANCE PRECAUTIONS
, Q I R U P D W L R Q 3 U R Y L G H G E \
Black plate (241,1)
Model "R35-D" EDITED: 2008/ 5/ 20
1. Fuse/fusible link holder
2. Battery
3. Engine oil filler cap
4. Engine oil dipstick
5. Brake fluid reservoir
6. Air cleaner7. Power steering fluid reservoir
8. Radiator filler cap
9. Coolant reservoir cap (pressure type)
10. Coolant reservoir
11. Window washer fluid reservoir
NOTICE
The coolant reservoir is equipped with a
pressure type cap, and the radiator is
equipped with a non-pressure type cap.
Do not switch the radiator filler cap and
the coolant reservoir cap. Doing so will
cause substandard cooling perfor-
mance and overheating.
Maintenance and do-it-yourself
8-7
ENGINE COMPARTMENT CHECK
LOCATIONS
, Q I R U P D W L R Q 3 U R Y L G H G E \
Black plate (246,1)
Model "R35-D" EDITED: 2008/ 5/ 20
CHECKING ENGINE OIL LEVEL1. Park the vehicle on a level surface and applythe parking brake.
2. Run the engine until it reaches operating temperature.
3. Turn off the engine. Wait at least 5
minutes for the oil to drain back into
the oil pan before checking the oil.
4. Remove the dipstick and wipe it clean. Reinsert it all the way.
5. Remove the dipstick again and check the oil level. It should be within the range
*1. If the
oil level is below
*2, remove the oil filler cap and pour recommended oil through the
opening.
Do not overfill
*3.
6. Recheck oil level with the dipstick.
NOTE:It is normal to add some oil between oil
maintenance intervals or during the break-
in period, depending on the severity of
operating conditions.
NOTICE
. 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 opera-
tion 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. .
Oil level should be checked regu-
larly. Operating the engine with an
insufficient amount of oil can da-
mage the engine. See the 2009
NISSAN GT-R Warranty Information
Booklet for details including applic-
able exclusions.
CHANGING ENGINE OIL AND FILTERNOTE:When replacement is required, contact a
GT-R certified NISSAN dealer for servicing.
WARNING
.Prolonged and repeated contact
with used engine oil may cause skin
cancer.
. Try to avoid direct skin contact with
used oil. If skin contact is made,
wash thoroughly with soap or hand
cleaner as soon as possible.
. Keep used engine oil out of reach of
children.
8-12
Maintenance and do-it-yourself
ENGINE OIL
, Q I R U P D W L R Q 3 U R Y L G H G E \