2009 NISSAN GT-R maintenance

Black plate (4,1)
Model "R35-D" EDITED: 2008/ 4/ 18
Welcome to the growing family of new NISSAN
owners. This vehicle is delivered to you with
confidence. It was produced using the latest
techniques and strict quality control.
This manual was prepared to help you under-
stand the operation and maintenance of your
vehicle so that you may enjoy many miles
(kilometers) of driving pleasure. Please read
through this manual before operating your
vehicle.
A separate Warranty Information Booklet
contains the warranties covering your
vehicle (whose terms have control over
this Owner’s Manual or any other docu-
ment or representation regarding warranty
coverage) . The “NISSAN Service and Main-
tenance Guide” explains details about
maintaining and servicing your vehicle.
Additionally, a separate Customer Care/
Lemon Law Booklet (U.S. only) will explain
how to resolve any concerns you may have
with your vehicle, as well as clarify your
rights under your state’s lemon law.
Your NISSAN dealership knows your vehi-
cle best. When you require any service or
have any questions, they will be glad to
assist you with the extensive resources
available to them.
READ FIRST — THEN DRIVE SAFELYBefore driving your vehicle, please read this
Owner’s Manual carefully. This will ensure
familiarity with controls and maintenance re-
quirements, assisting you in the safe operation
of your vehicle.
WARNING
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATIONREMINDERS FOR SAFETY!
Follow these important driving rules to
help ensure a safe and comfortable trip
for you and your passengers!
. NEVER drive under the influence of
alcohol or drugs.
. ALWAYS observe posted speed lim-
its and never drive too fast for
conditions.
. ALWAYS give your full attention to
driving and avoid using vehicle
features or taking other actions that
could distract you.
. ALWAYS use your seat belts and
appropriate child restraint systems.
Pre-teen children should be seated
in the rear seat.
. ALWAYS provide information about
the proper use of vehicle safety features to all occupants of the
vehicle.
. ALWAYS review this Owner’s Man-
ual for important safety information.
MODIFICATION OF YOUR VEHICLEThis vehicle should not be modified. Mod-
ification could affect its performance,
safety or durability, and may even violate
governmental regulations. See the 2009
Nissan GT-R Warranty Information Booklet
for details including applicable exclusions.WHEN READING THE MANUALThis manual includes information for all
options available on this model. Therefore,
you may find some information that does
not apply to your vehicle.
All information, specifications and illustrations in
this manual are those in effect at the time of
printing. NISSAN reserves the right to change
specifications or design at any time without
notice.
Foreword
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Table of
Contents
Model "R35-D" Edited: 2008/ 4/ 18
GT-R OverviewIllustrated table of contentsSafety — Seats, seat belts and supplemental restraint systemInstruments and controlsPre-driving checks and adjustmentsDisplay screen, heater, air conditioner and audio systemsStarting and drivingIn case of emergencyAppearance and careMaintenance and do-it-yourselfTechnical and consumer information
GTR0123456789
Index
10
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GT-R specific information................................. GTR-2
Warranty information ................................... GTR-2
Maintenance information .............................. GTR-2
GT-R special specification parts ........................ GTR-2
Engine oil ................................................. GTR-2
Transmission oil ......................................... GTR-2
Differential oil (front and rear) ........................ GTR-2
Brake fluid ................................................ GTR-3
Tires and road wheels ................................. GTR-3
Brake pad and disc rotor ............................. GTR-3
Exhaust muffler .......................................... GTR-3
Exterior parts (spoiler, etc.) ........................... GTR-3
GT-R performance optimization services .............. GTR-4
Wheel alignment inspection and adjustment
(if necessary) (including tire pressure
adjustment) ............................................... GTR-4
Engine settings (balancing right and left
air flow) ................................................... GTR-4
Transmission settings .................................. GTR-4
Precautions before driving ................................ GTR-5
Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) off mode ........ GTR-5
Summer tires ............................................ GTR-5
All-season tires .......................................... GTR-5
Body repair ................................................... GTR-5 Additional maintenance items
............................ GTR-6
Fluids ...................................................... GTR-6
Inspection and adjustments of tires, suspension
and brakes ............................................... GTR-6
Replenishing coolant ................................... GTR-6
Coolant mixture ratio ................................... GTR-7
Cool down ............................................... GTR-7
GT-R specific vehicle characteristics ................... GTR-7
Refueling precautions .................................. GTR-7
Refueling stops before the tank is full ............. GTR-7
Gasoline smell ........................................... GTR-7
Outside temperature display indicates higher
temperature .............................................. GTR-7
Idle speed is not steady ............................... GTR-7
Engine speed is restricted ............................ GTR-7
Distortion of rear wing ................................. GTR-8
Uneven wear of tires ................................... GTR-8
Noises are heard while driving ....................... GTR-8
Brake dust ................................................ GTR-9
Mechanical Limited Slip Differential (LSD)
characteristics ........................................... GTR-9
Dual clutch transmission .................................. GTR-9
Transmission operation characteristics ........... GTR-10
GT-R Overview
Model "R35-D" EDITED: 2008/ 5/ 20
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Model "R35-D" EDITED: 2008/ 5/ 20
The GT-R is NISSAN’s first supercar category
vehicle. The GT-R is equipped with special
systems. These systems are different than those
used on conventional vehicles to allow for the
high performance driving characteristics of this
vehicle. Your vehicle should be maintained by a
GT-R certified NISSAN dealer. Special skills,
knowledge and equipment are necessary to
properly maintain your GT-R.WARRANTY INFORMATIONPlease read this OM carefully, together with your
Warranty Information Booklet which describes a
number of express limitations and exclusions for
failure to follow the instructions contained in this
OM, including, but not limited to:
.Failure to use proper parts, fuel and fluids,
. Driving with the VDC off,
. Racing,
. Modifications, including reprogramming or
replacing/adding chips in any on-board
computer,
. Failure to have required Performance Opti-
mization Services performed.
In addition, see your Dunlop/Goodyear and
Bridgestone tire warranties for specific limita-
tions or exclusions for operating summer tires
below 48F( 20 8C) .
MAINTENANCE INFORMATION. Special skills, knowledge and equipment are
necessary to properly inspect and adjust the
GT-R engine, transmission, suspension and
brakes to maintain performance. A GT-R
certified NISSAN dealer has the GT-R
certified technical staff and the special
equipment to properly maintain your GT-R.
. Many general periodic maintenance items
can be performed at all NISSAN dealers.
However, make sure the specified fluids and
parts are used when the maintenance is
performed.
Only use the following required fluids and parts
in the GT-R.ENGINE OILMobil 1, 0W-40 (100% synthetic oil)
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.TRANSMISSION OILGenuine NISSAN Transmission Oil R35
Special (100% synthetic oil)
The GT-R uses a multiple-disc dual wet clutch
transmission. The specially developed transmis-
sion oil maximizes the friction characteristics of
the clutch and the lubrication of the gear
bearings. The use of additives is prohibited.DIFFERENTIAL OIL (front and rear)Castrol SAF-XJ 75W-140 (100% synthetic
oil)
The GT-R uses a 1.5-Way mechanical Limited
Slip Differential (LSD) to maximize driving power
under many operating conditions. Use the
specified differential oil to maximize the perfor-
GTR-2
GT-R Overview
GT-R SPECIFIC INFORMATION GT-R SPECIAL SPECIFICATION
PARTS
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Model "R35-D" EDITED: 2008/ 5/ 20
In addition to the regular maintenance recom-
mended by NISSAN, the GT-R requires the
following special inspections:
.Wheel alignment inspection and adjustment
(if necessary) (including tire pressure ad-
justment)
. Engine settings (balancing right and left air
flow)
. Transmission settings
These inspections are required at the following
intervals:
. 1,000 miles
. 12 months
. 24 months
. 36 monthsNOTE:.These inspections will be performed
free of charge for labor at a GT-R
certified NISSAN dealer only. Inspec-
tions thereafter are recommended
every 12 months or 12,000 miles
(whichever comes first) at the custo-
mer’s expense. See the 2009 NISSAN
GT-R Warranty Information Booklet for
details.
. Repairs and adjustments involving parts replacement, etc. determined to
be necessary as a result of these
inspections are performed at the cus-
tomer’s expense.
. See the 2009 NISSAN GT-R Warranty
Information Booklet for significant lim-
itations, exclusions and possible void-
ing of your warranty resulting from
failure to have these necessary inspec-
tions, repairs and/or adjustments per-
formed.
. See the 2009 NISSAN GT-R Service and
Maintenance Guide for a detailed ex-
planation of the GT-R Performance
Optimization services.
WHEEL ALIGNMENT INSPECTION
AND ADJUSTMENT (if necessary)
(including tire pressure adjustment)This vehicle is equipped with a high perfor-
mance suspension. The vehicle’s wheel align-
ment needs to be measured and adjusted (if
necessary) by a GT-R certified NISSAN dealer
as necessary as the vehicle is driven and the
suspension parts break-in.
ENGINE SETTINGS (balancing right
and left air flow)Each cylinder bank of this engine operates
independently due to the vehicle’s twin turbo-
charger design. Each side of the engine must
operate at the same level of performance. The
power output of each bank must be checked
and adjusted as necessary by a GT-R certified
NISSAN dealer.TRANSMISSION SETTINGSThe design of the clutch and transmission
requires inspection and adjustment of the clutch
and shift forks by a GT-R certified NISSAN
dealer at the recommended intervals. Depend-
ing on the driving conditions, more frequent
adjustments may be necessary to help maximize
vehicle performance.
GTR-4
GT-R Overview
GT-R PERFORMANCE
OPTIMIZATION SERVICES
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Model "R35-D" EDITED: 2008/ 5/ 20
The following information applies if you engage
in performance driving such as driving your
GT-R for extended periods under the following
conditions.
.Higher-RPM (approaching redline) opera-
tion
. Frequent high pedal force braking from
moderate and higher speeds
. Frequent throttle activation
. Fast revving throughout the RPM range
In such cases, the following additional main-
tenance guidelines apply.
However, you should also carefully read
your 2009 NISSAN GT-R Warranty Informa-
tion Booklet for important information
concerning warranty coverage, limitations
and exclusions.
We recommend that maintenance be performed
at a GT-R certified NISSAN dealer. NISSAN will
only pay for GT-R Performance Optimization
Services performed at a GT-R certified NISSAN
dealer.FLUIDS. Before driving, check the fluid levels and
adjust as necessary using the specified fluid.
. Check the amount of fluid for the power steering.
. Be sure to change the fluids listed below
with the specified fluids every 1,800 miles
(3,000 km) .
ITEMS GT-R SPECIFIED FLUIDS
Engine oil Mobil 1, 0W-40*1
Transmission oil Genuine NISSAN Transmission
Oil R35 Special
Differential oil
(front and rear) Castrol SAF-XJ 75W-140
Brake fluid Genuine NISSAN Brake Fluid
R35 Special DOT4*2
*1: 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 dur-
ability 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; however, some perfor-
mance loss may be noticed.
*2: Genuine NISSAN Brake Fluid R35 Special DOT4 is the factory fill brake fluid. The Vehicle Dynamic
Control (VDC) unit and other related parts were
specially designed for this brake fluid and NISSAN
cannot ensure the best performance and proper
operation of the vehicle if other brake fluid is used.
INSPECTION AND ADJUSTMENTS
OF TIRES, SUSPENSION AND
BRAKES. Measure and adjust the wheel alignment.
. Check the tire pressure and the Tire
Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) sen-
sor.
. Make tire pressure adjustments only when
the tires are cool. (
“WHEELS AND
TIRES” page 8-29)
. Secure road wheel balance weights with
aluminum tape or equivalent.
. Check the heat deterioration and wear of the
brakes. (As necessary, the brake pad and
the brake disc rotor must be replaced as a
set of four with new ones.)
REPLENISHING COOLANTCheck the coolant level in the pressurized
coolant reservoir. Adjust the level so that the
fluid is between the MAX and MIN markings. For
the coolant, use genuine NISSAN Long Life
coolant. (On delivery of new vehicle, the
reservoir is filled to the MIN level. Be sure to
replenish approximately 0.3 to 0.4 US quart (0.3
to 0.4 liter) of coolant.)
GTR-6
GT-R Overview
ADDITIONAL MAINTENANCE ITEMS
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1 Safety — Seats, seat belts and supple-mental restraint system
Model "R35-D" EDITED: 2008/ 5/ 20
Seats .............................................................. 1-2
Front seats ................................................... 1-2
Seat belts ........................................................ 1-5
Precautions on seat belt usage ......................... 1-5
Child safety .................................................. 1-7
Pregnant women ............................................ 1-9
Injured persons .............................................. 1-9
Three-point type seat belt with retractor .............. 1-9
Seat belt extenders ....................................... 1-12
Seat belt maintenance ................................... 1-12
Child restraints ................................................ 1-13
Precautions on child restraints ......................... 1-13
Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren system
(LATCH) .................................................... 1-15
Top tether strap child restraint ......................... 1-16
Child restraint installation using LATCH ............. 1-17
Child restraint installation using the seat belts ..... 1-21Booster seats
.................................................. 1-27
Precautions on booster seats .......................... 1-27
Booster seat installation ................................. 1-29
Supplemental restraint system ............................. 1-31
Precautions on supplemental restraint system . .... 1-31
NISSAN Advanced Air Bag System
(front seats) ................................................ 1-36
Front seat-mounted side-impact supplemental air
bag and roof-mounted curtain side-impact
supplemental air bag system (if so equipped) . .... 1-40
Seat belts with pretensioners (front seats) ......... 1-42
Supplemental air bag warning labels ................. 1-43
Supplemental air bag warning light ................... 1-43
Repair and replacement procedure ................... 1-44
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Model "R35-D" EDITED: 2008/ 5/ 20
Shoulder belt arm (for front seats)Before fastening the seat belt, pull the shoulder
belt arm forward until it clicks at the lock
position. The arm can also be folded down to
allow rear seat passengers easier access.
Pulling the arm forward will allow an easy access
to the belt.SEAT BELT EXTENDERSIf, because of body size or driving position, it is
not possible to properly fit the lap-shoulder belt
and fasten it, an extender is available that is
compatible with the installed seat belts. The
extender adds approximately 8 in (200 mm) of
length and may be used for either the driver or
front passenger seating position. See a GT-Rcertified NISSAN dealer for assistance if the
extender is required.
WARNING
.
Only NISSAN seat belt extenders,
made by the same company which
made the original equipment seat
belts, should be used with the
NISSAN seat belts.
. Adults and children who can use the
standard seat belt should not use an
extender. Such unnecessary use
could result in serious personal
injury in the event of an accident.
. Never use seat belt extenders to
install child restraints. If the child
restraint is not secured properly, the
child could be seriously injured in a
collision or a sudden stop.SEAT BELT MAINTENANCE.To clean the seat belt webbings, apply a
mild soap solution or any solution recom-
mended for cleaning upholstery or carpets.
Then, wipe with a cloth and allow the seat
belts to dry in the shade. Do not allow the
seat belts to retract until they are completely
dry.
. If dirt builds up in the shoulder belt guide
of the seat belt anchors, the seat
belts may retract slowly. Wipe the shoulder
belt guide with a clean, dry cloth.
. Periodically check to see that the seat
belt and the metal components such as
buckles, tongues, retractors, flexible wires
and anchors work properly. If loose parts,
deterioration, cuts or other damage on the
webbing is found, the entire seat belt
assembly should be replaced.
1-12
Safety — Seats, seat belts and supplemental restraint system
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