Black plate (19,1)
5 Starting and driving
Model "R35-D" EDITED: 2008/ 5/ 20
Precautions when starting and driving..................... 5-2
Exhaust gas (Carbon monoxide) ........................ 5-2
Three-way catalyst .......................................... 5-2
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) ............. 5-3
Avoiding collision and rollover ........................... 5-5
Off-road recovery ........................................... 5-6
Rapid air pressure loss .................................... 5-6
Drinking alcohol/drugs and driving ...................... 5-7
All-Wheel Drive (AWD) driving safety
precautions ................................................... 5-7
Push-button ignition switch .................................. 5-8
Operating range for engine start ........................ 5-8
Ignition switch operation .................................. 5-8
Ignition switch positions ................................... 5-9
Intelligent Key battery discharge ...................... 5-10
Before starting the engine .................................. 5-11
Starting the engine ........................................... 5-11
Driving the vehicle ............................................ 5-13
Dual clutch transmission ................................ 5-13
Driving tips ................................................. 5-19
VDC, transmission and suspension setup
switches ........................................................ 5-21
How to switch the modes .............................. 5-22
Features of each mode .................................. 5-23
Turbocharger system ......................................... 5-26
Parking brake .................................................. 5-27 Cruise control
................................................. 5-28
Precautions on cruise control .......................... 5-28
Steering-wheel-mounted controls ..................... 5-29
Indicators and display ................................... 5-29
Cruise control operations ............................... 5-29
Hill Start Assist ................................................ 5-31
Break-in schedule ............................................ 5-32
Increasing fuel economy .................................... 5-33
All-Wheel Drive (AWD) ..................................... 5-34
AWD warning light ....................................... 5-34
Tight corner braking phenomenon .................... 5-35
Tires ......................................................... 5-35
AWD system characteristics ........................... 5-35
Limited Slip Differential (LSD) ............................. 5-36
Parking/parking on hills ...................................... 5-37
Power steering ................................................ 5-38
Brake system .................................................. 5-38
Braking precautions ...................................... 5-38
Parking brake break-in ................................... 5-39
Brake assist .................................................... 5-39
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) ...................... 5-39
Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) system ................. 5-40
Cold weather driving ......................................... 5-42
Freeing a frozen door lock .............................. 5-42
Anti-freeze .................................................. 5-42
Battery ...................................................... 5-42
, Q I R U P D W L R Q 3 U R Y L G H G E \
Black plate (189,1)
Model "R35-D" EDITED: 2008/ 5/ 20
GearMPH (km/h)
1st 35 (57)
2nd 62 (101)
3rd 90 (145)
4th —
5th —
6th —
DRIVING TIPSAfter starting the engine, fully depress the foot
brake pedal and push the shift lever button
before shifting the shift lever from the
&Pposition
to the
&R,&N,or
&A↔&M
position. Be sure the
vehicle is fully stopped before attempting to shift
the shift lever.
The transmission is designed so that the foot
brake pedal must be depressed before shifting
from
&Pto any other position.
The shift lever cannot be moved out of the
&P
position and into any other position with the
ignition switch other in the LOCK, OFF or ACC
position.When accelerating from a stopKeep the foot brake pedal depressed and push
the shift lever button to shift into a driving gear
as following:
. To drive forward, move the shift lever to the
&A↔&M
position.
. To back up, move the shift lever to the
&R
position.
Starting on level ground:1. Check the shift lever position indicator on
the instrument panel to confirm that the
driving gear is selected.
2. Release the parking brake.
3. Release the foot brake pedal, then gradually depress the accelerator pedal to start the
vehicle in motion.Starting on an uphill:1. Check the shift lever position indicator onthe instrument panel to confirm that the
driving gear is selected.NOTE:When starting or driving on a steep uphill
grade, shift to the
&M
position and operate
the paddle shifter to shift down to 1st gear
as a manual transmission vehicle.
2. With the parking brake applied, slowly release the foot brake pedal.
3. Slowly depress the accelerator pedal and feel the vehicle starting motion with the
parking brake applied.
4. Release the parking brake and gradually depress the accelerator pedal to start the
vehicle in motion.
NOTICE
To prevent stalling or transmission
damage, start in 1st gear. The
&M
position 2nd gear can be used to start
moving the vehicle only when reduced
torque is necessary on snowy roads or
extremely slippery surfaces.NOTE:The hill start assist function operates when
the vehicle is accelerating from a stop on
an uphill. (
“HILL START ASSIST” page
5-31)
When driving the vehicle
WARNING
Do not move the shift lever to the
&N
position while driving. Doing so may
result in an accident due to loss of
engine braking. It may also damage the
transmission.
Starting and driving
5-19
, Q I R U P D W L R Q 3 U R Y L G H G E \
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
5-39
BRAKE ASSIST
, 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
, Q I R U P D W L R Q 3 U R Y L G H G E \
Black plate (218,1)
Model "R35-D" EDITED: 2008/ 5/ 20
.Explosive hydrogen gas is always
present in the vicinity of the battery.
Keep all sparks and flames away
from the battery.
. Do not allow battery fluid to come
into contact with eyes, skin, clothing
or painted surfaces. Battery fluid is
a corrosive sulphuric acid solution
which can cause severe burns. If the
fluid should come into contact with
anything, immediately flush the con-
tacted area with water.
. Keep the battery out of the reach of
children.
. The booster battery must be rated at
12 volts. Use of an improperly rated
battery can damage your vehicle.
. Whenever working on or near a
battery, always wear suitable eye
protectors (for example, goggles or
industrial safety spectacles) and
remove rings, metal bands, or any
other jewelry. Do not lean over the
battery when jump starting.
. Do not attempt to jump start a
frozen battery. It could explode
and cause serious injury.
. Your vehicle has an automatic en- gine cooling fan. It could come on at
any time. Keep hands and other
objects away from it.
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) .6-4
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 (220,1)
Model "R35-D" EDITED: 2008/ 5/ 20
6. Keep the engine speed of the boostervehicle
*A
at about 2,000 rpm, and start
the engine of the vehicle being jump started
*B.
NOTE:Do not keep the starter motor engaged for
more than 10 seconds. If the engine does
not start right away, push the ignition
switch to the OFF position and wait 10
seconds before trying again.
7. After starting your engine, carefully discon- nect the negative cable and then the positive
cable (
*4
?
*3
?
*2
?
*1).
8. Be sure to dispose of the cloth used to cover the vent holes as it may be contami-
nated with corrosive acid.
9. Put the battery cover on.
NOTE:If the clamp clip is difficult to connect to
the battery terminal, remove the cowl top
cover to make it easier. (
“REMOVING
THE COWL TOP COVER” page 8-8)
Do not attempt to start the engine by pushing.
NOTICE
Your NISSAN cannot be push-started or
tow-started. Attempting to do so may
cause transmission damage.
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 & Roadside
Assistance Information Booklet (Canada) .
WARNING
. Do not continue to drive if your
vehicle overheats. Doing so could
cause engine damage or a vehicle
fire.
. To avoid the danger of being
scalded, never remove the radiator
filler cap and the coolant reservoir
cap while the engine is still hot.
When the cap is removed, pressur-
ized hot water will spurt out, possi-
bly causing serious injury.
. Do not open the hood if steam is
coming out.
If your vehicle is overheating (indicated by an
extremely high temperature gauge reading) , or if
you feel a lack of engine power, detect unusual
noise, etc., take the following steps:
1. Move the vehicle safely off the road, apply the parking brake and move the shift lever to
the
&Pposition.
Do not stop the engine.
2. Turn off the air conditioner. Open all the windows, move the temperature control to
maximum hot and fan control to high speed.
6-6
In case of emergency
PUSH STARTING IF YOUR VEHICLE OVERHEATS
, Q I R U P D W L R Q 3 U R Y L G H G E \
Black plate (228,1)
Model "R35-D" EDITED: 2008/ 5/ 20
In order to maintain the appearance of your
vehicle, it is important to take proper care of it.
To protect the paint surfaces, wash your vehicle
as soon as you can:
.after a rainfall to prevent possible damage
from acid rain
. after driving on coastal roads
. when contaminants such as soot, bird
droppings, tree sap, metal particles or bugs
get on the paint surface
. when dust or mud builds up on the surface
Whenever possible, store or park your vehicle
inside a garage or in a covered area.
When it is necessary to park outside, park in a
shady area or protect the vehicle with a body
cover.
Be careful not to scratch the paint surface
when putting on or removing the body
cover.WASHINGWash dirt off the vehicle with a wet sponge and
plenty of water. Clean the vehicle thoroughly
using a mild soap, a special vehicle soap or
general purpose dishwashing liquid mixed with
clean, lukewarm (never hot) water.
NOTICE
. Do not use car washes that use acid
in the detergent. Some car washes,
especially brushless ones, use some
acid for cleaning. The acid may react
with some plastic vehicle compo-
nents, causing them to crack. This
could affect their appearance, and
also could cause them not to func-
tion properly. Always check with
your car wash to confirm that acid
is not used.
. Do not wash the vehicle with strong
household soap, strong chemical
detergents, gasoline or solvents.
. Do not wash the vehicle in direct
sunlight or while the vehicle body is
hot, as the surface may become
water-spotted.
. Avoid using tight-napped or rough
cloths, such as washing mitts. Care
must be taken when removing
caked-on dirt or other foreign sub-
stances so the paint surface is not
scratched or damaged.
Rinse the vehicle thoroughly with plenty of clean
water. Inside flanges, seams and folds on the doors,
hatches and hood are particularly vulnerable to
the effects of road salt. Therefore, these areas
must be regularly cleaned. Take care that the
drain holes in the lower edge of the door are
open. Spray water under the body and in the
wheel wells to loosen the dirt and wash away
road salt.
Avoid leaving water spots on the paint surface
by using a damp chamois to dry the vehicle.
WAXINGRegular waxing protects the paint surface and
helps retain new vehicle appearance. Polishing
is recommended to remove built-up wax residue
and to avoid a weathered appearance before
reapplying wax.
A GT-R certified NISSAN dealer can assist you
in choosing the proper product.
.
Wax your vehicle only after a thorough
washing. Follow the instructions supplied
with the wax.
. Do not use a wax containing any abrasives,
cutting compounds or cleaners that may
damage the vehicle finish.
Machine compound or aggressive polishing on a
base coat/clear coat paint finish may dull the
finish or leave swirl marks.
7-2
Appearance and care
CLEANING EXTERIOR
, Q I R U P D W L R Q 3 U R Y L G H G E \
Black plate (273,1)
Model "R35-D" EDITED: 2008/ 5/ 20
.Do not use abrasive cleaners when washing
the wheels.
. Inspect wheel rims regularly for dents or
corrosion. Such damage may cause loss of
pressure or poor seal at the tire bead.
. NISSAN recommends that the side walls of
road wheels be waxed to protect against
road salt in areas where it is used during
winter.JACKING VEHICLE AND REMOVING
WHEELS
WARNING
.Make sure the parking brake is
securely applied and the transmis-
sion is shifted into the
&Pposition.
. Never change tires when the vehicle
is on a slope, ice or slippery areas.
This is hazardous.
. Never change tires if oncoming
traffic is close to your vehicle. Wait
for professional road assistance.
Blocking wheelsPlace suitable blocks
*1
at both the front and
back of the wheel diagonally opposite the flat
tire to prevent the vehicle from moving when it is
jacked up.
WARNING
Be sure to block the wheel as the
vehicle may move and result in personal
injury.
Getting the toolsNOTE:A jack, jack lever and rod are not equipped
as standard with this vehicle. These parts
are dealer options. Contact a GT-R certi-
fied NISSAN dealer about acquiring a jack,
jack lever and rod. You can store a jack,
jack lever and rod in the floor in front of
the passenger’s seat.
CAUTION
After using the tools, put them back in
their original places. An accident may
occur if you leave them in the car
Maintenance and do-it-yourself
8-39
, Q I R U P D W L R Q 3 U R Y L G H G E \