TRANSMISSION OPERATION CHARACTERISTICS
MechanismOperation characteristics
Base Manual transmission
.The GT-R transmission design is different from transmissions used in conventional passenger cars. The GT-R uses a transmission gear
design, light flywheel and a dry sump lubrication system to provide maximum vehicle performance. Because the GT-R Transmission design
is different, noises may be louder. When the transmission temperature is high, rattling, shaking and jarring noises may be heard.
.Clattering noises may be heard while shifting..Appropriate gaps are provided between gears to achieve smooth gear rotation and steady tooth surface lubrication under the high-load
driving condition. However, this causes a rattling noise.
.If the shift lever is moved from&Rto&A↔&Mposition, or&A↔&Mto&Rposition before the vehicle stops, you may not be able to shift gear
or it may take longer to shift gear. Make sure to depress the brake pedal and check that the vehicle has stopped before shifting.
Multiple disc wet clutch
.When stopping the vehicle with the shift lever in the&Ror&A↔&Mposition, be sure to firmly depress the brake pedal. The vehicle may
slowly move if the brake pedal is not depressed.
.Avoid depressing the brake and accelerator pedals at the same time. Depressing the brake and accelerator pedals at the same time could
cause the clutch to overheat and accelerate deterioration.
.When the vehicle is stopped on a hill, do not hold the vehicle in place by depressing the accelerator pedal. Doing so may cause the clutch
to overheat and result in transmission damage. Use the brakes to prevent the vehicle from moving.
Electronic oil pressure
control The following conditions are caused due to changes in fluid viscosity as a result of temperature changes.
.When the transmission oil is extremely cold or extremely hot, the transmission may feel like it is slipping during shifts or there may be hard
shifts. This is normal. Transmission shifting should return to normal when the transmission oil returns to normal operating temperatures.
.When the transmission oil temperature is extremely cold, the time required to run a system check may increase. During the system check,
the shift lever must stay in the&Pposition. Move the shift lever after turning off the system check display. Also, it is normal to hear clicking
noises during the transmission systems check.
Changing modes
.The higher shift speeds in the&Mposition may result in shift shock and jerkiness when starting or shifting..The quickest shifting in the R mode with the transmission in the&Mposition is available when the engine speed is high. However, the
transmission may shift more slowly when the engine speed is low.
Mechanical Limited Slip
Differential (LSD) If the vehicle accelerates from a stop with the steering wheel turned half a turn in cold temperatures, the inner wheel tire may slip and some
noise or vibration may be heard. This phenomenon occurs because the viscosity of the differential oil becomes thicker and the Limited Slip
Differential (LSD) operates with increasing load. When the steering wheel is returned to the straight ahead position or the differential oil warms
up, the noise and vibration decrease.
GT-R OverviewGTR-29
0-10Illustrated table of contents
1. Fuse/fusible link holder (P.8-23)
2. Battery (P.8-17)
3. Engine oil filler cap (P.8-12)
4. Strut support bar (P.GTR-9)
5. Engine oil dipstick (P.8-12)
6. Brake fluid reservoir (P.8-15)7. Air cleaner (P.8-20)
8. Power steering fluid reservoir (P.8-14)
9. Radiator filler cap (P.8-10)
10. Coolant reservoir cap (pressure type) (P.8-10)
11. Coolant reservoir (P.8-10)
12. Window washer fluid reservoir (P.8-16) 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) Differential Oil R35 COMPE-
TITION type 2189E
Brake fluid Genuine NISSAN Brake Fluid
R35 Special II*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
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; however,
some performance loss may be noticed.
*2: Genuine NISSAN Brake Fluid R35 Special II 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 proper operation of the vehicle if
other brake fluid is used.
ENGINE COMPARTMENT
2 Instruments and controls
Cockpit ........................................................................\
............... 2-3
Instrument panel ....................................................................... 2-4
Meters and gauges .................................................................. 2-5Speedometer ....................................................................... 2-6
Odometer/twin trip odometer ......................................... 2-6
Tachometer ........................................................................\
.. 2-7
Engine coolant temperature gauge ............................... 2-7
Fuel gauge ........................................................................\
... 2-8
Transmission position indicator ...................................... 2-8
Upshift indicator ................................................................. 2-9
Instrument brightness control ...................................... 2-11
Vehicle information display ................................................. 2-11 Engine oil level display ................................................... 2-12
Transmission system check display ............................ 2-13
Drive computer ...................................................................... 2-14 Current fuel consumption ............................................. 2-15
Vehicle speed ................................................................... 2-15
Cruise control ................................................................... 2-15
Average fuel consumption and speed ....................... 2-16
Elapsed time and trip odometer .................................. 2-16
Distance to empty ........................................................... 2-17
Outside air temperature ................................................ 2-17
Setting (drive computer) ............................................... 2-18
Warning (drive computer) ............................................. 2-23 Warning/indicator lights and audible reminders .......... 2-24
Checking bulbs ............................................................. 2-24
Warning lights ................................................................ 2-24
Indicator lights ............................................................... 2-61
Audible reminders ......................................................... 2-31
Warning display .................................................................... 2-32
Engine oil low pressure warning ............................... 2-33
Engine system warning ............................................... 2-33
Shift lever position warning ........................................ 2-34
Transmission system warning .................................... 2-34
Transmission oil high temperature warning ............ 2-34
Transmission clutch high temperature warning ..... 2-35Parking brake release warning .................................. 2-35
Low brake fluid warning .............................................. 2-35
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) warning .............. 2-36
Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC)
system warning .............................................................. 2-36
AWD clutch high temperature warning ................... 2-36
Front/rear tire size discrepancy warning ................. 2-37
AWD system warning .................................................. 2-37
Low tire pressure warning .......................................... 2-38
Run-flat tire warning ..................................................... 2-38Tire Pressure Monitoring System
(TPMS) warning ............................................................ 2-38
TRANSMISSION CLUTCH HIGH
TEMPERATURE WARNING
This will appear if the transmission clutch
temperature becomes unusually high.
(
“Transmission warning light” page 2-29)
PARKING BRAKE RELEASE WARN-
ING
This will appear if the vehicle speed is above 4
MPH (7 km/h) with the parking brake applied.
(
“Brake warning light” page 2-25)
(“Parking brake reminder chime” page 2-
32)
LOW BRAKE FLUID WARNING
This will appear if the brake fluid level becomes
low. (“Brake warning light” page 2-25)
Instruments and controls2-35
.Make sure the area around the vehicle is
clear.
. Check fluid levels such as engine oil, cool-
ant, brake fluid and window washer fluid as
frequently as possible, or at least whenever
you refuel.
. Check that all windows and lights are clean.
. Visually inspect tires for their appearance
and condition. Also check tires for proper
inflation.
. Lock all doors.
. Position seat.
. Adjust inside and outside mirrors.
. Fasten seat belts and ask all passengers to
do likewise.
. Check the operation of warning lights when
the ignition switch is pushed to the ON
position. (
“Warning/indicator lights
and audible reminders” page 2-24)
NOTE:
. This vehicle includes spark plugs that
are designed for maximum perfor-
mance. If the start time becomes long-
er, the plugs may be fouled, making the
engine difficult to start. If this occurs,
start the engine using the procedure
described in this section.
. A click sound may be heard when the
brake pedal is depressed and released.
This is normal.
. A low rattling operating sound may
occur when the engine is started or
stopped. This is because of the trans-
mission gear design, light flywheel and
dry sump lubrication system used in
this transmission. This does not indi-
cate that there is a malfunction. This
sound is likely to occur in particular if
the engine is stopped when the tem-
perature of the transmission oil is high.
1. Check the positions of the accelerator pedal
*1and brake pedal*2. Adjust the steering
wheel and seat positions so that the correct
driving posture is achieved. (
“Front
seats” page 1-3)
2. Check that the parking brake is engaged.
3. Check that the shift lever is in the
&Por&Nposition. (&Pis recommended.)
4. Firmly depress the brake pedal. Without depressing the accelerator pedal, push the
ignition switch once to start the engine.
5. To stop the engine, move the shift lever to the
&Pposition, and push the ignition switch
to the OFF position.
Starting and driving5-13
BEFORE STARTING THE ENGINE STARTING THE ENGINE
See your 2013 Warranty Information Booklet for
important related information and warranty
coverage exclusions. See also section 2 (page
2-29) and section 5 (page 5-49) of this Owner’s
Manual, “Transmission Clutch Temperature
High” and “Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC)
System” for important additional related informa-
tion.
.Except for the emergency cases above,
any issues related to driving stability
(e.g., steering maneuvers and maneu-
vers during acceleration and decelera-
tion) and any damages to drivetrain
components (e.g., transfer, clutch, a
sort of gear, transaxle case) will not
be covered by warranty if there is a
record in the Vehicle Status Data
Recorder (VSDR) that the vehicle was
driven with VDC off.
. 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 and
select SAVE mode with the transmis-
sion switch. (
“VDC, transmission
and suspension setup switches” page 5-24)
. When the VDC system is turned OFF,
all VDC functions (including traction
control) , except for the ABS functions,
are deactivated.
FREEING A FROZEN DOOR LOCK
To prevent a door lock from freezing, apply
deicer through the key hole. If the lock becomes
frozen, heat the key before inserting it into the
key hole or use the Intelligent Key system.
ANTI-FREEZE
In the winter when it is anticipated that the
outside temperature will drop below 328F(0 8C) ,
check antifreeze to assure proper winter protec-
tion. (
“Engine cooling system” page 8-10)
BATTERY
If the battery is not fully charged during
extremely cold weather conditions, the battery
fluid may freeze and damage the battery. To
maintain maximum efficiency, the battery should
be checked regularly. (
“Battery” page 8-
17)
DRAINING OF COOLANT WATER
If the vehicle is to be left outside without
antifreeze, drain the cooling system, including
the engine block. Refill before operating the
vehicle. For details, contact a GT-R certified
NISSAN dealer.
Starting and driving5-51
COLD WEATHER DRIVING
8 Maintenance and do-it-yourself
Maintenance requirement ....................................................... 8-3Scheduled maintenance ................................................... 8-3
General maintenance ........................................................ 8-3
Where to go for service ................................................... 8-3
General maintenance .............................................................. 8-4 Explanation of maintenance items ................................. 8-4
Maintenance precautions ....................................................... 8-6
Engine compartment check locations ................................. 8-8 Removing the cowl top cover ......................................... 8-9
Engine cooling system ......................................................... 8-10
Checking engine coolant level ..................................... 8-11
Changing engine coolant .............................................. 8-12
Engine oil ........................................................................\
........ 8-12
Checking engine oil level .............................................. 8-12
Changing engine oil and filter ...................................... 8-13
Transmission oil ..................................................................... 8-14
Power steering fluid .............................................................. 8-14
Brake fluid ........................................................................\
....... 8-15
Window washer fluid ........................................................... 8-16
Battery ........................................................................\
.............. 8-17
Precautions ....................................................................... 8-17
Fluid level check .............................................................. 8-17
Jump starting .................................................................... 8-18 Drive belts ........................................................................\
...... 8-19
Spark plugs ........................................................................\
.... 8-19
Replacing spark plugs ................................................. 8-20
Air cleaner ........................................................................\
...... 8-20
Windshield wiper blades .................................................... 8-21 Cleaning ........................................................................\
.. 8-21
Replacing the wiper blades ....................................... 8-21
Brakes ........................................................................\
............. 8-22 Self-adjusting brakes ................................................... 8-22
Brake pad wear warning ............................................. 8-22
High performance brake system ............................... 8-22
Replacing the brake pads ........................................... 8-23
Fuses ........................................................................\
............... 8-23
Engine compartment .................................................... 8-23
Passenger compartment ............................................. 8-24
Intelligent Key battery replacement .................................. 8-26
Lights ........................................................................\
............... 8-28 Headlights ....................................................................... 8-29Exterior and interior lights ........................................... 8-29
Wheels and tires .................................................................. 8-31
Tire pressure .................................................................. 8-31
Tire and loading information label ............................ 8-33
Checking the tire pressure ......................................... 8-34
Inside the vehicle
The maintenance items listed here should be
checked on a regular basis, such as when
performing scheduled 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.
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 vehicle
The 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
5-3)
Fluid leaks: Check under the vehicle for fuel,
oil, water or other fluid leaks after the vehicle has
been parked for a while. Water dripping from the
air conditioner after use is normal. If you should
Maintenance and do-it-yourself8-5