5-52Starting and driving
TIRE EQUIPMENT
The GT-R summer tires are made from a
specially formulated rubber to maximize the
vehicle’s performance capabilities. Performance
of summer tires is substantially reduced when
temperatures are less than 328F(08C) so you
must drive carefully. NISSAN recommends the
use of winter or all-season tires on all four
wheels if you plan to operate your vehicle in
snowy or icy conditions when temperatures are
less than 328F(0 8C) .
WARNING
Never use summer tires when the
temperature is below −48F(−208C) to
prevent permanent tread deformation
which may cause tire damage or tire
failure. This may cause a loss of vehicle
control which can result in serious
personal injury or death.
Tire chains may be used. (
“Tire chains”
page 8-39)
If you install tires, they must also be the specified
size, brand, construction and tread pattern on all
four wheels.
SPECIAL WINTER EQUIPMENT
It is recommended that the following items be
carried in the vehicle during winter:
. A scraper and stiff-bristled brush to remove
ice and snow from the windows and wiper
blades.
. A sturdy, flat board to be placed under the
jack to give it firm support.
. A shovel to dig the vehicle out of snowdrifts.
. Extra window washer fluid to refill the
reservoir tank.
DRIVING ON SNOW OR ICE
WARNING
.Wet ice (328F, 0 8C and freezing rain) ,
very cold snow or ice can be slick
and very hard to drive on. The
vehicle will have much less traction
or “grip” under these conditions. Try
to avoid driving on wet ice until the
road is salted or sanded.
. Whatever the condition, drive with
caution. Accelerate and slow down
with care. If accelerating or down-
shifting too fast, the drive wheels
will lose even more traction. .
Allow more stopping distance under
these conditions. Braking should be
started sooner than on dry pave-
ment.
. Allow greater following distances
on slippery roads.
. Watch for slippery spots (glare ice) .
These may appear on an otherwise
clear road in shaded areas. If a
patch of ice is seen ahead, brake
before reaching it. Try not to brake
while on the ice, and avoid any
sudden steering maneuvers.
. Do not use the cruise control on
slippery roads.
. Snow can trap dangerous exhaust
gases under your vehicle. Keep
snow clear of the exhaust pipe and
from around your vehicle.
NOTE:
When driving on snow, select the SAVE
mode with the setup switch. By selecting
the SAVE mode, the engine output is
controlled appropriately for snow or slip-
pery road surfaces. This enables the vehi-
cle to start or accelerate smoothly.
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
8-6Maintenance and do-it-yourself
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.
MAINTENANCE PRECAUTIONS
8-8Maintenance and do-it-yourself
1. Fuse/fusible link holder
2. Battery
3. Engine oil filler cap
4. Strut support bar
5. Engine oil dipstick
6. Brake fluid reservoir7. Air cleaner
8. Power steering fluid reservoir
9. Radiator filler cap
10. Coolant reservoir cap (pressure type)
11. Coolant reservoir
12. 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.
ENGINE COMPARTMENT CHECK
LOCATIONS
8-16Maintenance and do-it-yourself
WARNING
Antifreeze is poisonous and should be
stored carefully in marked containers
out of the reach of children.
Fill the window washer fluid reservoir periodi-
cally. Add window washer fluid when the low
washer fluid warning appears on the vehicle
information display. (
“Low washer fluid
warning” page 2-40)
To fill the window washer fluid reservoir, lift the
cap off the reservoir tank and pour the window washer fluid into the tank opening.
Add a washer solvent to the washer for better
cleaning. In the winter season, add a windshield
washer antifreeze. Follow the manufacturer’s
instructions for the mixture ratio.
Refill the reservoir more frequently when driving
conditions require an increased amount of
window washer fluid.
NOTICE
.
Do not substitute engine anti-freeze
coolant for window washer solution.
This may result in damage to the
paint.
. Do not fill the window washer
reservoir tank with washer fluid
concentrates at full strength. Some
methyl alcohol based washer fluid
concentrates may permanently stain
the grille if spilled while filling the
window washer reservoir tank.
NOTE:
Pre-mix washer fluid concentrates with
water to the manufacturer’s recommended
levels before pouring the fluid into the
window washer reservoir. Do not use the window washer reservoir to mix the
washer fluid concentrate and water.
WINDOW WASHER FLUID
9-2Technical and consumer information
The following are approximate capacities. The actual refill capacities may be a little different. When refilling, follow the procedure
instructed in the “8. Maintenance and do-it-yourself” section to determine the proper refill capacity.
Capacity (Approximate)Recommended specifications
US measure Imp measure Liter
Fuel 19-1/2 gal 16-1/4 gal73.8 (
“Fuel recommendation” page 9-4)
Engine oil*3
Mobil 1 (0W-40)*1
Drain and refill
With oil filter change 5-1/4 qt4-3/8 qt 5.0
Without oil filter change 4-3/4 qt4 qt4.5
Cooling system With reservoir 12 qt10 qt 11.3
Genuine NISSAN Long Life Antifreeze/Coolant (blue) or equivalent*6
Reservoir 1-1/2 qt1-1/4 qt 1.4
Transmission oil (Drain and refill)*8 10 qt8-1/4 qt 9.4 Genuine NISSAN Transmission Oil R35 Special*2
Differential oil (Drain and refill)
Front 1-3/8 pt1-1/8 pt 0.65
Genuine NISSAN Differential Oil R35 COMPETITION type 2189E*2
Rear 2-7/8 pt2-3/8 pt 1.35
Power steering fluid (PSF) Refill to the proper oil level according to the instructions in the “8.
Maintenance and do-it-yourself” section. Genuine NISSAN PSF or equivalent*5
Brake fluid Genuine NISSAN Brake Fluid R35 Special II*7
Multi-purpose grease —— — NLGI No. 2 (Lithium soap base)
Air conditioning system refrigerant —— — HFC-134a (R-134a)*4
Air conditioning system lubricants —— —NISSAN UV Luminous Oil
Type S or exact equivalent
Window washer fluid —— —Genuine NISSAN Windshield Washer Concentrate Cleaner & Antifreeze or equivalent
*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. For additional information, see the following section.
(
“Engine oil and oil filter recommendation” page 9-6)
*2: The use of fluids and lubricants other than the specified may cause vehicle malfunctions and result in non-warranty vehicle repairs.
*3: The recommended oil capacity level is 0.39 in (10mm) (0.5 L) below the H mark on the engine oil dipstick. For additional information, see the following section. (
“Engine oil” page 8-12)
CAPACITIES AND RECOMMENDED
FUEL/LUBRICANTS
10-2
Cruise control................................................... 2-15, 5-34
Cruise control operations.......................................... 5-36
Cruise control system warning................................ 2-39
Cup holders.................................................................. 2-55
Current fuel consumption ......................................... 2-15
D
Differential oil............................................................ GTR-4
Dimensions ................................................................... 9-11
Distance to empty....................................................... 2-17
Distortion of rear spoiler...................................... GTR-25
Door pocket.................................................................. 2-57
Door/trunk open warning .......................................... 2-40
Doors................................................................................ 3-4
Draining of coolant water.......................................... 5-51
Drinking alcohol/drugs and driving........................... 5-8
Drive belts..................................................................... 8-19
Drive computer ............................................................ 2-14
DrivingAll-Wheel Drive driving safety precautions ...... 5-9
Cold weather driving........................................... 5-51
Drinking alcohol/drugs and driving..................... 5-8
Driving on snow or ice........................................ 5-52
Driving the vehicle................................................ 5-15
Driving tips............................................................. 5-21
Precautions when starting and driving .............. 5-3
Driving after replacing tires ................................ GTR-12
Dry carbon fiber rear spoiler ..... GTR-7, GTR-27, 7-4
Dual clutch transmission ......................... GTR-28, 5-15
E
Elapsed time and trip odometer.............................. 2-16
Emergency engine shut off.............................. 5-11, 6-2
Emergency trunk lid release..................................... 3-22
Emission control information label.......................... 9-13
Emission control system warranty........................... 9-19
Engine.............................................................................. 9-8 Before starting the engine................................. 5-13
Changing engine coolant................................... 8-12
Changing engine oil and filter........................... 8-13
Checking engine coolant level.......................... 8-11
Checking engine oil level................................... 8-12
Emergency engine shut off....................... 5-11, 6-2
Engine block heater............................................. 5-53
Engine compartment ........................................... 8-23
Engine compartment check locations................ 8-8
Engine coolant temperature gauge .................... 2-7
Engine cooling system........................................ 8-10
Engine oil................................................. GTR-3, 8-12
Engine oil and oil filter recommendation........... 9-6
Engine oil level display........................................ 2-12
Engine oil low pressure warning...................... 2-33
Engine serial number........................................... 9-12
Engine start operation indicator ....................... 2-41
Engine system warning....................................... 2-33
Operating range for engine start ..................... 5-10
Starting the engine .............................................. 5-13
Engine and powertrain....................... GTR-15, GTR-23
Engine oil maintenance.......................................... GTR-3
Engine output......................................................... GTR-24 Engine output according to the
coolant temperature.............................................. GTR-24
Engine settings (balancing right and left
air flow)...................................................................... GTR-8
Engine speed is restricted.................................. GTR-24
Environmental factors influence the rate
of corrosion..................................................................... 7-8
Event Data Recorders................................................ 9-21
Exhaust gas .................................................................... 5-3
Exhaust muffler and trunk carpet ........................ GTR-6
Explanation of maintenance items ............................ 8-4
Extended storage switch........................................... 8-25
Exterior and interior lights ......................................... 8-29
Exterior parts (spoiler, etc.) .................................. GTR-6
F
F.M.V.S.S./C.M.V.S.S. certification label ............... 9-12
Features of each mode.............................................. 5-27
Flat tire............................................................................. 6-2
Flat towing .................................................................... 9-17
Floor mats ....................................................................... 7-6
Fluid
Brake fluid............................................... GTR-4, 8-15
Fluid level check................................................... 8-17
Low brake fluid warning ..................................... 2-35
Low washer fluid warning.................................. 2-40
Power steering fluid............................................. 8-14
Window washer fluid .......................................... 8-16
Fluids...................................................... GTR-14, GTR-19