2013 NISSAN GT-R engine overheat

8-10Maintenance and do-it-yourself
The engine cooling system is filled at the factory
with a pre-diluted mixture of 50% Genuine
NISSAN Long Life Antifreeze/Coolant (blue) and
50% water to provide year-round anti-freeze
and coolant protection. The anti-freeze solution
contains rust and corrosion inhibitors. Additional
engine cooling system additives are not neces-
sary.
WARNING
.Never remove the radiator or cool-
ant reservoir cap when the engine is
hot. Wait until the engine and
radiator cool down. Serious burns
could be caused by high pressure
fluid escaping from the radiator.
(
“If your vehicle overheats”
page 6-7)
. The radiator is equipped with a
pressure type radiator cap. To pre-
vent engine damage, use only a
genuine NISSAN radiator cap.
CAUTION
.Never use any cooling system ad-
ditives such as radiator sealer. Ad-
ditives may clog the cooling system
and cause damage to the engine,
transmission and/or cooling sys-
tem.
. When adding or replacing coolant,
be sure to use only Genuine
NISSAN Long Life Antifreeze/Cool-
ant (blue) or equivalent. Genuine
NISSAN Long Life Antifreeze/Cool-
ant (blue) is pre-diluted to provide
antifreeze protection to −348 F
(−378C) . If additional freeze protec-
tion is needed due to weather where
you operate your vehicle, add Gen-
uine NISSAN Long Life Antifreeze/
Coolant (blue) concentrate follow-
ing the directions on the container.
If an equivalent coolant other than
Genuine NISSAN Long Life Anti-
freeze/ Coolant (blue) is used, fol-
low the coolant manufacture’s
instructions to maintain minimum
antifreeze protection to −348 F
(−378C) . The use of other types of
coolant solutions other than Genu- ine NISSAN Long Life Antifreeze/
Coolant (blue) or equivalent may
damage the engine cooling system.
. The life expectancy of the factory-fill
coolant is 24,000 miles (38,400 km)
or 2 years. Mixing any other type of
coolant other than Genuine NISSAN
Long Life Antifreeze/Coolant (blue) ,
including Genuine NISSAN Long
Life Antifreeze/Coolant (green) , or
the use of nondistilled water will
reduce the life expectancy of the
factory-fill coolant. Refer to the
GT-R Service and Maintenance
Guide for more details.
ENGINE COOLING SYSTEM

CHECKING ENGINE COOLANT LE-
VEL
Check the coolant levelin the reservoir when
the engine is cold. If the coolant level is below
the MIN level
*2, open the reservoir cap
(pressure type)
*Band add coolant up to
between the MAX and MIN level
*3. If the
reservoir is empty, open the radiator filler cap
*Aand check the coolant level in the radiator when
the engine is cold. If there is insufficient
coolant in the radiator, fill the radiator with
coolant up to the filler opening and also add it to
the reservoir up to between the MAX and MIN
level
*3.
This vehicle contains Genuine NISSAN Long
Life Antifreeze/Coolant (blue). The life expec-
tancy of the factory-fill coolant is 24,000 miles
(38,400 km) or 2 years. Mixing any other type of
coolant or the use of non-distilled water will
reduce the life expectancy of the factory-fill
coolant. Refer to the GT-R Service and Main-
tenance Guide for more details.
If the cooling system frequently requires
coolant, have it checked by a GT-R certified
NISSAN dealer.
Check that the level of coolant is between MAX
and MIN on the pressurized radiator reservoir. If
the level is below the midpoint, the amount of coolant circulating may be insufficient for max-
imum vehicle performance, possibly causing
engine overheating or other trouble.
If it is difficult to determine the midpoint between
MAX and MIN, remove the coolant reservoir cap
and look inside through the opening to check
that the coolant level is above the divider
*3between the top half and bottom half of the
pressurized coolant 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 cool-
ant reservoir cap. Doing so will
cause substandard cooling perfor-
mance and overheating.
. If you have added only water as the
coolant in an emergency, change it
to a coolant mixture ratio specified
as soon as possible.
Maintenance and do-it-yourself8-11

8-12Maintenance and do-it-yourself
CHANGING ENGINE COOLANT
If major cooling system repairs are required,
contact a GT-R certified NISSAN dealer. The
service procedures can be found in the appro-
priate NISSAN Service Manual.
Improper servicing can result in reduced
heater performance and engine overheat-
ing.
WARNING
.To avoid the danger of being
scalded, never change the coolant
when the engine is hot.
. Never remove the radiator filler cap
and the coolant reservoir cap when
the engine is hot. Serious burns
could be caused by high pressure
fluid escaping from the radiator and
reservoir.
. Avoid direct skin contact with used
coolant. If skin contact is made,
wash thoroughly with soap or hand
cleaner as soon as possible.
. Keep coolant out of reach of chil-
dren and pets. Engine coolant must be disposed of properly.
Check your local regulations.
CHECKING ENGINE OIL LEVEL
1. Park the vehicle on a level surface and apply
the 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
ENGINE OIL

9-6Technical and consumer information
Octane rating tips
Using unleaded gasoline with an octane
rating lower than recommended above can
cause persistent, heavy spark knock.
(Spark knock is a metallic rapping noise.)
If severe, this can lead to engine damage.
If you detect a persistent heavy spark
knock even when using gasoline of the
stated octane rating, or if you hear steady
spark knock while holding a steady speed
on level roads, have a GT-R certified
NISSAN dealer correct the condition. Fail-
ure to correct the condition is misuse of
the vehicle, for which NISSAN is not
responsible.
Incorrect ignition timing will result in knocking,
after-run or overheating. This in turn may cause
excessive fuel consumption or damage to the
engine. If any of the above symptoms are
encountered, have your vehicle checked at a
GT-R certified NISSAN dealer or other compe-
tent service facility.
However, now and then you may notice
light spark knock for a short time while
accelerating or driving up hills. This is no
cause for concern, because you get the
greatest fuel benefit when there is light
spark knock for a short time under heavy
engine load.
ENGINE OIL AND OIL FILTER RE-
COMMENDATION
Selecting the correct oil
It is essential to choose the correct grade,
quality, and viscosity engine oil to ensure
satisfactory engine life and performance.
(
“Capacities and recommended fuel/lubri-
cants” page 9-2)
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.
NOTICE
Using an engine oil other than that
specified could adversely affect the
engine. See the 2013 NISSAN GT-R
Warranty Information Booklet for de-
tails and exclusions.
Oil additives
NISSAN does not recommend the use of oil
additives. The use of an oil additive is not
necessary when the proper oil type is used and
maintenance intervals are followed.
Oil which may contain foreign matter or has
been previously used should not be used.
Oil viscosity
The engine oil viscosity or thickness changes
with temperature. Because of this, it is important
that the engine oil viscosity be selected based
on the temperatures at which the vehicle will be
operated before the next oil change. Choosing
an oil viscosity other than that recommended
could cause serious engine damage.
Selecting the correct oil filter
Your new vehicle is equipped with a high-quality
genuine NISSAN oil filter. NISSAN recommends
to use the genuine NISSAN oil filter for the
reason described in change intervals.
Change intervals
The oil and oil filter change intervals for your
engine are based on the use of the specified
quality oils and filters. Oil and filter other than the
specified quality, or oil and filter change intervals
longer than recommended could reduce engine

Forward-facing child restraint installation
using LATCH................................................................ 1-22
Forward-facing child restraint installation using
the seat belts ............................................................... 1-24
Freeing a frozen door lock........................................ 5-51
Front seat-mounted side-impact supplemental
air bag and roof-mounted curtain side-impact
supplemental air bag systems ................................. 1-41
Front seats...................................................................... 1-3
Front/rear tire size discrepancy warning............... 2-37
Fuel........................................................................... GTR-12Average fuel consumption and speed............ 2-16
Capacities and
recommended fuel/lubricants............................... 9-2
Closing the fuel-filler door ................................. 3-25
Current fuel consumption .................................. 2-15
Fuel gauge................................................................ 2-8
Fuel recommendation............................................. 9-4
Fuel-filler door....................................................... 3-23
Increasing fuel economy..................................... 5-40
Low fuel warning.................................................. 2-39
Opening the fuel filler door ............................... 3-24
Fuses.............................................................................. 8-23
G
Gasoline smell ....................................................... GTR-24
Gauge Engine coolant temperature gauge .................... 2-7
Fuel gauge................................................................ 2-8
Meters and gauges................................................. 2-5 General maintenance .......................................... 8-3, 8-4
Glass................................................................................ 7-3
Glove box...................................................................... 2-57
GT-R performance optimization services.......... GTR-7
GT-R special specification parts......................... GTR-3
GT-R specific information ..................................... GTR-3
GT-R specific vehicle characteristics .............. GTR-24
H
Handling of data.......................................................... 9-21
Hazard warning flasher switch................................. 2-52
Head restraints .............................................................. 1-5
Headlight
Headlight and turn signal switch ..................... 2-49
Headlight switch................................................... 2-49
Headlights.............................................................. 8-29
Xenon headlights.................................................. 2-49
Heated seats................................................................ 2-53
High altitude ........................................................... GTR-24
High performance brake system ............................. 8-22
Hill Start Assist............................................................ 5-38
HomeLink
®Universal Transceiver ........................... 2-63
Hood............................................................................... 3-18
Horn................................................................................ 2-53
How to switch the modes ........................................ 5-25
How to use R mode start function......................... 5-33
I
Idle speed is not steady...................................... GTR-24
If your vehicle is stolen.............................................. 2-66 If your vehicle overheats.............................................. 6-7
Ignition switch operation ........................................... 5-10
Ignition switch positions............................................ 5-10
Increase tightening of the drive shaft and
center nut on hub ................................................... GTR-8
Increase tightening of the strut support bar
attachment section with the shock absorber.... GTR-9
Increasing fuel economy............................................ 5-40
Indicator lights.............................................................. 2-61
Indicators and display................................................ 5-36
Infants............................................................................. 1-13
Injured persons.............................................................. 1-8
Inside mirror.................................................................. 3-27
Inspection and adjustments after driving........ GTR-19
Inspection and adjustments before driving .... GTR-14
Installing front license plate...................................... 9-14
Installing top tether strap .......................................... 1-27
Instrument brightness control .................................. 2-11
Instrument panel............................................................ 2-4
Intelligent Key................................................................. 3-2
Intelligent Key battery discharge............................. 5-11
Intelligent Key battery discharge indicator............ 2-43
Intelligent Key battery replacement ........................ 8-26
Intelligent Key functions............................................... 3-9
Intelligent Key insertion indicator ............................ 2-43
Intelligent Key removal indicator.............................. 2-43
Intelligent Key system .................................................. 3-8
Interior light control switch ....................................... 2-62
Interior lights................................................................. 2-61
10-3

OilChanging engine oil and filter........................... 8-13
Checking engine oil level................................... 8-12
Differential oil...................................................... GTR-4
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
Transmission oil ..................................... GTR-4, 8-14
Transmission oil high temperature warning.... 2-34
Opening and closing the trunk................................ 3-21
Opening the doors ....................................................... 3-7
Opening the fuel filler door ...................................... 3-24
Opening the hood....................................................... 3-18
Operating range for engine start ............................ 5-10
Operating the HomeLink
®
universal transceiver ................................................... 2-65
Operation displays...................................................... 2-41
Outside air temperature ............................................ 2-17
Outside door handles .................................................. 7-4
Outside mirrors............................................................ 3-28
Outside temperature display indicates
higher temperature................................................ GTR-24
Overheat If your vehicle overheats........................................ 6-7
Owner’s Manual/Service Manual
order information ......................................................... 9-22
P
Parking Parking brake ........................................................ 5-33
Parking brake break-in........................................ 5-47
Parking brake release warning ......................... 2-35
Parking/parking on hills ...................................... 5-45
Passenger compartment ........................................... 8-24
Power
Locking with power door lock switch................ 3-5
Power outlets ........................................................ 2-54
Power steering...................................................... 5-46
Power steering fluid............................................. 8-14
Power windows .................................................... 2-59
Trunk release power cancel switch................. 3-21
Precautions................................................................... 8-17 All-Wheel Drive driving safety precautions ...... 5-9
Braking precautions............................................. 5-47
Maintenance precautions...................................... 8-6
Precautions on child restraints......................... 1-14
Precautions on cruise control........................... 5-35
Precautions on seat belt usage........................... 1-6
Precautions on supplemental
restraint system..................................................... 1-31
Precautions when starting and driving .............. 5-3
Precautions before driving.................................. GTR-10
Precautions on performance driving ................ GTR-13
Pregnant women ........................................................... 1-8
Programming HomeLink
®.......................................... 2-64
Programming HomeLink®for
Canadian customers .................................................. 2-65 Programming trouble-diagnosis .............................. 2-65
Push starting .................................................................. 6-7
“PUSH” warning.......................................................... 2-42
Push-button ignition switch........................................ 5-9
R
R mode start function ................................................ 5-32
Rapid air pressure loss................................................ 5-8
Readiness for Inspection/Maintenance test......... 9-20
Rear window defroster switch................................. 2-48
Rear-facing child restraint installation
using LATCH................................................................ 1-18
Rear-facing child restraint installation using the
seat belts....................................................................... 1-20
Recommended fluids and
maintenance interval............................................. GTR-20
Reducing tight corner braking phenomenon ....... 5-42
Refueling precautions .......................................... GTR-24
Remote keyless entry functions............................... 3-12
Removing spots............................................................. 7-3
Removing the cowl top cover.................................... 8-9
Repair and replacement procedure........................ 1-44
Replacement of brake pads and disc rotors.... GTR-5
Replacing spark plugs ............................................... 8-20
Replacing the brake pads......................................... 8-23
Replacing the wiper blades...................................... 8-21
Reporting safety defects .......................................... 9-19
Reprogramming a single HomeLink
®button ....... 2-66
Roadside assistance program ................................... 6-2
Run-flat tire warning................................................... 2-38
10-5