2013 NISSAN GT-R ECO mode

AWD WARNING LIGHT
The AWD warning light is located in the meter.
The AWD warning light comes on when the
ignition switch is pushed to the ON position. It
turns off soon after the engine is started.
If any malfunction occurs in the AWD systemwhile the engine is running, the warning light will
come on.
The warning light may blink rapidly (about twice
per second) while trying to free a stuck vehicle
due to high AWD clutch temperature. The
driving mode may change to two-wheel drive.
If the warning light blinks rapidly during opera-
tion, stop the vehicle with the engine idling in a
safe place immediately. Then if the light goes off
after a while, you can continue driving.
A large difference between the diameters of
front and rear wheels will make the warning light
blink slowly (about once per two seconds) . Pull
off the road in a safe area, and idle the engine.
Check that all tire sizes are the same, tire
pressure is correct and tires are not worn and
winter tires are not installed on the front or rear
wheels only.
If the warning light is blinking after the above
operation, have your vehicle checked by a GT-R
certified NISSAN dealer as soon as possible.
If non-genuine GT-R tires are used, the warning
light may illuminate. (
“GT-R special speci-
fication parts” page GTR-3)
WARNING
. Do not attempt to raise two wheels
off the ground and shift the trans-
mission to any drive or reverse
position with the engine running.
Doing so may result in drivetrain
damage or unexpected vehicle
movement which could result in
serious vehicle damage or personal
injury.
. Do not attempt to test an AWD
equipped vehicle on a 2-wheel dy-
namometer (such as the dynam-
ometers used by some states for
emissions testing) or similar equip-
ment even if the other two wheels
are raised off the ground. Make sure
that you inform the test facility
personnel that your vehicle is
equipped with AWD before it is
placed on a dynamometer. Using
the wrong test equipment may re-
sult in drivetrain damage or unex-
pected vehicle movement which
could result in serious vehicle da-
mage or personal injury.
Starting and driving5-41
ALL-WHEEL DRIVE (AWD)

5-42Starting and driving
NOTICE
.If the warning light comes on while
driving there may be a malfunction
in the AWD system. Reduce the
vehicle speed and have your vehicle
checked by a GT-R certified NISSAN
dealer as soon as possible.
. If the warning light remains on after
the above operation, have your
vehicle checked by a GT-R certified
NISSAN dealer as soon as possible.
. The powertrain may be damaged if
you continue driving with the warn-
ing light blinking.
. Do not spin the rear wheels while
driving. Spinning the rear wheels
may increase the temperatures of
the AWD clutch system and damage
the system. Adjust the accelerator
pedal position to stop wheel spin.
TIGHT CORNER BRAKING PHE-
NOMENON
If the steering wheel is turned more than half a
turn when the vehicle is started when it is cold, it
may be harder to move the vehicle forward and
backward. This phenomenon is known as the
“tight corner braking phenomenon”.
This phenomenon is unique to AWD vehicles,
and occurs due to a difference in speeds
between the front and rear wheels while the
vehicle is turning. This does not indicate that
there is a malfunction.
NOTE:
If the tight corner braking phenomenon
occurs, a slipping sound may be heard
from the tires, or a squeaking sound may
be heard from the drive system.
Reducing tight corner braking phe-
nomenon
The tight corner braking phenomenon can be
temporarily reduced.
Push the transmission setup switch down for
approximately 4 seconds while the engine is
running.
.The SAVE mode indicator will blink once
and will then turn off.
. If the SAVE mode is already selected, the
SAVE mode indicator will blink once and
then illuminate again. (
“VDC, transmis-
sion and suspension setup switches” page
5-24)

After performing the above, the vehicle switches
from the AWD mode to 2WD mode only if both
of the following conditions are met:
.Vehicle speed is less than approximately 6
MPH (10 km/h)
*AAND
. The steering wheel is turned more than 1/2
turn
*B.
If the above driving conditions are not met,
the vehicle will not switch to the 2WD
mode to temporarily reduce the braking
phenomenon even if the transmission
setup switch is operated.
To stop reducing the phenomenon, push the
transmission setup switch down for approxi- mately 4 seconds again. The driving mode will
switch to the normal AWD mode.
Reduction of the tight corner braking phenom-
enon will be cancelled when:
.
the R mode is selected with the transmission
setup switch
. the SAVE mode is selected with the
transmission setup switch and the OFF
mode is selected with the VDC setup switch
. the ignition switch is pushed to the "OFF"
position
. the R mode start function is used
WARNING
Do not reduce the tight corner braking
phenomenon when driving on a road
surface that is slippery or covered in
snow, because the driving mode will
switch to 2WD. This may cause tire
slipping and may cause a loss of control
and result in a collision, personal injury
or death.
TIRES
This vehicle is equipped with special tires. When
changing the tires, install the designated special
tires. Replacing tires as a set of four with new
ones is recommended. However, if a tire is
punctured or damaged, it may be possible to
replace only the damaged tire. Determining
whether one tire or a complete set of tires
should be replaced is based on a number of
factors including tire wear and condition. Con-
tact your GT-R certified NISSAN dealer. They
can recommend if an individual tire or a
complete set should be replaced.
NOTICE
If tires other than the designated tires,
tires with large differences in wear or
tires of different sizes are installed, the
AWD performance will be degraded and
the drive mechanism may be damaged.
AWD SYSTEM CHARACTERISTICS
The AWD system automatically distributes the
optimal torque to the front and rear wheels. This
provides both the superior turning performance
of a rear wheel drive vehicle and the traction of a
AWD vehicle.
Starting and driving5-43

5-50Starting and driving
shock absorbers, struts, springs,
stabilizer bars, bushings and
wheels are not NISSAN approved
or are extremely deteriorated, the
VDC system may not operate prop-
erly. This could adversely affect
vehicle handling performance, and
the VDC warning light
may
illuminate.
. If brake related parts such as brake
pads, rotors and calipers are not
standard equipment or are extre-
mely deteriorated, the VDC system
may not operate properly and the
VDC warning light
may illumi-
nate.
. If engine control related parts are
not standard equipment or are ex-
tremely deteriorated, the VDC warn-
ing light
may illuminate.
. When driving on extremely inclined
surfaces such as higher banked
corners, the VDC system may not
operate properly and the VDC warn-
ing light
may illuminate. Do not
drive on these types of roads.
. When driving on an unstable sur-
face such as a turntable, ferry, elevator or ramp, the VDC warning
light
may illuminate. This is not
a malfunction. Restart the engine
after driving onto a stable surface.
. If wheels or tires other than the
those recommended are used, the
VDC system may not operate prop-
erly and the VDC warning light
may illuminate.
. The VDC system is not a substitute
for winter tires or tire chains on a
snow covered road.
NOTE:
. Always make sure the VDC is ON
before driving the vehicle by checking
that the VDC OFF indicator lights on
the meter and the VDC set-up switch
are not illuminated.
The GT-R is a high performance vehicle
and the VDC must be on/activated to
provide proper powertrain operation
and intended drivability.
WARNING
.The VDC OFF mode should ONLY be
used briefly to help free the vehicle
if stuck in snow or mud by tempora-
rily stopping operation of the VDC
to maintain wheel torque.
. Driving the GT-R with the VDC off
may lead to handling issues related
to steering maneuvers, acceleration,
or deceleration. Moreover, driving
with the VDC off can result in an
inoperative vehicle by causing ser-
ious damage to the powertrain,
including damage to the Transaxle
Assembly including Transfer, Clutch,
Gears, Transaxle case and all of its
components and other drivetrain
component(s) by overheating or ex-
cessive force.
. Damage to the powertrain or any
drivetrain component(s) that occurs
when there is a record in the Vehicle
Status Data Recorder (VSDR) that
the vehicle was driven with VDC off
during the period when the damage
was incurred is excluded from war-
ranty coverage.

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

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.

original place after use.
Rear:
The rear hook
*5is designed as the recovery
hook.
To remove the cover
*6from the rear bumper,
first push in the tabs
*7until they unlatch and
then pull the cover.
Securely install the recovery hook
*3to the
attaching mount located on the rear bumper.
Make sure that the recovery hook is properly
secured in its storage location after use.
Do not use the tie down hooks for towing or
vehicle recovery.
CAUTION
. Do not use the vehicle tie downs to
free a vehicle stuck in sand, snow,
mud, etc.
. Always pull the cable straight out
from the vehicle. Never pull on the
vehicle at an angle.
. Pulling devices such as ropes or
canvas straps are not recommended
for use in vehicle towing or recov- ery.
NOTICE
.
Tow chains or cables must be at-
tached only to the vehicle recovery
hooks or main structural members
of the vehicle. Otherwise, the vehi-
cle body will be damaged.
. Never tow a vehicle using the vehi-
cle tie downs or recovery hooks.
. Pulling devices should be routed so
they do not touch any part of the
suspension, steering, brake or cool-
ing systems.
Rocking a stuck vehicle
If your vehicle is stuck in sand, snow, mud, etc.,
use the following procedure:
1. Turn off the Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC)
system and select SAVE mode with the
transmission setup switch. (
“VDC,
transmission and suspension setup
switches” page 5-24)
2. Make sure the area in front and behind the vehicle is clear of obstructions.
In case of emergency6-11

7-6Appearance and care
immediate damage and discoloration when
spilled on interior surfaces.
Carefully read and follow the manufacturer’s
instructions before using air fresheners.
FLOOR MATS
WARNING
To avoid potential pedal interference
that may result in a collision or injury:
. NEVER place a floor mat on top of
another floor mat in the driver front
position.
. Use only genuine NISSAN floor
mats specifically designed for use
in your vehicle model. See your
GT-R certified NISSAN dealer for
more information.
. Properly position the mats in the
floorwell using the floor mat posi-
tioning aid. See “Floor mat posi-
tioning aid” later in this section.
The use of genuine NISSAN floor mats can
extend the life of your vehicle carpet and make it
easier to clean the interior. Mats should be
maintained with regular cleaning and replaced if they become excessively worn.
Floor mat positioning aid
This model includes front floor mat brackets to
act as floor mat positioning aid. NISSAN floor
mats have been specially designed for your
vehicle model. The floor mats have grommet
holes in them. To install, simply position the mat
by placing the floor mat bracket through the floor
mat grommet hole while centering the mat in the
floorwell.
Periodically check to make certain that the mats
are properly positioned.