2013 NISSAN GT-R Vdc

FEATURES OF EACH MODE
Transmission
The transmission mode differs depending on the shift lever position,&Aor&M.
&Aposition:
Set up modeFeatures
.In addition to the normal mode functions, this mode allows you to achieve higher
engine speed, greater powertrain torque and engine braking.
.With the VDC switch in R mode, the R mode start function can be used. (“R
mode start function” page 5-32)
.When the R mode is selected, the maximum speed is lower than the one in the
normal mode.
Normal (light is off)
.For everyday and performance driving, an appropriate gear position is automatically
selected.
.For long distance driving, this mode helps improve fuel economy by reducing engine
output compared to the normal mode.
.The engine response to accelerator operation changes to be less sensitive to pedal
movement than the normal mode. The engine speed does not change as quickly for
small accelerator pedal position changes.
.This mode controls powertrain torque on snowy roads and slippery surfaces making
starting and driving easier.
.When the SAVE mode is selected, the maximum speed is lower than the one in the
normal mode.
Starting and driving5-27

5-28Starting and driving
&Mposition:
Set up modeFeatures
.This mode allows you to shift gears quickly and directly..This mode will not allow the transmission to automatically upshift even when the
engine speed reaches the red zone. Do not rev the engine into the red zone.
.With the VDC switch in R mode, the R mode start function can be used. (“R
mode start function” page 5-32)
Normal (light is off)
.For everyday and performance driving, any gear position can be selected..This mode will allow the transmission to automatically upshift even when the engine
speed is about to reach the red zone.
.For long distance highway driving, this mode improves fuel economy by reducing
engine output compared to the normal mode.
.The engine response to accelerator operation changes to be less sensitive to pedal
movement than the normal mode. The engine speed does not change as quickly for
small accelerator pedal position changes.
.This mode controls powertrain torque on snowy roads and slippery surfaces making
starting and driving easier.
.This mode allows the transmission to automatically upshift even when the engine
speed is about to reach the red zone.
.When the SAVE mode is selected, the maximum speed is lower than the one in the
normal mode.
NOTICE
. When the engine speed approaches
the red zone, shift to a higher gear
or reduce the engine speed. Operat-
ing the engine in the red zone may
cause serious engine damage.
. 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.

5-30Starting and driving
Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC)
Set up modeFeatures
.In addition to the normal mode function, this mode adjusts front and rear wheel
power distribution to improve handling.
.With the transmission switch in R mode, the R mode start function can be used.
(“R mode start function” page 5-32)
Normal (light is off)
.This mode is for use in a broad range of driving conditions, for routine driving during
fair to rainy weather, as well as for driving on road surfaces that are slippery due to
snow or ice.
Make sure to use this mode for everyday driving.
.Temporary mode that can be used to free if it is stuck in snow or mud
(With the transmission switch in SAVE mode, freeing the vehicle become easier.)
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.The turbocharger system uses engine oil for
lubrication and cooling of its rotating compo-
nents. The turbocharger turbine turns at extre-
mely high speeds and it can get very hot. It is
essential to maintain a supply of oil flowing
through the turbocharger system. Therefore, a
sudden interruption of oil supply may cause a
malfunction in the turbocharger.
To ensure prolonged life and performance of the
turbocharger, it is essential to perform the
following maintenance procedure:
.Change your engine oil according to the
recommended intervals shown in the sepa-
rate Service and Maintenance Guide. Use
only the recommended engine oil.
. If the engine had been operating at high
engine speed for an extended period of time,
let it idle for a few minutes prior to shut-
down.
. Do not accelerate your engine to high
engine speed immediately after start.
NOTICE
.This vehicle includes spark plugs
that are designed for high perfor-
mance. For this reason, if the engine
is repeatedly started and stopped over a short time, the spark plugs
may become fouled, making the
engine difficult to start. To prevent
diminished starting performance,
avoid starting and stopping the
engine repeatedly during a short
period of time.
NOTE:
. When the vehicle is delivered, the
engine oil level is 0.39 in (10 mm)
below the H mark on the engine oil
dipstick for optimum high performance
driving. The engine oil can be filled up
to the H mark if not engaging in
performance driving.
. Because of the high performance char-
acteristics of the GT-R engine, more
frequent oil level inspections are ne-
cessary. Check the oil level every 1,800
miles (3,000km) and adjust as neces-
sary. Also, change the engine oil based
on the driving conditions. For the
information regarding oil replacement
intervals, refer to the 2013 NISSAN
GT-R Service and Maintenance Guide.
. Some amount of oil is consumed by
your engine under normal operating
Starting and driving5-31
TURBOCHARGER SYSTEM

5-32Starting and driving
conditions, and oil consumption by
itself does not necessarily indicate
any malfunction. If your rate of oil
consumption increases suddenly or
without explanation, NISSAN recom-
mends that you have your vehicle
inspected by a GT-R certified NISSAN
dealer.This function enables the driver to start accel-
eration from a stop by selecting R mode with the
VDC and transmission setup switch. The engine
output will be maintained at approximately 4,000
rpm. When using the R mode or the R mode
start function, always use proper seating posi-
tion and follow the safety instructions in Section
1 of this manual.
WARNING
.Failure to follow the warnings and
instruction for the use of this fea-
ture may cause a loss of vehicle
control or a collision which may lead
to serious personal injury or death:
. Make sure to drive carefully within
legal limits.
. Only use this function when you can
guarantee that it is safe to do so,
based on the surrounding traffic
conditions.
. Do not use this function on slippery
or wet roads. This may cause loss of
vehicle control and could result in
an accident.
. The R mode start function has been
developed not only for controlling the engine, transmission and VDC
system, but also the settings of the
suspension and tires. Therefore, any
modification of the vehicle may
disrupt the vehicle’s balance. This
will not only reduce the optimum
performance of the vehicle but may
also cause damage to powertrain
components, including the trans-
mission.
NOTICE
.
When the temperature of the engine
coolant and transmission oil is high
or low, the function cannot be used.
The temperature range in which the
R mode start function can be used:
— Engine coolant: 1408F - 2128F
(608C - 1008C)
— Transmission oil: 1408F - 2668F (608C - 1308C)
. If the R mode start function is used
4 times consecutively, the function
may be disabled and cannot be
turned on to protect the vehicle
system. While the function is dis-
R MODE START FUNCTION

abled, the warning light illuminates.
When the warning light illuminates,
perform cool down driving.
(
“Cool down” page GTR-13)
When the warning light turns off,
the function can be used again.
. The performance of start may vary
depending on the amount of wheel
spin ,or increase and decrease of
the engine output in response to the
outside temperature. (This vehicle
was set up according to the road
surface conditions of the straight
sections of the Sendai Highland
Raceway course in Japan at 598F
(158C) .)
. For safety reasons, VDC control may
activate automatically when driving
on a slippery road surface, such as a
wet road, in order to apply the
brakes or limit the engine output.
. Frequent use of the R mode start
function increases the load on the
powertrain related parts such as the
clutch and transmission compared
to normal driving. In particular, the
clutch will wear out more quickly.
HOW TO USE R MODE START
FUNCTION
1. Move the shift lever to the&Aor&Mposition.
2. Select the R mode with the transmission setup switch. (
“VDC, transmission and
suspension setup switches” page 5-24)
3. Select the R mode with the VDC setup switch.
4. Depress the brake pedal firmly with your left foot and keep depressing the brake pedal.
5. Depress the accelerator pedal quickly to the floor with your right foot while the brake
pedal is depressed. The engine speed will
increase to approximately 4,000 rpm and
will be maintained.
6. Within 3 seconds after depressing the accelerator pedal, release the brake pedal.
WARNING
.Be sure the parking brake is fully
released before driving. Failure to
do so can cause brake failure and
lead to an accident.
. Do not release the parking brake
from outside the vehicle.
. Do not use the gear shift in place of
the parking brake. When parking, be
sure the parking brake is fully
engaged.
. Do not leave children unattended in
Starting and driving5-33
PARKING BRAKE

5-38Starting and driving
NOTE:
.If cruise control was canceled by press-
ing the cancel switch or by depressing
the brake pedal, the system changes to
standby status.
. If you depress the brake pedal while
pushing the RESUME/ACCELERATE or
SET/COAST switch and reset at the
cruising speed, the cruise control will
be deactivated. Turn the MAIN switch
off once and then turn it on again.
Under the following conditions, cruise control
will be automatically canceled.
. Vehicle speed drops to below approximately
19 MPH (30 km/h) .
. Vehicle speed drops to more than approxi-
mately 8 MPH (13 km/h) below the set
vehicle speed.
. The shift lever is moved to a position other
than
&A↔&M.
. VDC operates.
. A tire is spinning.
. There is a malfunction in the cruise control
system.
WARNING
.Never rely solely on the hill start
assist system to prevent the vehicle
from moving backward on a hill.
Always drive carefully and atten-
tively. Depress the brake pedal
when the vehicle is stopped on a
steep hill. Be especially careful
when stopped on a hill on frozen
or muddy roads. Failure to prevent
the vehicle from rolling backwards
may result in a loss of control of the
vehicle and possible serious injury
or death.
. The hill start assist system is not
designed to hold the vehicle at a
standstill on a hill. Depress the
brake pedal when the vehicle is
stopped on a steep hill. Failure to
do so may cause the vehicle to roll
backwards and may result in a
collision or serious personal injury.
. The hill start assist may not prevent
the vehicle from rolling backwards
on a hill under all load or road
conditions. Always be prepared to
depress the brake pedal to prevent the vehicle from rolling backwards.
Failure to do so may result in a
collision or serious personal injury.
NOTICE
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.
The hill start assist system automatically keeps
the brakes applied to help prevent the vehicle
from rolling backwards in the time it takes the
driver to release the brake pedal and apply the
accelerator when the vehicle is stopped on a hill.
Hill start assist will operate automatically under
the following conditions:
. The shift lever is moved to a forward or
reverse position.
. The vehicle is stopped completely on a hill
by applying the brake.
The maximum holding time is 2 seconds. After 2
seconds the vehicle will begin to roll back and
HILL START ASSIST

hill start assist will stop operating completely.
Hill start assist will not operate when the shift
lever is moved to the
&Nor&Pposition or on a
flat and level road.
NOTE:
This system does not function when the
Vehicle Dynamic Control VDC) system
warning appears on the vehicle informa-
tion display located in the tachometer.
(
“Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) sys-
tem warning” page 2-36)
NOTICE
Follow these recommendations to ob-
tain maximum engine performance and
ensure the future reliability and econo-
my of your new vehicle. Failure to
follow these recommendations may
result in shortened engine life and
reduced vehicle performance.
Please observe the following types of driving
until the mileage shown below has been
reached.
Until 300 miles (500 km):
. Do not depress the accelerator pedal more
than halfway and avoid rapid acceleration.
. Drive with the engine speed kept at less
than 3,500 RPM.
. Avoid unnecessary quick steering, abrupt
braking and driving on poor roads.
300 to 600 miles (500 to 1,000 km)
. Avoid rapid acceleration in a low gear (1st to
3rd gears) with the accelerator pedal fully
depressed. Depress the pedal slowly.
. Avoid unnecessary quick steering and
abrupt braking. .
Drive with the suspension setup switch in
the COMF mode to allow more suspension
stroke.
600 to 1,200 miles (1,000 to 2,000 km)
. Drive with the engine speed kept relatively
high with the shift lever in the
&Mposition.
Shifting is recommended between 1st and
4th gears.
. Avoid unnecessary quick steering and
abrupt braking.
. Drive with the suspension setup switch in
the COMF mode to allow more suspension
stroke.
Even though the mileage reaches over 1,200
miles (2,000 km) , the clutch may take longer to
properly engage if the vehicle is mainly driven in
town at a low speed. NISSAN recommends
breaking in the clutch at a GT-R certified
NISSAN dealer.
WHEEL ALIGNMENT
Do not adjust the wheel alignment until the
mileage reaches 1,000 miles (1,600 km). Until
then, the suspension may not engage enough
and the height may be higher.
However, make sure to adjust the alignment
after 1,000 miles (1,600 km) .
The wheel alignment can be adjusted by a GT-R
Starting and driving5-39
BREAK-IN SCHEDULE