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.
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.
6-4In case of emergency
NOTICE
.Never install tire chains on a punc-
tured run-flat tire, as this could
damage your vehicle.
. Avoid driving over any projection or
pothole, as the clearance between
the vehicle and the ground is smal-
ler than normal.
. Do not enter an automated car wash
with a punctured run-flat tire.
. Have the punctured tire replaced by
your GT-R certified NISSAN dealer
as soon as possible, as the tire’s
performance capability is reduced.
If you have a flat tire and have to stop the
vehicle, follow the instructions below.
1. Safely move the vehicle off the road and away from traffic.
2. Turn on the hazard warning flashers.
3. Park on a level surface and apply the parking brake. Move the shift lever to the
&Pposition.
4. Turn off the engine.
5. Raise the hood to warn other traffic, and to signal professional road assistance person-
nel that you need assistance. 6. Have all passengers get out of the vehicle
and stand in a safe place, away from traffic
and clear of the vehicle.
If needed Roadside Assistance is available.
Please see your Warranty Information Booklet
for the toll-free number to call (U.S.) or Warranty
Information Booklet (Canada).
For the tire removing procedure, see the
following section. (
“Jacking vehicle and
removing wheels” page 8-42)
The following circumstances indicate that the
battery is discharged.
. The starter motor does not turn or it turns
weakly and the engine does not start.
. The vehicle lights are much dimmer than
usual.
. The sound of the horn is weak. The horn
makes no sound.
NOTICE
When the battery is discharged, do not
close either of the front doors. The
automatic window adjusting function
will not work, and the side roof panel
may be damaged.
To start your engine with a booster battery, the
instructions and precautions below must be
followed.
For the battery maintenance information, see the
following section. (
“Battery” page 8-17)
JUMP STARTING
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
8-4Maintenance and do-it-yourself
During the normal day-to-day operation of the
vehicle, general maintenance should be per-
formed regularly as prescribed in this section. If
you detect any unusual sounds, vibrations or
smell, be sure to check for the cause or have a
GT-R certified NISSAN dealer do it promptly. In
addition, you should notify a GT-R certified
NISSAN dealer if you think that repairs are
required. (
“Maintenance precautions”
page 8-6)
EXPLANATION OF MAINTENANCE
ITEMS
Additional information on the following
items with “*” is found later in this section.
Outside the vehicle
The maintenance items listed here should be
performed from time to time, unless otherwise
specified.
Doors and engine hood: Check that all doors
and the engine hood, operate properly. Also
ensure that all latches lock securely. Lubricate
hinges, latches, latch pins, rollers and links if
necessary. Make sure that the secondary latch
keeps the hood from opening when the primary
latch is released.
When driving in areas using road salt or other
corrosive materials, check lubrication frequently. Lights*:
Clean the headlights on a regular basis.
Make sure that the headlights, stop lights, tail
lights, turn signal lights, and other lights are all
operating properly and installed securely. Also
check headlight aim.
Road wheel nuts (lug nuts)*: When checking
the tires, make sure no wheel nuts are missing,
and check for any loose wheel nuts. Tighten if
necessary.
Tire rotation*: Tires cannot be rotated because
your vehicle is equipped with different sized tires
in the front and rear.
Tires*: Check the pressure with a gauge often
and always prior to long distance trips. If
necessary, adjust the pressure in all tires to the
pressure specified. Check carefully for damage,
cuts or excessive wear.
NOTE:
. You can check the pressure of all four
tires on the multi function display. See
the separate Multi Function Display
Owner’s Manual.
. The tires of this vehicle are filled with
nitrogen gas. When the tire pressure is
low, fill the tires with nitrogen. Contact
a GT-R certified NISSAN dealer for
information on filling the tires with
nitrogen. .
If nitrogen is not available, compressed
air may be safely used under normal
driving conditions. However, NISSAN
recommends refilling with nitrogen for
maximum tire performance.
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
transmitter components: Replace grommet
seal of transmitter in TPMS, when replacing
each tire by reaching the wear limit.
Tire, wheel alignment and balance: If the
vehicle should pull to either side while driving on
a straight and level road, or if you detect uneven
or abnormal tire wear, there may be a need for
wheel alignment.
If the steering wheel or seat vibrates at normal
highway speeds, wheel balancing may be
needed.
For additional information regarding tires, refer
to “Important Tire Safety Information” (US) or
“Tire Safety Information” (Canada) in the War-
ranty Information Booklet.
Windshield: Clean the windshield on a regular
basis. Check the windshield at least every six
months for cracks or other damage. Have a
damaged windshield repaired by a qualified
repair facility.
Windshield wiper blades*: Check for cracks
or wear if they do not wipe properly.
GENERAL MAINTENANCE
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
8-28Maintenance and do-it-yourself
1. Front parking light
2. Front turn signal light
3. Headlight (High beam)
4. Daytime running light
5. Headlight (Low beam)
6. Front side marker light7. High-mounted stop light
8. License plate light
9. Rear combination light (rear turn signal/tail/stop/
back-up)
10. Rear side marker light
LIGHTS
HEADLIGHTS
Replacing
Xenon headlight bulb:
WARNING
HIGH VOLTAGE
When xenon headlights are on, they
produce a high voltage. To prevent an
electric shock, never attempt to modify
or disassemble. Always have your xe-
non headlights replaced at a GT-R
certified NISSAN dealer.
(
“Headlight and turn signal
switch” page 2-49)
Fog may temporarily form inside the lens of the
exterior lights in the rain or in a car wash. A
temperature difference between the inside and
the outside of the lens causes the fog. This does
not indicate that there is a malfunction. If large
drops of water collect inside the lens, contact a
GT-R certified NISSAN dealer.
EXTERIOR AND INTERIOR LIGHTS
Item Wattage (W)Bulb No.
Headlight assembly
low-beam (Xenon) 35D2S
high-beam (Halogen) 65H9
Front turn signal light* 287444NA
Front parking light* 5W5W
Daytime running light* LED—
Front side marker light* 3.8T10
Rear combination light* back-up 16W16W
turn signal 21WY21W
stop/tail LED—
Rear side marker light* LED—
License plate light* 5W5W
Map light 8—
Vanity mirror light 2—
Step light* 8—
Trunk light* 3.4—
High-mounted stop light* LED—
*: See a GT-R certified NISSAN dealer for replacement.
Always check with the Parts Department at a GT-R certified NISSAN dealer for the latest parts information.
Maintenance and do-it-yourself8-29