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
8-6Maintenance 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
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
10-4
J
Jacking vehicle and removing wheels.................... 8-42
Jump starting....................................................... 6-4, 8-18
K
KeyIntelligent 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
Keys............................................................................ 3-2
Locking with mechanical key................................ 3-6
No key warning..................................................... 2-40
Remote keyless entry functions........................ 3-12
L
Larger children............................................................. 1-13
LightAWD warning light .............................................. 5-41
Exterior and interior lights .................................. 8-29
Headlight and turn signal switch ..................... 2-49
Headlight switch................................................... 2-49
Headlights.............................................................. 8-29
Indicator lights....................................................... 2-61
Interior light control switch ................................ 2-62 Interior lights.......................................................... 2-61
Lights....................................................................... 8-28
Map lights .............................................................. 2-61
Supplemental air bag warning light................. 1-44
Vanity mirror lights ............................................... 2-63
Warning lights....................................................... 2-24
Warning/indicator lights and
audible reminders................................................. 2-24
Xenon headlights.................................................. 2-49
Limited Slip Differential.............................................. 5-44
Loading tips.................................................................. 9-16
Lock Anti-lock Braking System................................... 5-48
Anti-lock Braking System warning................... 2-36
Automatic door lock system................................. 3-5
Freeing a frozen door lock................................. 5-51
Locking with inside lock knob ............................. 3-5
Locking with mechanical key................................ 3-6
Locking with power door lock switch................ 3-5
Steering lock release malfunction indicator.... 2-42
Low brake fluid warning ............................................ 2-35
Low fuel warning......................................................... 2-39
Low tire pressure warning ........................................ 2-38
Low washer fluid warning......................................... 2-40
Lower anchors and tethers for children system.... 1-16
M
Maintenance Explanation of maintenance items ...................... 8-4
General maintenance .................................... 8-3, 8-4 Maintenance information ................................. GTR-3
Maintenance precautions...................................... 8-6
Maintenance requirement...................................... 8-3
Readiness for
Inspection/Maintenance test ............................. 9-20
Scheduled maintenance........................................ 8-3
Seat belt maintenance........................................ 1-12
Map lights ..................................................................... 2-61
Measurement of weights........................................... 9-16
Meters and gauges....................................................... 2-5
Mirror Inside mirror........................................................... 3-27
Mirrors..................................................................... 3-27
Outside mirrors..................................................... 3-28
Vanity mirror........................................................... 3-29
Vanity mirror lights ............................................... 2-63
Most common factors contributing to
vehicle corrosion ........................................................... 7-8
Multi function display Owner’s Manual ................... 4-2
N
NISSAN Advanced Air Bag System ...................... 1-37
NISSAN Vehicle Immobilizer System..................... 2-45
No key warning............................................................ 2-40
Noises are heard while driving .......................... GTR-25
O
Odometer/twin trip odometer .................................... 2-6
Off-road recovery.......................................................... 5-7
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
10-6
Run-flat tires................................................................... 6-3
S
SafetyAll-Wheel Drive driving safety precautions ...... 5-9
Child safety............................................................ 1-12
Reporting safety defects ................................... 9-19
Safety — Seats, seat belts and supplemental
restraint system.............................................................. 1-1
Scheduled maintenance.............................................. 8-3
Seat Booster seats........................................................ 1-28
Forward-facing child restraint installation
using the seat belts............................................. 1-24
Front seat-mounted side-impact
supplemental air bag and roof-mounted
curtain side-impact supplemental air
bag systems .......................................................... 1-41
Front seats................................................................ 1-3
Heated seats......................................................... 2-53
NISSAN Advanced Air Bag System ............... 1-37
Precautions on seat belt usage........................... 1-6
Rear-facing child restraint installation using
the seat belts ........................................................ 1-20
Seat belt extenders.............................................. 1-12
Seat belt maintenance........................................ 1-12
Seat belts......................................................... 1-6, 7-7
Seat belts with pretensioners........................... 1-42
Seats .......................................................................... 1-2
Three-point type seat belt with retractor .......... 1-8 Seat belt
Forward-facing child restraint installation
using the seat belts............................................. 1-24
Precautions on seat belt usage........................... 1-6
Rear-facing child restraint installation using
the seat belts ........................................................ 1-20
Seat belt extenders.............................................. 1-12
Seat belt maintenance........................................ 1-12
Seat belts......................................................... 1-6, 7-7
Seat belts with pretensioners........................... 1-42
Three-point type seat belt with retractor .......... 1-8
Security systems ......................................................... 2-44
Self-adjusting brakes ................................................. 8-22
Setting (drive computer) ........................................... 2-18
Setting hazard indicator and horn mode .............. 3-13
Shift lever position warning...................................... 2-34
Shift “P” warning......................................................... 2-42
Small children............................................................... 1-13
Spark plugs .................................................................. 8-19
Special winter equipment ......................................... 5-52
Specifications................................................................. 9-8
Speedometer.................................................................. 2-6
Starting Before starting the engine................................. 5-13
Jump starting................................................ 6-4, 8-18
Precautions when starting and driving .............. 5-3
Push starting ............................................................ 6-7
Starting the engine .............................................. 5-13
Steering Power steering...................................................... 5-46
Power steering fluid............................................. 8-14 Steering lock release malfunction indicator.... 2-42
Steering wheel...................................................... 3-26
Steering-wheel-mounted controls ................... 5-35
Tilt/telescopic steering column......................... 3-26
Storage .......................................................................... 2-55
Summer tires.......................................................... GTR-11
Sun visors ..................................................................... 3-27
Sunglasses holder ...................................................... 2-56
Supplemental air bag warning labels..................... 1-43
Supplemental air bag warning light........................ 1-44
Supplemental restraint system................................. 1-31
Suspension............................................................... GTR-5
Suspension and wheel alignment.... GTR-16, GTR-23
Switch Hazard warning flasher switch.......................... 2-52
Headlight and turn signal switch ..................... 2-49
Headlight switch................................................... 2-49
How to switch the modes ................................. 5-25
Ignition switch operation .................................... 5-10
Ignition switch positions..................................... 5-10
Interior light control switch ................................ 2-62
Locking with power door lock switch................ 3-5
Push-button ignition switch.................................. 5-9
Rear window defroster switch.......................... 2-48
Trunk lid release switch...................................... 3-20
Trunk open request switch ................................ 3-20
Trunk release power cancel switch................. 3-21
VDC, transmission and suspension
setup switches...................................................... 5-24
Windshield wiper and washer switch............. 2-46