GTR-10GT-R Overview
.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 certified NISSAN dealer in accordance with
specifications for city driving to high perfor-
mance driving.
The tires on the GT-R may have different wear
rates and wear patterns in comparison to
conventional passenger vehicles. Contact a
GT-R certified NISSAN dealer to confirm that
the alignment is within specifications.
VEHICLE DYNAMIC CONTROL (VDC)
OFF MODE
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
PRECAUTIONS BEFORE DRIVING
GTR-12GT-R Overview
FUEL
NISSAN recommends using fuels that contain
no alcohol. However, fuels containing up to 10%
alcohol may be used, if necessary. Do not use E-
15 or E-85 in your vehicle. (
“Fuel recom-
mendation” page 9-4)
NOTICE
To avoid serious engine damage due to
increased cylinder temperatures, do not
use fuels that contain more alcohol
than indicated in
“Gasoline con-
taining oxygenates” page 9-4. Also, do
not use fuel additives, fuel stabilizers or
fuel deicers that contain alcohol.
BODY REPAIR
The body of the GT-R has been manufactured
on special fixtures utilizing a hybrid structure
with aluminum die cast parts for the frame work.
Special skills, information and equipment are
required to correctly repair the body. Contact a
GT-R certified NISSAN dealer if the vehicle is
damaged, such as in a collision, and they will
recommend an appropriate body shop.
Only certified body shops using CELETTE
®
advanced collision repair equipment are ap- proved by NISSAN for repairing structural body
damage. Contact a GT-R certified NISSAN
dealer or NISSAN Consumer Affairs for a
referral or list of certified body shops.
DRIVING AFTER REPLACING TIRES
Avoid the driving conditions listed under “Addi-
tional maintenance items” in this section for 48
hours after tires are installed on the wheels
(
“Additional maintenance items” page
GTR-12) . The tire may slip on the wheel if the
vehicle is driven in these conditions before 48
hours have passed. If the tire slips on the wheel,
the wheel/tire assembly will be out of balance
and will require rebalancing.
The information and specifications in this
section apply only when engaging in
performance driving.
The following information applies only if you
engage in performance driving such as driving
your GT-R for extended periods under the
following conditions.
. Higher-RPM (approaching redline) opera-
tion
. Frequent high pedal force braking from
moderate and higher speeds
. Frequent throttle activation
. Fast revving throughout the RPM range
In such cases, the following additional main-
tenance guidelines apply.
However, you should also carefully read
your 2013 NISSAN GT-R Warranty Informa-
tion Booklet for important information
concerning warranty coverage, limitations
and exclusions.
We recommend that all GT-R maintenance be
performed at a GT-R certified NISSAN dealer.
NISSAN will only pay for GT-R Performance
Optimization Services performed at a GT-R
certified NISSAN dealer.
ADDITIONAL MAINTENANCE ITEMS
TRANSMISSION OPERATION CHARACTERISTICS
MechanismOperation characteristics
Base Manual transmission
.The GT-R transmission design is different from transmissions used in conventional passenger cars. The GT-R uses a transmission gear
design, light flywheel and a dry sump lubrication system to provide maximum vehicle performance. Because the GT-R Transmission design
is different, noises may be louder. When the transmission temperature is high, rattling, shaking and jarring noises may be heard.
.Clattering noises may be heard while shifting..Appropriate gaps are provided between gears to achieve smooth gear rotation and steady tooth surface lubrication under the high-load
driving condition. However, this causes a rattling noise.
.If the shift lever is moved from&Rto&A↔&Mposition, or&A↔&Mto&Rposition before the vehicle stops, you may not be able to shift gear
or it may take longer to shift gear. Make sure to depress the brake pedal and check that the vehicle has stopped before shifting.
Multiple disc wet clutch
.When stopping the vehicle with the shift lever in the&Ror&A↔&Mposition, be sure to firmly depress the brake pedal. The vehicle may
slowly move if the brake pedal is not depressed.
.Avoid depressing the brake and accelerator pedals at the same time. Depressing the brake and accelerator pedals at the same time could
cause the clutch to overheat and accelerate deterioration.
.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.
Electronic oil pressure
control The following conditions are caused due to changes in fluid viscosity as a result of temperature changes.
.When the transmission oil is extremely cold or extremely hot, the transmission may feel like it is slipping during shifts or there may be hard
shifts. This is normal. Transmission shifting should return to normal when the transmission oil returns to normal operating temperatures.
.When the transmission oil temperature is extremely cold, the time required to run a system check may increase. During the system check,
the shift lever must stay in the&Pposition. Move the shift lever after turning off the system check display. Also, it is normal to hear clicking
noises during the transmission systems check.
Changing modes
.The higher shift speeds in the&Mposition may result in shift shock and jerkiness when starting or shifting..The 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.
Mechanical Limited Slip
Differential (LSD) If the vehicle accelerates from a stop with the steering wheel turned half a turn in cold temperatures, the inner wheel tire may slip and some
noise or vibration may be heard. This phenomenon occurs because the viscosity of the differential oil becomes thicker and the Limited Slip
Differential (LSD) operates with increasing load. When the steering wheel is returned to the straight ahead position or the differential oil warms
up, the noise and vibration decrease.
GT-R OverviewGTR-29
injuries. You could also slide under
the lap belt and receive serious
internal injuries.
. For the most effective protection
when the vehicle is in motion, the
seat should be upright. Always sit
well back in the seat with both feet
on the floor and adjust the seat belt
properly.
. Do not allow children to play with
the seat belts. Most seating posi-
tions are equipped with Automatic
Locking Retractor (ALR) mode seat
belts. If the seat belt becomes
wrapped around a child’s neck with
the ALR mode activated, the child
can be seriously injured or killed if
the seat belt retracts and becomes
tight. This can occur even if the
vehicle is parked. Unbuckle the seat
belt to release the child. If the seat
belt can not be unbuckled or is
already unbuckled, release the child
by cutting the seat belt with a
suitable tool (such as a knife or
scissors) to release the seat belt.
Fastening the seat belts
1. Adjust the seat. (“Seats” page 1-2)
2. Slowly pull the seat belt out of the retractor and insert the tongue into the buckle until
you hear and feel the latch engage.
.The retractor is designed to lock
during a sudden stop or on impact. A
slow pulling motion permits the belt
to move, and allows you some free-
dom of movement in the seat.
.If the seat belt cannot be pulled
from its fully retracted position,
firmly pull the belt and release it.
Then smoothly pull the belt out of the retractor.
Safety — Seats, seat belts and supplemental restraint system1-9
1-12Safety — Seats, seat belts and supplemental restraint system
SEAT BELT EXTENDERS
If, because of body size or driving position, it is
not possible to properly fit the lap-shoulder belt
and fasten it, an extender that is compatible with
the installed seat belts is available that can be
purchased. The extender adds approximately 8
in (200 mm) of length and may be used for either
the driver or front passenger seating position.
See a GT-R certified NISSAN dealer for
assistance with purchasing an extender if an
extender is required.
WARNING
.Only NISSAN seat belt extenders,
made by the same company which
made the original equipment seat
belts, should be used with the
NISSAN seat belts.
. Adults and children who can use the
standard seat belt should not use an
extender. Such unnecessary use
could result in serious personal
injury in the event of an accident.
. Never use seat belt extenders to
install child restraints. If the child
restraint is not secured properly, the
child could be seriously injured in a collision or a sudden stop.
SEAT BELT MAINTENANCE
.
To clean the seat belt webbing, apply a
mild soap solution or any solution recom-
mended for cleaning upholstery or carpets.
Then, wipe with a cloth and allow the seat
belts to dry in the shade. Do not allow the
seat belts to retract until they are completely
dry.
. If dirt builds up in the shoulder belt
guide of the seat belt anchors, the seat
belts may retract slowly. Wipe the shoulder
belt guide with a clean, dry cloth.
. Periodically check to see that the seat
belt and the metal components such as
buckles, tongues, retractors, flexible wires
and anchors work properly. If loose parts,
deterioration, cuts or other damage on the
webbing is found, the entire seat belt
assembly should be replaced.
WARNING
Do not allow children to play with the
seat belts. Most seating positions are
equipped with Automatic Locking Re-
tractor (ALR) mode seat belts. If the
seat belt becomes wrapped around a
child’s neck with the ALR mode acti-
vated, the child can be seriously injured
or killed if the seat belt retracts and
becomes tight. This can occur even if
the vehicle is parked. Unbuckle the seat
belt to release the child. If the seat belt
can not be unbuckled or is already
unbuckled, release the child by cutting
the seat belt with a suitable tool (such
as a knife or scissors) to release the
seat belt.
Children need adults to help protect them.
They need to be properly restrained.
In addition to the general information in this
manual, child safety information is available from
many other sources, including doctors, teachers,
government traffic safety offices, and community
organizations. Every child is different, so be sure
to learn the best way to transport your child.
There are three basic types of child restraint
CHILD SAFETY
however, if the occupant does not sit in the seat
properly (for example, by not sitting upright, by
sitting on an edge of the seat, or by otherwise
being out of position) , this could cause the
sensor to turn the air bag OFF. Always be sure
to be seated and wearing the seat belt properly
for the most effective protection by the seat belt
and supplemental air bag.
NISSAN recommends that pre-teens and chil-
dren be properly restrained in a rear seat.
NISSAN also recommends that appropriate
child restraints and booster seats be properly
installed in a rear seat. If this is not possible, the
occupant classification sensor is designed to
operate as described above to turn the front
passenger air bag OFF for specified child
restraints. Failing to properly secure child
restraints and to use the Automatic Locking
Retractor (ALR) mode (child restraint mode)
may allow the restraint to tip or move in an
accident or sudden stop. This can also result in
the passenger air bag inflating in a crash instead
of being OFF. (
“Child restraints” page 1-
14)
If the front passenger seat is not occupied, the
passenger air bag is designed not to inflate in a
crash. However, heavy objects placed on the
seat could result in air bag inflation, because of
the object being detected by the occupant classification sensor. Other conditions could
also result in air bag inflation, such as if a child is
standing on the seat, or if two children are on the
seat, contrary to the instructions in this manual.
Always be sure that you and all vehicle
occupants are seated and restrained properly.
Using the passenger air bag status light, you can
monitor when the front passenger air bag is
automatically turned OFF with the seat occu-
pied. The light will not illuminate when the front
passenger seat is unoccupied.
If an adult occupant is in the seat but the
passenger air bag status light is illuminated
(indicating that the air bag is OFF) , it could be
that the person is a small adult, or is not sitting
on the seat properly.
If a child restraint must be used in the front seat,
the passenger air bag status light may or may
not be illuminated, depending on the size of the
child and the type of child restraint being used. If
the passenger air bag status light is not
illuminated (indicating that the air bag might
inflate in a crash), it could be that the child
restraint or seat belt is not being used properly.
Make sure that the child restraint is installed
properly, the seat belt is used properly and the
occupant is positioned properly. If the passen-
ger air bag status light is still not illuminated,
reposition the occupant or child restraint in arear seat.
If the passenger air bag status light will not
illuminate even though you believe that the child
restraint, the seat belts and the occupant are
properly positioned, the system may be sensing
an unoccupied seat (in which case the air bag is
OFF). Your GT-R certified NISSAN dealer can
check that the system is OFF by using a special
tool. However, until you have confirmed with
your dealer that your air bag is working properly,
reposition the occupant or child restraint in a
rear seat.
The NISSAN Advanced Air Bag System and
passenger air bag status light will take a few
seconds to register a change in the passenger
seat status. However, if the seat becomes
unoccupied, the air bag status light will remain
off.
If a malfunction occurs in the front passenger air
bag system, the supplemental air bag warning
light
, located in the meter and gauges area
will blink. Have the system checked by a GT-R
certified NISSAN dealer.
Safety — Seats, seat belts and supplemental restraint system1-39
Pull off the road in a safe area,
and idle the engine. The driving
mode will change to RWD to
prevent the AWD system from
malfunctioning. If the warning
light turns off, you can drive
again. This does not indicate
that there is a malfunction.
— blinks slowly (about once every 2 seconds):
Pull off the road in a safe area,
and idle the engine. Check that
all tire sizes are the same as
that specified on the Tire and
Loading Information label lo-
cated in the driver’s door open-
ing, tire pressure is correct and
tires are not worn. (
“Tire
and loading information label”
page 9-13)
If the tire pressure is insuffi-
cient, fill with nitrogen gas.
Contact a GT-R certified NISSAN
dealer about filling with nitro-
gen gas. If nitrogen gas is not
available, compressed air may
be safely used under normal
driving conditions. However,
NISSAN recommends refilling with nitrogen gas for maximum
tire performance.
. If the warning light is still on after
the above operations, have your
vehicle checked by a GT-R certified
NISSAN dealer as soon as possible.
orAnti-lock Braking
System (ABS) warning light
When the ignition switch is in the ON position,
the Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) warning
light illuminates and then turns off. This indicates
the ABS is operational.
If the ABS warning light illuminates while the
engine is running, or while driving, it may
indicate the ABS is not functioning properly.
Have the system checked by a GT-R certified
NISSAN dealer.
If an ABS malfunction occurs, the anti-lock
function is turned off. The brake system then
operates normally, but without anti-lock assis-
tance. (
“Brake system” page 5-47)
orBrake warning light
This light functions for both the parking brake
and the foot brake systems. Parking brake indicator:
When the ignition switch is in the ON position,
the light comes on when the parking brake is
applied.
Low brake fluid warning light:
When the ignition switch is in the ON position,
the light warns of a low brake fluid level. If the
light comes on while the engine is running with
the parking brake not applied, stop the vehicle
and perform the following:
1. Check the brake fluid level. Add brake fluid
as necessary. (
“Brake fluid” page 8-
15)
2. If the brake fluid level is correct, have the warning system checked by a GT-R certified
NISSAN dealer.
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) warning
indicator:
When the parking brake is released and the
brake fluid level is sufficient, if both the brake
warning light and the Anti-lock Braking System
(ABS) warning light illuminate, it may indicate
the ABS is not functioning properly. Have the
brake system checked, and if necessary re-
paired, by a GT-R certified NISSAN dealer
promptly. (
“Anti-lock Braking System
(ABS) warning light” page 2-25)
Instruments and controls2-25
.The supplemental air bag warning light
remains on after approximately 7 seconds.
. The supplemental air bag warning light
flashes intermittently.
. The supplemental air bag warning light does
not come on at all.
Unless checked and repaired, the supplemental
restraint system (air bag system) and/or the
pretensioners may not function properly.
(
“Supplemental restraint system” page 1-
31)
WARNING
If the supplemental air bag warning
light is on, it could mean that the front
air bag, side air bag, curtain air bag
and/or pretensioner systems will not
operate in an accident. To help avoid
injury to yourself or others, have your
vehicle checked by a GT-R certified
NISSAN dealer as soon as possible.
Transmission warning light
This light warns of the following malfunctions. Transmission system malfunction:
The light blinks if a malfunction in the transmis-
sion system occurs. If the light blinks, certain
gear positions may become unusable, so that
the vehicle may become undrivable. Have the
system inspected promptly by a GT-R certified
NISSAN dealer.
Transmission oil temperature high:
The light illuminates if the transmission oil
temperature becomes unusually high. If the light
illuminates, avoid driving at high speed or at high
engine speed until the light turns off. The light
will turn off after a short period of time and the
vehicle can then be driven normally. If the light
illuminates frequently, contact a GT-R certified
NISSAN dealer.
NOTICE
If the light continues to illuminate, the
engine output may be reduced to pre-
vent transmission damage.
Transmission clutch temperature high:
The light illuminates if clutch temperature
becomes unusually high. If the light illuminates,
pull off the road in a safe area and idle the
engine. When the light turns off, driving can be resumed. If the light illuminates frequently,
contact a GT-R certified NISSAN dealer.
NOTICE
.
Continuing to drive with the light on
could cause serious damage to the
transmission.
. If the light continues to illuminate,
the vehicle cannot be driven be-
cause the engine output may be
reduced and the clutch may be
reduced to keep the clutch disen-
gaged.
R mode start function:
If the R mode start function is used 4 times
continuously, the function may be disabled and
cannot be turned on for protection. While the
function is disabled, the warning light illumi-
nates. When the warning light goes off, the
function can be used again. (
“R mode start
function” page 5-32)
When the warning light illuminates, perform cool
down driving (driving 1.3 mile (2 km) in 5th or
6th gear at a speed of approximately 37 - 50
MPH (60 - 80 km/h) while checking the
temperature of the transmission oil until the
warning light goes off.
Instruments and controls2-29