2013 NISSAN GT-R light

DRY CARBON FIBER REAR SPOI-
LER (if so equipped)
The dry carbon fiber rear spoiler is made using
the same composite method used for race cars.
The dry carbon fiber rear spoiler has a special
coating to enhance the feel of the material.
NOTICE
.Do not use chemical agents (for
example: wax, coating agent, com-
pound agent, etc.) on the dry carbon
fiber rear spoiler because they can
damage the material. When the rear
spoiler becomes dirty, dilute one
cap of mild detergent with a bucket
of water and use that mixture to
clean the rear spoiler.
. The dry carbon fiber rear spoiler
may turn yellow due to age dete-
rioration because of the character-
istics of the material. Storing the
vehicle outside in direct sunlight for
extended periods of time may cause
discoloration and deterioration.
NISSAN recommends that you do
not store the vehicle in direct sun-
light to protect the rear spoiler. NOTE:
The surfaces of the dry carbon fiber rear
spoiler are lightly coated like a race car so
that you can feel the proper texture of real
carbon, which may feel rough. This is
normal.
In addition to the regular maintenance recom-
mended by NISSAN, the GT-R requires the
following special inspections:
.
Wheel alignment inspection and adjustment
(if necessary) (including tire pressure ad-
justment)
. Increase tightening of the drive shaft and
center nut on hub
. Engine settings (balancing right and left air
flow)
. Transmission settings
. Checking the exhaust finisher and rear
bumper clearance
. Increase tightening of the strut support bar
attachment section with the shock absorber
These inspections are required at the following
intervals:
. 1,000 miles
. 12 months
. 24 months
. 36 months
GT-R OverviewGTR-7
GT-R PERFORMANCE
OPTIMIZATION SERVICES

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

Suspension and wheel alignment
.Check the steering and suspension system
and other links for loose and/or damaged
parts.
. Measure and adjust the wheel alignment.
Contact a GT-R certified NISSAN dealer to
adjust the wheel alignment to the recom-
mended setting for normal driving.
Wheels and tires
.Check tire wear and cracking.
. Inspect the tire side wall for damage.
. Check the tire pressure and adjust the
pressure as necessary when the tires are
cold. (
“Wheels and tires” page GTR-
16) If you do not drive under the conditions
listed in this section, see (
“Wheels and
tires” page 8-31)
. Check that the wheel nuts are not stripped.
Check if there is no deformation on the
contact surface of the wheel nuts.
. Make sure the wheel nuts are tight.
(
“Wheels and tires” page 8-31)
. Make sure the drive shaft nuts are tight.
. Check wheel hub run out and that the wheel
rotates smoothly without any friction. Check
these with the tires removed whenever an inspection is performed with the vehicle
jacked up.
. Make sure the tire has not slipped on the
wheel causing the assembly to be out of
balance. The reference marks on the tire and
wheel should be aligned. If the reference
marks are not aligned, the tire has slipped on
the wheel. Have the wheels/tires reba-
lanced. Make sure the old reference marks
are erased and new reference marks are
applied to the wheel and tire. When instal-
ling new tires on the wheels, make sure new
reference marks are applied to the wheels
and tires. (
“Wheels and tires” page
GTR-16)
. Make sure that the TPMS sensor installation
nuts and the sensor valve are tight and there
is no nitrogen leak.
Brakes
.Check for the heat deterioration of the
brakes and parts around the brakes.
. Check the condition of the brake pads and
disc rotors and replace them as necessary.
Engine and powertrain
.Check the engine, transmission, differential
and under the vehicle for oil and coolant leaks.
. Inspect the area surrounding the catalytic
converter for heat deterioration.
. Inspect and confirm the clearance between
the exhaust finisher and rear bumper is more
than 0.24 in (6 mm) (up/down) and more
than 0.20 in (5 mm) (left/right) .
. The clutch clearance and shift fork position
may need to be adjusted.
. Inspect the dust boot of the drive shaft
universal joint for cracks or damage.
. Check that there is no abnormal noise,
vibrations or warning lights illuminated when
making tight turns at slow speed (for tight
corner braking phenomenon) .
GT-R OverviewGTR-23

GTR-24GT-R Overview
REFUELING PRECAUTIONS
WARNING
Do not attempt to top off the fuel tank
after the fuel pump nozzle shuts off
automatically. Continued refueling may
cause fuel overflow, resulting in fuel
spray and possibly a fire. The fuel tank
is full at the first automatic shutoff.
To maximize vehicle performance, the fuel tank is
located as low as possible to lower the vehicle
center of gravity. The tank is also divided into
two parts. This fuel tank design causes higher
pressures inside the tank than other vehicles so
fuel spillage is possible by trying to top off the
fuel tank after automatic shutoff.
The fuel tank pressure is higher when the vehicle
is hot, especially if the tank is more than half full.
If the cap is opened when the vehicle is hot, it
may cause fuel spray and there may be a hissing
noise. Open the cap slowly, releasing the
pressure from the tank gradually. Also, if the
vehicle is refueled when the vehicle is hot, the
fuel pump may automatically shut off before the
tank is full. This does not indicate that there is a
malfunction. Refuel slowly or refuel after the vehicle has cooled.
GASOLINE SMELL
The fuel temperature is higher when the vehicle
is hot. This may cause a gasoline smell from the
vehicle. This does not indicate that there is a
malfunction. The smell will go away when the
fuel temperature has cooled.
OUTSIDE TEMPERATURE DISPLAY
INDICATES HIGHER TEMPERATURE
Heat from the engine compartment, radiator and
intercoolers can affect the outside temperature
display. The outside temperature display may
indicate a higher than actual temperature while
driving or stopped. This is normal.
IDLE SPEED IS NOT STEADY
The idle speed may not be steady when the
engine compartment is extremely hot. This is
normal. The engine speed will be steady when
the engine cools down.
In this case, the Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL)
may come on. After a few driving trips, the MIL
should turn off. If the light remains on after a few
driving trips, have the vehicle inspected by a
GT-R certified NISSAN dealer.
ENGINE SPEED IS RESTRICTED
To help protect the engine, the maximum engine
speed is automatically controlled in the following
conditions:
.
Revving the engine with the shift lever in the
&Por&Nposition: The maximum engine
speed is 5,000 RPM
. Revving the engine when the engine oil is at
a low (below 328F(0 8C)) or extremely high
(over 2758 F (1358C)) temperature: The
maximum engine speed is 4,000 RPM (The
&Mposition will automatically change to the
&Aposition.)
ENGINE OUTPUT
High altitude
To protect the engine, engine output is con-
trolled so that it does not increase at altitudes
4,922 ft (1,500 meters) or higher.
Engine output according to the
coolant temperature
The engine output is controlled at a low level
when the engine coolant temperature is lower
than approximately 1588F (708C) or higher than
2308F (1108C). This is not a malfunction.
If the temperature is lower than approximately
GT-R SPECIFIC VEHICLE
CHARACTERISTICS

1588F (708C) , drive the vehicle until it reaches
normal operating temperature. If the temperature
is higher than 2308F (1108C), perform cool-
down driving procedure. (
“Cool down”
page GTR-13) When the temperature of the
engine coolant is between 1588F (708C) and
2308F (1108C) , the engine output returns to
normal.
DISTORTION OF REAR SPOILER
When the vehicle is parked in direct sunlight on
a hot day, the center of the rear spoiler may
become distorted. This is normal. When the
surface temperature of the rear spoiler is
reduced, the shape of the spoiler should return
to normal.
UNEVEN WEAR OF TIRES
The GT-R is equipped with high performance,
low profile, run-flat tires that are optimized for
performance and handling. The life of these tires
will be less than those of tires installed on a
typical vehicle, and you are likely to experience
uneven tire wear and tire noise regardless of the
type of tire used.
NOISES ARE HEARD WHILE DRIV-
ING
. The GT-R brake pads use material that
provides a high amount of braking power
even in high temperatures. This material can
cause an intermittent screeching noise just
before the vehicle comes to a stop when the
brakes are gently applied. The noise de-
creases as the brake pads wear. However,
the additional brake pad break-in or repla-
cing the cross spring may decrease the
noise. Contact a GT-R certified NISSAN
dealer.
. A screeching noise may be heard when the
brake pedal is depressed:
— When driving the vehicle for the first time
in the morning,
— After leaving the vehicle parked for extended periods of time, or
— When the vehicle is damp following rain showers or washing the vehicle.
These sounds are normal. The noise is
caused when the brake pads absorb moist-
ure, and the noise stops after the brake is
applied several times.
. A screeching noise may also be heard when
the brake pedal is depressed: — When repeatedly applying gentle brak-
ing, especially on a curve at a low speed,
or
— When the brake rotors have circular scores with the brake temperature high.
WARNING
Follow the instructions below when
parking the vehicle to help prevent the
brake rotor and brake pads from rust-
ing together. Failure to follow the
instructions could cause the rotor and
pads to rust together. If the rotor and
pads rust together, there may be a
popping noise and some vibration
when the vehicle is driven, a wheel
may not roll correctly, or the brake pads
could be damaged. If the pads are
damaged, this may reduce the effec-
tiveness of the brake system which
could cause a collision, serious perso-
nal injury or death.
. The GT-R uses brake pad materials that
have high metallic content. The brake pad
material helps maintain braking performance
in a wide range of weather and driving
conditions.
GT-R OverviewGTR-25

GTR-26GT-R Overview
For the first 3,000-6,000 miles (5,000-
10,000 km) of the vehicle’s service life,
and for the first 3,000-6,000 miles (5,000-
10,000 km) after a brake replacement, the
brake pad to brake rotor clearance is very
small. When parking, apply the parking
brake and move the shift lever to the
&Pposition. Idle the engine for more than 20
seconds without depressing the brake
pedal. This allows the brake pads to move
away from the rotor so the pad does not
contact the rotor.
Additionally, the brakes must be dry before
parking the vehicle after driving on wet roads
or after washing the vehicle. If the roads are
wet, lightly apply the brakes for a short
distance before parking the vehicle to dry
the brakes. After washing the vehicle, dry the
brakes by driving on a dry road for a few
miles and apply the brakes normally based
on traffic and road conditions.
The metallic brake pads and brake disc rotor
may rust together when the brakes are not
applied:
— If the vehicle is not idled for 20 secondswithout the brakes applied, or if the
brakes are applied when the vehicle is
shut off, the rotor and pads can rust
together, even when the brake pads are dry.
— If the brakes are wet when the vehicle is parked and the parking brake is applied
for a long time.
— The hill start assist system can apply the brakes even if the brake pedal is not
depressed. The brake pads and rotors
can rust together if the parking proce-
dure previously described is not fol-
lowed.
Contact a GT-R certified NISSAN dealer if
the brake pads and brake rotor have rusted
together.
NOTICE
To help reduce the possibility of the
rotors and brake pads rusting:
Have the brake pads and/or rotors
quenched when the brake pads are
replaced. For detailed information
about quenching, contact a GT-R certi-
fied NISSAN dealer.
After quenching the brake pads and/or
rotors, apply a brake of 0.5G to stop the
vehicle 6-7 times at least once a week
in a safe location. G-force can be
checked on the multi function display. Refer to the separate Multi Function
Display Owner’s Manual.
. To maintain steady braking performance in
both extremely high and low temperatures,
the gap between the brake pad and caliper
is larger than normal and large-size brake
pads are used. When driving over a bump, a
light rattling sound may be heard from the
brake pad. This does not indicate that there
is a malfunction.
. When the brake disc rotor undergoes
thermal expansion, a ticking noise may be
heard from the engaging portion of the
wheel and the brake disc rotor. This does
not indicate that there is a malfunction. The
noise will reduce when the temperature
decreases.
. In addition to noise resulting from uneven
tire wear discussed in the previous section,
the GT-R tires are more rigid than a typical
passenger car tire and are made from a
specially formulated rubber to maximize the
vehicle’s performance capabilities. These
characteristics cause the GT-R tires to have
more road noise than a typical passenger
car tire. This road noise is normal.
. Due to the performance capabilities and

requirements of the GT-R, the sequential 6-
speed dual clutch transmission is unlike a
typical automatic transmission. You will likely
hear mechanical sounds from the transmis-
sion, particularly at slow speeds and at idle.
This condition is normal.
BRAKE SYSTEM INFORMATION
Cracks on brake pad
The friction material of the GT-R disc brake pad
is bonded to the pad backing plate more
strongly than conventional brake pads to with-
stand the high brake temperatures. The friction
material and backing plate expand due to heat at
different rates. Some cracks may be on the
surface of the friction material due to the
differences in expansion rates and the strong
bond between the friction material and backing
plate. The cracks do not indicate the brake pads
need to be replaced. However, depending on
the condition of the cracks, the pads may need
to be replaced. Contact a GT-R certified
NISSAN dealer.
Cracks on the disc rotors
When the brake is repeatedly applied at high
loads during the cold season, small cracks of
approximately 0.12 in (3 mm) long may appear
around the cross drilled holes
*A. This is due to
the temperature differential that occurs because
the surfaces of the disc rotors become hot while
the inside of the rotor is still cold. However, this
poses no problem in terms of brake perfor-
mance, and does not indicate a malfunction. The
brakes do not need to be replaced.
However, if the cracks extend to 0.16 in (4 mm)
or longer after repeated application of the
brakes at high loads during high performance driving, or through the continued use of the
brakes, the disc rotors must be replaced.
Brake dust
This vehicle is equipped with high performance
brakes, and the characteristics of the brake pad
material may cause more brake dust than other
vehicles. NISSAN recommends a wheel coating
that helps prevent the brake dust from sticking
to the wheels. Contact a GT-R certified NISSAN
dealer for more details.
DRY CARBON FIBER REAR SPOI-
LER (if so equipped)
The surfaces of the dry carbon fiber rear spoiler
are lightly coated like a race car so that you can
feel the proper texture of real carbon, which may
feel rough. This is normal.
GT-R OverviewGTR-27

GTR-28GT-R Overview
The GT-R dual clutch transmission is a newly-
developed system that uses an electronically
controlled multiple-disc wet clutch attached to
the highly efficient manual transmission. This
transmission has two driving modes.
.
&Aposition (Automatic gearshift):
allows automatic shifting of the manual
transmission.
.
&Mposition (Manual gearshift):
allows quick shifting of the manual transmis-
sion.
NOTE:
When starting or driving on a steep uphill
grade, shift to the
&Mposition and operate
the paddle shifter to shift down to 1st gear
similar to a manual transmission vehicle.
The GT-R dual clutch transmission was devel-
oped specifically to maximize vehicle perfor-
mance and driving enjoyment. The GT-R
transmission components were designed using
different engineering standards than typical
passenger car transmissions. Because of this,
the GT-R has different operating characteristics,
and various rattle noises may be heard during
some driving conditions because of the follow-
ing items:
. Gear clearances .
Ultralight flywheel
. Dry sump lubrication
These noises do not indicate that there is a
malfunction.
DUAL CLUTCH TRANSMISSION