2014 NISSAN GT-R steering

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 5-31)
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.
Starting and driving5-29

5-34Starting and driving
PRECAUTIONS ON CRUISE CON-
TROL
.If the cruise control system malfunctions, it
will cancel automatically. The SET indicator
will blink and the cruise control system
warning will appear to warn the driver.
(
“Cruise control system warning” page
2-40)
. If the engine coolant temperature becomes
excessively high, the cruise control system
will be canceled automatically.
. If the SET indicator blinks, turn the cruise
control main switch off and contact a GT-R certified NISSAN dealer.
. The SET indicator may sometimes blink
when the cruise control main switch is
turned on while pushing the RESUME/
ACCELERATE, SET/COAST or CANCEL
switch. To properly set the cruise control
system, perform the steps below in the order
indicated.
STEERING-WHEEL-MOUNTED
CONTROLS
1. MAIN switch
Turns cruise control ON/OFF.
2. SET/COAST switch (pressed down) Lowers the set vehicle speed.
3. RESUME/ACCELERATE switch (pressed up) Raises the set vehicle speed.
4. CANCEL switch
Cancels cruise control.

5-38Starting and driving
hill start assist will stop operating completely.
Hill start assist will not operate when the shift
lever is moved to the
&Nor&Pposition or on a
flat and level road.
NOTE:
This system does not function when the
Vehicle Dynamic Control VDC) system
warning appears on the vehicle informa-
tion display located in the tachometer.
(
“Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) sys-
tem warning” page 2-37)
NOTICE
Follow these recommendations to ob-
tain maximum engine performance and
ensure the future reliability and econo-
my of your new vehicle. Failure to
follow these recommendations may
result in shortened engine life and
reduced vehicle performance.
Please observe the following types of driving
until the mileage shown below has been
reached.
Until 300 miles (500 km):
. Do not depress the accelerator pedal more
than halfway and avoid rapid acceleration.
. Drive with the engine speed kept at less
than 3,500 RPM.
. Avoid unnecessary quick steering, abrupt
braking and driving on poor roads.
300 to 600 miles (500 to 1,000 km)
. Avoid rapid acceleration in a low gear (1st to
3rd gears) with the accelerator pedal fully
depressed. Depress the pedal slowly.
. Avoid unnecessary quick steering and
abrupt braking. .
Drive with the suspension setup switch in
the COMF mode to allow more suspension
stroke.
600 to 1,200 miles (1,000 to 2,000 km)
. Drive with the engine speed kept relatively
high with the shift lever in the
&Mposition.
Shifting is recommended between 1st and
4th gears.
. Avoid unnecessary quick steering and
abrupt braking.
. Drive with the suspension setup switch in
the COMF mode to allow more suspension
stroke.
Even though the mileage reaches over 1,200
miles (2,000 km) , the clutch may take longer to
properly engage if the vehicle is mainly driven in
town at a low speed. NISSAN recommends
breaking in the clutch at a GT-R certified
NISSAN dealer.
WHEEL ALIGNMENT
Do not adjust the wheel alignment until the
mileage reaches 1,000 miles (1,600 km). Until
then, the suspension may not engage enough
and the height may be higher.
However, make sure to adjust the alignment
after 1,000 miles (1,600 km) .
The wheel alignment can be adjusted by a GT-R
BREAK-IN SCHEDULE

5-42Starting and driving
TIGHT CORNER BRAKING PHE-
NOMENON
If the steering wheel is turned more than half a
turn when the vehicle is started when it is cold, it
may be harder to move the vehicle forward and
backward. This phenomenon is known as the
“tight corner braking phenomenon”.
This phenomenon is unique to AWD vehicles,
and occurs due to a difference in speeds
between the front and rear wheels while the
vehicle is turning. This does not indicate that
there is a malfunction.
NOTE:
If the tight corner braking phenomenon
occurs, a slipping sound may be heard
from the tires, or a squeaking sound may
be heard from the drive system.
Reducing tight corner braking phe-
nomenon
The tight corner braking phenomenon can be
temporarily reduced.
Push the transmission setup switch down for
approximately 4 seconds while the engine is
running.
.The SAVE mode indicator will blink once
and will then turn off.
. If the SAVE mode is already selected, the
SAVE mode indicator will blink once and
then illuminate again. (
“VDC, transmis-
sion and suspension setup switches” page
5-24)
After performing the above, the vehicle switches
from the AWD mode to 2WD mode only if both
of the following conditions are met:
. Vehicle speed is less than approximately 6
MPH (10 km/h)
*AAND
. The steering wheel is turned more than 1/2
turn
*B.
If the above driving conditions are not met,
the vehicle will not switch to the 2WD
mode to temporarily reduce the braking
phenomenon even if the transmission
setup switch is operated.
To stop reducing the phenomenon, push the
transmission setup switch down for approxi-

5-44Starting and driving
The rear final drive of this vehicle is equipped
with a 1.5-way mechanical Limited Slip Differ-
ential (LSD) .
WARNING
Sudden operation of the accelerator
pedal can result in fishtailing or side-
slip, possibly causing an accident. Use
particular caution when driving in rainy
weather or on slippery roads.
NOTICE
Use the designated differential gear oil.
If any oil other than the designated oil
is used, the LSD may not operate
correctly, and noise and vibration may
occur, possibly resulting in a malfunc-
tion.
NOTE:
. If the vehicle accelerates from a stop
with the steering wheel turned in cold
temperatures, the inner wheel tire may
slip and some noise or vibration may
be heard. This phenomenon is unique
to vehicles equipped with the LSD. This does not indicate that there is a mal-
function.
. The LSD controls the speed difference
between the left and right wheels, and
optimally allocates torque to the
wheels.
. The 1.5-way mechanical LSD in the rear
final drive of this vehicle is character-
ized by its asymmetrical LSD effects
when the accelerator pedal is ON and
when it is OFF. This allows the appro-
priate amount of torque for the driving
environment to be transmitted to the
road surface.
LIMITED SLIP DIFFERENTIAL (LSD)

5-46Starting and driving
wheel gently touches the curb.
.HEADED UPHILL OR DOWNHILL, NO
CURB:
*3
Turn the wheels toward the side of the
road so the vehicle will move away from
the center of the road if it moves.
4. Push the ignition switch to the LOCK position.
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.
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 seconds
without 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.
Contact a GT-R certified NISSAN dealer if the
brake pads and brake rotor have rusted
together.
WARNING
If the engine is not running or is turned
off while driving, the power assist for
the steering will not work. Steering will
be harder to operate.
The power assisted steering uses a hydraulic
pump, driven by the engine, to assist steering.
If the engine stops or the drive belt breaks, you
will still have control of the vehicle. However,
much greater steering effort is needed, espe-
cially in sharp turns and at low speeds.
POWER STEERING

5-48Starting and driving
ANTI-LOCK BRAKING SYSTEM
(ABS)
WARNING
.The Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
is a sophisticated device, but it
cannot prevent accidents resulting
from careless or dangerous driving
techniques. It can help maintain
vehicle control during braking on
slippery surfaces. Remember that
stopping distances on slippery sur-
faces will be longer than on normal
surfaces even with ABS. Stopping
distances may also be longer on
rough, gravel or snow covered
roads, or if you are using tire chains.
Always maintain a safe distance
from the vehicle in front of you.
Ultimately, the driver is responsible
for safety.
. Tire type and condition may also
affect braking effectiveness. When
replacing tires, install the specified
size of tires on all four wheels.
The Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) controls the brakes so the wheels do not lock during hard
braking or when braking on slippery surfaces.
The system detects the rotation speed at each
wheel and varies the brake fluid pressure to
prevent each wheel from locking and sliding. By
preventing each wheel from locking, the system
helps the driver maintain steering control and
helps to minimize swerving and spinning on
slippery surfaces.
Using the system
Depress the brake pedal and hold it down.
Depress the brake pedal with firm steady
pressure, but do not pump the brakes. The
ABS will operate to prevent the wheels from
locking up. Steer the vehicle to avoid obstacles.
WARNING
Do not pump the brake pedal. Doing so
may result in increased stopping dis-
tances.
Self-test feature
The ABS includes electronic sensors, electric
pumps, hydraulic solenoids and a computer. The
computer has a built-in diagnostic feature that
tests the system each time you start the engine
and move the vehicle at a low speed in forwardor reverse. When the self-test occurs, you may
hear a “clunk” noise and/or feel a pulsation in the
brake pedal. This does not indicate that there is
a malfunction. If the computer senses a mal-
function, it switches the ABS off and illuminates
the ABS warning light on the instrument panel.
The brake system then operates normally, but
without anti-lock assistance.
If the ABS warning light illuminates during the
self-test or while driving, have the vehicle
checked by a GT-R certified NISSAN dealer.
Normal operation
The ABS operates at speeds above 3 to 6 MPH
(5 to 10 km/h). The speed varies according to
road conditions.
When the ABS senses that one or more wheels
are close to locking up, the actuator rapidly
applies and releases hydraulic pressure. This
action is similar to pumping the brakes very
quickly. You may feel a pulsation in the brake
pedal and hear a noise from under the hood or
feel a vibration from the actuator when it is
operating. This is normal and indicates that the
ABS is operating properly. However, the pulsa-
tion may indicate that road conditions are
hazardous and extra care is required while
driving.
BRAKE ASSIST

The Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) system
uses various sensors to monitor driver inputs
and vehicle motion. Under certain driving con-
ditions, the VDC system helps to perform the
following functions.
.Controls brake pressure to reduce wheel
slip on one slipping drive wheel so power is
transferred to a non slipping drive wheel on
the same axle.
. Controls brake pressure and engine output
to reduce drive wheel slip based on vehicle
speed (traction control function) .
. Controls brake pressure at individual wheels
and engine output to help the driver maintain
control of the vehicle in the following
conditions:
— understeer (vehicle tends to not follow
the steered path despite increased
steering input)
— oversteer (vehicle tends to spin due to certain road or driving conditions) .
The VDC system can help the driver to maintain
control of the vehicle, but it cannot prevent loss
of vehicle control in all driving situations.
When the VDC system operates, the VDC
warning light
in the instrument panel flashes
so note the following: .
The road may be slippery or the system may
determine some action is required to help
keep the vehicle on the steered path.
. You may feel a pulsation in the brake pedal
and hear a noise or vibration from under the
hood. This is normal and indicates that the
VDC system is working properly.
. Adjust your speed and driving to the road
conditions.
. The VDC mode can be changed using the
VDC setup switch. (
“VDC, transmis-
sion and suspension setup switches” page
5-24)
(
“Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) warning
light” page 2-31,“Vehicle Dynamic Con-
trol (VDC) off indicator light” page 2-32)
If a malfunction occurs in the system, the VDC
warning light
illuminates in the instrument
panel. The VDC system automatically turns off.
The VDC setup switch is used to turn off the
VDC system. The VDC off indicator
illuminates to indicate the VDC system is off.
When the VDC setup switch is used to turn off
the system, the VDC system still operates to
prevent one drive wheel from slipping by
transferring power to a non slipping drive wheel.
The VDC warning light
flashes if this
occurs. All other VDC functions are off and the VDC warning light
will not flash. The VDC
system is automatically reset to on when the
ignition switch is placed in the off position then
back to the on position.
(
“Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) warning
light” page 2-31,“Vehicle Dynamic Con-
trol (VDC) off indicator light” page 2-32)
The computer has a built-in diagnostic feature
that tests the system each time you start the
engine and move the vehicle forward or in
reverse at a slow speed. When the self-test
occurs, you may hear a “clunk” noise and/or feel
a pulsation in the brake pedal. This is normal and
is not an indication of a malfunction.
WARNING
. The VDC system is designed to help
the driver maintain stability but
does not prevent accidents due to
abrupt steering operation at high
speeds or by careless or dangerous
driving techniques. Reduce vehicle
speed and be especially careful
when driving and cornering on slip-
pery surfaces and always drive care-
fully.
. Do not modify the vehicle’s suspen-
sion. If suspension parts such as
Starting and driving5-49
VEHICLE DYNAMIC CONTROL (VDC)
SYSTEM