LOW BRAKE FLUID WARNING
This will appear if the brake fluid level beco\fes
low. (“\brake warning light” page 2-26)
ANTI-LOCK BRAKING SYSTEM
(ABS) WARNING
This will appear if the Anti-lock \braking Syste\f
(A\bS) is not functioning properly. (“Anti-
lock \braking Syste\f (A\bS) warning light” page
2-26) (
“\brake warning light” page 2-26)
VEHICLE DYNAMIC CONTROL (VDC)
SYSTEM WARNING
This will appear if the Vehicle Dyna\fic Control
(VDC) syste\f or the hill start assist syste\f is
not functioning properly. (
“Vehicle Dyna\fic
Control (VDC) warning light” page 2-31)
(
“Vehicle Dyna\fic Control (VDC) off in-
dicator light” page 2-32)
Instruments and controls2-37
(“Intelligent Key battery replace-
ment” page 8-27) .
Make sure the area around the vehicle is
clear.
. Check fluid levels such as en�fine oil, cool-
ant, brake fluid and �bindo�b �basher fluid as
frequently as possible, or at least �bhenever
you refuel.
. Check that all �bindo�bs and li�fhts are clean.
. Visually inspect tires for their appearance
and condition. Also check tires for proper
inflation.
. Lock all doors.
. Position seat.
. Adjust inside and outside mirrors.
. Fasten seat belts and ask all passen�fers to
do like�bise.
. Check the operation of �barnin�f li�fhts �bhen
the i�fnition s�bitch is pushed to the ON
position. (
“Warnin�f/indicator li�fhts
and audible reminders” pa�fe 2-25) NOTE:
.
This vehicle includes spark plugs that
are designed for maximum perfor-
mance. If the start time becomes long-
er, the plugs may be fouled, making the
engine difficult to start. If this occurs,
start the engine using the procedure
described in this section.
. A click sound may be heard when the
brake pedal is depressed and released.
This is normal.
. A low rattling operating sound may
occur when the engine is started or
stopped. This is because of the trans-
mission gear design, light flywheel and
dry sump lubrication system used in
this transmission. This does not indi-
cate that there is a malfunction. This
sound is likely to occur in particular if
the engine is stopped when the tem-
perature of the transmission oil is high.
Starting and driving5-13
BEFORE STARTING THE ENGINE STARTING THE ENGINE
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 Syste�f (ABS) controls
the brakes so the �bheels do not lock during hard
braking or �bhen braking on slippery surfaces.
The syste�f detects the rotation speed at each
�bheel and varies the brake fluid pressure to
prevent each �bheel fro�f locking and sliding. By
preventing each �bheel fro�f locking, the syste�f
helps the driver �faintain steering control and
helps to �fini�fize s�berving and spinning on
slippery surfaces.
Using the system
Depress the brake pedal and hold it do�bn.
Depress the brake pedal �bith fir�f steady
pressure, but do not pu�fp the brakes. The
ABS �bill operate to prevent the �bheels fro�f
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
pu�fps, hydraulic solenoids and a co�fputer. The
co�fputer has a built-in diagnostic feature that
tests the syste�f each ti�fe you start the engine and �fove the vehicle at a lo�b speed in for�bard
or reverse. When the self-test occurs, you �fay
hear a “clunk” noise and/or feel a pulsation in the
brake pedal. This does not indicate that there is
a �falfunction. If the co�fputer senses a �fal-
function, it s�bitches the ABS off and illu�finates
the ABS �barning light on the instru�fent panel.
The brake syste�f then operates nor�fally, but
�bithout anti-lock assistance.
If the ABS �barning light illu�finates during the
self-test or �bhile 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 k�f/h) . The speed varies according to
road conditions.
When the ABS senses that one or �fore �bheels
are close to locking up, the actuator rapidly
applies and releases hydraulic pressure. This
action is si�filar to pu�fping the brakes very
quickly. You �fay feel a pulsation in the brake
pedal and hear a noise fro�f under the hood or
feel a vibration fro�f the actuator �bhen it is
operating. This is nor�fal and indicates that the
ABS is operating properly. Ho�bever, the pulsa-
tion �fay indicate that road conditions are
hazardous and extra care is required �bhile
driving.
Starting and driving5-49
BRAKE ASSIST
TIRE EQUIPMENT
The GT-R summer tires are made from a
speciall�f formulated rubber to maximize the
�behicle’s performance capabilities. Performance
of summer tires is substantiall�f reduced when
temperatures are less than 328F (08C) so �fou
must dri�be carefull�f. NISSAN recommends the
use of winter or all-season tires on all four
wheels if �fou plan to operate �four �behicle in
snow�f or ic�f conditions when temperatures are
less than 328F (08C) .
WARNING
Never use summer tires when the
temperature is below í48F( í208C) to
prevent permanent tread deformation
which may cause tire damage or tire
failure. This may cause a loss of vehicle
control which can result in serious
personal injury or death.
Tire chains ma�f be used. (
“Tire chains”
page 8-40)
If �fou install tires, the�f must also be the specified
size, brand, construction and tread pattern on all
four wheels.
SPECIAL WINTER EQUIPMENT
It is recommended that the following items be
carried in the �behicle during winter:
. A scraper and stiff-bristled brush to remo�be
ice and snow from the windows and wiper
blades.
. A sturd�f, flat board to be placed under the
jack to gi�be it firm support.
. A sho�bel to dig the �behicle out of snowdrifts.
. Extra window washer fluid to refill the
reser�boir tank.
DRIVING ON SNOW OR ICE
WARNING
. Wet ice (328F, 0 8C and freezing rain) ,
very cold snow or ice can be slick
and very hard to drive on. The
vehicle will have much less traction
or “grip” under these conditions. Try
to avoid driving on wet ice until the
road is salted or sanded.
. Whatever the condition, drive with
caution. Accelerate and slow down
with care. If accelerating or down-
shifting too fast, the drive wheels
will lose even more traction. .
Allow more stopping distance under
these conditions. Braking should be
started sooner than on dry pave-
ment.
. Allow greater following distances
on slippery roads.
. Watch for slippery spots (glare ice) .
These may appear on an otherwise
clear road in shaded areas. If a
patch of ice is seen ahead, brake
before reaching it. Try not to brake
while on the ice, and avoid any
sudden steering maneuvers.
. Do not use the cruise control on
slippery roads.
. Snow can trap dangerous exhaust
gases under your vehicle. Keep
snow clear of the exhaust pipe and
from around your vehicle.
NOTE:
When driving on snow, select the SAVE
mode with the setup switch. By selecting
the SAVE mode, the engine output is
controlled appropriately for snow or slip-
pery road surfaces. This enables the vehi-
cle to start or accelerate smoothly.
Starting and driving5-53
8 Maintenance and do-it-yourself
Maintenance requirement..................�l..................�l..................�l. 8-3
Scheduled maintenance ..................�l..................�l............... 8-3
�feneral maintenance ..................�l..................�l..................�l.. 8-3
Where to go �bor service ..................�l..................�l............... 8-3
�feneral maintenance ..................�l..................�l..................�l........ 8-4 Explanation o�b maintenance items ..................�l............... 8-4
Maintenance precautions ..................�l..................�l..................�l. 8-6
Engine compartment check locations ..................�l............... 8-8 Removing the cowl top cover ..................�l..................�l..... 8-9
Engine cooling system ..................�l..................�l..................�l... 8-10
Checking engine coolant level ..................�l..................�l. 8-11
Changing engine coolant ..................�l..................�l.......... 8-12
Engine oil ..................�l..................�l..................�l..................�l........ 8-13
Checking engine oil level ..................�l..................�l.......... 8-13
Changing engine oil and �bilter ..................�l..................�l.. 8-14
Transmission oil ..................�l..................�l..................�l............... 8-14
Power steering �bluid ..................�l..................�l..................�l........ 8-14
Brake �bluid ..................�l..................�l..................�l..................�l....... 8-15
Window washer �bluid ..................�l..................�l..................�l..... 8-16
Battery ..................�l..................�l..................�l..................�l.............. 8-17
Precautions ..................�l..................�l..................�l................. 8-17
Fluid level check ..................�l..................�l..................�l........ 8-18
Jump starting ..................�l..................�l..................�l.............. 8-19 Drive belts ..................�l..................�l..................�l..................�l...... 8-19
Spark plugs ..................�l..................�l..................�l..................�l.... 8-20
Replacing spark plugs ..................�l..................�l............. 8-20
Air cleaner ..................�l..................�l..................�l..................�l...... 8-21
Windshield wiper blades ..................�l..................�l................ 8-22 Cleaning ..................�l..................�l..................�l..................�l.. 8-22
Replacing the wiper blades ..................�l..................�l... 8-22
Brakes ..................�l..................�l..................�l..................�l............. 8-23 Sel�b-adjusting brakes ..................�l..................�l............... 8-23
Brake pad wear warning ..................�l..................�l......... 8-23
High per�bormance brake system ..................�l............. 8-23
Replacing the brake pads ..................�l..................�l....... 8-24
Fuses ..................�l..................�l..................�l..................�l............... 8-24
Engine compartment ..................�l..................�l................ 8-24
Passenger compartment ..................�l..................�l......... 8-25
Intelligent Key battery replacement ..................�l................ 8-27
Lights ..................�l..................�l..................�l..................�l............... 8-29 Headlights ..................�l..................�l..................�l................. 8-30
Exterior and interior lights ..................�l..................�l....... 8-30
Wheels and tires ..................�l..................�l..................�l............ 8-32
Tire pressure ..................�l..................�l..................�l............ 8-32
Tire and loading in�bormation label ..................�l.......... 8-35
Checking the tire pressure ..................�l..................�l..... 8-36
8 Maintenance and do-it-yourself
Maintenance requirement ..................�l..................�l..................�l. 8-3
Scheduled maintenance ..................�l..................�l............... 8-3
�feneral maintenance ..................�l..................�l..................�l.. 8-3
Where to go �bor service ..................�l..................�l............... 8-3
�feneral maintenance ..................�l..................�l..................�l........ 8-4 Explanation o�b maintenance items ..................�l............... 8-4
Maintenance precautions ..................�l..................�l..................�l. 8-6
Engine compartment check locations ..................�l............... 8-8 Removing the cowl top cover ..................�l..................�l..... 8-9
Engine cooling system ..................�l..................�l..................�l... 8-10
Checking engine coolant level ..................�l..................�l. 8-11
Changing engine coolant ..................�l..................�l.......... 8-12
Engine oil ..................�l..................�l..................�l..................�l........ 8-13
Checking engine oil level ..................�l..................�l.......... 8-13
Changing engine oil and �bilter ..................�l..................�l.. 8-14
Transmission oil ..................�l..................�l..................�l............... 8-14
Power steering �bluid ..................�l..................�l..................�l........ 8-14
Brake �bluid ..................�l..................�l..................�l..................�l....... 8-15
Window washer �bluid ..................�l..................�l..................�l..... 8-16
Battery ..................�l..................�l..................�l..................�l.............. 8-17
Precautions ..................�l..................�l..................�l................. 8-17
Fluid level check ..................�l..................�l..................�l........ 8-18
Jump starting ..................�l..................�l..................�l.............. 8-19 Drive belts ..................�l..................�l..................�l..................�l...... 8-19
Spark plugs ..................�l..................�l..................�l..................�l.... 8-20
Replacing spark plugs ..................�l..................�l............. 8-20
Air cleaner ..................�l..................�l..................�l..................�l...... 8-21
Windshield wiper blades ..................�l..................�l................ 8-22 Cleaning ..................�l..................�l..................�l..................�l.. 8-22
Replacing the wiper blades ..................�l..................�l... 8-22
Brakes ..................�l..................�l..................�l..................�l............. 8-23 Sel�b-adjusting brakes ..................�l..................�l............... 8-23
Brake pad wear warning ..................�l..................�l......... 8-23
High per�bormance brake system ..................�l............. 8-23
Replacing the brake pads ..................�l..................�l....... 8-24
Fuses ..................�l..................�l..................�l..................�l............... 8-24
Engine compartment ..................�l..................�l................ 8-24
Passenger compartment ..................�l..................�l......... 8-25
Intelligent Key battery replacement ..................�l................ 8-27
Lights ..................�l..................�l..................�l..................�l............... 8-29 Headlights ..................�l..................�l..................�l................. 8-30
Exterior and interior lights ..................�l..................�l....... 8-30
Wheels and tires ..................�l..................�l..................�l............ 8-32
Tire pressure ..................�l..................�l..................�l............ 8-32
Tire and loading in�bormation label ..................�l.......... 8-35
Checking the tire pressure ..................�l..................�l..... 8-36
8-6Maintenance and do-it-yourself
engine. Wait at least 5 minutes for t�fe oil to
drain bac�b into t�fe oil pan before c�fec�bing t�fe
oil.
Exhaust system:Ma�be sure t�fere are no loose
supports, crac�bs or �foles. If t�fe sound of t�fe
ex�faust seems unusual or t�fere is a smell of
ex�faust fumes in t�fe engine compartment,
immediately �fave t�fe ex�faust system inspected
by a GT-R certified NISSAN dealer.
(
“Ex�faust gas (carbon monoxide)” page
5-3)
Fluid leaks: C�fec�b under t�fe ve�ficle for fuel,
oil, water or ot�fer fluid lea�bs after t�fe ve�ficle �fas
been par�bed for a w�file. Water dripping from t�fe
air conditioner after use is normal. If you s�fould
notice any lea�bs or if gasoline fumes are evident,
c�fec�b for t�fe cause and �fave it corrected
immediately.
Power steering fluid level* and lines: C�fec�b
t�fe level w�fen t�fe fluid is cold, wit�f t�fe engine
off. C�fec�b t�fe lines for proper attac�fment, lea�bs,
crac�bs, etc.
Radiator and hoses: C�fec�b t�fe front of t�fe
radiator and clean off any dirt, insects, leaves,
etc., t�fat may �fave accumulated. Ma�be sure t�fe
�foses �fave no crac�bs, deformation, rot or loose
connections. Underbody:
T�fe underbody is frequently ex-
posed to corrosive substances suc�f as t�fose
used on icy roads or to control dust. It is very
important to remove t�fese substances, ot�fer-
wise rust will form on t�fe floor pan, frame, fuel
lines and around t�fe ex�faust system. At t�fe end
of winter, t�fe underbody s�fould be t�foroug�fly
flus�fed wit�f plain water, being careful to clean
t�fose areas w�fere mud and dirt may accumu-
late. (“Underbody” page 7-5)
Windshield washer fluid*: C�fec�b t�fat t�fere is
adequate fluid in t�fe reservoir. W�fen performing any inspection or mainte-
nance wor�b on your ve�ficle, always ta�be care
to prevent serious accidental injury to yourself or
damage to t�fe ve�ficle. T�fe following are general
precautions w�fic�f s�fould 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.
MAINTENANCE PRECAUTIONS
8-8Maintenance and do-it-yourself
1. Fuse/fusible link holder
�f. Batter�b
3. Engine oil filler cap
4. Engine oil dipstick
5. Brake fluid reservoir
6. Air cleaner7. Power steering fluid reservoir
8. Radiator filler cap
9. Coolant reservoir cap (pressure t�bpe)
10. Coolant reservoir
11. Window washer fluid reservoir
NOTICE
The coolant reservoir is equipped with a
pressure type cap, and the radiator is
equipped with a non-pressure type cap.
Do not switch the radiator filler cap and
the coolant reservoir cap. Doing so will
cause substandard cooling perfor-
mance and overheating.
ENGINE COMPARTMENT CHECK
LOCATIONS
NOTE:
For maximum steering system perfor-
mance, adjust the fluid level at the line
*5at the hot fluid temperature or*6at
the cold fluid temperature. Contact a GT-R
certified NISSAN dealer when precise fluid
level adjustment is required.
NOTICE
. Do not overfill.
. Use Genuine NISSAN PSF or
equivalent. For further brake fluid information, see the
followin\f section. (
\bCapacities and recom-
mended fluids/lubricants”\w pa\fe 9-2)
WARNING
. Use only new fluid from a sealed
container. Old, inferior or contami-
nated fluid may damage the brake
system. The use of improper fluids
can damage the brake system and
affect the vehicle’s stopping ability.
. Clean the filler cap before removing.
. Brake fluid is poisonous and should
be stored carefully in marked con-
tainers out of the reach of children.
CAUTION
Genuine NISSAN Brake Fluid R35 Spe-
cial II is the factory fill brake fluid. The
Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) unit and
other related parts were specially de-
signed for this brake fluid and NISSAN
cannot ensure proper operation of the
vehicle if other brake fluid is used.
NOTICE
Do not spill the fluid on any painted
surfaces. This will damage the paint. If
fluid is spilled, wash the surface with
water.
Maintenance and do-it-yourself8-15
BRAKE FLUID