These displays appear when an appropriate
operation is required in starting or stopping the
engine.
ENGINE START OPERATION INDI-
CATOR
This indi\fator appears when the shift lever is in
the&Pposition.
This indi\fator means that the engine will start \by
pushing the ignition swit\fh with the \brake pedal
depressed.
SHIFT “P” WARNING
This warning appears and an inside warning
\fhime sounds when the ignition swit\fh is
pushed to stop the engine with the shift lever
in any position ex\fept the
&Pposition.
If this warning appears, move the shift lever to
the
&Pposition. This warning will also turn off
when pushing the ignition swit\fh to the ON
position.
Instruments and controls2-43
OPERATION DISPLAYS
2-52Instruments and controls
Headlight beam select
When the headlights are on, push the le�fer to
the front of the �fehicle
*1to switch to the high
�beams. The high-�beam indicator light illumi-
nates. (
“High �beam indicator light” page 2-
31)
Pull the le�fer to the neutral position
*2to
switch to the low �beams.
Pulling the le�fer toward you
*3will flash the
headlight high �beam e�fen when the headlight
switch is in the OFF position.
CAUTION
Use low beams when there are cars
approaching from the opposite direc-
tion, during city driving and at similar
times.
Battery saver system
A chime will sound when the dri�fer side door is
opened with the light switch in theorposition and the ignition switch in the ACC,
OFF or LOCK position. (“Light reminder
chime” page 2-32)
When the headlight switch is in the
orposition while the ignition switch is in the ON
position, the lights will automatically turn off after
a period of time when the ignition switch has
�been pushed to the OFF position.
When the headlight switch remains in the
orposition after the lights automatically turn
off, the lights will turn on when the ignition
switch is pushed to the ON position.
NOTICE
. When you turn on the headlight
switch again after the lights auto-
matically turn off, the lights will not
turn off automatically. Be sure to
turn the light switch to the OFF
position when you leave the vehicle
for extended periods of time, other-
wise the battery will be discharged.
. Never leave the light switch on
when the engine is not running for
extended periods of time even if the
headlights turn off automatically.
Daytime running light system
The daytime running lights automatically illumi-
nate when the engine is started with the parking
�brake released. The daytime running lights
operate with the headlight switch in the OFF
position. Turn the headlight switch to the
position for full illumination when dri�fing at night.
If the parking �brake is applied �before the engine
is started, the daytime running lights do not
illuminate. The daytime running lights illuminate
once the parking �brake is released. The daytime
running lights will remain on until the ignition
switch is pushed to the OFF position.
5 Starting and driving
Precautions when starting and driving..................�-............. 5-�f
Exhaust gas (car�bon monoxide) ..................�-..................�-. 5-�f
Three-way catalyst ..................�-..................�-..................�-....... 5-�f
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) ..................�-. 5-4
Avoiding collision and rollover ..................�-..................�-.... 5-7
Off-road recovery ..................�-..................�-..................�-......... 5-7
Rapid air pressure loss ..................�-..................�-................. 5-8
Drinking alcohol/drugs and driving ..................�-.............. 5-9
All-Wheel Drive (AWD) driving safety precautions .... 5-9
Push-�button ignition switch ..................�-..................�-............ 5-10
Operating range for engine start ..................�-.............. 5-10
Ignition switch operation ..................�-..................�-........... 5-10
Ignition switch positions ..................�-..................�-............ 5-11
Emergency engine shut off ..................�-..................�-....... 5-11
Intelligent Key �battery discharge ..................�-............... 5-12
Before starting the engine ..................�-..................�-.............. 5-1�f
Starting the engine ..................�-..................�-..................�-......... 5-1�f
Driving the vehicle ..................�-..................�-..................�-.......... 5-15 Dual clutch transmission ..................�-..................�-........... 5-15
Driving tips ..................�-..................�-..................�-..................�- 5-21
VDC, transmission and suspension setup switches .... 5-25 How to switch the modes ..................�-..................�-........ 5-25
Features of each mode ..................�-..................�-.............. 5-27 Tur�bocharger system ..................�-..................�-..................�-..... 5-�f1
R mode start function ..................�-..................�-..................�-... 5-�f2
How to use R mode start function ..................�-......... 5-�f�f
Parking �brake ..................�-..................�-..................�-..................�-. 5-�f�f
Cruise control ..................�-..................�-..................�-..................�- 5-�f4 Precautions on cruise control ..................�-..................�- 5-�f5
Steering-wheel-moun�-ted controls ..................�-.......... 5-�f5
Indicators and display ..................�-..................�-.............. 5-�f6
Cruise control operations ..................�-..................�-....... 5-�f6
Hill Start Assist ..................�-..................�-..................�-............... 5-�f8
Break-in schedule ..................�-..................�-..................�-.......... 5-�f9 Wheel alignment ..................�-..................�-..................�-..... 5-�f9
Fuel Efficient Driving Tips ..................�-..................�-.............. 5-40
Increasing fuel economy ..................�-..................�-................. 5-41
All-Wheel Drive (AWD) ..................�-..................�-..................�- 5-41 AWD warning light ..................�-..................�-..................�-. 5-41
Tight corner �braking phenomenon ..................�-......... 5-4�f
Tires ..................�-..................�-..................�-..................�-.......... 5-44
AWD system characteristics ..................�-..................�-.. 5-44
Limited Slip Differential (LSD) ..................�-..................�-...... 5-45
Parking/parking on hills ..................�-..................�-..................�-. 5-46
Power steering ..................�-..................�-..................�-................ 5-47
5 Starting and driving
Precautions when starting and driving ..................�-............. 5-�f
Exhaust gas (car�bon monoxide) ..................�-..................�-. 5-�f
Three-way catalyst ..................�-..................�-..................�-....... 5-�f
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) ..................�-. 5-4
Avoiding collision and rollover ..................�-..................�-.... 5-7
Off-road recovery ..................�-..................�-..................�-......... 5-7
Rapid air pressure loss ..................�-..................�-................. 5-8
Drinking alcohol/drugs and driving ..................�-.............. 5-9
All-Wheel Drive (AWD) driving safety precautions .... 5-9
Push-�button ignition switch ..................�-..................�-............ 5-10
Operating range for engine start ..................�-.............. 5-10
Ignition switch operation ..................�-..................�-........... 5-10
Ignition switch positions ..................�-..................�-............ 5-11
Emergency engine shut off ..................�-..................�-....... 5-11
Intelligent Key �battery discharge ..................�-............... 5-12
Before starting the engine ..................�-..................�-.............. 5-1�f
Starting the engine ..................�-..................�-..................�-......... 5-1�f
Driving the vehicle ..................�-..................�-..................�-.......... 5-15 Dual clutch transmission ..................�-..................�-........... 5-15
Driving tips ..................�-..................�-..................�-..................�- 5-21
VDC, transmission and suspension setup switches .... 5-25 How to switch the modes ..................�-..................�-........ 5-25
Features of each mode ..................�-..................�-.............. 5-27 Tur�bocharger system ..................�-..................�-..................�-..... 5-�f1
R mode start function ..................�-..................�-..................�-... 5-�f2
How to use R mode start function ..................�-......... 5-�f�f
Parking �brake ..................�-..................�-..................�-..................�-. 5-�f�f
Cruise control ..................�-..................�-..................�-..................�- 5-�f4 Precautions on cruise control ..................�-..................�- 5-�f5
Steering-wheel-moun�-ted controls ..................�-.......... 5-�f5
Indicators and display ..................�-..................�-.............. 5-�f6
Cruise control operations ..................�-..................�-....... 5-�f6
Hill Start Assist ..................�-..................�-..................�-............... 5-�f8
Break-in schedule ..................�-..................�-..................�-.......... 5-�f9 Wheel alignment ..................�-..................�-..................�-..... 5-�f9
Fuel Efficient Driving Tips ..................�-..................�-.............. 5-40
Increasing fuel economy ..................�-..................�-................. 5-41
All-Wheel Drive (AWD) ..................�-..................�-..................�- 5-41 AWD warning light ..................�-..................�-..................�-. 5-41
Tight corner �braking phenomenon ..................�-......... 5-4�f
Tires ..................�-..................�-..................�-..................�-.......... 5-44
AWD system characteristics ..................�-..................�-.. 5-44
Limited Slip Differential (LSD) ..................�-..................�-...... 5-45
Parking/parking on hills ..................�-..................�-..................�-. 5-46
Power steering ..................�-..................�-..................�-................ 5-47
5-8Starting and driving
1. Remain calm and do not overreact.
2. �fo not apply the �brakes.
3. Maintain a firm grip on the steering wheelwith �both hands and try to hold a straight
course.
4. When appropriate, slowly release the accel- erator pedal to gradually slow the vehicle.
5. If there is nothing in the way, steer the vehicle to follow the road while the vehicle
speed is reduced. �fo not attempt to drive
the vehicle �back onto the road surface until
vehicle speed is reduced.
6. When it is safe to do so, gradually turn the steering wheel until �both tires return to the
road surface. When all tires are on the road
surface, steer the vehicle to stay in the
appropriate driving lane.
.If you decide that it is not safe to return
the vehicle to the road surface �based on
vehicle, road or traffic conditions, gradu-
ally slow the vehicle to a stop in a safe
place off the road.
RAPID AIR PRESSURE LOSS
Rapid air pressure loss or a “�blow-out” can
occur if the tire is punctured or is damaged due
to hitting a cur�b or pothole. Rapid air pressure
loss can also �be caused �by driving on under-
inflated tires.
Rapid air pressure loss can affect the handling
and sta�bility of the vehicle, especially at highway
speeds.
Help prevent rapid air pressure loss �by main-
taining the correct air pressure and visually
inspect the tires for wear and damage.
(
“Wheels and tires” page 8-32)
If a tire rapidly loses air pressure or “�blows-out”
while driving maintain control of the vehicle �by
following the procedure �below. Please note that
this procedure is only a general guide. The
vehicle must �be driven as appropriate �based on
the conditions of the vehicle, road and traffic.
WARNING
The following actions can increase the
chance of losing control of the vehicle if
there is a sudden loss of tire air
pressure. Losing control of the vehicle
may cause a collision and result in
personal injury. .
The vehicle generally moves or pulls
in the direction of the flat tire.
. Do not rapidly apply the brakes.
. Do not rapidly release the accelera-
tor pedal.
. Do not rapidly turn the steering
wheel.
1. Remain calm and do not overreact.
2. Maintain a firm grip on the steering wheel with �both hands and try to hold a straight
course.
3. When appropriate, slowly release the accel- erator pedal to gradually slow the vehicle.
4. Gradually steer the vehicle to a safe location off the road and away from traffic if possi�ble.
5. Lightly apply the �brake pedal to gradually stop the vehicle.
6. Turn on the hazard warning flashers and contact a roadside emergency service to
change the tire.
5-10Starting and driving
WARNING
Do not operate the push-button ignition
switch while driving the vehicle except
in an emergency. (The engine will stop
when the ignition switch is pushed
three consecutive times or the ignition
switch is pushed and held for more than
2 seconds.) If the engine stops while
the vehicle is being driven, this could
lead to a crash and serious injury.
Before operating the push-button ignition
s�fitch, be sure to mo�be the shift le�ber to the
&Pposition.OPERATING RANGE FOR ENGINE
START
The operating range for starting the engine
inside the �behicle is sho�fn in the illustration.
. If the Intelligent Key is on the instrument
panel, rear parcel shelf, inside the glo�be box,
door pocket, cup holders or console box, or
the corner of the passenger compartment, it
may not be possible to start the engine.
Carry the Intelligent-Key and try to start the
engine again.
. If the Intelligent Key is near the door or door
glass outside the �behicle, it may be possible
to start the engine.
IGNITION SWITCH OPERATION
When the Intelligent Key is carried �fith you and
the ignition s�fitch is pushed �fithout depressing
the brake pedal, the ignition s�fitch position �fill
change as follo�fs:
.Push center once to change to ACC.
. Push center t�fo times to change to ON.
. Push center three times to change to OFF.
(No position illuminates.)
. Push center four times to return to ACC.
. Open or close any door to return to LOCK
during the OFF position.
PUSH-BUTTON IGNITION SWITCH
(“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
5-14Starting and driving
1. Check the positions of the accele\fato\f pedal
*1and b\fake pedal*2. Ad\bust the stee\fing
wheel and seat positions so that the co\f\fect
d\fiving postu\fe is achieved. (
“F\font
seats” page 1-3)
2. Check that the pa\fking b\fake is engaged.
3. Check that the shift leve\f is in the
&Po\f&N
position. (&Pis \fecommended.)
4. Fi\fmly dep\fess the b\fake pedal. Without dep\fessing the accele\fato\f pedal, push the
ignition switch once to sta\ft the engine.
5. To stop the engine, move the shift leve\f to the
&Pposition, and push the ignition switch
to the OFF position. NOTE:
.
Care should be taken to avoid situa-
tions that can lead to potential battery
discharge and potential no-start condi-
tions such as:
a. Installation or extended use of elec-
tronic accessories that consume
battery power when the engine is
not running (Phone chargers, GPS,
DVD players, etc.)
b. Vehicle is not driven regularly and/
or only driven short distances.
In these cases, the battery may need to
be charged to maintain battery health.
. If the engine is difficult to start, de-
press the accelerator pedal all the way
to the floor and hold it. Push the
ignition switch with the brake pedal
depressed to start cranking the engine.
After 5 or 6 seconds, stop cranking by
pushing the ignition switch to the OFF
position, and then release the accel-
erator pedal. Then perform steps 1 to 5
to start the engine. If the engine starts,
but fails to run, repeat this procedure.
. Starting and stopping the engine over a
short period of time may make the
vehicle more difficult to start. If this
occurs, wait for more than 3 minutes, and then push the ignition switch again
to start the engine.
. To maintain high performance over a
long period of time, the engine speed is
limited to 5,000 rpm when the engine is
revved with the shift lever in the
&Nor
&Pposition, and to 4,000 rpm when the
engine oil or coolant temperature is
low or higher than normal.
. If the ignition switch is pushed before
the shift lever is moved to the
&P
position, the ignition switch will not
change to the OFF position. If this
occurs, the SHIFT
&Pwarning display
appears on the vehicle information
display. When stopping the engine, be
sure to move the shift lever to the
&P
position and then push the ignition
switch. Failure to do so may result in
discharge of the battery. (
“Shift
“P” warning” page 2-43)
. If the shift lever was in the
&AF&Mor&R
position when the engine was stopped,
then be sure to move the shift lever to
the
&Pposition before starting the
engine the next time. If the engine is
started with the shift lever in the
&N
position, then it may not be possible to
drive the vehicle even when the shift
lever is moved to the&AF&Mor&R
position. If this occurs, the SHIFT&P
warning appears on the vehicle infor-
mation display. (“Shift “P” warn-
ing” page 2-43)
CAUTION
If the engine was stopped soon when
the engine is hot, the cooling fan may
operate for approximately 2 minutes
after the engine was stopped to cool
the components in the engine compart-
ment. When the cooling fan is operat-
ing, be sure that hands or other items
do not get caught in it.
DUAL CLUTCH TRANSMISSION
The GT-R dual clutch transmission is a newl\f-
developed s\fstem that uses an electronicall\f
controlled multiple-disc wet clutch attached to
the highl\f e\b\bicient manual transmission. This
transmission has two driving modes.
.
&Aposition (Automatic gearshi\bt):
allows automatic shi\bting o\b the manual
transmission.
.
&Mposition (Manual gearshi\bt):
allows quick shi\bting o\b 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 speci\bicall\f to maximize vehicle per\bor-
mance and driving enjo\fment. The GT-R
transmission components were designed using
di\b\berent engineering standards than t\fpical
passenger car transmissions. Because o\b this,
the GT-R has di\b\berent operating characteristics,
and various rattle noises ma\f be heard during
some driving conditions because o\b the \bollow-
ing items: .
Gear clearances
. Ultralight \bl\fwheel
. Dr\f sump lubrication
These noises do not indicate that there is a
mal\bunction.
WARNING
. Do not depress the accelerator
pedal while shifting from the&Por
&Nposition to the&Ror&AF&M
position. Always depress the brake
pedal until shifting is completed.
Failure to do so could cause loss
of control and an accident.
. Cold engine idle speed is high, so
use caution when shifting into a
forward or reverse gear before the
engine has warmed up.
. Never shift to the
&Por&Rposition
while the vehicle is moving forward.
Never shift to the
&Por&AF&M
position while the vehicle is moving
rearward. Doing so could cause loss
of control and an accident.
. The shift lever contains a powerful
magnet. Do not place electronic
Starting and driving5-15
DRIVING THE VEHICLE