5-30Starting and driving
Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC)
Set up modeFeatures
.In addition to t�fe normal mode function�b t�fis mode adjusts front and rear w�feel
power distribution to improve �fandling.
.Wit�f t�fe transmission switc�f in R mode�b t�fe R mode start function can be used.
(“R mode start function” page 5-32)
Normal (lig�ft is off)
.T�fis mode is for use in a broad range of driving conditions�b for routine driving during
fair to rainy weat�fer�b as well as for driving on road surfaces t�fat are slippery due to
snow or ice.
Make sure to use t�fis mode for everyday driving.
.Temporary mode t�fat can be used to free if it is stuck in snow or mud
(Wit�f t�fe transmission switc�f in SAVE mode�b freeing t�fe ve�ficle 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.
See your 2015 Warranty Information Boo�flet for
important related information and �barranty
coverage exclusions. See also section 2
(
“Transmission �barning light” page 2-30)
and section 5 (“Vehicle Dynamic Control
(VDC) system” page 5-50) of this O�bner’s
Manual, “Transmission Clutch Temperature
High” and “Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC)
System” for important additional related informa-
tion. The turbocharger system uses engine oil for
lubrication and cooling of its rotating compo-
nents. The turbocharger turbine turns at extre-
mely high speeds and it can get very hot. It is
essential to maintain a supply of oil flo�bing
through the turbocharger system. Therefore, a
sudden interruption of oil supply may cause a
malfunction in the turbocharger.
To ensure prolonged life and performance of the
turbocharger, it is essential to perform the
follo�bing maintenance procedure:
.
Change your engine oil according to the
recommended intervals sho�bn in the sepa-
rate Service and Maintenance Guide. Use
only the recommended engine oil.
. If the engine had been operating at high
engine speed for an extended period of time,
let it idle for a fe�b minutes prior to shut-
do�bn.
. Do not accelerate your engine to high
engine speed immediately after start.
NOTICE
.This vehicle includes spark plugs
that are designed for high perfor-
mance. For this reason, if the engine
is repeatedly started and stopped over a short time, the spark plugs
may become fouled, making the
engine difficult to start. To prevent
diminished starting performance,
avoid starting and stopping the
engine repeatedly during a short
period of time.
NOTE:
. When the vehicle is delivered, the
engine oil level is 0.39 in (10 mm)
below the H mark on the engine oil
dipstick for optimum high performance
driving. The engine oil can be filled up
to the H mark if not engaging in
performance driving.
. Because of the high performance char-
acteristics of the GT-R engine, more
frequent oil level inspections are ne-
cessary. Check the oil level every 1,800
miles (3,000km) and adjust as neces-
sary. Also, change the engine oil based
on the driving conditions. For the
information regarding oil replacement
intervals, refer to the 2015 NISSAN
GT-R Service and Maintenance Guide.
. Some amount of oil is consumed by
your engine under normal operating
Starting and driving5-31
TURBOCHARGER SYSTEM
5-32Starting and driving
conditions, and oil consumption by
itself does not necessarily indicate
any malfunction. If your rate of oil
consumption increases suddenly or
without explanation, NISSAN recom-
mends that you have your vehicle
inspected by a GT-R certified NISSAN
dealer.This function enables the d\five\f to sta\ft accel-
e\fation f\fom a stop b\b selecting R mode with the
VDC and t\fansmission setup switch. The engine
output will be maintained at app\foximatel\b 4,000
\fpm. When using the R mode o\f the R mode
sta\ft function, alwa\bs use p\fope\f seating posi-
tion and follow the safet\b inst\fuctions in Section
1 of this manual.
WARNING
.
Failure to follow the warnings and
instruction for the use of this fea-
ture may cause a loss of vehicle
control or a collision which may lead
to serious personal injury or death:
. Make sure to drive carefully within
legal limits.
. Only use this function when you can
guarantee that it is safe to do so,
based on the surrounding traffic
conditions.
. Do not use this function on slippery
or wet roads. This may cause loss of
vehicle control and could result in
an accident.
. The R mode start function has been
developed not only for controlling the engine, transmission and VDC
system, but also the settings of the
suspension and tires. Therefore, any
modification of the vehicle may
disrupt the vehicle’s balance. This
will not only reduce the optimum
performance of the vehicle but may
also cause damage to powertrain
components, including the trans-
mission.
NOTICE
.
When the temperature of the engine
coolant and transmission oil is high
or low, the function cannot be used.
The temperature range in which the
R mode start function can be used:
— Engine coolant: 1408F - 2128F
(608C - 1008C)
— Transmission oil: 1408F - 2668F (608C - 1308C)
. If the R mode start function is used
4 times consecutively, the function
may be disabled and cannot be
turned on to protect the vehicle
system. While the function is dis-
R MODE START FUNCTION
5-38Starting and driving
NOTE:
.If cruise control was canceled by press-
ing the cancel switch or by depressing
the brake pedal, the system changes to
standby status.
. If you depress the brake pedal while
pushing the RESUME/ACCELERATE or
SET/COAST switch and reset at the
cruising speed, the cruise control will
be deactivated. Turn the MAIN switch
off once and then turn it on again.
Under the following conditions�f cruise control
will be auto�batically canceled.
. Vehicle speed drops to below approxi�bately
19 MPH (30 k�b/h) .
. Vehicle speed drops to �bore than approxi-
�bately 8 MPH (13 k�b/h) below the set
vehicle speed.
. The shift lever is �boved to a position other
than
&AF&M.
. VDC operates.
. A tire is spinning.
. There is a �balfunction in the cruise control
syste�b.
WARNING
.Never rely solely on the hill start
assist system to prevent the vehicle
from moving backward on a hill.
Always drive carefully and atten-
tively. Depress the brake pedal
when the vehicle is stopped on a
steep hill. Be especially careful
when stopped on a hill on frozen
or muddy roads. Failure to prevent
the vehicle from rolling backwards
may result in a loss of control of the
vehicle and possible serious injury
or death.
. The hill start assist system is not
designed to hold the vehicle at a
standstill on a hill. Depress the
brake pedal when the vehicle is
stopped on a steep hill. Failure to
do so may cause the vehicle to roll
backwards and may result in a
collision or serious personal injury.
. The hill start assist may not prevent
the vehicle from rolling backwards
on a hill under all load or road
conditions. Always be prepared to
depress the brake pedal to prevent the vehicle from rolling backwards.
Failure to do so may result in a
collision or serious personal injury.
NOTICE
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.
The hill start assist syste�b auto�batically keeps
the brakes applied to help prevent the vehicle
fro�b rolling backwards in the ti�be it takes the
driver to release the brake pedal and apply the
accelerator when the vehicle is stopped on a hill.
Hill start assist will operate auto�batically under
the following conditions:
. The shift lever is �boved to a forward or
reverse position.
. The vehicle is stopped co�bpletely on a hill
by applying the brake.
The �baxi�bu�b holding ti�be is 2 seconds. After 2
seconds the vehicle will begin to roll back and
HILL START ASSIST
hill start assist will stop operating completely.
Hill start assist will not operate when the shift
le�fer is mo�fed to the
&Nor&Pposition or on a
flat and le�fel 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 obser�fe the following types of dri�fing
�bntil the mileage shown below has been
reached.
Until 300 miles (500 km):
. Do not depress the accelerator pedal more
than halfway and a�foid rapid acceleration.
. Dri�fe with the engine speed kept at less
than 3,500 RPM.
. A�foid �bnnecessary q�bick steering, abr�bpt
braking and dri�fing on poor roads.
300 to 600 miles (500 to 1,000 km)
. A�foid rapid acceleration in a low gear (1st to
3rd gears) with the accelerator pedal f�blly
depressed. Depress the pedal slowly.
. A�foid �bnnecessary q�bick steering and
abr�bpt braking. .
Dri�fe with the s�bspension set�bp switch in
the COMF mode to allow more s�bspension
stroke.
600 to 1,200 miles (1,000 to 2,000 km)
. Dri�fe with the engine speed kept relati�fely
high with the shift le�fer in the
&Mposition.
Shifting is recommended between 1st and
4th gears.
. A�foid �bnnecessary q�bick steering and
abr�bpt braking.
. Dri�fe with the s�bspension set�bp switch in
the COMF mode to allow more s�bspension
stroke.
E�fen tho�bgh the mileage reaches o�fer 1,200
miles (2,000 km) , the cl�btch may take longer to
properly engage if the �fehicle is mainly dri�fen in
town at a low speed. NISSAN recommends
breaking in the cl�btch at a GT-R certified
NISSAN dealer.
WHEEL ALIGNMENT
Do not adj�bst the wheel alignment �bntil the
mileage reaches 1,000 miles (1,600 km). Until
then, the s�bspension may not engage eno�bgh
and the height may be higher.
Howe�fer, make s�bre to adj�bst the alignment
after 1,000 miles (1,600 km) .
The wheel alignment can be adj�bsted by a GT-R
Starting and driving5-39
BREAK-IN SCHEDULE
5-40Starting and driving
certified NISSAN dealer in accordance �fith
specifications for cit�b driving to high perfor-
mance driving.
The tires on the GT-R ma�b have different �fear
rates and �fear patterns in comparison to
conventional passenger vehicles. Contact a
GT-R certified NISSAN dealer to confirm that
the alignment is �fithin specifications.Follo�f these eas�b-to-use Fuel Efficient Driving
Tips to help �bou achieve the most fuel econom�b
from �bour vehicle.
1. Use smooth accelerator and brake pedal
application.
.Avoid rapid starts and stops..Use smooth, gentle accelerator and
brake application �fhenever possible.
.Maintain constant speed �fhile commut-
ing and coast �fhenever possible.
2. Maintain constant speed.
.Look ahead to tr�b and anticipate and
minimize stops.
.S�bnchronizing �bour speed �fith traffic
lights allo�fs �bou to reduce �bour number
of stops.
.Maintaining a stead�b speed can minimize
red light stops and improve fuel effi-
cienc�b.
3. Use air conditioning (A/C) at higher vehicle speeds.
.Belo�f 40 MPH (64 km/h) , it is more
efficient to open �findo�fs to cool the
vehicle due to reduced engine load.
.Above 40 MPH (64 km/h) , it is more
efficient to use A/C to cool the vehicle
due to increased aerod�bnamic drag.
.Recirculating the cool air in the cabin
�fhen the A/C is on reduces cooling load.
4. Drive at economical speeds and distances.
.Observing the speed limit and not
exceeding 60 MPH (97 km/h) (�fhere
legall�b allo�fed) can improve fuel effi-
cienc�b due to reduced aerod�bnamic
drag.
.Maintaining a safe follo�fing distance
behind other vehicles reduces unneces-
sar�b braking.
.Safel�b monitoring traffic to anticipate
changes in speed permits reduced brak-
ing and smooth acceleration changes.
.Select a gear range suitable to road
conditions.
5. Use cruise control.
.Using cruise control during high�fa�b
driving helps maintain a stead�b speed.
.Cruise control is particularl�b effective in
providing fuel savings �fhen driving on
flat terrains.
6. Plan for the shortest route.
.Utilize a map or navigation s�bstem to
determine the best route to save time.
FUEL EFFICIENT DRIVING TIPS
5-42Starting and driving
If any malfunction occurs in th�f AWD syst�fm
�bhil�f th�f �fngin�f is running, th�f �barning light �bill
com�f on.
Th�f �barning light may blink rapidly (about t�bic�f
p�fr s�fcond) �bhil�f trying to fr�f�f a stuck v�fhicl�f
du�f to high AWD clutch t�fmp�fratur�f. Th�f
driving mod�f may chang�f to t�bo-�bh�f�fl driv�f.
If th�f �barning light blinks rapidly during op�fra-
tion, stop th�f v�fhicl�f �bith th�f �fngin�f idling in a
saf�f plac�f imm�fdiat�fly. Th�fn if th�f light go�fs off
aft�fr a �bhil�f, you can continu�f driving.
A larg�f diff�fr�fnc�f b�ft�b�f�fn th�f diam�ft�frs of
front and r�far �bh�f�fls �bill mak�f th�f �barning light
blink slo�bly (about onc�f p�fr t�bo s�fconds) . Pull
off th�f road in a saf�f ar�fa, and idl�f th�f �fngin�f.
Ch�fck that all tir�f siz�fs ar�f th�f sam�f, tir�f
pr�fssur�f is corr�fct and tir�fs ar�f not �born and
�bint�fr tir�fs ar�f not install�fd on th�f front or r�far
�bh�f�fls only.
If th�f �barning light is blinking aft�fr th�f abov�f
op�fration, hav�f your v�fhicl�f ch�fck�fd by a GT-R
c�frtifi�fd NISSAN d�fal�fr as soon as possibl�f.
If non-g�fnuin�f GT-R tir�fs ar�f us�fd, th�f �barning
light may illuminat�f. (
“GT-R sp�fcial pr�f-
cautions” pag�f GTR-5)
WARNING
. Do not attempt to raise two wheels
off the ground and shift the trans-
mission to any drive or reverse
position with the engine running.
Doing so may result in drivetrain
damage or unexpected vehicle
movement which could result in
serious vehicle damage or personal
injury.
. Do not attempt to test an AWD
equipped vehicle on a 2-wheel dy-
namometer (such as the dynam-
ometers used by some states for
emissions testing) or similar equip-
ment even if the other two wheels
are raised off the ground. Make sure
that you inform the test facility
personnel that your vehicle is
equipped with AWD before it is
placed on a dynamometer. Using
the wrong test equipment may re-
sult in drivetrain damage or unex-
pected vehicle movement which
could result in serious vehicle da-
mage or personal injury.
NOTICE
.If the warning light comes on while
driving there may be a malfunction
in the AWD system. Reduce the
vehicle speed and have your vehicle
checked by a GT-R certified NISSAN
dealer as soon as possible.
. If the warning light remains on after
the above operation, have your
vehicle checked by a GT-R certified
NISSAN dealer as soon as possible.
. The powertrain may be damaged if
you continue driving with the warn-
ing light blinking.
. Do not spin the rear wheels while
driving. Spinning the rear wheels
may increase the temperatures of
the AWD clutch system and damage
the system. Adjust the accelerator
pedal position to stop wheel spin.
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�f it
may be harder to move the vehicle forward and
backward�b This phenomenon is known as the
“tight corner braking phenomenon”�b
This phenomenon is unique to AWD vehicles�f
and occurs due to a difference in speeds
between the front and rear wheels while the
vehicle is turning�b This does not indicate that
there is a malfunction�b
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�b
Push the transmission setup switch down for
approximately 4 seconds while the engine is
running�b
.The SAVE mode indicator will blink once
and will then turn off�b
. If the SAVE mode is already selected�f the
SAVE mode indicator will blink once and
then illuminate again�b (
“VDC�f transmis-
sion and suspension setup switches” page
5-25)
After performing the above�f 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�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�f push the
transmission setup switch down for approxi-
Starting and driving5-43