5-20Starting and driving
Control on downhill roads:
The adaptive shift contro\f system shifts to a \fow
\bear that suits the de\bree of the s\fope, and uses
the en\bine brake to reduce the number of times
that the foot brake must be used.
Control on winding roads:
A \fow \bear is maintained on continuous curves
that invo\fve repeated acce\feration and dece\fera-
tion, so that smooth acce\feration is avai\fab\fe
instant\fy when the acce\ferator peda\f is de-
pressed.
NOTE:
Adaptive shift control may not operate
when the transmission oil temperature is
low immediately after the start of driving
or when it is very hot. If this occurs, switch
to the
&Mposition and downshift if neces-
sary.
&Mposition
Changing to the&Mposition:
To chan\be to the
&Mposition from the&A
position, either move the shift \fever to the&M
side or operate the padd\fe shifter. The position
indicator indicates the \bear position with the
indication of “M”.
If the padd\fe shifter is used, the first operation
chan\bes from the
&Aposition to the&Mposition, and the second and \fater operations chan\be the
\bears.
To return to the
&Aposition, move the shift \fever
to the&Mside a\bain. The position indicator
indicates the \bear position with the indication of
“A”.
Changing gears using paddle shifters:
NOTE:
The vehicle cannot be accelerated from a
stop condition while the gear is in the 2nd
to 6th position. When accelerating the
vehicle from a stop condition, use the 1st
gear position.
To shift up, pu\f\f the padd\fe shifter on the ri\bht
side
*1toward you.
To shift down, pu\f\f the padd\fe shifter on the \feft
side
*2toward you.
WARNING
.When the shift lever is in the&A
position, the adaptive shift control
system will stay in a low gear in
order to maintain the effectiveness
of the engine brake. However if the
vehicle is traveling too fast depend-
ing on the degree of the slope, you
should shift to the
&Mposition and
use the paddle shifter to shift down.
If you continue to use only the foot
brake, a high load will be applied to
the brake, which may overheat,
reducing its effectiveness. Be sure
to use the engine brake together
with the foot brake. (
“Adaptive
shift control” page 5-19)
. Do not downshift abruptly on slip-
pery roads. This may cause a loss of
control.
NOTICE
When driving in the&Aposition, gear-
shifting will be performed automatically
with the adaptive shift control system
(
“Adaptive shift control” page 5- 19) even on road conditions with con-
tinuous and sudden hills or curves.
However, when the transmission oil
temperature is low immediately after
starting the vehicle or high when enga-
ging in high performance driving, there
may be some cases where the system
cannot control shifting. When this oc-
curs, switch to the
&Mposition and
select a lower gear, depending on the
gradient of the hill.
When stopping the vehicle
Leave the shift lever in the&AF&Mor&Rposition
and firmly depress the foot brake pedal\f
If the vehicle will be stopped for a lon\b period of
time, apply the parkin\b brake and move the shift
lever to the
&Por&Nposition as necessary\f
WARNING
. Do not race the engine while the
vehicle is stopped. Doing so may
accelerate the vehicle suddenly and
cause an accident when shifting to a
driving gear.
. While the engine is running, the
propeller shaft that transmits torque from the engine to the transmission
is turning at all times. Crawling or
reaching under the vehicle while the
engine is running may result in
serious 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.
When parking the vehicle
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
Starting and driving5-23
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
7. Avoid idling..Shutting off your engine when �fafe for
�ftop�f ex�beeding 30-60 �fe�bond�f �fave�f
fuel and redu�be�f emi�f�fion�f.
8. Buy an automated pa�f�f for toll road�f.
.Automated pa�f�fe�f permit driver�f to u�fe
�fpe�bial lane�f to maintain �brui�fing �fpeed
through the toll and avoid �ftopping and
�ftarting.
9. Winter warm up.
.Limit idling time to minimize impa�bt to
fuel e�bonomy.
.Vehi�ble�f typi�bally need no more than 30
�fe�bond�f of idling at �ftart-up to effe�btively
�bir�bulate the engine oil before driving.
.Your vehi�ble will rea�bh it�f ideal operating
temperature more qui�bkly while driving
ver�fu�f idling.
10. Keeping your vehi�ble �bool.
.Park your vehi�ble in a �bovered parking
area or in the �fhade whenever po�f�fible.
.When entering a hot vehi�ble, opening the
window�f will help to redu�be the in�fide
temperature fa�fter, re�fulting in redu�bed
demand on your A/C �fy�ftem. .
Keep your engine tuned up.
. Follow the re�bommended �f�bheduled main-
tenan�be.
. Keep the tire�f inflated to the �borre�bt
pre�f�fure. Low tire pre�f�fure in�brea�fe�f tire
wear and lower�f fuel e�bonomy.
. Keep the wheel�f in �borre�bt alignment.
Improper alignment in�brea�fe�f tire wear and
lower�f fuel e�bonomy.
. U�fe the re�bommended vi�f�bo�fity engine oil.
(
“Oil vi�f�bo�fity” page 9-6)
AWD WARNING LIGHT
The AWD warning light i�f lo�bated in the meter.
The AWD warning light �bome�f on when the
ignition �fwit�bh i�f pu�fhed to the ON po�fition. It
turn�f off �foon after the engine i�f �ftarted.
Starting and driving5-41
INCREASING FUEL ECONOMY ALL-WHEEL DRIVE (AWD)
The rear final drive of this vehicle is equipped
with a \f.5-wa\b 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.
Starting and driving5-45
LIMITED SLIP DIFFERENTIAL (LSD)
Washing
Hand wash the vehicle for best results. �fark the
vehicle in a cool, shaded area, out of direct
sunlight. �bead these procedures and gather the
necessary equipment and supplies before
washing the vehicle.
Equipment/Supplies:
.Vehicle soap specifically made for matte
paint
. Microfiber cloth
. Chamois cloth, for drying
. Two buckets with grit guards or dirt separa-
tors (available at many automotive supply or
detaining supply sources) .
1. Clean the wheels.
.Use a product specifically formulated to
clean wheels.
.Do not get any wheel cleaner on the
paint. Immediately wash and rinse the
paint if any wheel clear contacts the
paint.
.Do not use the same cleaning materials
to clean the wheels and paint.
2. Fill the buckets.
.Fill one bucket (with dirt separator grid at
the bottom) with vehicle soap specifically
made for matte paint and water. Follow the soap manufacturer’s instructions.
.Fill the second bucket with clean water
for rinsing the wash cloth.
.Always rinse the wash cloth in the clean
water before putting the wash cloth into
the cleaning solution.
3. Inspect the car for areas with heavy soiling or spots and, if necessary, treat these areas
first, before washing the entire vehicle.
4. �bemove large pieces of dirt by spraying the vehicle with a hose.
5. Soak the wash cloth in the soap solution and wash the vehicle lightly. Work in small
sections from the bottom of the vehicle to
the top.
.Wash a section then rinse the soapy
section of the vehicle completely before
starting another section.
.Keep the clean sections of the vehicle
wet as the remaining sections are com-
pleted.
6. Use a clean damp chamois to dry the vehicle before it air dries. If the undried surfaces
start to air dry, redampen those areas.
.Do not allow surface to air dry. Air drying
allows water spots to form.
WASHING
Wash dirt off the vehicle with a wet sponge and
plenty of water. Clean the vehicle thoroughly
using a mild soap, a special vehicle soap or
general purpose dishwashing liquid mixed with
clean, lukewarm (never hot) water.
NOTICE
. Do not use an automatic car wash.
The rear spoiler may be damaged.
. Do not use car washes that use acid
in the detergent. Some car washes,
especially brushless ones, use some
acid for cleaning. The acid may react
with some plastic vehicle compo-
nents, causing them to crack. This
could affect their appearance, and
also could cause them not to func-
tion properly. Always check with
your car wash to confirm that acid
is not used.
. Do not wash the vehicle with strong
household soap, strong chemical
detergents, gasoline or solvents.
. Do not wash the vehicle in direct
sunlight or while the vehicle body is
hot, as the surface may become
Appearance and care7-3
7-4Appearance and care
water-spotted.
. Avoid using tight-napped or rough
cloths, such as washing mitts. Care
must be taken when removing
caked-on dirt or other foreign sub-
stances so the paint surface is not
scratched or damaged.
Rinse the vehicle thoroughly with \flenty of clean
water.
\bnside flanges, seams and folds on the doors,
hatches and hood are \farticularly vulnerable to
the effects of road salt. Therefore, these areas
must be regularly cleaned. Take care that the
drain holes in the lower edge of the door are
o\fen. S\fray water under the body and in the
wheel wells to loosen the dirt and wash away
road salt.
Avoid leaving water s\fots on the \faint surface
by using a dam\f chamois to dry the vehicle.WAXING
Regular waxing \frotects the \faint surface and
hel\fs retain new vehicle a\f\fearance. Polishing
is recommended to remove built-u\f wax residue
and to avoid a weathered a\f\fearance before
rea\f\flying wax.
A GT-R certified N\bSSAN dealer can assist you
in choosing the \fro\fer \froduct.
. Wax your vehicle only after a thorough
washing. Follow the instructions su\f\flied
with the wax.
. Do not use a wax containing any abrasives,
cutting com\founds or cleaners that may
damage the vehicle finish.
Machine com\found or aggressive \folishing on a
base coat/clear coat \faint finish may dull the
finish or leave swirl marks.
WARNING
Do not use wax on the glass, rubber or
plastic parts around the glass or door.
This may prevent the window operation
or cause poor visibility and the wax
cannot be coated uniformly.
NOTICE
. Do not use compound agents on
clear-coated dry carbon fiber parts
(such as the NISMO model’s bum-
per, side sill protector, rear spoiler,
etc.) .
. Do not use any chemical agents
(wax, coating agent, compound
agent, etc.) on matte-painted dry
carbon fiber parts (such as the rear
diffuser, a rear spoiler that is of
specifications other than NISMO,
etc.) .
REMOVING SPOTS
Remove tar and oil s\fots, industrial dust,
insects, and tree sa\f as quickly as \fossible
from the \faint surface to avoid lasting damage
or staining. S\fecial cleaning \froducts are
available at a GT-R certified N\bSSAN dealer or
any automotive accessory stores.