is started.
If any malfunction occurs in the AWD
system while the engine is running, the
warning light will come on.
The warning light may blink rapidly
(about twice per second) while trying to
free a stuck vehicle due to high AWD
clutch temperature. The driving mode
may change to two-wheel drive. If the
warning light blinks rapidly during opera-
tion, stop the vehicle with the engine
idling in a safe place immediately. Then if
the light goes off after a while, you can
continue driving.
A large difference between the diameters
of front and rear wheels will make the
warning light blink slowly (about once per
two seconds). Pull off the road in a safe
area, and idle the engine. Check that all
tire sizes are the same, tire pressure is
correct and tires are not worn and winter
tires are not installed on the front or rear
wheels only.
If the warning light is blinking after the
above operation, it is recommended you
have your vehicle checked by a GT-R
certified NISSAN dealer as soon as possi-
ble.
If non-genuine GT-R tires are used, the
warning light may illuminate. (
TIGHT CORNER BRAKING PHE-
NOMENONIf 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 malfunc-
tion.
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
phenomenonThe tight corner braking phenomenon
can be reduced if the following three
conditions are met:
.Transmission setup switch is set to
Normal mode.
. Vehicle speed is low (less than ap-
proximately 6 MPH (10 km/h)). .
The steering wheel is turned more
than 1/2 turn.
TIRESThis vehicle is equipped with special tires.
When changing the tires, install the de-
signated special tires. Replacing tires as a
set of four with new ones is recom-
mended. However, if a tire is punctured
or damaged, it may be possible to replace
only the damaged tire. Determining
whether one tire or a complete set of
tires should be replaced is based on a
number of factors including tire wear and
condition. Contact your GT-R certified
NISSAN dealer. They can recommend if
an individual tire or a complete set should
be replaced.
NOTICE
If tires other than the designated
tires, tires with large differences in
wear or tires of different sizes are
installed, the AWD performance will
be degraded and the drive mechan-
ism may be damaged.
AWD SYSTEM CHARACTERISTICSThe AWD system automatically distri-
butes the optimal torque to the front
and rear wheels. This provides both the
superior turning performance of a rear
wheel drive vehicle and the traction of a
AWD vehicle.
Electronic control continuously distri-
butes torque to the front and rear wheels
in the range from 0:100 (rear-wheel drive
mode) to 50:50 (all-wheel drive mode) to
match the driving conditions and road
conditions. This allows the engine output
(torque) to be effectively transmitted to
the road surface.
position.
3. To help prevent the vehicle from roll- ing into the street when parked on a
sloping drive way, it is a good practice
to turn the wheels as illustrated.
.
HEADED DOWNHILL WITH CURB:Turn the wheels into the curb and
move the vehicle forward until the
curb side wheel gently touches the
curb.
.
HEADED UPHILL WITH CURB:Turn the wheels away from the
curb and move the vehicle back
until the curb side wheel gently
touches the curb.
.
HEADED UPHILL OR DOWNHILL, NO
CURB: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.
For models without NCCB (NISSAN Car-
bon Ceramic Brake) package:
The GT-R uses brake pad materials that
have high metallic content. The brake pad
material helps maintain braking perfor-
mance 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
position. 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 wash-
ing 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.
It is recommended you contact a GT-R
certified NISSAN dealer if the brake pads
and brake rotor have rusted together.
For models with NCCB (NISSAN Carbon
Ceramic Brake) package:
(
“NCCB (NISSAN Carbon Ceramic
Brake)” page 8-20)
Starting and driving
5-47
The Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) sys-
tem uses various sensors to monitor
driver inputs and vehicle motion. Under
certain driving conditions, the VDC sys-
tem helps to perform the following func-
tions.
.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 con-
trol 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 condi-
tions).
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 meter 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,
transmission and suspension setup
switches” page 5-25)
(
“Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC)
warning light” page 2-34,
“Vehicle
Dynamic Control (VDC) off indicator light”
page 2-33)
If a malfunction occurs in the system, the
VDC warning light
illuminates in the
meter. 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 sys-
tem is off.
When the VDC setup switch is used to
turn off the system, the VDC system still
VEHICLE DYNAMIC CONTROL (VDC) SYSTEM
operates to prevent one drive wheel from
slipping by transferring power to a non
slipping drive wheel. 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 2-34,
“Vehicle
Dynamic Control (VDC) off indicator light”
page 2-33)
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.
may illuminate.
. If brake related parts such as
brake pads, rotors and calipers
are not standard equipment or
are extremely deteriorated, the
VDC system may not operate
properly and the VDC warning
light
may illuminate.
. If engine control related parts are
not standard equipment or are
extremely deteriorated, the VDC
warning light
may illuminate.
. When driving on extremely in-
clined surfaces such as higher
banked corners, the VDC system
may not operate properly and the
VDC warning light
may illumi-
nate. Do not drive on these types of roads.
. When driving on an unstable sur-
face such as a turntable, ferry,
elevator or ramp, the VDC warn-
ing light
may illuminate. This
is not a malfunction. Restart the
engine after driving onto a stable
surface.
. If wheels or tires other than the
those recommended are used,
the VDC system may not operate
properly and the VDC warning
light
may illuminate.
. The VDC system is not a substi-
tute for winter tires or tire chains
on a snow covered road.
NOTE:
. Always make sure the VDC is ON
before driving the vehicle by check-
ing 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 power-
train operation and intended driva-
bility.Starting and driving
5-55
wheels will lose even more trac-
tion.
. Allow more stopping distance
under these conditions. Braking
should be started sooner than on
dry pavement.
. 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 ex-
haust gases under your vehicle.
Keep snow clear of the exhaust
pipe and from around your vehi-
cle.
NOTE:
When driving on snow, select the SAVE
mode with the setup switch. By select-
ing the SAVE mode, the engine output is
controlled appropriately for snow or slippery road surfaces. This enables
the vehicle to start or accelerate
smoothly.
ENGINE BLOCK HEATER (if so
equipped)Engine block heaters are used to assist
with cold temperature starting.
The engine block heater should be used
when the outside temperature is 20°F
(−7°C) or lower.To use the engine block heater1. Turn the engine off.
2. Plug the engine block heater cord into
a grounded 3-wire, 3-pronged exten-
sion cord.
3. Plug the extension cord into a Ground Fault Interrupt (GFI) protected,
grounded 110-volt AC (VAC) outlet.
4. The engine block heater must be plugged in for at least 2 - 4 hours,
depending on outside temperatures,
to properly warm the engine coolant.
Use an appropriate timer to turn the
engine block heater on.
5. Before starting the engine, unplug and properly store the cord to keep it
away from moving parts.
To close the electronic control valve, push
the exhaust sound control switch to the
ON side.
To open the electronic control valve, push
the exhaust sound control switch to the
OFF side.
NOTE:
Do not disconnect the electronic control
valve connector. If the connector is not
plugged in, the system will detect this
as a malfunction and engine output will
be limited.
Starting and driving
5-59
EXHAUST SOUND CONTROL
SYSTEM (if so equipped)ACTIVE NOISE CANCELLATION (if
so equipped)/ACTIVE SOUND
ENHANCEMENT (if so equipped)
to detect
engine booming noise. The system then
automatically generates a noise cancel-
ling sound through the speakers
and
woofer
to reduce engine booming
noise.
The front and rear microphones
are
located inside of the roof.
The front speakers are located on the
doors and the woofer is located in
between the rear seats.
ACTIVE SOUND ENHANCEMENTThe active sound enhancement gener-
ates sounds according to engine speed
and driving modes selected by the Vehicle
Dynamic Control (VDC) system, transmis-
sion and suspension setup switches
through the speakers
and woofer
to enhance the quality of the engine
sound.
In addition, if the gear is shifted or the
accelerator pedal is quickly operated
when the transmission setup switch is in
R mode and the engine warmed up, a
sound effect is output to enhance the
sense of sportiness. (
“R mode” page
5-25)