position.
. Be sure the ignition switch is in
the OFF or LOCK position when
performing any parts replace-
ment or repairs.
. If you must work with the engine
running, keep your hands, cloth-
ing, hair and tools away from
moving fans, belts and any other
moving parts.
. It is advisable to secure or re-
move any loose clothing and
remove any jewelry, such as
rings, watches, etc. before work-
ing on your vehicle.
. Always wear eye protection whenever you work on your ve-
hicle.
. If you must run the engine in an
enclosed space such as a garage,
be sure there is proper ventilation
for exhaust gases to escape.
. Never get under the vehicle while
it is supported only by a jack. If it
is necessary to work under the
vehicle, support it with safety
stands.
. Keep smoking materials, flame
and sparks away from fuel tank
and the battery.
. Your vehicle is equipped with an
automatic engine cooling fan. It
may come on at any time without
warning, even if the ignition key is
in the OFF position and the en-
gine is not running. To avoid
injury, always disconnect the ne-
gative battery cable before work-
ing near the fan.
. The fuel filter or fuel lines should
be serviced by a GT-R certified
NISSAN dealer because the fuel
lines are under high pressure
even when the engine is off.
CAUTION
.Do not work under the hood while
the engine is hot. Turn the engine
off and wait until it cools down.
. Avoid direct contact with used
engine oil and coolant. Impro-
perly disposed engine oil, coolant,
and/or other vehicle fluids can
damage the environment. Always
conform to local regulations for
disposal of vehicle fluid.
NOTICE
.Never connect or disconnect the
battery or any transistorized
component while the ignition
switch is in the ON position.
. Never leave the engine or trans-
mission related component har-
nesses disconnected while the
ignition switch is in the ON posi-
tion.
This “8. Do-it-yourself” section gives in-
structions regarding only those items
which are relatively easy for an owner to
perform.
Do-it-yourself
8-3
MAINTENANCE PRECAUTIONS
NOTE:
.If the vehicle is being driven at
speeds of less than 16 MPH (25
km/h), the TPMS may not operate
correctly.
. The tires of this vehicle are filled
with nitrogen gas. When the tire
pressure is low, fill the tires with
nitrogen gas. It is recommended you
contact a GT-R certified NISSAN
dealer for information on filling the
tires with nitrogen gas.
light
should turn off if no other potential
emission control system malfunction ex-
ists. If this indicator light remains on for 20
seconds and then blinks for 10 seconds
when the engine is not running, it indi-
cates that the vehicle is not ready for an
emission control system inspection/
maintenance test. (
“Readiness for
Inspection/Maintenance (I/M) test (US
only)” page 10-22)
Operation:
The malfunction indicator light will come
on in one of two ways:
. Malfunction indicator light on steady
— An emission control system mal-
function has been detected. Check
the fuel-filler cap. If the fuel-filler cap
is loose or missing, tighten or install
the cap and continue to drive the
vehicle. The
light should turn off
after a few driving trips. If the
light
does not turn off after a few driving
trips, it is recommended you have the
vehicle inspected by a GT-R certified
NISSAN dealer. You do not need to
have your vehicle towed to the dealer.
. Malfunction indicator light blinking —
An engine misfire has been detected
which may damage the emission
control system.
To reduce or avoid emission control
system damage: 1) Do not drive at speeds above 45
MPH (72 km/h).
2) Avoid hard acceleration or decel- eration.
3) Avoid steep uphill grades.
4) If possible, reduce the amount of cargo being hauled or towed.
The malfunction indicator light may
stop blinking and remain on.
It is recommended you have the
vehicle inspected by a GT-R certified
NISSAN dealer. You do not need to
have your vehicle towed to the dealer.
NOTICE
Continued vehicle operation without
having the emission control system
checked and repaired as necessary
could lead to poor driveability, re-
duced fuel economy, and possible
damage to the emission control sys-
tem.
Master warning light
When the ignition switch is in the ON
position, the master warning light illumi-
nates if any of the warning displays
appear on the vehicle information display.
(
“Warning display” page 2-36)
Cool downThe information and specifications in
this section apply only when engaging
in performance driving.
Cool down the vehicle to help extend the
life of the vehicle if coolant temperatures
are extremely high. Drive the vehicle at 37
to 50 MPH (60 to 80 km/h), in 5th or 6th
gear for 2 to 3 miles (3 to 5 km) and then
stop the engine.Refueling precautions
WARNING
Do not attempt to top off the fuel
tank after the fuel pump nozzle
shuts off automatically. Continued
refueling may cause fuel overflow,
resulting in fuel spray and possibly a
fire. The fuel tank is full at the first
automatic shutoff.
To maximize vehicle performance, the
fuel tank is located as low as possible to
lower the vehicle center of gravity. The
tank is also divided into two parts. This
fuel tank design causes higher pressures
inside the tank than other vehicles so fuel
spillage is possible by trying to top off the fuel tank after automatic shutoff.
The fuel tank pressure is higher when the
vehicle is hot, especially if the tank is more
than half full. If the cap is opened when
the vehicle is hot, it may cause fuel spray
and there may be a hissing noise. Open
the cap slowly, releasing the pressure
from the tank gradually. Also, if the
vehicle is refueled when the vehicle is
hot, the fuel pump may automatically
shut off before the tank is full. This does
not indicate that there is a malfunction.
Refuel slowly or refuel after the vehicle
has cooled.
INSPECTION AND ADJUSTMENTS
BEFORE DRIVINGThe information and specifications in
this section apply only when engaging
in performance driving.Fluids.
Check the engine, transmission, differ-
ential and under vehicle surfaces for
oil and coolant leaks.
. Check the fluid levels and adjust as
necessary using the specified fluid as
described under the conditions listed
in this section.(
“Recommended
fluids and maintenance interval” page GTR-20) If you do not drive under the
conditions listed, refer to the “9. Main-
tenance and schedules” section of this
manual.
system. Note that while some fuel pumps
label MMT content, not all do, so you may
have to consult your gasoline retailer for
more details.Aftermarket fuel additives
NOTICE
NISSAN does not recommend the use
of any aftermarket fuel additives
(Example: fuel injector cleaner, in-
take valve deposit removers, etc.)
which are sold commercially. Many
of these additives intended for gum,
varnish or deposit removal may con-
tain active solvent or similar ingre-
dients that can be harmful to the fuel
system and engine.Octane rating tipsUsing unleaded gasoline with an octane
rating lower than recommended above
can cause persistent, heavy spark
knock. (Spark knock is a metallic rap-
ping noise.) If severe, this can lead to
engine damage. If you detect a persis-
tent heavy spark knock even when
using gasoline of the stated octane
rating, or if you hear steady spark knock
while holding a steady speed on levelroads, it is recommended you have a
GT-R certified NISSAN dealer correct the
condition. Failure to correct the condi-
tion is misuse of the vehicle, for which
NISSAN is not responsible.
Incorrect ignition timing will result in
knocking, after-run or overheating. This
in turn may cause excessive fuel con-
sumption or damage to the engine. If any
of the above symptoms are encountered,
it is recommended you have your vehicle
checked at a GT-R certified NISSAN dealer
or other competent service facility.
However, now and then you may notice
light spark knock for a short time while
accelerating or driving up hills. This is
no cause for concern, because you get
the greatest fuel benefit when there is
light spark knock for a short time under
heavy engine load.
ENGINE OIL AND OIL FILTER RE-
COMMENDATION
Selecting the correct oilIt is essential to choose the correct grade,
quality, and viscosity engine oil to ensure
satisfactory engine life and performance.
(
“Capacities and recommended
fluids/lubricants” page 10-2)
Mobil 1 (0W-40) (100% synthetic) is the factory fill oil. The VR38 engine with its
plasma-sprayed bores was developed
using this oil. NISSAN cannot ensure
proper engine operation and durability if
other 0W-40 non-equivalent synthetic oil
is used. If Mobil 1 (0W-40) or equivalent is
not available, Mobil 1 (10W-40) (100%
synthetic) or equivalent may be used;
however, some performance loss may
be noticed.
NOTICE
Using an engine oil other than that
specified could adversely affect the
engine. See the 2021 NISSAN GT-R
Warranty Information Booklet for
details and exclusions.Oil additivesNISSAN does not recommend the use of
oil additives. The use of an oil additive is
not necessary when the proper oil type is
used and maintenance intervals are fol-
lowed.
Oil which may contain foreign matter or
has been previously used should not be
used.