, open the
reservoir cap (pressure type)and add
coolant up to between the MAX
and
MIN
level. If the reservoir is empty, open
the radiator filler cap
and check the
coolant level in the radiator when the
engine is cold. If there is insufficient
coolant in the radiator, fill the radiator
with coolant up to the filler opening and
also add it to the reservoir up to between
the MAX
and MIN
level. This vehicle contains Genuine NISSAN
Long Life Antifreeze/Coolant (blue). The
life expectancy of the factory-fill coolant
is 24,000 miles (38,400 km) or 2 years.
Mixing any other type of coolant or the
use of non-distilled water will reduce the
life expectancy of the factory-fill coolant.
Refer to the “9. Maintenance and sche-
dules” section of this manual for more
details.
If the cooling system frequently re-
quires coolant, it is recommended you
have it checked by a GT-R certified
NISSAN dealer.
Check that the level of coolant is between
MAX and MIN on the pressurized radiator
reservoir. If the level is below the mid-
point, the amount of coolant circulating
may be insufficient for maximum vehicle
performance, possibly causing engine
overheating or other trouble.
For the coolant level and mixture ratio
when engaging in performance driving,
see
“Coolant level and mixture ratio”
page GTR-15.
Except for NISMO models:
If it is difficult to determine the midpoint
between MAX and MIN, remove the cool-
ant reservoir cap and look inside through
the opening to check that the coolant
level is above the divider
between the
top half and bottom half of the pressur- ized coolant reservoir.
NOTICE
.
The coolant reservoir is equipped
with a pressure type cap, and the
radiator is equipped with a non-
pressure type cap. Do not switch
the radiator filler cap and the
coolant reservoir cap. Doing so
will cause substandard cooling
performance and overheating.
. If you have added only water as
the coolant in an emergency,
change it to a coolant mixture
ratio specified as soon as possi-
ble.CHANGING ENGINE COOLANTIf major cooling system repairs are re-
quired, it is recommended you contact a
GT-R certified NISSAN dealer. The service
procedures can be found in the appro-
priate NISSAN Service Manual.
Improper servicing can result in re-
duced heater performance and engine
overheating.
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.
Check the coolant level in the pressurized
coolant reservoir. Adjust the level so that
the fluid is between the MAX and MIN
markings. For the coolant, use genuine
NISSAN Long Life coolant or equivalent.
(On delivery of new vehicle, the reservoir
is filled to the MIN level. Be sure to
replenish approximately 3/8 US quart
(0.3 to 0.4 liter) of coolant.)
NOTICE
Do not overfill the coolant. This may
increase the pressure in the cooling
system and cause coolant leaks.
To maximize vehicle performance, the
coolant mixture ratio should be a combi-
nation of 30% coolant antifreeze and 70%
demineralized or distilled water for max-
imum cooling system performance re-
gardless of ambient temperatures.
If ambient temperatures are anticipated
below 5°F (−15°C), make sure a proper
mixture ratio of 50% antifreeze and 50%
demineralized or distilled water mix is
used.Engine and powertrainThe information and specifications in
this section apply only when engaging in performance driving.
.
Check the engine, transmission, differ-
ential and under the vehicle for oil and
coolant leaks.
. Inspect the areas surrounding of the
catalytic converter for heat deteriora-
tion.
. Always perform the transmission
setting. After that, adjust the clutch
clearance so that the clearance is less
than the clearance used for daily
driving. Your GT-R certified NISSAN
dealer has the necessary information
and equipment to set the clutch
clearance to the correct specification.
The clearance used for daily driving
increases clutch heat generated dur-
ing Performance Driving. This leads to
an increase in temperature of the
transmission oil. In addition, a more
direct shifting feel can be obtained by
reducing the clutch clearance for
Performance Driving. The clutch clear-
ance should be reset to the daily
driving specification after Perfor-
mance Driving. It is recommended
you see a GT-R certified NISSAN dealer
for information.
NOTICE
Failure to have the clutch properly
adjusted before performance driving
may cause the transmission oil tem-
perature to increase which may
cause transmission damage.
. Inspect and confirm the clearance
between the exhaust finisher and rear
bumper is more than 0.24 in (6 mm)
(up/down) and more than 0.20 in (5
mm) (left/right).
. Inspect the dust boot of the drive
shaft universal joint for cracks or
damage.Suspension and wheel alignmentThe information and specifications in
this section apply only when engaging
in performance driving.
.Check the steering and suspension
system and other links for loose and/
or damaged parts.
. Measure and adjust the wheel align-
ment. (
“Wheel alignment” page
GTR-10) It is recommended you con-
tact a GT-R certified NISSAN dealer to
adjust the wheel alignment to the
recommended setting for high perfor-
in this section for 48 hours after tires
are installed on the wheels. The tire
may slip on the wheel if the vehicle is
driven in these conditions before 48
hours have passed. If the tire slips on
the wheel, the wheel/tire assembly
will be out of balance and will require
rebalancing.
BrakesThe information and specifications in
this section apply only when engaging
in performance driving.
.Check for the heat deterioration of the
brakes and parts around the brakes.
. It is recommended that you remove
air from the brake system after any of
the following:
— When engaging in high perfor-
mance driving for the first time
after purchasing a new vehicle.
— After replacing the brake fluid.
— When engaging in high perfor- mance driving for a sustained per-
iod of time. It is recommended that
bleeding the brake be performed
when the brake calipers are hot
(about 212°F (100°C)). Brake pad break-in procedure:
NISSAN recommends that a special brake
pad break-in procedure be performed
before engaging in performance driving.
It is recommended you contact a GT-R
certified NISSAN dealer for details.
INSPECTION AND ADJUSTMENTS
AFTER DRIVINGThe information and specifications in
this section apply only when engaging
in performance driving.
NOTICE
At the completion of performance
driving, all fluid and other adjust-
ments should be returned to the
normal fluid specifications as shown
in the “8. Do-it-yourself” section of
this manual.FluidsThe information and specifications in
this section apply only when engaging
in performance driving.
.
Check the engine, transmission, differ-
ential and under the vehicle 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.
. When changing fluids, be sure to use
the specified fluids as described in this
Owner’s manual. (“Capacities and
recommended fluids/lubricants” page
10-2)
GT-R Overview
GTR-19
or
position: The maximum
engine speed is 4,300 RPM
. Revving the engine when the engine
oil is at a low (below 32°F (0°C)) or
extremely high (over 275°F (135°C))
temperature: The maximum engine
speed is 4,000 RPM (The
position
will automatically change to the
position.)
ENGINE OUTPUT
High altitudeTo protect the engine, engine output is
controlled so that it does not increase at
altitude of approximately 3,281 ft (1,000
m) or higher.Engine output according to the
coolant temperatureThe engine output is controlled at a low
level when the engine coolant tempera-
ture is lower than approximately 158°F
(70°C) or higher than 230°F (110°C). This is
not a malfunction. If the temperature is lower than approxi-
mately 158°F (70°C), drive the vehicle until
it reaches normal operating temperature.
If the temperature is higher than 230°F
(110°C), perform cool-down driving proce-
dure. (
“Cool down” page GTR-14)
When the temperature of the engine
coolant is between 158°F (70°C) and
230°F (110°C), the engine output returns
to normal.
UNEVEN WEAR OF TIRESThe GT-R is equipped with high perfor-
mance, low profile, run-flat tires that are
optimized for performance and handling.
The life of these tires will be less than
those of tires installed on a typical vehicle,
and you are likely to experience uneven
tire wear and tire noise regardless of the
type of tire used.NOISES ARE HEARD WHILE DRIV-
ING
1 second.
NOTE:
When the battery is disconnected, the
memory for trips
is erased, and
both return to zero.
TACHOMETERThe tachometer indicates the engine
speed in revolutions per minute (rpm).
Do not rev the engine into the red zone
.
NOTICE
When engine speed approaches the
red zone, shift to a higher gear or
reduce engine speed. Operating the
engine in the red zone may cause
serious engine damage.
ENGINE COOLANT TEMPERATURE
GAUGEThe gauge indicates the engine coolant
temperature.
The engine coolant temperature is within
the normal range when the gauge needle
points within the zone
shown in the
illustration.
The engine coolant temperature varies
with the outside air temperature and
driving conditions.
NOTICE
If the gauge indicates engine coolant
temperature near the hot (H) end of
the normal range, reduce vehicle
speed to decrease temperature. If
gauge is over the normal range, stop
the vehicle as soon as safely possi-
ble. If the engine is overheated,
continued operation of the vehicle
may seriously damage the engine.
(
“If your vehicle overheats” page
6-8)
FUEL GAUGEThe gauge indicates the approximate
fuel level in the tank.
The gauge may move slightly during
braking, turning, acceleration, or going
up or down hills.
The gauge needle returns to E (Empty)
after the ignition switch is pushed to the
LOCK position.
Refill the fuel tank before the gauge
registers “E” (Empty).
The low fuel warning will be indicated on
the vehicle information display when the
fuel tank is getting low. Refuel as soon as
it is convenient, preferably before the gauge reaches “E”. There will be a small
reserve of fuel in the tank when the fuel
gauge needle reaches “E”. (
“Low fuel
warning” page 2-43)
The
indicates that the fuel-filler door
is located on the passenger’s side of the
vehicle. (
“Fuel-filler door” page 3-24)
NOTE:
If the vehicle runs out of fuel, the
Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) may
come on. Refuel as soon as possible.
After a few driving trips, the
light
should turn off. If the light remains on
after a few driving trips, it is recom-
mended you have the vehicle inspected
by a GT-R certified NISSAN dealer.
(
“Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL)”
page 2-32)
Instruments and controls
2-9
position, 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
position, the ignition switch
will not change to the OFF position.
If this occurs, the SHIFT
warning
display appears on the vehicle in-
formation display. When stopping
the engine, be sure to move the shift
lever to the
position and then
push the ignition switch. Failure to
do so may result in discharge of the
battery. (“Shift “P” warning”
page 2-46)
. If the shift lever was in the
position when the engine was
stopped, then be sure to move the
shift lever to the
position before
starting the engine the next time. If the engine is started with the shift
lever in the
position, then it may
not be possible to drive the vehicle
even when the shift lever is moved
to the
position. If this
occurs, the SHIFTwarning appears
on the vehicle information display.
(
“Shift “P” warning” page 2-46)
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 compartment. When the
cooling fan is operating, be sure that
hands or other items do not get
caught in it.
DUAL CLUTCH TRANSMISSIONThe GT-R dual clutch transmission is a
newly-developed system that uses an
electronically controlled multiple-disc
wet clutch attached to the highly efficient
manual transmission. This transmission
has two driving modes.
.
position
and operate the paddle shifter to shift
down to 1st gear similar to a manual
transmission vehicle.
The GT-R dual clutch transmission was
developed specifically to maximize vehi-
cle performance and driving enjoyment.
The GT-R transmission components were
designed using different engineering
standards than typical passenger car
transmissions. Because of this, the GT-R
has different operating characteristics,
and various rattle noises may be heard
during some driving conditions because
Starting and driving
5-15
DRIVING THE VEHICLE