check engine light NISSAN GT-R 2009 User Guide
[x] Cancel search | Manufacturer: NISSAN, Model Year: 2009, Model line: GT-R, Model: NISSAN GT-R 2009Pages: 311, PDF Size: 6.68 MB
Page 158 of 311

Black plate (153,1)
Model "R35-D" EDITED: 2008/ 5/ 20
OPENING THE HOOD1. Pull the hood lock release handle
*1
located below the instrument panel. The
hood will then spring up slightly.
2. Pull the lever
*2
at the front of the hood
with your fingertips and raise the hood.
3. Grasp the insulated part of the stay
*3
and
release it from the hook, then securely insert
it into the hood hole
*4.
WARNING
If you see steam or smoke coming from
the engine compartment, do not open
the hood. Doing so could cause injury.
CAUTION
. Do not insert hands, clothing, tools
or other items into the engine
compartment while the engine is
running.Pre-driving checks and adjustments
3-17
HOOD
, Q I R U P D W L R Q 3 U R Y L G H G E \
Page 163 of 311

Black plate (158,1)
Model "R35-D" EDITED: 2008/ 5/ 20
From the passenger compartmentThe trunk can be opened with the emergency
trunk lid opener located on the floor in front of
the passenger’s seat.
1. Remove the board located on the floor infront of the passenger’s seat.
2. Insert the mechanical key into the emer-gency trunk lid opener and turn it clockwise
until it stops.NOTE:Because the trunk rigidity has been in-
creased to handle the high load on the rear
wing during vehicle operation, more force
is required to operate the mechanical key
(particularly when the vehicle is new) . Be
sure to turn the key clockwise until it
stops.
The fuel-filler door is located on the right and
rear side of the vehicle.
WARNING
.Gasoline is extremely flammable
and highly explosive under certain
conditions. You could be burned or
seriously injured if it is misused or
mishandled. Always stop engine
and do not smoke or allow open
flames or sparks near the vehicle
when refueling.
. 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.
. Use only an original equipment type
fuel-filler cap as a replacement. It
has a built-in safety valve needed
for proper operation of the fuel
system and emission control sys-
tem. An incorrect cap can result in a
serious malfunction and possible
injury. It could also cause the mal-
function indicator light to come on.
. Never pour fuel into the throttle
3-22
Pre-driving checks and adjustments
FUEL-FILLER DOOR
, Q I R U P D W L R Q 3 U R Y L G H G E \
Page 178 of 311

Black plate (173,1)
Model "R35-D" EDITED: 2008/ 5/ 20
grass, waste paper or rags. They
may ignite and cause a fire.
NOTICE
.Do not use leaded gasoline. Depos-
its from leaded gasoline seriously
reduce the three-way catalyst’s abil-
ity to help reduce exhaust pollu-
tants.
. Keep your engine tuned up. Mal-
functions in the ignition, fuel injec-
tion, or electrical systems can cause
overrich fuel flow into the three-way
catalyst, causing it to overheat. Do
not keep driving if the engine mis-
fires, or if noticeable loss of perfor-
mance or other unusual operating
conditions are detected. Have the
vehicle inspected promptly by a
GT-R certified NISSAN dealer.
. Avoid driving with an extremely low
fuel level. Running out of fuel could
cause the engine to misfire, dama-
ging the three-way catalyst.
. Do not race the engine while warm-
ing it up.
. Do not push or tow your vehicle to start the engine.
TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING
SYSTEM (TPMS)Each tire should be checked monthly when cold
and inflated to the inflation pressure recom-
mended by the vehicle manufacturer on the
vehicle placard or tire inflation pressure label. (If
your vehicle has tires of a different size than the
size indicated on the vehicle placard or tire
inflation pressure label, you should determine
the proper tire inflation pressure for those tires.)
As an added safety feature, your vehicle has
been equipped with a Tire Pressure Monitoring
System (TPMS) that illuminates a low tire
pressure telltale when one or more of your tires
is significantly under-inflated. Accordingly, when
the low tire pressure telltale illuminates, you
should stop and check your tires as soon as
possible, and inflate them to the proper pres-
sure. Driving on a significantly under-inflated tire
causes the tire to overheat and can lead to tire
failure. Under-inflation also reduces fuel effi-
ciency and tire tread life, and may affect the
vehicle’s handling and stopping ability.
If the vehicle is being driven with one or more flat
tires, the run-flat tire warning light will illuminate
continuously and a chime will sound for 10
seconds. The chime will only sound at the first
indication of a flat tire, and the warning light willilluminate continuously. When the Flat tire
warning is activated, have the system reset
and the tire checked and replaced if necessary
by a GT-R certified NISSAN dealer. Even if the
tire is inflated to the specified COLD tire
pressure, the warning light will continue to
illuminate until the system is reset by a GT-R
certified NISSAN dealer. Your vehicle can be
driven for a limited time on a flat tire. (
“Run-
flat tires” page 8-35)
Please note that the TPMS is not a substitute for
proper tire maintenance, and it is the driver’s
responsibility to maintain correct tire pressure,
even if under-inflation has not reached the level
to trigger illumination of the TPMS low tire
pressure telltale.
Your vehicle has also been equipped with a
TPMS malfunction indicator to indicate when the
system is not operating properly. The TPMS
malfunction indicator is combined with the low
tire pressure telltale. When the system detects a
malfunction, the telltale will flash for approxi-
mately one minute and then remain continuously
illuminated. This sequence will continue upon
subsequent vehicle start-ups as long as the
malfunction exists. When the malfunction indi-
cator is illuminated, the system may not be able
to detect or signal low tire pressure as intended.
TPMS malfunctions may occur for a variety of
reasons, including the installation of replace-
ment or alternate tires or wheels on the vehicle
Starting and driving
5-3
, Q I R U P D W L R Q 3 U R Y L G H G E \
Page 186 of 311

Black plate (181,1)
Model "R35-D" EDITED: 2008/ 5/ 20
.The Intelligent Key port does not
charge the Intelligent Key battery. If
you see the low battery indicator in the
vehicle information display, replace the
battery as soon as possible.
(
“INTELLIGENT KEY BATTERY RE-
PLACEMENT” page 8-23)
. Make sure the area around the vehicle is
clear.
. Check fluid levels such as engine oil, cool-
ant, brake fluid and window washer fluid as
frequently as possible, or at least whenever
you refuel.
. Check that all windows and lights are clean.
. Visually inspect tires for their appearance
and condition. Also check tires for proper
inflation.
. Lock all doors.
. Position seat and adjust head restraints.
. Adjust inside and outside mirrors.
. Fasten seat belts and ask all passengers to
do likewise.
. Check the operation of warning lights when
the ignition switch is pushed to the ON
position. (
“WARNING/INDICATOR
LIGHTS AND AUDIBLE REMINDERS”
page 2-23)
NOTE:. This vehicle includes spark plugs that
are designed for maximum perfor-
mance. If the start time becomes long-
er, the plugs may be fouled, making the
engine difficult to start. If this occurs,
start the engine using the procedure
described in this section.
. A click sound may be heard when the
brake pedal is depressed and released.
This is normal.
. A low rattling operating sound may
occur when the engine is started or
stopped. This does not indicate that
there is a malfunction. This sound is
likely to occur in particular if the engine
is stopped when the temperature of the
transmission oil is high.
Starting and driving
5-11
BEFORE STARTING THE ENGINE STARTING THE ENGINE
, Q I R U P D W L R Q 3 U R Y L G H G E \
Page 209 of 311

Black plate (204,1)
Model "R35-D" EDITED: 2008/ 5/ 20
AWD WARNING LIGHTThe AWD warning light is located in the meter.
The AWD warning light comes on when the
ignition switch is pushed to the ON position. It
turns off soon after the engine 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 power train oil temperature. The
driving mode may change to two-wheel drive. If
the warning light blinks rapidly during operation,
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.
If the warning light is blinking after the above
operation, have your vehicle checked by a GT-R
certified NISSAN dealer as soon as possible.
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
5-34
Starting and driving
ALL-WHEEL DRIVE (AWD)
, Q I R U P D W L R Q 3 U R Y L G H G E \
Page 210 of 311

Black plate (205,1)
Model "R35-D" EDITED: 2008/ 5/ 20
vehicle checked by a GT-R certified
NISSAN dealer as soon as possible.
. The power train may be damaged if
you continue driving with the warn-
ing light blinking rapidly.
TIGHT CORNER BRAKING PHE-
NOMENONWhen driving on dry pavement in AWD mode, or
immediately after starting the engine in cold
conditions, when the steering wheel is turned all
the way, the vehicle may behave as if the brakes
had been applied. 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 malfunction. If this phenomenon
occurs, more force will be required to operate
the steering wheel.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.
. If excessive operation continues when
a wheel has come off the road or at
other times when the operation causes a large difference in speed between the
front and rear wheels (the wheels are
spinning) , the oil temperature in the
drive system parts will increase.
In this case, to protect the drive system
parts, the AWD warning light blinks
rapidly and the system switches to
RWD mode or low AWD mode. Keep
the vehicle stopped and idling for a
short time. When the warning light
stops blinking, the vehicle returns from
RWD mode to normal driving mode.
. If you feel an unusual vibration in the
vehicle, even if the warning lights are
not illuminated, have the vehicle in-
spected by a GT-R certified NISSAN
dealer.
TIRESThis vehicle is equipped with special tires. When
changing the tires, install the designated special
tires. Replacing tires as a set of four with new
ones is recommended. 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. Con-
tact 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 mechanism may be damaged.AWD SYSTEM CHARACTERISTICSThe AWD system automatically distributes the
optimal torque to the front and rear wheels. This
provides both the superior turning performance
of a front wheel drive vehicle and the traction of
a AWD vehicle.
Electronic control continuously distributes tor-
que 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 trans-
mitted to the road surface.
Starting and driving
5-35
, Q I R U P D W L R Q 3 U R Y L G H G E \
Page 215 of 311

Black plate (210,1)
Model "R35-D" EDITED: 2008/ 5/ 20
the ABS warning light on the instrument panel.
The brake system then operates normally, but
without anti-lock assistance.
If the ABS warning light illuminates during the
self-test or while driving, have the vehicle
checked by a GT-R certified NISSAN dealer.Normal operationThe ABS operates at speeds above 3 to 6 MPH
(5 to 10 km/h) . The speed varies according to
road conditions.
When the ABS senses that one or more wheels
are close to locking up, the actuator rapidly
applies and releases hydraulic pressure. This
action is similar to pumping the brakes very
quickly. You may feel a pulsation in the brake
pedal and hear a noise from under the hood or
feel a vibration from the actuator when it is
operating. This is normal and indicates that the
ABS is operating properly. However, the pulsa-
tion may indicate that road conditions are
hazardous and extra care is required while
driving.
The Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) system
uses various sensors to monitor driver inputs
and vehicle motion. Under certain driving situa-
tions, the system will control braking and engine
output to help keep the vehicle on its steered
path.
.The VDC mode can be changed using the
VDC setup switch. (
“VDC, TRANS-
MISSION AND SUSPENSION SETUP
SWITCHES” page 5-21)
. When the VDC system is operating, the
indicator in the instrument panel blinks.
. If the
indicator blinks, the road condi-
tions may be slippery. Be sure to adjust your
speed and driving to these conditions. Be
sure to drive carefully. (
“Slip indicator
light” page 2-29) (
“Vehicle Dynamic
Control (VDC) off indicator light” page 2-
29)
. Indicator light
If a malfunction occurs in the system, the
and
indicator lights illuminate in
the instrument panel. As long as these
indicators are illuminated, the VDC system
function is canceled.
The VDC system uses an Active Brake Limited
Slip (ABLS) function to improve vehicle traction.
The ABLS system works when one of the driving
wheels is spinning on a slippery surface. The ABLS system brakes the spinning wheel, which
distributes the driving power to the other drive
wheel. If the vehicle is operated with the VDC
setup switch pushed and the VDC system
turned off, all VDC systems will be turned off.
The ABLS system and ABS will still operate with
the VDC system off.
While the VDC system is operating, you may feel
a pulsation in the brake pedal and hear a noise
or feel a vibration from under the hood. This is
normal and indicates that the VDC system is
working properly.
The VDC system computer has a built-in
diagnostic feature that tests the system each
time you start the engine and move the vehicle at
a low speed forward or backward. When the
self-test occurs, you may hear a “clunk” noise
and/or feel a pulsation in the brake pedal. This
does not indicate that there is a malfunction.
WARNING
.
The VDC system is designed to help
improve driving stability but does
not prevent accidents due to abrupt
steering operation at high speeds or
due to careless or dangerous driv-
ing techniques. Reduce vehicle
speed and be especially careful
when driving and cornering on slip-
pery surfaces and always drive care-
5-40
Starting and driving
VEHICLE DYNAMIC CONTROL (VDC)
SYSTEM
, Q I R U P D W L R Q 3 U R Y L G H G E \
Page 239 of 311

Black plate (28,1)
8 Maintenance and do-it-yourself
Model "R35-D" EDITED: 2008/ 5/ 20
Maintenance requirement..................................... 8-2
Scheduled maintenance ................................... 8-2
General maintenance ...................................... 8-2
Where to go for service ................................... 8-2
General maintenance .......................................... 8-3
Explanation of maintenance items ....................... 8-3
Maintenance precautions ..................................... 8-5
Engine compartment check locations ...................... 8-7
Removing the cowl top cover ............................ 8-8
Engine cooling system ......................................... 8-9
Checking engine coolant level ......................... 8-11
Changing engine coolant ............................... 8-11
Engine oil ....................................................... 8-12
Checking engine oil level ............................... 8-12
Changing engine oil and filter .......................... 8-12
Transmission oil ............................................... 8-13
Power steering fluid .......................................... 8-13
Brake fluid ...................................................... 8-14
Window washer fluid ........................................ 8-15
Battery .......................................................... 8-15
Precautions ................................................ 8-15
Fluid level check .......................................... 8-16
Jump starting .............................................. 8-17 Drive belts
...................................................... 8-17
Spark plugs .................................................... 8-18
Replacing spark plugs ................................... 8-18
Air cleaner ...................................................... 8-19
Windshield wiper blades .................................... 8-19
Cleaning .................................................... 8-19
Replacing the wiper blades ............................ 8-20
Brakes ........................................................... 8-20
Self-adjusting brakes .................................... 8-20
Brake pad wear indicators .............................. 8-20
High performance brake system ....................... 8-21
Replacing the brake pads .............................. 8-21
Fuses ............................................................ 8-22
Engine compartment ..................................... 8-22
Passenger compartment ................................ 8-23
Intelligent Key battery replacement ....................... 8-23
Lights ............................................................ 8-26
Headlights .................................................. 8-26
Exterior and interior lights ............................... 8-27
Wheels and tires .............................................. 8-29
Tire pressure ............................................... 8-29
Tire and loading information label ..................... 8-31
Checking the tire pressure ............................. 8-32
Tire labeling ................................................ 8-33
, Q I R U P D W L R Q 3 U R Y L G H G E \
Page 242 of 311

Black plate (237,1)
Model "R35-D" EDITED: 2008/ 5/ 20
During the normal day-to-day operation of the
vehicle, general maintenance should be per-
formed regularly as prescribed in this section. If
you detect any unusual sounds, vibrations or
smell, be sure to check for the cause or have a
GT-R certified NISSAN dealer do it promptly. In
addition, you should notify a GT-R certified
NISSAN dealer if you think that repairs are
required. (
“MAINTENANCE PRECAU-
TIONS” page 8-5)
EXPLANATION OF MAINTENANCE
ITEMSAdditional information on the following
items with “*” is found later in this section.Outside the vehicleThe maintenance items listed here should be
performed from time to time, unless otherwise
specified.
Doors and engine hood: Check that all doors
and the engine hood, operate properly. Also
ensure that all latches lock securely. Lubricate
hinges, latches, latch pins, rollers and links if
necessary. Make sure that the secondary latch
keeps the hood from opening when the primary
latch is released.
When driving in areas using road salt or other
corrosive materials, check lubrication frequently. Lights*:
Clean the headlights on a regular basis.
Make sure that the headlights, stop lights, tail
lights, turn signal lights, and other lights are all
operating properly and installed securely. Also
check headlight aim.
Road wheel nuts (lug nuts)*: When checking
the tires, make sure no wheel nuts are missing,
and check for any loose wheel nuts. Tighten if
necessary.
Tire rotation*: Tires cannot be rotated because
your vehicle is equipped with different sized tires
in the front and rear.
Tires*: Check the pressure with a gauge often
and always prior to long distance trips. If
necessary, adjust the pressure in all tires to the
pressure specified. Check carefully for damage,
cuts or excessive wear.
NOTE:. You can check the pressure of all four
tires on the multi function display. See
the separate Multi Function Display
Owner’s Manual.
. The tires of this vehicle are filled with
nitrogen gas. When the tire pressure is
low, fill the tires with nitrogen. Contact
a GT-R certified NISSAN dealer for
information on filling the tires with
nitrogen. .
If nitrogen is not available, compressed
air may be safely used under normal
driving conditions. However, NISSAN
recommends refilling with nitrogen for
maximum tire performance.
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
transmitter components: Replace the TPMS
transmitter grommet seal, valve core and cap
when the tires are replaced due to wear or age.
Tire, wheel alignment and balance: If the
vehicle should pull to either side while driving on
a straight and level road, or if you detect uneven
or abnormal tire wear, there may be a need for
wheel alignment.
If the steering wheel or seat vibrates at normal
highway speeds, wheel balancing may be
needed.
For additional information regarding tires, refer
to “Important Tire Safety Information” (US) or
“Tire Safety Information” (Canada) in the War-
ranty Information Booklet.
Windshield: Clean the windshield on a regular
basis. Check the windshield at least every six
months for cracks or other damage. Have a
damaged windshield repaired by a qualified
repair facility.
Windshield wiper blades*: Check for cracks
or wear if they do not wipe properly.
Maintenance and do-it-yourself
8-3
GENERAL MAINTENANCE
, Q I R U P D W L R Q 3 U R Y L G H G E \
Page 243 of 311

Black plate (238,1)
Model "R35-D" EDITED: 2008/ 5/ 20
Inside the vehicleThe maintenance items listed here should be
checked on a regular basis, such as when
performing periodic maintenance, cleaning the
vehicle, etc.
Accelerator pedal:Check the pedal for
smooth operation and make sure the pedal
does not catch or require uneven effort. Keep
the floor mat away from the pedal.
Transmission
&Pmechanism: On a fairly steep
hill, check that your vehicle is held securely with
the shift lever in the&Pposition without applying
any brakes.
Brake pedal: Check the pedal for smooth
operation. If the brake pedal suddenly goes
down further than normal, the pedal feels
spongy or the vehicle seems to take longer to
stop, see a GT-R certified NISSAN dealer
immediately. Keep the floor mat away from the
pedal.
Brakes: Check that the brakes do not pull the
vehicle to one side when applied.
Parking brake: Check the parking brake
operation regularly. The vehicle should be
securely held on a fairly steep hill with only the
parking brake applied. If the parking brake needs
to be adjusted, see a GT-R certified NISSAN
dealer. Seat belts:
Check that all parts of the seat belt
system (for example, buckles, anchors, adjuster
and retractors) operate properly and smoothly,
and are installed securely. Check the belt
webbing for cuts, fraying, wear or damage.
Seats: Check seat position controls such as
seat adjusters, seatback recliner, etc. to ensure
they operate smoothly and that all latches lock
securely in every position. Check that the head
restraints move up and down smoothly and that
the locks (if so equipped) hold securely in all
latched positions.
Steering wheel: Check for changes in the
steering conditions, such as excessive free play,
hard steering or strange noises.
Warning lights and chimes: Make sure that
all warning lights and chimes are operating
properly.
Windshield defroster: Check that the air
comes out of the defroster outlets properly and
in sufficient quantity when operating the heater
or air conditioner.
Windshield wiper and washer*: Check that
the wipers and washer operate properly and that
the wipers do not streak.
Under the hood and vehicleThe maintenance items listed here should be
checked periodically (for example, each time you check the engine oil or refuel) .
Battery*:
Check the fluid level in each cell. It
should be between the MAX and MIN lines.
Vehicles operated in high temperatures or under
severe condition require frequent checks of the
battery fluid level.
Brake fluid level*: Make sure that the brake
fluid level is between the MAX and MIN lines on
the reservoir.
Engine coolant level*: Check the coolant level
when the engine is cold.
Engine drive belts*: Make sure that no belt is
frayed, worn, cracked or oily.
Engine oil level*: Check the level after parking
the vehicle on a level spot and turning off the
engine. Wait at least 5 minutes for the oil to
drain back into the oil pan before checking the
oil.
Exhaust system: Make sure there are no loose
supports, cracks or holes. If the sound of the
exhaust seems unusual or there is a smell of
exhaust fumes in the engine compartment,
immediately have the exhaust system inspected
by a GT-R certified NISSAN dealer.
(
“EXHAUST GAS (Carbon monoxide)”
page 5-2)
Fluid leaks: Check under the vehicle for fuel,
oil, water or other fluid leaks after the vehicle has
8-4
Maintenance and do-it-yourself
, Q I R U P D W L R Q 3 U R Y L G H G E \