NISSAN GT-R 2009 Owners Manual

Black plate (196,1)
Model "R35-D" EDITED: 2008/ 5/ 20
Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC)
Set up modeFeatures
.
In addition to the normal mode function, this mode adjusts front and rear wheel power
distribution to improve handling.
Normal (light is off)
.
This mode enhances handling by brake control and engine output control when
oversteer or understeer is detected.
.
All VDC functions including Traction Control System (TCS) are deactivated. ABS is
still active.
NOTE:Make sure VDC is on before driving the vehicle. The VDC OFF mode is an emergency
mode to help free a vehicle stuck in mud or snow by temporarily stopping VDC operation
to allow more power to the wheels.
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 flowing
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
following maintenance procedure:
. Change your engine oil according to the
recommended intervals shown 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 few minutes prior to shut-
down.
. Do not accelerate your engine to high
engine speed immediately after start.
NOTICE
This vehicle includes spark plugs that
are designed for high performance. 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
5-26
Starting and driving
TURBOCHARGER SYSTEM
,QIRUPDWLRQ3URYLGHGE\

Black plate (197,1)
Model "R35-D" EDITED: 2008/ 5/ 20
prevent diminished starting perfor-
mance, avoid starting and stopping the
engine repeatedly during a short period
of time.
WARNING
.Be sure the parking brake is fully
released before driving. Failure to
do so can cause brake failure and
lead to an accident.
. Do not release the parking brake
from outside the vehicle.
. Do not use the gear shift in place of
the parking brake. When parking, be
sure the parking brake is fully
engaged.
. Do not leave children unattended in
a vehicle. They could release the parking brake and cause an acci-
dent.
To apply: Pull the parking brake lever up.
To release:
1. Firmly apply the foot brake.
2. Place the shift lever in the
&Nposition.
3. While pulling up on the parking brake lever slightly, push the button
*A
and lower the
lever completely.
4. Before driving, be sure the brake warning light goes out.
Starting and driving
5-27
PARKING BRAKE
,QIRUPDWLRQ3URYLGHGE\

Black plate (198,1)
Model "R35-D" EDITED: 2008/ 5/ 20
The cruise control allows driving at speeds
above 25 MPH (40 km/h) without keeping your
foot on the accelerator pedal.
WARNING
Do not use the cruise control when
driving under the following conditions.
Doing so could cause a loss of vehicle
control and result in an accident.
.When it is not possible to keep the
vehicle at a set speed.
. In heavy traffic or in traffic that
varies in speed.
. On winding or hilly roads.
. On slippery roads (rain, snow, ice,
etc.) .
. In very windy areas.
PRECAUTIONS ON CRUISE CON-
TROL.If the cruise control system malfunctions, it
will cancel automatically. The SET indicator
will blink and the cruise control system
warning will appear to warn the driver.
(
“CRUISE CONTROL SYSTEM
WARNING” page 2-37)
. If the engine coolant temperature becomes
excessively high, the cruise control system
will be canceled automatically.
. If the SET indicator blinks, turn the cruise
control main switch off and contact a GT-R
certified NISSAN dealer. .
The SET indicator may sometimes blink
when the cruise control main switch is
turned on while pushing the RESUME/
ACCELERATE, SET/COAST or CANCEL
switch. To properly set the cruise control
system, perform the steps below in the order
indicated.
5-28
Starting and driving
CRUISE CONTROL
,QIRUPDWLRQ3URYLGHGE\

Black plate (199,1)
Model "R35-D" EDITED: 2008/ 5/ 20
STEERING-WHEEL-MOUNTED
CONTROLS1. MAIN switchTurns cruise control ON/OFF.
2. SET/COAST switch (pressed down) Lowers the set vehicle speed.
3. RESUME/ACCELERATE switch (pressed up) Raises the set vehicle speed.
4. CANCEL switch Cancels cruise control.
INDICATORS AND DISPLAY1. CRUISE displayDisplays the set vehicle speed.
2. CRUISE indicator Informs the driver that the MAIN switch is ON.
3. SET indicator Informs the driver that the vehicle is driving at the
set speed.
CRUISE CONTROL OPERATIONS
Constant-speed drivingTo set the cruising speed, perform the following
procedure.
1. Push the MAIN switch on. The CRUISEindicator will come on.
Starting and driving
5-29
,QIRUPDWLRQ3URYLGHGE\

Black plate (200,1)
Model "R35-D" EDITED: 2008/ 5/ 20
2. Accelerate your vehicle to the desiredspeed, push the SET/COAST switch and
release it. (The SET indicator will illuminate
in the instrument panel.) Take your foot off
the accelerator pedal. Your vehicle will
maintain the set speed.NOTE:If the vehicle speed reaches approximately
3 MPH (5 km/h) over the set speed, the set
speed on the vehicle information display
blinks.
Passing another vehicleTo pass another vehicle, depress the accelerator
pedal. When you release the pedal, the vehicle
will return to the previously set speed.Increasing the set vehicle speedTo reset at a faster cruising speed, use one of
the following methods:
.Depress the accelerator pedal. When the
vehicle attains the desired speed, push and
release the SET/COAST switch.
. Push and hold the RESUME/ACCELERATE
switch. When the vehicle attains the speed
you desire, release the switch.
. Push and then quickly release the RESUME/
ACCELERATE switch. Each time you do
this, the set speed will increase by about 1
MPH (1.6 km/h) .Decreasing the set vehicle speedTo reset at a slower cruising speed, use one of
the following methods:
.Lightly tap the brake pedal. When the
vehicle attains the desired speed, push
and release the SET/COAST switch.
. Push and hold the SET/COAST switch.
Release the switch when the vehicle slows
down to the desired speed.
. Push and then quickly release the SET/ COAST switch. Each time you do this, the
set speed will decrease by about 1 MPH
(1.6 km/h) .
Resuming the preset speedTo resume the preset speed, push and release
the RESUME/ACCELERATE switch. The vehicle
will resume the last set cruising speed when the
vehicle speed is over 25 MPH (40 km/h) .
5-30
Starting and driving
,QIRUPDWLRQ3URYLGHGE\

Black plate (201,1)
Model "R35-D" EDITED: 2008/ 5/ 20
Canceling the preset speedTo cancel the preset speed, use one of the
following methods:
.Push the CANCEL switch
*1. The SET
indicator will turn off.
. Tap the brake pedal
*3. The SET indicator
will turn off.
. Turn the MAIN switch*2
off. Both the
CRUISE indicator and SET indicator will turn
off.
NOTE:. If cruise control was canceled by press-
ing the cancel switch or by depressing
the brake pedal, the system changes to
standby status.
. If you depress the brake pedal while
pushing the RESUME/ACCELERATE or
SET/COAST switch and reset at the
cruising speed, the cruise control will
be deactivated. Turn the MAIN switch
off once and then turn it on again.
Under the following conditions, cruise control
will be automatically canceled.
. Vehicle speed drops to below approximately
19 MPH (30 km/h) .
. Vehicle speed drops to more than approxi-
mately 8 MPH (13 km/h) below the set
vehicle speed.
. The shift lever is moved to a position other
than
&A↔&M.
. VDC operates.
. A tire is spinning.
. There is a malfunction in the cruise control
system.
WARNING
.Never rely solely on the hill start
assist system to prevent the vehicle
from moving backward on a hill.
Always drive carefully and atten-
tively. Depress the brake pedal
when the vehicle is stopped on a
steep hill. Be especially careful
when stopped on a hill on frozen
or muddy roads. Failure to prevent
the vehicle from rolling backwards
may result in a loss of control of the
vehicle and possible serious injury
or death.
. The hill start assist system is not
designed to hold the vehicle at a
standstill on a hill. Depress the
brake pedal when the vehicle is
stopped on a steep hill. Failure to
do so may cause the vehicle to roll
backwards and may result in a
collision or serious personal injury.
. The hill start assist may not prevent
the vehicle from rolling backwards
on a hill under all load or road
conditions. Always be prepared to
depress the brake pedal to prevent
the vehicle from rolling backwards.
Starting and driving
5-31
HILL START ASSIST
,QIRUPDWLRQ3URYLGHGE\

Black plate (202,1)
Model "R35-D" EDITED: 2008/ 5/ 20
Failure to do so may result in a
collision or serious personal 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.
The hill start assist system automatically keeps
the brakes applied to help prevent the vehicle
from rolling backwards in the time it takes the
driver to release the brake pedal and apply the
accelerator when the vehicle is stopped on a hill.
Hill start assist will operate automatically under
the following conditions:
. The shift lever is moved to a forward or
reverse position.
. The vehicle is stopped completely on a hill
by applying the brake.
The maximum holding time is 2 seconds. After 2
seconds the vehicle will begin to roll back and
hill start assist will stop operating completely.
Hill start assist will not operate when the shift lever is moved to the
&Nor
&Pposition or on a
flat and level road.
NOTE:This system does not function when the
Vehicle Dynamic Control VDC) system
warning appears on the vehicle informa-
tion display located in the tachometer.
(
“VEHICLE DYNAMIC CONTROL
(VDC) SYSTEM WARNING” page 2-35)
NOTICE
Follow these recommendations to ob-
tain maximum engine performance and
ensure the future reliability and econo-
my of your new vehicle. Failure to
follow these recommendations may
result in shortened engine life and
reduced engine performance.
Please observe the following types of driving
until the mileage shown below has been
reached.
Until 300 miles (500 km):
. Do not depress the accelerator pedal more
than halfway and avoid rapid acceleration.
. Drive with the engine speed kept at less
than 3,500 RPM.
. Avoid unnecessary quick steering, abrupt
braking and driving on poor roads.
300 to 1,200 miles (500 to 2,000 km)
. Avoid rapid acceleration in a low gear (1st to
3rd gears) with the accelerator pedal fully
depressed. Depress the pedal slowly.
. Avoid unnecessary quick steering and
abrupt braking.
5-32
Starting and driving
BREAK-IN SCHEDULE
,QIRUPDWLRQ3URYLGHGE\

Black plate (203,1)
Model "R35-D" EDITED: 2008/ 5/ 20
.Drive with the suspension setup switch in
the COMF mode to allow more suspension
stroke.
.Accelerate slowly and smoothly. Maintain
cruising speeds with a constant accelerator
position.
. Drive at moderate speeds on the highway.
Driving at high speed lowers fuel economy.
. Avoid unnecessary stopping and braking.
Keep a safe distance behind other vehicles.
. Select a gear range suitable to road condi-
tions.
. Avoid unnecessary engine idling.
. Keep your engine tuned up.
. Follow the recommended periodic mainte-
nance schedule.
. Keep the tires inflated to the correct
pressure. Low tire pressure increases tire
wear and lowers fuel economy.
. Keep the wheels in correct alignment.
Improper alignment increases tire wear and
lowers fuel economy.
. Air conditioner operation lowers fuel econ-
omy. Use the air conditioner only when
necessary.
. When cruising at highway speeds, it is more
economical to use the air conditioner and
leave the windows closed to reduce drag. .
Use the recommended viscosity engine oil.
(
“Oil viscosity” page 9-5)
Starting and driving
5-33
INCREASING FUEL ECONOMY
,QIRUPDWLRQ3URYLGHGE\

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)
,QIRUPDWLRQ3URYLGHGE\

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
,QIRUPDWLRQ3URYLGHGE\