tow NISSAN GT-R 2009 Owner's Manual

Black plate (223,1)
Model "R35-D" EDITED: 2008/ 5/ 20
VEHICLE RECOVERY (Freeing a
stuck vehicle)
WARNING
.Stand clear of a stuck vehicle.
. Do not spin your tires at high speed. This could cause them to explode
and result in serious injury. Parts of
your vehicle could also overheat
and be damaged.
Pulling a stuck vehicleIf your vehicle is stuck in sand, snow, mud, etc.,
use a tow strap or other device designed
specifically for vehicle recovery. Always follow
the manufacturer’s instructions for the recovery
device.
Using a suitable tool wrapped with a cloth
*1,
remove the cover
*2
from the front bumper.
Securely install the vehicle recovery hook
*3
stored in the toolbox located under the front
passenger’s floor. Use the wheel nut wrench
*4
as illustrated to secure the recovery hook.
Attach the tow strap to the recovery hook. Make
sure that the hook is properly secured in the
original place after use.
Do not use the tie down hooks for towing or
vehicle recovery.
CAUTION
. Do not use the vehicle tie downs to
free a vehicle stuck in sand, snow,
mud, etc.
. Always pull the cable straight out
from the front of the vehicle. Never
pull on the vehicle at an angle.
. Pulling devices such as ropes or
canvas straps are not recommended
for use in vehicle towing or recov-
ery.
In case of emergency
6-9
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Black plate (224,1)
Model "R35-D" EDITED: 2008/ 5/ 20
NOTICE
.Tow chains or cables must be at-
tached only to the vehicle recovery
hooks or main structural members
of the vehicle. Otherwise, the vehi-
cle body will be damaged.
. Never tow a vehicle using the vehi-
cle tie downs or recovery hooks.
. Pulling devices should be routed so
they do not touch any part of the
suspension, steering, brake or cool-
ing systems.Rocking a stuck vehicleIf your vehicle is stuck in sand, snow, mud, etc.,
use the following procedure:
1. Turn off the Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC)
system.
2. Make sure the area in front and behind the vehicle is clear of obstructions.
3. Turn the steering wheel right and left to clear an area around the front tires.
4. Slowly rock the vehicle forward and back- ward.
.Shift back and forth between the
&Rand
&A↔&M
positions. .
Apply the accelerator as little as possi-
ble to maintain the rocking motion.
. Release the accelerator pedal before
shifting between the
&R
and
&A↔&M
positions.
. Do not spin the tires above 35 MPH (55
km/h) .
5. If the vehicle cannot be freed after a few tries, contact a professional towing service
to remove the vehicle.
6-10
In case of emergency
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Black plate (229,1)
Model "R35-D" EDITED: 2008/ 5/ 20
REMOVING SPOTSRemove tar and oil spots, industrial dust,
insects, and tree sap as quickly as possible
from the paint surface to avoid lasting damage
or staining. Special cleaning products are
available at a GT-R certified NISSAN dealer or
any automotive accessory stores.UNDERBODYIn areas where road salt is used in winter, the
underbody must be cleaned regularly. This will
prevent dirt and salt from building up and
causing the acceleration of corrosion on the
underbody and suspension. Before the winter
period and again in the spring, the underseal
must be checked and, if necessary, re-treated.GLASSUse glass cleaner to remove smoke and dust
film from the glass surfaces. It is normal for glass
to become coated with a film after the vehicle is
parked in the hot sun. Glass cleaner and a soft
cloth will easily remove this film.
NOTICE
When cleaning the inside of the win-
dows, do not use sharp-edged tools,
abrasive cleaners or chlorine-based
disinfectant cleaners. They could da-
mage the electrical conductors, radio
antenna elements or rear windowdefroster elements.
ALUMINUM ALLOY WHEELSWash regularly with a sponge dampened in a
mild soap solution, especially during winter
months in areas where road salt is used. Salt
could discolor the wheels if not removed.
NOTICE
Follow the directions below to avoid
staining or discoloring the wheels:
.
Do not use a cleaner that uses
strong acid or alkali contents to
clean the wheels.
. Do not apply wheel cleaners to the
wheels when they are hot. The
wheel temperature should be the
same as ambient temperature.
. Rinse the wheel to completely re-
move the cleaner within 15 minutes
after the cleaner is applied.CHROME PARTSClean chrome parts regularly with a non-
abrasive chrome polish to maintain the finish.
OUTSIDE DOOR HANDLESAfter driving on a road where salt is used in
winter, immediately wash and clean the outside
door handles that are provided with a special
coating. This will keep the beautiful finish longer.TIRE DRESSINGNISSAN does not recommend the use of tire
dressings. Tire manufacturers apply a coating to
the tires to help reduce discoloration of the
rubber. If a tire dressing is applied to the tires, it
may react with the coating and form a com-
pound. This compound may come off the tire
while driving and stain the vehicle paint.
If you choose to use a tire dressing, take the
following precautions:
.Use a water-based tire dressing. The coat-
ing on the tire dissolves more easily with an
oil-based tire dressing.
. Apply a light coat of tire dressing to help
prevent it from entering the tire tread/
grooves (where it would be difficult to
remove) .
. Wipe off excess tire dressing using a dry
towel. Make sure the tire dressing is
completely removed from the tire tread/
grooves.
. Allow the tire dressing to dry as recom-
mended by tire dressing manufacturer.
Appearance and care
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Black plate (242,1)
Model "R35-D" EDITED: 2008/ 5/ 20
REMOVING THE COWL TOP COVERRemove the cowl top cover if necessary.
1. Remove the battery cover.
2. Unfasten the 5 clips and remove the cowltop cover
*A
by pulling it up.
3. Unfasten the 3 clips and remove the cowltop cover
*B
by pulling it towards the front
of the vehicle.
8-8
Maintenance and do-it-yourself
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Black plate (31,1)
9 Technical and consumer information
Capacities and recommended fuel/lubricants............ 9-2
Fuel recommendation ...................................... 9-3
Engine oil and oil filter recommendation ............... 9-4
Air conditioning system refrigerant and lubricant
recommendations ........................................... 9-5
Specifications. ................................................... 9-6
Engine ......................................................... 9-6
Wheels and tires ............................................ 9-7
Dimensions ................................................... 9-8
When traveling or registering your vehicle in another
country ............................................................ 9-8
Vehicle identification ........................................... 9-8
Vehicle identification number (VIN) plate .............. 9-8
Vehicle identification number (Chassis number) ..... 9-9
Engine serial number ...................................... 9-9
F.M.V.S.S./C.M.V.S.S. certification label ............... 9-9
Emission control information label .................... 9-10
Tire and loading information label ..................... 9-10
Air conditioner specification label ..................... 9-10
Installing front license plate ................................ 9-11
Vehicle loading information ................................. 9-11 Terms
........................................................ 9-11
Vehicle load capacity .................................... 9-12
Loading tips ................................................ 9-13
Measurement of weights ................................ 9-13
Towing a trailer ................................................ 9-14
Flat towing ..................................................... 9-14
Uniform tire quality grading ................................. 9-14
Treadwear .................................................. 9-14
Traction AA, A, B and C ................................ 9-14
Temperature A, B and C ................................ 9-15
Emission control system warranty ......................... 9-15
Reporting safety defects (US only) ....................... 9-16
Readiness for Inspection/Maintenance (I/M) test
(US only) ....................................................... 9-16
Event data recorders (EDR) ................................ 9-17
Vehicle status data recorder (VSDR) ..................... 9-18
Handling of data .......................................... 9-18
Owner’s Manual/Service Manual order information . . . 9-18 In the event of a collision ............................... 9-19
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Black plate (281,1)
Model "R35-D" EDITED: 2008/ 5/ 20
FUEL RECOMMENDATION
VR38 engineUse unleaded premium gasoline with an octane
rating of at least 93 AKI (Anti-Knock Index)
number (Research octane number 98) to max-
imize vehicle performance.
If the premium gasoline specified above is not
available, you may use unleaded premium gaso-
line with an octane rating of at least 91 AKI
number (Research octane number 96) , but you
may notice a decrease in performance.
NOTICE
.Using a fuel other than that speci-
fied could adversely affect the emis-
sion control system, and may also
affect warranty coverage.
. Under no circumstances should a
leaded gasoline be used, because
this will damage the three-way cat-
alyst.
. Do not use E-85 fuel in your vehicle.
Your vehicle is not designed to run
on E-85 fuel. Using E-85 fuel can
damage the fuel system compo-
nents. See the 2009 Nissan GT-R
Warranty Information Booklet for
details and exclusions.
Gasoline specificationsNISSAN recommends using gasoline that meets
the World-Wide Fuel Charter (WWFC) speci-
fications where it is available. Many of the
automobile manufacturers developed this spe-
cification to improve emission system and
vehicle performance. Ask your service station
manager if the gasoline meets the World-Wide
Fuel Charter (WWFC) specifications.Reformulated gasolineSome fuel suppliers are now producing refor-
mulated gasolines. These gasolines are specially
designed to reduce vehicle emissions. NISSAN
supports efforts towards cleaner air and sug-
gests that you use reformulated gasoline when
available.Gasoline containing oxygenatesSome fuel suppliers sell gasoline containing
oxygenates such as ethanol, MTBE and metha-
nol with or without advertising their presence.
NISSAN does not recommend the use of fuels
of which the oxygenate content and the fuel
compatibility for your NISSAN cannot be readily
determined. If in doubt, ask your service station
manager.
If you use oxygenate-blend gasoline, please take
the following precautions as the usage of such
fuels may cause vehicle performance problems and/or fuel system damage.
.
The fuel should be unleaded and have
an octane rating no lower than that
recommended for unleaded gasoline.
. If an oxygenate-blend, excepting a
methanol blend, is used, it should
contain no more than 10% oxygenate.
(MTBE may, however, be added up to
15%.)
. If a methanol blend is used, it should
contain no more than 5% methanol
(methyl alcohol and wood alcohol) . It
should also contain a suitable amount
of appropriate cosolvents and corro-
sion inhibitors. If not properly formu-
lated with the appropriate cosolvents
and corrosion inhibitors, such metha-
nol blends may cause fuel system
damage and/or vehicle performance
malfunctions. At this time, sufficient
data is not available to ensure that all
methanol blends are suitable for use in
NISSAN vehicles.
If any undesirable driveability problems such as
engine stalling or hard hot starting are experi-
enced after using oxygenate-blend fuels, im-
mediately change to a non-oxygenate fuel or a
fuel with a low blend of MTBE.
Technical and consumer information
9-3
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Black plate (289,1)
Model "R35-D" EDITED: 2008/ 5/ 20
Make sure that the two POP
®nuts as illustrated
are enclosed in the plastic bag. They are used
for front license plate installation.
To install the front license plate to your vehicle,
contact a GT-R certified NISSAN dealer.
WARNING
.
It is extremely dangerous to ride
in a cargo area inside the vehi-
cle. In a collision, people riding
in these areas are more likely to
be seriously injured or killed.
.
Do not allow people to ride in
any area of vehicle that is not
equipped with seats and seat
belts.
.
Be sure everyone in your vehicle
is in a seat and using a seat belt
properly.
TERMSIt is important to familiarize yourself with the
following terms before loading your vehicle:.
Curb Weight (actual weight of your
vehicle) - vehicle weight including:
standard and optional equipment, fluids
or emergency tools. This weight does
not include passengers and cargo.
.
GVW (Gross Vehicle Weight) - curb
weight plus the combined weight of
passengers and cargo.
.
GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating)
- maximum total combined weight of the
unloaded vehicle, passengers, luggage,
hitch, trailer tongue load and any other
optional equipment. This information is
located on the F.M.V.S.S./C.M.V.S.S.
label.
.
GAWR (Gross Axle Weight Rating) -
maximum weight (load) limit specified
for the front or rear axle. This informa-
tion is located on the F.M.V.S.S./C.M.V.
S.S. label.
.
GCWR (Gross Combined Weight Rat-
ing) - The maximum total weight rating
of the vehicle, passengers, cargo, and
trailer.
.
Vehicle Capacity Weight, Load limit,
Total load capacity - maximum total
weight limit specified of the load
(passengers and cargo) for the vehicle.
This is the maximum combined weight
of occupants and cargo that can be
loaded into the vehicle. If the vehicle is
used to tow a trailer, the trailer tongue
weight must be included as part of the
cargo load. This information is located
on the Tire and Loading Information
label.Technical and consumer information
9-11
INSTALLING FRONT LICENSE PLATE VEHICLE LOADING INFORMATION
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Black plate (291,1)
Model "R35-D" EDITED: 2008/ 5/ 20
amount of cargo and luggage load
capacity. For example, if the XXX
amount equals 1400 lbs. and there will
be five 150 lb. passengers in your
vehicle, the amount of available cargo
and luggage load capacity is 650 lbs.
(1400750 (5 x 150) = 650 lbs) or
640 340 (5 x 70) = 300 kg.)
5.
Determine the combined weight of
luggage and cargo being loaded on
the vehicle. That weight may not safely
exceed the available cargo and luggage
load capacity calculated in Step 4.
6.
If your vehicle will be towing a trailer,
load from your trailer will be transferred
to your vehicle. Consult this manual to
determine how this reduces the avail-
able cargo and luggage load capacity
of your vehicle.
Before driving a loaded vehicle, confirm
that you do not exceed the Gross Vehicle
Weight Rating (GVWR) or the Gross Axle
Weight Rating (GAWR) for your vehicle.
(“MEASUREMENT OF WEIGHTS” page
9-13)
Also check tires for proper inflation pres-
sures. See the Tire and Loading Information label.
LOADING TIPS.
The GVW must not exceed GVWR or
GAWR as specified on the F.M.V.S.S./
C.M.V.S.S. certification label.
.
Do not load the front and rear axle to
the GAWR. Doing so will exceed the
GVWR.
WARNING
.
Properly secure all cargo to help
prevent it from sliding or shift-
ing. Do not place cargo higher
than the seatbacks. In a sudden
stop or collision, unsecured car-
go could cause personal injury.
.
Do not load your vehicle any
heavier than the GVWR or the
maximum front and rear
GAWRs. If you do, parts of your
vehicle can break, tire damage
could occur, or it can change the
way your vehicle handles. This
could result in loss of control
and cause personal injury.
.
Overloading could not only
shorten the life of your vehicleand the tires, but also could lead
to hazardous vehicle handling
and long braking distance. This
may cause a premature tire
malfunction, which could result
in a serious accident and perso-
nal injury. Repairs due to over-
loading the vehicle are not
covered by the vehicle’s war-
ranty. (See the 2009 NISSAN
GT-R Warranty Information
Booklet.)
MEASUREMENT OF WEIGHTSSecure loose items to prevent weight shifts
that could affect the balance of your
vehicle. When the vehicle is loaded, drive
to a scale and weigh the front and the rear
wheels separately to determine axle loads.
Individual axle loads should not exceed
either of the gross axle weight ratings
(GAWR) . The total of the axle loads should
not exceed the gross vehicle weight rating
(GVWR) . These ratings are given on the
vehicle certification label. If weight ratings
are exceeded, move or remove items to
bring all weights below the ratings.Technical and consumer information
9-13
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Black plate (292,1)
Model "R35-D" EDITED: 2008/ 5/ 20
Do not tow a trailer with your vehicle.
Towing your vehicle with all four wheels on the
ground is sometimes called flat towing. This
method is sometimes used when towing a
vehicle behind a recreational vehicle, such as a
motor home.
DO NOT tow the GT-R with all four wheels on
the ground (flat towing). Doing so WILL
DAMAGE internal transmission parts. Tow the
GT-R with all four wheels off the ground.
(
“TOWING YOUR VEHICLE” page 6-7)
DOT (Department Of Transportation) Quality
Grades: All passenger car tires must conform to
federal safety requirements in addition to these
grades.
Quality grades can be found where applicable
on the tire sidewall between tread shoulder and
maximum section width. For example:
Treadwear 200 Traction AA Temperature ATREADWEARThe treadwear grade is a comparative rating
based on the wear rate of the tire when tested
under controlled conditions on a specified
government test course. For example, a tire
graded 150 would wear one and one-half (1
1/2) times as well on the government course as
a tire graded 100. The relative performance of
tires depends upon actual conditions of their
use, however, and may depart significantly from
the norm due to variations in driving habits,
service practices and differences in road char-
acteristics and climate.TRACTION AA, A, B AND CThe traction grades, from highest to lowest, are
AA, A, B and C. Those grades represent the
tire’s ability to stop on wet pavement as
measured under controlled conditions on spe-
cified government test surfaces of asphalt and
concrete. A tire marked C may have poor
traction performance.
9-14
Technical and consumer information
TOWING A TRAILERFLAT TOWINGUNIFORM TIRE QUALITY GRADING
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Black plate (2,1)
10-2
D
Differential oil ..................................... GTR-2
Dimensions ........................................... 9-8
Distance to empty ................................. 2-16
Distortion of rear wing ........................... GTR-8
Door pocket ........................................ 2-55
Door/trunk open warning .......................... 2-38
Doors ................................................. 3-4
Draining of coolant water ......................... 5-42
Drinking alcohol/drugs and driving ................. 5-7
Drive belts .......................................... 8-17
Drive computer ..................................... 2-13
Driving All-Wheel Drive driving safety precautions .... 5-7
Cold weather driving .......................... 5-42
Drinking alcohol/drugs and driving ............. 5-7
Driving on SNOW or ice ...................... 5-42
Driving the vehicle ............................. 5-13
Driving tips ..................................... 5-19
Noises are heard while driving .............. GTR-8
Precautions before driving .................. GTR-5
Precautions when starting and driving ......... 5-2
Dual clutch transmission ................. GTR-9, 5-13
E
Elapsed time and trip odometer .................. 2-15
Emergency trunk lid release ....................... 3-21
Emission control information label ................ 9-10
Emission control system warranty ................ 9-15
Engine ................................................ 9-6
Before starting the engine .................... 5-11
Changing engine coolant ...................... 8-11
Changing engine oil and filter ................. 8-12Checking engine coolant level
................ 8-11
Checking engine oil level ...................... 8-12
Engine block heater ........................... 5-43
Engine compartment ........................... 8-22
Engine compartment check locations .......... 8-7
Engine coolant temperature gauge ............. 2-6
Engine cooling system .......................... 8-9
Engine oil .............................. GTR-2, 8-12
Engine oil and oil filter recommendation ....... 9-4
Engine oil level display ........................ 2-11
Engine oil low pressure warning .............. 2-32
Engine serial number ............................ 9-9
Engine settings. .............................. GTR-4
Engine speed is restricted .................. GTR-7
Engine start operation indicator .............. 2-40
Engine system warning ........................ 2-32
Operating range for engine start ............... 5-8
Starting the engine ............................ 5-11
Environmental factors influence the rate of
corrosion. ............................................. 7-5
Event data recorders .............................. 9-17
Exhaust gas .......................................... 5-2
Exhaust muffler ................................... GTR-3
Explanation of maintenance items .................. 8-3
Exterior and interior lights ......................... 8-27
Exterior parts ..................................... GTR-3
F
F.M.V.S.S./C.M.V.S.S. certification label. ........... 9-9
Features of each mode ............................ 5-23
Flat tire ................................................ 6-2
Flat towing .......................................... 9-14
Floor mats ............................................ 7-4 Fluid
Brake fluid ............................. GTR-3, 8-14
Fluid level check ............................... 8-16
Fluids ......................................... GTR-6
Low brake fluid warning ....................... 2-34
Low washer fluid warning ..................... 2-38
Power steering fluid ........................... 8-13
Window washer fluid .......................... 8-15
Freeing a frozen door lock ........................ 5-42
Front seat-mounted side-impact
supplemental air bag and roof-mounted
curtain side-impact
supplemental air bag system ...................... 1-40
Front seats ........................................... 1-2
Front/rear tire size discrepancy warning ......... 2-35
Fuel Average fuel consumption and speed ........ 2-15
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants .................................... 9-2
Closing the fuel-filler door .................... 3-24
Current fuel consumption ..................... 2-14
Fuel gauge ....................................... 2-7
Fuel recommendation ............................ 9-3
Fuel-filler door .................................. 3-22
Increasing fuel economy ....................... 5-33
Low fuel warning ............................... 2-37
Opening the fuel filler door ................... 3-23
Refueling precautions ....................... GTR-7
Refueling stops before the tank is full ...... GTR-7
Fuses ............................................... 8-22
G
Gasoline smell ................................... GTR-7
Model "R35-D" EDITED: 2008/ 5/ 20
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