cooling NISSAN GT-R 2009 Owners Manual

Black plate (5,1)
Model "R35-D" EDITED: 2008/ 5/ 20
mance of the LSD. Also use the same oil for the
front differential.The use of additives is
prohibited.BRAKE FLUIDGenuine NISSAN Brake Fluid R35 Special
DOT4
Genuine NISSAN Brake Fluid R35 Special
DOT4 is the factory fill brake fluid. The Vehicle
Dynamic Control (VDC) unit and other related
parts were specially designed for this brake
fluid. NISSAN cannot ensure the best perfor-
mance and proper operation of the vehicle if
other brake fluid is used.TIRES AND ROAD WHEELSGenuine GT-R tires and road wheels or
equivalent
Use only genuine GT-R tires and road wheels or
equivalent. Proper use of NISSAN recom-
mended tires provides the greatest potential
for maximum performance.
. Genuine GT-R tires and road wheels or an
equivalent help achieve maximum cornering
performance.
. Genuine GT-R tires and road wheels or an
equivalent help provide road holding in the
event of decreasing tire pressure and
punctures. .
Genuine GT-R tires and road wheels or an
equivalent help prevent the decrease of
straight-running stability caused by uneven
tire wear due to high rigidity wheels and
wide tires.
BRAKE PAD AND DISC ROTORGenuine GT-R brake pads and disc rotors
This vehicle is equipped with a high perfor-
mance braking system and includes cross-
drilled floating rotors and radial-mounted six-
piston monoblock calipers. This helps to achieve
excellent stopping performance and fade-resis-
tance. Replace all four sets of brake pads and
disc rotors at the same time to maintain
maximum brake performance.EXHAUST MUFFLERUse only the special GT-R muffler and
trunk carpet.
Never use parts other than genuine NISSAN
parts.
The GT-R has high exhaust gas temperatures. If
non-GT-R specification parts are used, it is
possible that the muffler will deform and cause
damage to the underbody. Also do not remove
the trunk carpet from the vehicle for any reason.
The carpet insulates the vehicle interior from the
heat of the muffler and from the noise of the
transmission.
EXTERIOR PARTS (spoiler, etc.)Do not modify exterior parts.
The GT-R was developed using a special wind
tunnel to help make sure the vehicle is
aerodynamically balanced. Additionally, the wind
tunnel was used to help make sure cool air flows
to the brakes, radiator and other components.
Additions of non-GT-R specific accessory ex-
terior parts can change the air flow over and
around the body. This can affect vehicle balance
and cooling of various systems.
For example, if the front bumper is modified,
there is a possibility that brake performance may
be reduced due to the decrease of the air flow to
the brake system.
GT-R Overview
GTR-3
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Black plate (9,1)
Model "R35-D" EDITED: 2008/ 5/ 20
COOLANT MIXTURE RATIOFor maximum cooling system performance, the
coolant mixture ratio should be the combination
of 30% antifreeze and 70% demineralized or
distilled water.
If ambient temperatures are anticipated below
58F( 15 8C) , make sure a proper mixture ratio of
50% antifreeze and 50% demineralized or
distilled water mix is used.COOL DOWNCool 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.REFUELING STOPS BEFORE THE
TANK IS FULLThe fuel tank pressure is higher when the vehicle
is hot. 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. This will not happen after
the vehicle has cooled.GASOLINE SMELLThe fuel temperature is higher when the vehicle
is hot. This may cause a gasoline smell from the
vehicle. This does not indicate that there is a malfunction. The smell will go away when the
fuel temperature has cooled.
OUTSIDE TEMPERATURE DISPLAY
INDICATES HIGHER TEMPERATUREHeat from the engine compartment, radiator and
intercoolers can affect the outside temperature
display. The outside temperature display may
indicate a higher than actual temperature while
driving or stopped. This is normal.IDLE SPEED IS NOT STEADYThe idle speed may not be steady when the
engine compartment is extremely hot. This is
normal. The engine speed will be steady when
the engine cools down.
In this case, the Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL)
may come on. After a few driving trips, the MIL
should turn off. If the light remains on after a few
driving trips, have the vehicle inspected by a
GT-R certified NISSAN dealer.ENGINE SPEED IS RESTRICTEDTo help protect the engine, the maximum engine
speed is automatically controlled in the following
conditions:
.
Revving the engine with the shift lever in the
&P
or
&N
position: The maximum engine
speed is 5,000 RPM
. Revving the engine when the engine coolant
GT-R Overview
GTR-7
GT-R SPECIFIC VEHICLE
CHARACTERISTICS
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Black plate (182,1)
Model "R35-D" EDITED: 2008/ 5/ 20
1. Check the positions of the accelerator pedal
*1
and brake pedal
*2. Adjust the steering
wheel and seat positions so that the correct
driving posture is achieved. (
“FRONT
SEATS” page 1-2)
2. Check that the parking brake is engaged.
3. Check that the shift lever is in the&Por&N
position. (
&Pis recommended.)
4. Firmly depress the brake pedal. Without depressing the accelerator pedal, press the
ignition switch once to start the engine.
5. To stop the engine, move the shift lever to the
&Pposition, and push the ignition switch
to the OFF position.
NOTE:. If the engine is difficult to start, de-
press the accelerator pedal all the way
to the floor and hold it. Push the
ignition switch with the brake pedal
depressed to start cranking the engine.
After 5 or 6 seconds, stop cranking by
pushing the ignition switch to the OFF
position, and then release the accel-
erator pedal. Then perform steps 1 to 4
to start the engine. If the engine starts,
but fails to run, repeat this procedure.
. Starting and stopping the engine over a
short period of time may make the
vehicle more difficult to start. If this
occurs, wait for more than 3 minutes,
and then press the ignition switch
again to start the engine.
. To maintain high performance over a
long period of time, the engine speed is
limited to 5,000 rpm when the engine is
revved with the shift lever in the
&Nor
&Pposition, and to 4,000 rpm when the
engine oil or coolant temperature is
low or higher than normal.
. If the ignition switch is pressed before
the shift lever is moved to the
&P
position, the ignition switch will not
change to the OFF position. If this occurs, the SHIFT
&P
warning display
appears on the vehicle information
display. When stopping the engine, be
sure to move the shift lever to the
&P
position and then press the ignition
switch. Failure to do so may result in
discharge of the battery. (
“SHIFT
“P” WARNING” page 2-40)
. If the shift lever was in the
&A↔&Mor
&R
position when the engine was stopped,
then be sure to move the shift lever to
the
&P
position before starting the
engine the next time. If the engine is
started with the shift lever in the
&N
position, then it may not be possible to
drive the vehicle even when the shift
lever is moved to the
&A↔&M
or
&R
position. If this occurs, the SHIFT
&P
warning appears on the vehicle infor-
mation display. (
“SHIFT “P”
WARNING” page 2-40)
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 compart-
5-12
Starting and driving
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Black plate (183,1)
Model "R35-D" EDITED: 2008/ 5/ 20
ment. When the cooling fan is operat-
ing, 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.
.
&Aposition (Automatic gearshift):
allows automatic shifting of the manual
transmission.
.
&M
position (Manual gearshift):
allows quick shifting of the manual transmis-
sion.
NOTE:.
&M
position driving is recommended
when driving up hills or accelerating
from a stop on a cold morning.
.
&M
position driving is recommended if
you feel shift shocks or jerkiness in the
&Aposition in cold temperatures.
. When starting or driving on a steep
uphill grade, shift to the
&M
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 devel-
oped specifically to maximize vehicle perfor-
mance 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 of the follow-
ing items:
.
Gear clearances
. Ultralight flywheel
. Dry sump lubrication
These noises do not indicate that there is a
malfunction.
WARNING
. Do not depress the accelerator
pedal while shifting from the
&Por
&N
position to the
&R
or
&A↔&M
position. Always depress the brake
pedal until shifting is completed.
Failure to do so could cause loss
of control and an accident.
. Cold engine idle speed is high, so
use caution when shifting into a
forward or reverse gear before the
engine has warmed up.
. Never shift to the
&Por
&Rposition
while the vehicle is moving forward.
Starting and driving
5-13
DRIVING THE VEHICLE
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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
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Black plate (212,1)
Model "R35-D" EDITED: 2008/ 5/ 20
FREEING A FROZEN DOOR LOCKTo prevent a door lock from freezing, apply
deicer through the key hole. If the lock becomes
frozen, heat the key before inserting it into the
key hole or use the Intelligent Key system.ANTI-FREEZEIn the winter when it is anticipated that the
outside temperature will drop below 328F(0 8C) ,
check antifreeze to assure proper winter protec-
tion. (
“ENGINE COOLING SYSTEM”
page 8-9)
BATTERYIf the battery is not fully charged during
extremely cold weather conditions, the battery
fluid may freeze and damage the battery. To
maintain maximum efficiency, the battery should
be checked regularly. (
“BATTERY” page 8-
15)
DRAINING OF COOLANT WATERIf the vehicle is to be left outside without
antifreeze, drain the cooling system, including
the engine block. Refill before operating the
vehicle. For details, contact a GT-R certified
NISSAN dealer.TIRE EQUIPMENTThe GT-R summer tires are made from a
specially formulated rubber to maximize the
vehicle’s performance capabilities. Performance of summer tires is substantially reduced when
temperatures are less than 32
8F(0 8C) so you
must drive carefully. NISSAN recommends the
use of winter or all-season tires on all four
wheels if you plan to operate your vehicle in
snowy or icy conditions when temperatures are
less than 32 8F(0 8C) .
WARNING
Never use summer tires when the
temperature is below 48 F( 20 8C) to
prevent permanent tread deformation
which may cause tire damage or tire
failure. This may cause a loss of vehicle
control which can result in serious
personal injury or death.
Tire chains may be used. (
“TIRE CHAINS”
page 8-36)
If you install tires, they must also be the specified
size, brand, construction and tread pattern on all
four wheels.
SPECIAL WINTER EQUIPMENTIt is recommended that the following items be
carried in the vehicle during winter:
. A scraper and stiff-bristled brush to remove
ice and snow from the windows and wiper
blades. .
A sturdy, flat board to be placed under the
jack to give it firm support.
. A shovel to dig the vehicle out of snowdrifts.
. Extra window washer fluid to refill the
reservoir tank.
DRIVING ON SNOW OR ICE
WARNING
.Wet ice (32 8F, 0 8C and freezing rain) ,
very cold snow or ice can be slick
and very hard to drive on. The
vehicle will have much less traction
or “grip” under these conditions. Try
to avoid driving on wet ice until the
road is salted or sanded.
. Whatever the condition, drive with
caution. Accelerate and slow down
with care. If accelerating or down-
shifting too fast, the drive wheels
will lose even more traction.
. Allow more stopping distance under
these conditions. Braking should be
started sooner than on dry pave-
ment.
. Allow greater following distances
on slippery roads.
. Watch for slippery spots (glare ice) .
5-42
Starting and driving
COLD WEATHER DRIVING
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Black plate (218,1)
Model "R35-D" EDITED: 2008/ 5/ 20
.Explosive hydrogen gas is always
present in the vicinity of the battery.
Keep all sparks and flames away
from the battery.
. Do not allow battery fluid to come
into contact with eyes, skin, clothing
or painted surfaces. Battery fluid is
a corrosive sulphuric acid solution
which can cause severe burns. If the
fluid should come into contact with
anything, immediately flush the con-
tacted area with water.
. Keep the battery out of the reach of
children.
. The booster battery must be rated at
12 volts. Use of an improperly rated
battery can damage your vehicle.
. Whenever working on or near a
battery, always wear suitable eye
protectors (for example, goggles or
industrial safety spectacles) and
remove rings, metal bands, or any
other jewelry. Do not lean over the
battery when jump starting.
. Do not attempt to jump start a
frozen battery. It could explode
and cause serious injury.
. Your vehicle has an automatic en- gine cooling fan. It could come on at
any time. Keep hands and other
objects away from it.
If needed, Roadside Assistance is available.
Please see your Warranty Information Booklet or
Roadside Assistance I.D. Card for the toll-free
number to call (U.S.) or Warranty Information
Booklet (Canada) .6-4
In case of emergency
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Black plate (221,1)
Model "R35-D" EDITED: 2008/ 5/ 20
3. If engine overheating is caused by climbinga long hill on a hot day, run the engine at a
fast idle (approximately 1,500 rpm) until the
temperature gauge indication returns to
normal.
4. Get out of the vehicle. Look and listen for steam or coolant escaping from the radiator
before opening the hood. (If steam or
coolant is escaping, turn off the engine.)
Do not open the hood further until no steam
or coolant can be seen.
5. Open the engine hood.
WARNING
If steam or water is coming from the
engine, stand clear to prevent getting
burned.
6. Visually check drive belts for damage or looseness. Also check if the cooling fan is
running. The radiator hoses and radiator
should not leak water. If coolant is leaking,
the drive belts are missing or loose, or the
cooling fan does not run, stop the engine.
WARNING
Be careful not to allow your hands, hair,
jewelry or clothing to come into contact
with, or get caught in, engine belts or the engine cooling fan. The engine
cooling fan can start at any time.
7. When the coolant temperature gauge goes down to the midpoint, stop the engine and
wait until the gauge goes down further to
“C” (cold) .
8. After the engine cools down, check the coolant level in the reservoir tank. Add
coolant to the reservoir, if necessary, after
opening the coolant reservoir cap with a
heavy cloth covering it. (
“ENGINE
COOLING SYSTEM” page 8-9)
9. Have your vehicle repaired at the nearest GT-R certified NISSAN dealer.
If needed, Roadside Assistance is available.
Please see your Warranty Information Booklet or
Roadside Assistance I.D. Card for the toll-free
number to call (U.S.) or Warranty & Roadside
Assistance Information Booklet (Canada) .
When towing your vehicle, all State (Provincial in
Canada) and local regulations for towing must
be followed. Incorrect towing equipment could
damage your vehicle. Towing instructions are
available from a GT-R certified NISSAN dealer.
Local service operators are familiar with the
applicable laws and procedures for towing. To
assure proper towing and to prevent accidental
damage to your vehicle, NISSAN recommends
that you have a service operator tow your
vehicle. It is advisable to have the service
operator carefully read the following precau-
tions.
WARNING
. Never ride in a vehicle that is being
towed.
. Never get under your vehicle after it
has been lifted by a tow truck.
CAUTION
Always attach safety chains before
towing.
NOTICE
When towing, make sure that the
transmission, axles, steering system
and powertrain are in working condi-
In case of emergency
6-7
TOWING YOUR VEHICLE
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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
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Black plate (239,1)
Model "R35-D" EDITED: 2008/ 5/ 20
been parked for a while. Water dripping from the
air conditioner after use is normal. If you should
notice any leaks or if gasoline fumes are evident,
check for the cause and have it corrected
immediately.
Power steering fluid level* and lines:Check
the level when the fluid is cold, with the engine
off. Check the lines for proper attachment, leaks,
cracks, etc.
Radiator and hoses: Check the front of the
radiator and clean off any dirt, insects, leaves,
etc., that may have accumulated. Make sure the
hoses have no cracks, deformation, rot or loose
connections.
Underbody: The underbody is frequently ex-
posed to corrosive substances such as those
used on icy roads or to control dust. It is very
important to remove these substances, other-
wise rust will form on the floor pan, frame, fuel
lines and around the exhaust system. At the end
of winter, the underbody should be thoroughly
flushed with plain water, being careful to clean
those areas where mud and dirt may accumu-
late. (
“UNDERBODY” page 7-3)
Windshield washer fluid*: Check that there is
adequate fluid in the reservoir.
When performing any inspection or mainte-
nance work on your vehicle, always take care
to prevent serious accidental injury to yourself or
damage to the vehicle. The following are general
precautions which should be closely observed.
WARNING
. Park the vehicle on a level surface,
apply the parking brake securely
and block the wheels to prevent
the vehicle from moving. Move the
shift lever to the
&Pposition.
. Be sure the ignition switch is in the
OFF or LOCK position when per-
forming any parts replacement or
repairs.
. If you must work with the engine
running, keep your hands, clothing,
hair and tools away from moving
fans, belts and any other moving
parts.
. It is advisable to secure or remove
any loose clothing and remove any
jewelry, such as rings, watches, etc.
before working on your vehicle.
. Always wear eye protection when-
ever you work on your vehicle.
. 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 warn-
ing, even if the ignition key is in the
OFF position and the engine is not
running. To avoid injury, always
disconnect the negative battery
cable before working 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
Maintenance and do-it-yourself
8-5
MAINTENANCE PRECAUTIONS
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