service NISSAN GT-R 2009 Owners Manual

Black plate (4,1)
Model "R35-D" EDITED: 2008/ 4/ 18
Welcome to the growing family of new NISSAN
owners. This vehicle is delivered to you with
confidence. It was produced using the latest
techniques and strict quality control.
This manual was prepared to help you under-
stand the operation and maintenance of your
vehicle so that you may enjoy many miles
(kilometers) of driving pleasure. Please read
through this manual before operating your
vehicle.
A separate Warranty Information Booklet
contains the warranties covering your
vehicle (whose terms have control over
this Owner’s Manual or any other docu-
ment or representation regarding warranty
coverage) . The “NISSAN Service and Main-
tenance Guide” explains details about
maintaining and servicing your vehicle.
Additionally, a separate Customer Care/
Lemon Law Booklet (U.S. only) will explain
how to resolve any concerns you may have
with your vehicle, as well as clarify your
rights under your state’s lemon law.
Your NISSAN dealership knows your vehi-
cle best. When you require any service or
have any questions, they will be glad to
assist you with the extensive resources
available to them.
READ FIRST — THEN DRIVE SAFELYBefore driving your vehicle, please read this
Owner’s Manual carefully. This will ensure
familiarity with controls and maintenance re-
quirements, assisting you in the safe operation
of your vehicle.
WARNING
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATIONREMINDERS FOR SAFETY!
Follow these important driving rules to
help ensure a safe and comfortable trip
for you and your passengers!
. NEVER drive under the influence of
alcohol or drugs.
. ALWAYS observe posted speed lim-
its and never drive too fast for
conditions.
. ALWAYS give your full attention to
driving and avoid using vehicle
features or taking other actions that
could distract you.
. ALWAYS use your seat belts and
appropriate child restraint systems.
Pre-teen children should be seated
in the rear seat.
. ALWAYS provide information about
the proper use of vehicle safety features to all occupants of the
vehicle.
. ALWAYS review this Owner’s Man-
ual for important safety information.
MODIFICATION OF YOUR VEHICLEThis vehicle should not be modified. Mod-
ification could affect its performance,
safety or durability, and may even violate
governmental regulations. See the 2009
Nissan GT-R Warranty Information Booklet
for details including applicable exclusions.WHEN READING THE MANUALThis manual includes information for all
options available on this model. Therefore,
you may find some information that does
not apply to your vehicle.
All information, specifications and illustrations in
this manual are those in effect at the time of
printing. NISSAN reserves the right to change
specifications or design at any time without
notice.
Foreword
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Black plate (7,1)
Model "R35-D" EDITED: 2008/ 4/ 18
NISSAN CUSTOMER CARE PROGRAMNISSAN CARES ...
Both NISSAN and your GT-R certified NISSAN dealer are dedicated to serving all your automotive needs. Your satisfaction with your vehicle and your
GT-R certified NISSAN dealer are our primary concerns. Your GT-R certified NISSAN dealer is always available to assist you with all your automobile sales
and service needs.We appreciate your interest in NISSAN and thank you for buying a quality NISSAN vehicle.
However, if there is something that your GT-R
certified NISSAN dealer cannot assist you with
or you would like to provide NISSAN directly
with comments or questions, please contact the
NISSAN Consumer Affairs Department using
our toll-free number:
For U.S. customers1-866-668-1GTR
(1-866-668-1487)
For Canadian customers 1-800-387-0122 The Consumer Affairs Department will ask for
the following information:
— Your name, address, and telephone number
— Vehicle identification number (attached to
the top of the instrument panel on the
driver’s side)
— Date of purchase
— Current odometer reading
— Your NISSAN dealer’s name
— Your comments or questions
OR You can write to NISSAN with the information on
the left at:
For U.S. customersNISSAN North America, Inc.
Consumer Affairs Department
P.O. Box 685003
Franklin, TN 37068-5003
For Canadian customers NISSAN Canada Inc.
5290 Orbitor Drive
Mississauga, Ontario L4W 4Z5
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GT-R specific information................................. GTR-2
Warranty information ................................... GTR-2
Maintenance information .............................. GTR-2
GT-R special specification parts ........................ GTR-2
Engine oil ................................................. GTR-2
Transmission oil ......................................... GTR-2
Differential oil (front and rear) ........................ GTR-2
Brake fluid ................................................ GTR-3
Tires and road wheels ................................. GTR-3
Brake pad and disc rotor ............................. GTR-3
Exhaust muffler .......................................... GTR-3
Exterior parts (spoiler, etc.) ........................... GTR-3
GT-R performance optimization services .............. GTR-4
Wheel alignment inspection and adjustment
(if necessary) (including tire pressure
adjustment) ............................................... GTR-4
Engine settings (balancing right and left
air flow) ................................................... GTR-4
Transmission settings .................................. GTR-4
Precautions before driving ................................ GTR-5
Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) off mode ........ GTR-5
Summer tires ............................................ GTR-5
All-season tires .......................................... GTR-5
Body repair ................................................... GTR-5 Additional maintenance items
............................ GTR-6
Fluids ...................................................... GTR-6
Inspection and adjustments of tires, suspension
and brakes ............................................... GTR-6
Replenishing coolant ................................... GTR-6
Coolant mixture ratio ................................... GTR-7
Cool down ............................................... GTR-7
GT-R specific vehicle characteristics ................... GTR-7
Refueling precautions .................................. GTR-7
Refueling stops before the tank is full ............. GTR-7
Gasoline smell ........................................... GTR-7
Outside temperature display indicates higher
temperature .............................................. GTR-7
Idle speed is not steady ............................... GTR-7
Engine speed is restricted ............................ GTR-7
Distortion of rear wing ................................. GTR-8
Uneven wear of tires ................................... GTR-8
Noises are heard while driving ....................... GTR-8
Brake dust ................................................ GTR-9
Mechanical Limited Slip Differential (LSD)
characteristics ........................................... GTR-9
Dual clutch transmission .................................. GTR-9
Transmission operation characteristics ........... GTR-10
GT-R Overview
Model "R35-D" EDITED: 2008/ 5/ 20
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Black plate (4,1)
Model "R35-D" EDITED: 2008/ 5/ 20
The GT-R is NISSAN’s first supercar category
vehicle. The GT-R is equipped with special
systems. These systems are different than those
used on conventional vehicles to allow for the
high performance driving characteristics of this
vehicle. Your vehicle should be maintained by a
GT-R certified NISSAN dealer. Special skills,
knowledge and equipment are necessary to
properly maintain your GT-R.WARRANTY INFORMATIONPlease read this OM carefully, together with your
Warranty Information Booklet which describes a
number of express limitations and exclusions for
failure to follow the instructions contained in this
OM, including, but not limited to:
.Failure to use proper parts, fuel and fluids,
. Driving with the VDC off,
. Racing,
. Modifications, including reprogramming or
replacing/adding chips in any on-board
computer,
. Failure to have required Performance Opti-
mization Services performed.
In addition, see your Dunlop/Goodyear and
Bridgestone tire warranties for specific limita-
tions or exclusions for operating summer tires
below 48F( 20 8C) .
MAINTENANCE INFORMATION. Special skills, knowledge and equipment are
necessary to properly inspect and adjust the
GT-R engine, transmission, suspension and
brakes to maintain performance. A GT-R
certified NISSAN dealer has the GT-R
certified technical staff and the special
equipment to properly maintain your GT-R.
. Many general periodic maintenance items
can be performed at all NISSAN dealers.
However, make sure the specified fluids and
parts are used when the maintenance is
performed.
Only use the following required fluids and parts
in the GT-R.ENGINE OILMobil 1, 0W-40 (100% synthetic oil)
Mobil 1, 0W-40 (100% synthetic) is the factory
fill oil. The VR38 engine with its plasma-sprayed
bores was developed using this oil. NISSAN
cannot ensure proper engine operation and
durability if other 0W-40 synthetic oil is used.
If Mobil 1, 0W-40 is not available, Mobil 1,
10W-40 (100% synthetic) may be used; how-
ever, some performance loss may be noticed.TRANSMISSION OILGenuine NISSAN Transmission Oil R35
Special (100% synthetic oil)
The GT-R uses a multiple-disc dual wet clutch
transmission. The specially developed transmis-
sion oil maximizes the friction characteristics of
the clutch and the lubrication of the gear
bearings. The use of additives is prohibited.DIFFERENTIAL OIL (front and rear)Castrol SAF-XJ 75W-140 (100% synthetic
oil)
The GT-R uses a 1.5-Way mechanical Limited
Slip Differential (LSD) to maximize driving power
under many operating conditions. Use the
specified differential oil to maximize the perfor-
GTR-2
GT-R Overview
GT-R SPECIFIC INFORMATION GT-R SPECIAL SPECIFICATION
PARTS
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Black plate (6,1)
Model "R35-D" EDITED: 2008/ 5/ 20
In addition to the regular maintenance recom-
mended by NISSAN, the GT-R requires the
following special inspections:
.Wheel alignment inspection and adjustment
(if necessary) (including tire pressure ad-
justment)
. Engine settings (balancing right and left air
flow)
. Transmission settings
These inspections are required at the following
intervals:
. 1,000 miles
. 12 months
. 24 months
. 36 monthsNOTE:.These inspections will be performed
free of charge for labor at a GT-R
certified NISSAN dealer only. Inspec-
tions thereafter are recommended
every 12 months or 12,000 miles
(whichever comes first) at the custo-
mer’s expense. See the 2009 NISSAN
GT-R Warranty Information Booklet for
details.
. Repairs and adjustments involving parts replacement, etc. determined to
be necessary as a result of these
inspections are performed at the cus-
tomer’s expense.
. See the 2009 NISSAN GT-R Warranty
Information Booklet for significant lim-
itations, exclusions and possible void-
ing of your warranty resulting from
failure to have these necessary inspec-
tions, repairs and/or adjustments per-
formed.
. See the 2009 NISSAN GT-R Service and
Maintenance Guide for a detailed ex-
planation of the GT-R Performance
Optimization services.
WHEEL ALIGNMENT INSPECTION
AND ADJUSTMENT (if necessary)
(including tire pressure adjustment)This vehicle is equipped with a high perfor-
mance suspension. The vehicle’s wheel align-
ment needs to be measured and adjusted (if
necessary) by a GT-R certified NISSAN dealer
as necessary as the vehicle is driven and the
suspension parts break-in.
ENGINE SETTINGS (balancing right
and left air flow)Each cylinder bank of this engine operates
independently due to the vehicle’s twin turbo-
charger design. Each side of the engine must
operate at the same level of performance. The
power output of each bank must be checked
and adjusted as necessary by a GT-R certified
NISSAN dealer.TRANSMISSION SETTINGSThe design of the clutch and transmission
requires inspection and adjustment of the clutch
and shift forks by a GT-R certified NISSAN
dealer at the recommended intervals. Depend-
ing on the driving conditions, more frequent
adjustments may be necessary to help maximize
vehicle performance.
GTR-4
GT-R Overview
GT-R PERFORMANCE
OPTIMIZATION SERVICES
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Black plate (8,1)
Model "R35-D" EDITED: 2008/ 5/ 20
The following information applies if you engage
in performance driving such as driving your
GT-R for extended periods under the following
conditions.
.Higher-RPM (approaching redline) opera-
tion
. Frequent high pedal force braking from
moderate and higher speeds
. Frequent throttle activation
. Fast revving throughout the RPM range
In such cases, the following additional main-
tenance guidelines apply.
However, you should also carefully read
your 2009 NISSAN GT-R Warranty Informa-
tion Booklet for important information
concerning warranty coverage, limitations
and exclusions.
We recommend that maintenance be performed
at a GT-R certified NISSAN dealer. NISSAN will
only pay for GT-R Performance Optimization
Services performed at a GT-R certified NISSAN
dealer.FLUIDS. Before driving, check the fluid levels and
adjust as necessary using the specified fluid.
. Check the amount of fluid for the power steering.
. Be sure to change the fluids listed below
with the specified fluids every 1,800 miles
(3,000 km) .
ITEMS GT-R SPECIFIED FLUIDS
Engine oil Mobil 1, 0W-40*1
Transmission oil Genuine NISSAN Transmission
Oil R35 Special
Differential oil
(front and rear) Castrol SAF-XJ 75W-140
Brake fluid Genuine NISSAN Brake Fluid
R35 Special DOT4*2
*1: Mobil 1, 0W-40 (100% synthetic) is the factory fill oil. The VR38 engine with its plasma-sprayed
bores was developed using this oil. NISSAN
cannot ensure proper engine operation and dur-
ability if other 0W-40 synthetic oil is used. If Mobil
1, 0W-40 is not available, Mobil 1, 10W-40 (100%
synthetic) may be used; however, some perfor-
mance loss may be noticed.
*2: 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 and NISSAN
cannot ensure the best performance and proper
operation of the vehicle if other brake fluid is used.
INSPECTION AND ADJUSTMENTS
OF TIRES, SUSPENSION AND
BRAKES. Measure and adjust the wheel alignment.
. Check the tire pressure and the Tire
Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) sen-
sor.
. Make tire pressure adjustments only when
the tires are cool. (
“WHEELS AND
TIRES” page 8-29)
. Secure road wheel balance weights with
aluminum tape or equivalent.
. Check the heat deterioration and wear of the
brakes. (As necessary, the brake pad and
the brake disc rotor must be replaced as a
set of four with new ones.)
REPLENISHING COOLANTCheck the coolant level in the pressurized
coolant reservoir. Adjust the level so that the
fluid is between the MAX and MIN markings. For
the coolant, use genuine NISSAN Long Life
coolant. (On delivery of new vehicle, the
reservoir is filled to the MIN level. Be sure to
replenish approximately 0.3 to 0.4 US quart (0.3
to 0.4 liter) of coolant.)
GTR-6
GT-R Overview
ADDITIONAL MAINTENANCE ITEMS
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Black plate (68,1)
Model "R35-D" EDITED: 2008/ 5/ 20
be done by a GT-R certified NISSAN
dealer. Installation of electrical
equipment should also be done by
a GT-R certified NISSAN dealer. The
SRS wiring harnesses* should not
be modified or disconnected. Un-
authorized electrical test equipment
and probing devices should not be
used on the side air bag and curtain
air bag systems.
* The SRS wiring harnesses connec-
tors are yellow and orange for easy
identification.
When selling your vehicle, we request that you
inform the buyer about the side air bag and
curtain air bag systems and guide the buyer to
the appropriate sections in this Owner’s Manual.
SEAT BELTS WITH PRETEN-
SIONERS (front seats)
WARNING
. The pretensioners cannot be reused
after activation. They must be re-
placed together with the retractor
and buckle as a unit.
. If the vehicle becomes involved in a
frontal collision but the preten- sioner is not activated, be sure to
have the pretensioner system
checked and, if necessary, replaced
by a GT-R certified NISSAN dealer.
. No unauthorized changes should be
made to any components or wiring
of the pretensioners. This is to
prevent damage to or accidental
activation of the pretensioners.
Tampering with the pretensioner
system may result in serious perso-
nal injury.
. Work around and on the preten-
sioners should be done by a GT-R
certified NISSAN dealer. Installation
of electrical equipment should also
be done by a GT-R certified NISSAN
dealer. Unauthorized electrical test
equipment and probing devices
should not be used on the preten-
sioners.
. If you need to dispose of a preten-
sioner or scrap the vehicle, contact a
GT-R certified NISSAN dealer. Cor-
rect pretensioner disposal proce-
dures are set forth in the
appropriate NISSAN Service Man-
ual. Incorrect disposal procedures
could cause personal injury. The pretensioner system activates in conjunc-
tion with the supplemental air bag systems.
Working with the seat belt retractor, it helps
tighten the seat belt when the vehicle becomes
involved in certain types of collisions, helping to
restrain front seat occupants.
The pretensioner is encased with the seat belt
retractor. These seat belts are used the same
way as conventional seat belts. When a preten-
sioner activates, smoke is released and a loud
noise may be heard. The smoke is not harmful,
and it does not indicate a fire. Care should be
taken not to inhale it as it may cause irritation
and choking. Those with a history of a breathing
condition should get fresh air promptly.
After pretensioner activation, load limiters allow
the seat belt to release webbing (if necessary) to
reduce forces against the chest.
If any malfunction occurs in the pretensioner
system, the supplemental air bag warning light
will not come on, will flash intermittently or
will turn on for 7 seconds and remain on after
the ignition switch has been pushed to the ON
position. In this case, the pretensioner may not
function properly. They must be checked and
repaired. Take your vehicle to the nearest
NISSAN dealer.
When selling your vehicle, we request that you
inform the buyer about the pretensioner system
and guide the buyer to the appropriate sections
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Safety — Seats, seat belts and supplemental restraint system
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Black plate (70,1)
Model "R35-D" EDITED: 2008/ 5/ 20
When the ignition switch is in the ON position,
the supplemental air bag warning light illumi-
nates for about 7 seconds and then turns off.
This means the system is operational.
If any of the following conditions occur, the front
air bag, side air bag, curtain air bag and
pretensioner systems need servicing:
.The supplemental air bag warning light
remains on approximately 7 seconds after
the ignition switch is pushed to the ON
position.
. The supplemental air bag warning light
flashes intermittently.
. The supplemental air bag warning light does
not come on at all.
Under these conditions, the front air bag, side air
bag, curtain air bag or pretensioner systems may
not operate properly. They must be checked and
repaired. Take your vehicle to the nearest
NISSAN dealer.
WARNING
If the supplemental air bag warning
light is on, it could mean that the front
air bag, side air bag, curtain air bag
and/or pretensioners will not operate in
an accident. To help avoid injury to
yourself or others, have your vehicle
checked by a dealer as soon as possi-
ble.REPAIR AND REPLACEMENT PRO-
CEDUREThe front air bags, side air bags, curtain air bags
and pretensioners are designed to activate on a
one-time-only basis. As a reminder, unless it is
damaged, the supplemental air bag warning light
will remain illuminated after inflation has oc-
curred. Repair and replacement of these sys-
tems should be done only by a GT-R certified
NISSAN dealer.
When maintenance work is required on the
vehicle, the front air bags, side air bags, curtain
air bags, pretensioners and related parts should
be pointed out to the person conducting the
maintenance. The ignition switch should always
be in the LOCK position when working under
the hood or inside the vehicle.
WARNING
. Once a front air bag, side air bag, or
curtain air bag has inflated, the air
bag module will not function again
and must be replaced. Additionally,
if any of the front air bags inflate,
the activated pretensioners must
also be replaced. The air bag mod-
ule and pretensioners should be
replaced by a GT-R certified NISSAN
dealer. The air bag module and
pretensioners cannot be repaired.
. The front air bag, side air bag,
curtain air bag and the pretensioner
should be inspected by a GT-R
certified NISSAN dealer if there is
any damage to the front end or side
portion of the vehicle.
. If you need to dispose of a supple-
mental air bag or a pretensioner or
scrap the vehicle, contact a GT-R
certified NISSAN dealer. Correct air
bag and pretensioner disposal pro-
cedures are set forth in the appro-
priate NISSAN Service Manual.
Incorrect disposal procedures could
cause personal injury.
1-44
Safety — Seats, seat belts and supplemental restraint system
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Black plate (97,1)
Model "R35-D" EDITED: 2008/ 5/ 20
WARNING
.Your brake system may not be
working properly if the warning light
is on. Driving could be dangerous. If
you judge it to be safe, drive care-
fully to the nearest service station
for repairs. Otherwise, have your
vehicle towed because driving it
could be dangerous.
. Pressing the brake pedal with the
engine stopped and/or low brake
fluid level may increase your stop-
ping distance and braking will re-
quire greater pedal effort as well as
pedal travel.
. If the brake fluid level is below the
minimum or MIN mark on the brake
fluid reservoir, do not drive until the
brake system has been checked at a
GT-R certified NISSAN dealer.
Charge warning light
If the light comes on while the engine is running,
it may indicate the charging system is not
functioning properly. Turn the engine off and
check the alternator belt. If the belt is loose,
broken, missing or if the light remains on, see a
GT-R certified NISSAN dealer immediately.
NOTICE
Do not continue driving if the alternator
belt is loose, broken or missing.
Engine oil pressure warning
light
This light warns of low engine oil pressure. If the
light flickers or comes on during normal driving,
pull off the road in a safe area, stop the engine
immediately and call a GT-R certified NISSAN
dealer.
The engine oil pressure warning light is
not designed to indicate a low oil level.
Check the vehicle information display or
use the dipstick to check the oil level.
(
“ENGINE OIL LEVEL DISPLAY” page 2-
11) (
“CHECKING ENGINE OIL LEVEL”
page 8-12)
NOTICE
Running the engine with the engine oil
pressure warning light on could cause
serious damage to the engine almost
immediately. Turn off the engine as
soon as it is safe to do so.
Intelligent Key warning light
After the ignition switch is pushed to the ON
position, this light comes on for about 2 seconds
and then turns off.
This light warns of a malfunction with the
electrical steering lock system or the Intelligent
Key system.
If the light comes on while the engine is
stopped, it may be impossible to free the
steering lock or to start the engine. If the light
comes on while the engine is running, you can
drive the vehicle. However in these cases,
contact a GT-R certified NISSAN dealer for
repair as soon as possible.
Low tire pressure warning
light
Your vehicle is equipped with a Tire Pressure
Monitoring System (TPMS) that monitors the tire
pressure of all tires.
The low tire pressure warning light warns of low
tire pressure and flat tire, or indicates that the
TPMS is not functioning properly.
After the ignition switch is pushed ON, this light
illuminates for about 1 second and turns off.Low tire pressure warning:If the vehicle is being driven with low tire
pressure, the warning light will illuminate.
Instruments and controls
2-25
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Black plate (116,1)
Model "R35-D" EDITED: 2008/ 5/ 20
FCC Rules and RSS-210 of Industry Cana-
da. Operation is subject to the following
two conditions;
(1) This device may not cause harmful
interference, and (2) this device must
accept any interference received, including
interference that may cause undesired
operation of the device.
CHANGES OR MODIFICATIONS NOT EX-
PRESSLY APPROVED BY THE PARTY
RESPONSIBLE FOR COMPLIANCE COULD
VOID THE USER’S AUTHORITY TO OPER-
ATE THE EQUIPMENT.
Security indicator lightThe security indicator light is located on the
instrument panel. It indicates the status of the
NISSAN Vehicle Immobilizer System.
The light blinks after the ignition switch was in
the LOCK position. This function indicates the
security systems equipped on the vehicle are
operational.
If the NISSAN Vehicle Immobilizer System is
malfunctioning, this light will remain on while the
ignition switch is in the ON position.
If the light still remains on and/or the
engine will not start, see a GT-R certified
NISSAN dealer for NISSAN Vehicle Immo-bilizer System service as soon as possible.
Please bring all Intelligent Keys that you
have when visiting a GT-R certified
NISSAN dealer for service.
2-44
Instruments and controls
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