suspension NISSAN GT-R 2009 Owners Manual
[x] Cancel search | Manufacturer: NISSAN, Model Year: 2009, Model line: GT-R, Model: NISSAN GT-R 2009Pages: 311, PDF Size: 6.68 MB
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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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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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Page 11 of 311
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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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Page 13 of 311
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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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Model "R35-D" EDITED: 2008/ 5/ 20
1. Headlight and turn signal switch (P.2-47)
2. Paddle shifters (P.5-13)
3. Steering-wheel-mounted controls (left side)*
4. Meters and gauges (P.2-4)
5. Steering-wheel-mounted controls (right side)— MRK (Mark) switch*
— Cruise control (P.5-28) 6. Windshield wiper and washer switch (P.2-45)
7. VDC, transmission and suspension set up
switches (P.5-21)
8. Trunk lid release switch (P.3-19)
9. Hood release handle (P.3-17)
10. Intelligent Key port (P.5-10)
11. Horn (P.2-50) 12. Tilting/telescopic steering wheel lever (P.3-25)
13. Push-button ignition switch (P.5-8)
14. Parking brake (P.5-27, P.5-37)
15. Shift lever (P.5-13)
*: Refer to the separate Multi Function Display
Owner’s Manual.
Illustrated table of contents
0-7
COCKPIT
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Page 70 of 311
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Model "R35-D" EDITED: 2008/ 5/ 20
If a child restraint must be used in the front seat,
the passenger air bag status light may or may
not be illuminated, depending on the size of the
child and the type of child restraint being used. If
the passenger air bag status light is not
illuminated (indicating that the air bag might
inflate in a crash) , it could be that the child
restraint or seat belt is not being used properly.
Make sure that the child restraint is installed
properly, the seat belt is used properly and the
occupant is positioned properly. If the passen-
ger air bag status light is still not illuminated,
reposition the occupant or child restraint in a
rear seat.
If the passenger air bag status light will not
illuminate even though you believe that the child
restraint, the seat belts and the occupant are
properly positioned, the system may be sensing
an unoccupied seat (in which case the air bag is
OFF) . Your GT-R certified NISSAN dealer can
check that the system is OFF by using a special
tool. However, until you have confirmed with
your dealer that your air bag is working properly,
reposition the occupant or child restraint in a
rear seat.
The NISSAN Advanced Air Bag System and
passenger air bag status light will take a few
seconds to register a change in the passenger
seat status. However, if the seat becomes
unoccupied, the air bag status light will remain
off.If a malfunction occurs in the front passenger air
bag system, the supplemental air bag warning
light
, located in the meter and gauges area
will blink. Have the system checked by a GT-R
certified NISSAN dealer.
Other supplemental front air bag
precautions
WARNING
. Do not place any objects on the
steering wheel pad or on the instru-
ment panel. Also, do not place any
objects between any occupant and
the steering wheel or instrument
panel. Such objects may become
dangerous projectiles and cause
injury if the front air bag inflates.
. Do not place objects with sharp
edges on the seat. Also, do not
place heavy objects on the seat that
will leave permanent impressions in
the seat. Such objects can damage
the seat or occupant classification
sensor (pattern sensor) . This can
affect the operation of the air bag
system and result in serious perso-
nal injury.
. Do not use water or acidic cleaners
(hot steam cleaners) on the seat. This can damage the seat or occu-
pant classification sensor. This can
also affect the operation of the air
bag system and result in serious
personal injury.
. Immediately after inflation, several
front air bag system components
will be hot. Do not touch them; you
may severely burn yourself.
. No unauthorized changes should be
made to any components or wiring
of the supplemental air bag system.
This is to prevent accidental infla-
tion of the supplemental air bag or
damage to the supplemental air bag
system.
. Do not make unauthorized changes
to your vehicle’s electrical system,
suspension system or front end
structure. This could affect proper
operation of the front air bag sys-
tem.
. Tampering with the supplemental
air bag system may result in serious
personal injury. Tampering includes
changes to the steering wheel and
the instrument panel assembly by
placing material over the steering
Safety — Seats, seat belts and supplemental restraint system
1-39
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Model "R35-D" EDITED: 2008/ 5/ 20
in another type of collision are similar to those of
a higher severity side impact. They are designed
to inflate on the side where the vehicle is
impacted. They may not inflate in certain side
collisions.
Vehicle damage (or lack of it) is not always an
indication of proper side air bag and curtain air
bag operation.
When the side air bags and curtain air bags
inflate, a fairly loud noise may be heard, followed
by release of smoke. This smoke is not harmful
and 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.
Front side air bags, along with the use of seat
belts, help to cushion the impact force on the
chest and pelvis of the front occupants. Curtain
air bags help to cushion the impact force to the
head of occupants in the front and rear outboard
seating positions. They can help save lives and
reduce serious injuries. However, an inflating
side air bags and curtain air bags may cause
abrasions or other injuries. Side air bags and
curtain air bags do not provide restraint to the
lower body.
The seat belts should be correctly worn and the
driver and passenger seated upright as far as
practical away from the side air bags. Rear seat
passengers should be seated as far away aspractical from the door finishers and side roof
rails. The side air bags and curtain air bags
inflate quickly in order to help protect the out-of-
position occupants. Because of this, the force of
the side air bags and curtain air bags inflating
can increase the risk of injury if the occupant is
too close to, or is against, these air bag modules
during inflation. The side air bags and curtain air
bags will deflate quickly after the collision is
over.
The side air bags and curtain air bags operate
only when the ignition switch is in the ON
position.
After pushing the ignition switch to the ON
position, the supplemental air bag warning
light illuminates. The air bag warning light
will turn off after about 7 seconds if the
systems are operational.
WARNING
.
Do not place any objects near the
seatback of the front seats. Also, do
not place any objects (an umbrella,
bag, etc.) between the front door
finisher and the front seat. Such
objects may become dangerous
projectiles and cause injury if a side
air bag inflates.
. Right after inflation, several side air bagandcurtainairbagsystem
components will be hot. Do not
touch them; you may severely burn
yourself.
. No unauthorized changes should be
made to any components or wiring
of the side air bags and curtain air
bags. This is to prevent accidental
inflation of the side air bags and
curtain air bags or damage to the
side air bag and curtain air bag
systems.
. Do not make unauthorized changes
to your vehicle’s electrical system,
suspension system or side panel.
This could affect proper operation
of the side air bag and curtain air
bag systems.
. Tampering with the supplemental
air bag system may result in serious
personal injury. For example, do not
change the front seat by placing
material near the seatback or by
installing additional trim material,
such as seat covers, around the side
air bags.
. Work around and on the side air bag
and curtain air bag systems should
Safety — Seats, seat belts and supplemental restraint system
1-41
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Model "R35-D" EDITED: 2008/ 5/ 20
1. Headlight and turn signal switch (P.2-47)
2. Paddle shifters (P.5-13)
3. Steering-wheel-mounted controls (left side)*
4. Meters and gauges (P.2-4)
5. Steering-wheel-mounted controls (right side)— MRK (Mark) switch*
— Cruise control (P.5-28) 6. Windshield wiper and washer switch (P.2-45)
7. VDC, transmission and suspension set up
switches (P.5-21)
8. Trunk lid release switch (P.3-19)
9. Hood release handle (P.3-17)
10. Intelligent Key port (P.5-10)
11. Horn (P.2-50) 12. Tilting/telescopic steering wheel lever (P.3-25)
13. Push-button ignition switch (P.5-8)
14. Parking brake (P.5-27, P.5-37)
15. Shift lever (P.5-13)
*: Refer to the separate Multi Function Display
Owner’s Manual.
2-2
Instruments and controls
COCKPIT
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Model "R35-D" EDITED: 2008/ 5/ 20
The malfunction indicator light may also come on
steady if the fuel-filler cap is loose or missing, or
if the vehicle runs out of fuel. Check to make
sure the fuel-filler cap is installed and closed
tightly, and that the vehicle has at least 3 US
gallons (14 liters) of fuel in the fuel tank.
After a few driving trips, the
light should
turn off if no other potential emission control
system malfunction exists.
If this indicator light remains on for 20 seconds
and then blinks for 10 seconds when the engine
is not running, it indicates that the vehicle is not
ready for an emission control system inspection/
maintenance test. (
“READINESS FOR
INSPECTION/MAINTENANCE (I/M) TEST (US
only)” page 9-16)
Operation:The malfunction indicator light will come on in
one of two ways:
. Malfunction indicator light on steady — An
emission control system malfunction has
been detected. Check the fuel-filler cap. If
the fuel-filler cap is loose or missing, tighten
or install the cap and continue to drive the
vehicle. The
light should turn off after a
few driving trips. If the
light does not
turn off after a few driving trips, have the
vehicle inspected by a GT-R certified
NISSAN dealer. You do not need to have
your vehicle towed to the dealer. .
Malfunction indicator light blinking — An
engine misfire has been detected which may
damage the emission control system.
To reduce or avoid emission control system
damage:
a) Do not drive at speeds above 45 MPH (72 km/h) .
b) Avoid hard acceleration or deceleration.
c) Avoid steep uphill grades.
d) If possible, reduce the amount of cargo being hauled or towed.
The malfunction indicator light may stop
blinking and remain on.
Have the vehicle inspected by a GT-R
certified NISSAN dealer. You do not need
to have your vehicle towed to the dealer.
NOTICE
Continued vehicle operation without
having the emission control system
checked and repaired as necessary
could lead to poor driveability, reduced
fuel economy, and possible damage to
the emission control system.
Slip indicator light
This indicator will blink when the VDC system is
operating, thus alerting the driver to the fact that
the road surface is slippery and the vehicle is
nearing its traction limits.
Turn signal/hazard indicator
lights
The light flashes when the turn signal switch
lever or hazard switch is turned on.
Vehicle Dynamic Control
(VDC) off indicator light
The light comes on when the Vehicle Dynamic
Control (VDC) set up switch is pushed to OFF
for more than 1 second. (
“VDC, TRANS-
MISSION AND SUSPENSION SETUP
SWITCHES” page 5-21)
This indicates that the VDC system is not
operating. When the VDC off indicator light
and slip indicator light come on with the VDC
system turned on, this light alerts the driver to
the fact that the fail-safe mode is operating, for
example the VDC system or the hill start assist
system may not be functioning properly. Have
the system checked by a GT-R certified NISSAN
dealer. If a malfunction occurs in the system, the
VDC system function will be canceled but the
vehicle is still driveable. (“VEHICLE DY-
NAMIC CONTROL (VDC) SYSTEM” page 5-
40)
Instruments and controls
2-29
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5 Starting and driving
Model "R35-D" EDITED: 2008/ 5/ 20
Precautions when starting and driving..................... 5-2
Exhaust gas (Carbon monoxide) ........................ 5-2
Three-way catalyst .......................................... 5-2
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) ............. 5-3
Avoiding collision and rollover ........................... 5-5
Off-road recovery ........................................... 5-6
Rapid air pressure loss .................................... 5-6
Drinking alcohol/drugs and driving ...................... 5-7
All-Wheel Drive (AWD) driving safety
precautions ................................................... 5-7
Push-button ignition switch .................................. 5-8
Operating range for engine start ........................ 5-8
Ignition switch operation .................................. 5-8
Ignition switch positions ................................... 5-9
Intelligent Key battery discharge ...................... 5-10
Before starting the engine .................................. 5-11
Starting the engine ........................................... 5-11
Driving the vehicle ............................................ 5-13
Dual clutch transmission ................................ 5-13
Driving tips ................................................. 5-19
VDC, transmission and suspension setup
switches ........................................................ 5-21
How to switch the modes .............................. 5-22
Features of each mode .................................. 5-23
Turbocharger system ......................................... 5-26
Parking brake .................................................. 5-27 Cruise control
................................................. 5-28
Precautions on cruise control .......................... 5-28
Steering-wheel-mounted controls ..................... 5-29
Indicators and display ................................... 5-29
Cruise control operations ............................... 5-29
Hill Start Assist ................................................ 5-31
Break-in schedule ............................................ 5-32
Increasing fuel economy .................................... 5-33
All-Wheel Drive (AWD) ..................................... 5-34
AWD warning light ....................................... 5-34
Tight corner braking phenomenon .................... 5-35
Tires ......................................................... 5-35
AWD system characteristics ........................... 5-35
Limited Slip Differential (LSD) ............................. 5-36
Parking/parking on hills ...................................... 5-37
Power steering ................................................ 5-38
Brake system .................................................. 5-38
Braking precautions ...................................... 5-38
Parking brake break-in ................................... 5-39
Brake assist .................................................... 5-39
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) ...................... 5-39
Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) system ................. 5-40
Cold weather driving ......................................... 5-42
Freeing a frozen door lock .............................. 5-42
Anti-freeze .................................................. 5-42
Battery ...................................................... 5-42
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