steering NISSAN GT-R 2013 R35 Owners Manual

TRANSMISSION SETTINGS
The 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.
CHECKING THE EXHAUST FIN-
ISHER AND REAR BUMPER
CLEARANCE
Clearance between the enlarged-diameter ex-
haust finisher and the rear bumper is realized by
using highly rigid exhaust mount rubber to
control rear muffler vibration. The clearance
between the exhaust finisher and the rear
bumper may alter as the exhaust mount rubber
changes shape due to vibration, passage of time
and high exhaust temperature during high
performance driving. Therefore, inspection of
the clearance is necessary during the GT-R
special inspection and when engaging in
performance driving.
INCREASE TIGHTENING OF THE
STRUT SUPPORT BAR ATTACH-
MENT SECTION WITH THE SHOCK
ABSORBER
During the first GT-R special inspection (after
1,000 miles) , the strut support bar attachment
bracket and shock absorber (each one on the
left and right sides) must be tightened to the
specified tightening specification. The strut
support bar attachment bracket and shock
absorber (each one on the left and right sides)
must be tightened to the specified tightening
specification 300-600 miles (500-1,000 km)
after the support bar or shock absorber have
been removed or installed.
(
“Engine compartment check locations”
page 8-8)
NOTICE
Follow these recommendations to ob-
tain maximum engine performance and
ensure the future reliability and econo-
my of your new vehicle. Failure to
follow these recommendations may
result in shortened engine life and
reduced vehicle performance.
Please observe the following types of driving
until the mileage shown below has been
reached.
Until 300 miles (500 km):
. Do not depress the accelerator pedal more
than halfway and avoid rapid acceleration.
. Drive with the engine speed kept at less
than 3,500 RPM.
. Avoid unnecessary quick steering, abrupt
braking and driving on poor roads.
300 to 600 miles (500 to 1,000 km):
. Avoid rapid acceleration in a low gear (1st to
3rd gears) with the accelerator pedal fully
depressed. Depress the pedal slowly.
. Avoid unnecessary quick steering and
abrupt braking.
GT-R OverviewGTR-9
BREAK-IN SCHEDULE

GTR-10GT-R Overview
.Drive with the suspension setup switch in
the COMF mode to allow more suspension
stroke.
600 to 1,200 miles (1,000 to 2,000 km):
. Drive with the engine speed kept relatively
high with the shift lever in the
&Mposition.
Shifting is recommended between 1st and
4th gears.
. Avoid unnecessary quick steering and
abrupt braking.
. Drive with the suspension setup switch in
the COMF mode to allow more suspension
stroke.
Even though the mileage reaches over 1,200
miles (2,000 km) , the clutch may take longer to
properly engage if the vehicle is mainly driven in
town at a low speed. NISSAN recommends
breaking in the clutch at a GT-R certified
NISSAN dealer.
WHEEL ALIGNMENT
Do not adjust the wheel alignment until the
mileage reaches 1,000 miles (1,600 km). Until
then, the suspension may not engage enough
and the height may be higher.
However, make sure to adjust the alignment
after 1,000 miles (1,600 km) .
The wheel alignment can be adjusted by a GT-R certified NISSAN dealer in accordance with
specifications for city driving to high perfor-
mance driving.
The tires on the GT-R may have different wear
rates and wear patterns in comparison to
conventional passenger vehicles. Contact a
GT-R certified NISSAN dealer to confirm that
the alignment is within specifications.
VEHICLE DYNAMIC CONTROL (VDC)
OFF MODE
Always make sure the VDC is ON before driving
the vehicle by checking that the VDC OFF
indicator lights on the meter and the VDC set-up
switch are not illuminated. The GT-R is a high
performance vehicle and the VDC must be on/
activated to provide proper powertrain operation
and intended drivability.
WARNING
.
The VDC OFF mode should ONLY be
used briefly to help free the vehicle
if stuck in snow or mud by tempora-
rily stopping operation of the VDC
to maintain wheel torque.
. Driving the GT-R with the VDC off
may lead to handling issues related
to steering maneuvers, acceleration,
or deceleration. Moreover, driving
with the VDC off can result in an
inoperative vehicle by causing ser-
ious damage to the powertrain,
including damage to the Transaxle
Assembly including Transfer, Clutch,
Gears, Transaxle case and all of its
components and other drivetrain
PRECAUTIONS BEFORE DRIVING

.Adjust the power steering fluid level to the R
mark
*5on the power steering dipstick
when the fluid temperature is hot or
*6when the fluid temperature is cold.
Fluid temperature:
Hot: 122 to 1768F (50 to 808C): between
*1and*5
Cold: 32 to 868F(0to30 8C): between*3and*6
Coolant level and mixture ratio
The information and specifications in this
section apply only when engaging in
performance driving.
Check 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 3/8 US quart (0.3 to 0.4
liter) of coolant.)
NOTICE
Do not overfill the coolant. This may
increase the pressure in the cooling
system and cause coolant leaks.
To maximize vehicle performance, the coolant
mixture ratio should be a combination of 30%
coolant antifreeze and 70% demineralized or
distilled water for maximum cooling system
performance regardless of ambient tempera-
tures.
If ambient temperatures are anticipated below
58F( −158C) , make sure a proper mixture ratio of
50% antifreeze and 50% demineralized or distilled water mix is used.
Engine and powertrain
The information and specifications in this
section apply only when engaging in
performance driving.
.
Check the engine, transmission, differential
and under the vehicle for oil and coolant
leaks.
. Inspect the areas surrounding of the cata-
lytic converter for heat deterioration.
. Before engaging in performance driving,
appropriate clutch adjustment must be
performed by your GT-R certified NISSAN
dealer.
NOTICE
Failure to have the clutch properly
adjusted before performance driving
may cause the transmission oil tem-
perature to increase which may cause
transmission damage.
. Inspect and confirm the clearance between
the exhaust finisher and rear bumper is more
than 0.24 in (6 mm) (up/down) and more
than 0.20 in (5 mm) (left/right) .
GT-R OverviewGTR-15

GTR-16GT-R Overview
.Inspect the dust boot of the drive shaft
universal joint for cracks or damage.
Suspension and wheel alignment
The information and specifications in this
section apply only when engaging in
performance driving.
.Check the steering and suspension system
and other links for loose and/or damaged
parts.
. Measure and adjust the wheel alignment.
(
“Wheel alignment” page GTR-10)
Contact a GT-R certified NISSAN dealer to
adjust the wheel alignment to the recom-
mended setting for high performance driv-
ing. Preventing toe-out:
Toe-out can cause uneven tire wear or
damage to areas inside the tires due to
high heat. Be sure to have the wheel
alignment toe-in setting checked and ad-
justed by your GT-R certified NISSAN
dealer before any performance driving on
closed circuit tracks. Obey all traffic laws
when on public roads.
Toe-in specification
Front 0.059 in (1.5 mm)
Rear 
0.079 in (2.0 mm)
Wheels and tires
The information and specifications in this
section apply only when engaging in
performance driving.
. Check tire wear and cracking.
. Inspect the tire side wall for damage.
. Check the tire pressure and adjust the
pressure as necessary when the tires are
cold. (
“Wheels and tires” page 8-31)

Suspension and wheel alignment
.Check the steering and suspension system
and other links for loose and/or damaged
parts.
. Measure and adjust the wheel alignment.
Contact a GT-R certified NISSAN dealer to
adjust the wheel alignment to the recom-
mended setting for normal driving.
Wheels and tires
.Check tire wear and cracking.
. Inspect the tire side wall for damage.
. Check the tire pressure and adjust the
pressure as necessary when the tires are
cold. (
“Wheels and tires” page GTR-
16) If you do not drive under the conditions
listed in this section, see (
“Wheels and
tires” page 8-31)
. Check that the wheel nuts are not stripped.
Check if there is no deformation on the
contact surface of the wheel nuts.
. Make sure the wheel nuts are tight.
(
“Wheels and tires” page 8-31)
. Make sure the drive shaft nuts are tight.
. Check wheel hub run out and that the wheel
rotates smoothly without any friction. Check
these with the tires removed whenever an inspection is performed with the vehicle
jacked up.
. Make sure the tire has not slipped on the
wheel causing the assembly to be out of
balance. The reference marks on the tire and
wheel should be aligned. If the reference
marks are not aligned, the tire has slipped on
the wheel. Have the wheels/tires reba-
lanced. Make sure the old reference marks
are erased and new reference marks are
applied to the wheel and tire. When instal-
ling new tires on the wheels, make sure new
reference marks are applied to the wheels
and tires. (
“Wheels and tires” page
GTR-16)
. Make sure that the TPMS sensor installation
nuts and the sensor valve are tight and there
is no nitrogen leak.
Brakes
.Check for the heat deterioration of the
brakes and parts around the brakes.
. Check the condition of the brake pads and
disc rotors and replace them as necessary.
Engine and powertrain
.Check the engine, transmission, differential
and under the vehicle for oil and coolant leaks.
. Inspect the area surrounding the catalytic
converter for heat deterioration.
. Inspect and confirm the clearance between
the exhaust finisher and rear bumper is more
than 0.24 in (6 mm) (up/down) and more
than 0.20 in (5 mm) (left/right) .
. The clutch clearance and shift fork position
may need to be adjusted.
. Inspect the dust boot of the drive shaft
universal joint for cracks or damage.
. Check that there is no abnormal noise,
vibrations or warning lights illuminated when
making tight turns at slow speed (for tight
corner braking phenomenon) .
GT-R OverviewGTR-23

TRANSMISSION OPERATION CHARACTERISTICS
MechanismOperation characteristics
Base Manual transmission
.The GT-R transmission design is different from transmissions used in conventional passenger cars. The GT-R uses a transmission gear
design, light flywheel and a dry sump lubrication system to provide maximum vehicle performance. Because the GT-R Transmission design
is different, noises may be louder. When the transmission temperature is high, rattling, shaking and jarring noises may be heard.
.Clattering noises may be heard while shifting..Appropriate gaps are provided between gears to achieve smooth gear rotation and steady tooth surface lubrication under the high-load
driving condition. However, this causes a rattling noise.
.If the shift lever is moved from&Rto&A↔&Mposition, or&A↔&Mto&Rposition before the vehicle stops, you may not be able to shift gear
or it may take longer to shift gear. Make sure to depress the brake pedal and check that the vehicle has stopped before shifting.
Multiple disc wet clutch
.When stopping the vehicle with the shift lever in the&Ror&A↔&Mposition, be sure to firmly depress the brake pedal. The vehicle may
slowly move if the brake pedal is not depressed.
.Avoid depressing the brake and accelerator pedals at the same time. Depressing the brake and accelerator pedals at the same time could
cause the clutch to overheat and accelerate deterioration.
.When the vehicle is stopped on a hill, do not hold the vehicle in place by depressing the accelerator pedal. Doing so may cause the clutch
to overheat and result in transmission damage. Use the brakes to prevent the vehicle from moving.
Electronic oil pressure
control The following conditions are caused due to changes in fluid viscosity as a result of temperature changes.
.When the transmission oil is extremely cold or extremely hot, the transmission may feel like it is slipping during shifts or there may be hard
shifts. This is normal. Transmission shifting should return to normal when the transmission oil returns to normal operating temperatures.
.When the transmission oil temperature is extremely cold, the time required to run a system check may increase. During the system check,
the shift lever must stay in the&Pposition. Move the shift lever after turning off the system check display. Also, it is normal to hear clicking
noises during the transmission systems check.
Changing modes
.The higher shift speeds in the&Mposition may result in shift shock and jerkiness when starting or shifting..The quickest shifting in the R mode with the transmission in the&Mposition is available when the engine speed is high. However, the
transmission may shift more slowly when the engine speed is low.
Mechanical Limited Slip
Differential (LSD) If the vehicle accelerates from a stop with the steering wheel turned half a turn in cold temperatures, the inner wheel tire may slip and some
noise or vibration may be heard. This phenomenon occurs because the viscosity of the differential oil becomes thicker and the Limited Slip
Differential (LSD) operates with increasing load. When the steering wheel is returned to the straight ahead position or the differential oil warms
up, the noise and vibration decrease.
GT-R OverviewGTR-29

GTR-30GT-R Overview
MechanismOperation characteristics
Electronically-controlled
All-wheel drive (AWD) If the vehicle accelerates from a stop with the steering wheel turned half a turn in cold temperatures, it may be hard to move the vehicle when
the accelerator pedal is depressed. This phenomenon is unique to AWD vehicles and is caused by the speed difference between the front and
rear wheel. This is not a malfunction. Resolve the phenomenon by returning the steering wheel to the straight ahead position. You can also
alleviate the phenomenon by operating the transmission set up switch and using 2WD drive only when the steering wheel is turned significantly
at a low speeds. Normally, the vehicle will not switch to 2WD drive when the set up switch is operated. (
“Tight corner braking
phenomenon” page 5-42)
Ultralight flywheel
.An ultralight flywheel is provided to achieve rapid engine response to the accelerator pedal operation. The engine rotation fluctuations
become larger than conventional vehicles. Rattling, shaking or jarring noises may be heard when idling or driving at a low speed.
.Rattling noises may be heard when the engine is started or stopped.

1. Headlight and turn signal switch (P.2-49)
2. Paddle shifters (P.5-15)
3. Steering-wheel-mounted controls (left side)*
4. Meters and gauges (P.2-5)
5. Steering-wheel-mounted controls (right side)— MRK (Mark) switch*
— Cruise control (P.5-34) 6. Windshield wiper and washer switch (P.2-46)
7. VDC, transmission and suspension set up
switches (P.5-24)
8. Trunk lid release switch (P.3-20)
9. Hood release handle (P.3-18)
10. Intelligent Key port (P.5-11) 11. Horn (P.2-53)
12. Tilting/telescopic steering wheel lever (P.3-26)
13. Push-button ignition switch (P.5-9)
14. Parking brake (P.5-33, P.5-45)
15. Shift lever (P.5-15)
*: Refer to the separate Multi Function Display
Owner’s Manual.
Illustrated table of contents0-7
COCKPIT

0-10Illustrated table of contents
1. Fuse/fusible link holder (P.8-23)
2. Battery (P.8-17)
3. Engine oil filler cap (P.8-12)
4. Strut support bar (P.GTR-9)
5. Engine oil dipstick (P.8-12)
6. Brake fluid reservoir (P.8-15)7. Air cleaner (P.8-20)
8. Power steering fluid reservoir (P.8-14)
9. Radiator filler cap (P.8-10)
10. Coolant reservoir cap (pressure type) (P.8-10)
11. Coolant reservoir (P.8-10)
12. Window washer fluid reservoir (P.8-16) 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) Differential Oil R35 COMPE-
TITION type 2189E
Brake fluid Genuine NISSAN Brake Fluid
R35 Special II*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
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; however,
some performance loss may be noticed.
*2: Genuine NISSAN Brake Fluid R35 Special II 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 proper operation of the vehicle if
other brake fluid is used.
ENGINE COMPARTMENT

PRECAUTIONS ON SUPPLEMENTAL
RESTRAINT SYSTEM
This Supplemental Restraint System (SRS)
section contains important information concern-
ing the following systems:
.Driver and passenger supplemental front-
impact air bag (NISSAN Advanced Air Bag
System)
. Front seat-mounted side-impact supple-
mental air bag
. Roof-mounted curtain side-impact supple-
mental air bag
. Seat belt pretensioner
Supplemental front-impact air bag system:
The NISSAN Advanced Air Bag System can
help cushion the impact force to the head and
chest of the driver and front passenger in certain
frontal collisions.
Front seat-mounted side-impact supple-
mental air bag system: This system can help
cushion the impact force to the chest area of the
driver and front passenger in certain side impact
collisions. The side air bags are designed to
inflate on the side where the vehicle is impacted.
Roof-mounted curtain side-impact supple-
mental air bag system: This system can help
cushion the impact force to the head of occupants in the front seating positions in
certain side impact collisions. The curtain air
bags are designed to inflate on the side where
the vehicle is impacted.
These supplemental restraint systems are de-
signed to
supplement the crash protection
provided by the driver and passenger seat belts
and are not a substitute for them. Seat belts
should always be correctly worn and the
occupant seated a suitable distance away from
the steering wheel, instrument panel and door
finishers. (
“Seat belts” page 1-6)
The supplemental 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 supplemental air bag
warning light will turn off after about 7
seconds if the systems are operational.
Safety — Seats, seat belts and supplemental restraint system1-31
SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT
SYSTEM