traction control NISSAN GT-R 2013 R35 Owners Manual

2-30Instruments and controls
NOTICE
While the warning light is illuminated,
the engine output is controlled so that
it does not increase.
Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC)
warning light
The light will blink when the VDC system or the
traction control system is operating, thus alerting
the driver that the vehicle is nearing its traction
limits. The road surface may be slippery.
If the VDC warning light illuminates when the
VDC system is turned on, this light alerts the
driver to the fact that the VDC system’s fail-safe
mode is operating, for example the VDC or 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 Dynamic Control (VDC) system”
page 5-49)
INDICATOR LIGHTS
Cruise main switch indicator
light
The light comes on when the cruise control is
pushed. The light turns off when the main switch
is pushed again. While the cruise control system
main switch indicator light is on, the cruise
control system is operational.
Cruise set switch indicator
light
The light comes on while the vehicle speed is
controlled by the cruise control system. If the
light blinks while the engine is running, it may
indicate the cruise control system is not
functioning properly. Have the system checked
by a GT-R certified NISSAN dealer.
Exterior light indicator
This indicator illuminates when the headlight
switch is turned to the AUTO,orposition and the front parking lights, instrument
panel lights, rear combination lights, license
plate lights or headlights are on. The indicator
turns off when these lights are turned off.
Front passenger air bag status
light
The front passenger air bag status light ()
will be lit and the passenger front air bag will be
OFF depending on how the front passenger
seat is being used. (
“NISSAN Advanced
Air Bag System (front seats)” page 1-37)
High beam indicator light
This light comes on when the headlight high
beam is on and goes out when the low beam is
selected.
Malfunction Indicator Light
(MIL)
If the malfunction indicator light comes on
steady or blinks while the engine is running, it
may indicate a potential emission control mal-
function.
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 (12 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 Inspec-
tion/Maintenance (I/M) test (US only)” page 9-
20)
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 thelight 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.
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, transmis-
sion and suspension setup switches” page 5-
24)
This indicates that the vehicle dynamic control
system and traction control system are not
operating. (
“Vehicle Dynamic Control
(VDC) system” page 5-49)
AUDIBLE REMINDERS
Key reminder chime
A chime will sound if the driver side door is
opened while the ignition switch is pushed to
the ACC position or pushed to the OFF or
LOCK position with the Intelligent Key left in the
Intelligent Key port. Make sure the ignition
switch is pushed to the OFF position, and take
the Intelligent Key with you when leaving the
vehicle.
Light reminder chime
A chime will sound when the driver side door is
opened with the light switch in theorposition and the ignition switch in the ACC, OFF
or LOCK position.
Turn the light switch off when you leave the
vehicle.
Instruments and controls2-31

After performing the above, the vehicle switches
from the AWD mode to 2WD mode only if both
of the following conditions are met:
.Vehicle speed is less than approximately 6
MPH (10 km/h)
*AAND
. The steering wheel is turned more than 1/2
turn
*B.
If the above driving conditions are not met,
the vehicle will not switch to the 2WD
mode to temporarily reduce the braking
phenomenon even if the transmission
setup switch is operated.
To stop reducing the phenomenon, push the
transmission setup switch down for approxi- mately 4 seconds again. The driving mode will
switch to the normal AWD mode.
Reduction of the tight corner braking phenom-
enon will be cancelled when:
.
the R mode is selected with the transmission
setup switch
. the SAVE mode is selected with the
transmission setup switch and the OFF
mode is selected with the VDC setup switch
. the ignition switch is pushed to the "OFF"
position
. the R mode start function is used
WARNING
Do not reduce the tight corner braking
phenomenon when driving on a road
surface that is slippery or covered in
snow, because the driving mode will
switch to 2WD. This may cause tire
slipping and may cause a loss of control
and result in a collision, personal injury
or death.
TIRES
This vehicle is equipped with special tires. When
changing the tires, install the designated special
tires. Replacing tires as a set of four with new
ones is recommended. However, if a tire is
punctured or damaged, it may be possible to
replace only the damaged tire. Determining
whether one tire or a complete set of tires
should be replaced is based on a number of
factors including tire wear and condition. Con-
tact your GT-R certified NISSAN dealer. They
can recommend if an individual tire or a
complete set should be replaced.
NOTICE
If tires other than the designated tires,
tires with large differences in wear or
tires of different sizes are installed, the
AWD performance will be degraded and
the drive mechanism may be damaged.
AWD SYSTEM CHARACTERISTICS
The AWD system automatically distributes the
optimal torque to the front and rear wheels. This
provides both the superior turning performance
of a rear wheel drive vehicle and the traction of a
AWD vehicle.
Starting and driving5-43

The Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) system
uses various sensors to monitor driver inputs
and vehicle motion. Under certain driving con-
ditions, the VDC system helps to perform the
following functions.
.Controls brake pressure to reduce wheel
slip on one slipping drive wheel so power is
transferred to a non slipping drive wheel on
the same axle.
. Controls brake pressure and engine output
to reduce drive wheel slip based on vehicle
speed (traction control function) .
. Controls brake pressure at individual wheels
and engine output to help the driver maintain
control of the vehicle in the following
conditions:
— understeer (vehicle tends to not follow
the steered path despite increased
steering input)
— oversteer (vehicle tends to spin due to certain road or driving conditions) .
The VDC system can help the driver to maintain
control of the vehicle, but it cannot prevent loss
of vehicle control in all driving situations.
When the VDC system operates, the VDC
warning light
in the instrument panel flashes
so note the following: .
The road may be slippery or the system may
determine some action is required to help
keep the vehicle on the steered path.
. You may feel a pulsation in the brake pedal
and hear a noise or vibration from under the
hood. This is normal and indicates that the
VDC system is working properly.
. Adjust your speed and driving to the road
conditions.
. The VDC mode can be changed using the
VDC setup switch. (
“VDC, transmis-
sion and suspension setup switches” page
5-24)
(
“Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) warning
light” page 2-30,“Vehicle Dynamic Con-
trol (VDC) off indicator light” page 2-31)
If a malfunction occurs in the system, the VDC
warning light
illuminates in the instrument
panel. The VDC system automatically turns off.
The VDC setup switch is used to turn off the
VDC system. The VDC off indicator
illuminates to indicate the VDC system is off.
When the VDC setup switch is used to turn off
the system, the VDC system still operates to
prevent one drive wheel from slipping by
transferring power to a non slipping drive wheel.
The VDC warning light
flashes if this
occurs. All other VDC functions are off and the VDC warning light
will not flash. The VDC
system is automatically reset to on when the
ignition switch is placed in the off position then
back to the on position.
(
“Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) warning
light” page 2-30,“Vehicle Dynamic Con-
trol (VDC) off indicator light” page 2-31)
The computer has a built-in diagnostic feature
that tests the system each time you start the
engine and move the vehicle forward or in
reverse at a slow speed. When the self-test
occurs, you may hear a “clunk” noise and/or feel
a pulsation in the brake pedal. This is normal and
is not an indication of a malfunction.
WARNING
. The VDC system is designed to help
the driver maintain stability but
does not prevent accidents due to
abrupt steering operation at high
speeds or by careless or dangerous
driving techniques. Reduce vehicle
speed and be especially careful
when driving and cornering on slip-
pery surfaces and always drive care-
fully.
. Do not modify the vehicle’s suspen-
sion. If suspension parts such as
Starting and driving5-49
VEHICLE DYNAMIC CONTROL (VDC)
SYSTEM

See your 2013 Warranty Information Booklet for
important related information and warranty
coverage exclusions. See also section 2 (page
2-29) and section 5 (page 5-49) of this Owner’s
Manual, “Transmission Clutch Temperature
High” and “Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC)
System” for important additional related informa-
tion.
.Except for the emergency cases above,
any issues related to driving stability
(e.g., steering maneuvers and maneu-
vers during acceleration and decelera-
tion) and any damages to drivetrain
components (e.g., transfer, clutch, a
sort of gear, transaxle case) will not
be covered by warranty if there is a
record in the Vehicle Status Data
Recorder (VSDR) that the vehicle was
driven with VDC off.
. When attempting to free the vehicle
from mud or fresh snow, the VDC will
detect the tire slipping, and the engine
speed may not increase even when the
accelerator pedal is depressed. To raise
the engine speed, use the VDC set up
switch to turn the VDC system OFF and
select SAVE mode with the transmis-
sion switch. (
“VDC, transmission
and suspension setup switches” page 5-24)
. When the VDC system is turned OFF,
all VDC functions (including traction
control) , except for the ABS functions,
are deactivated.
FREEING A FROZEN DOOR LOCK
To 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-FREEZE
In 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 8-10)
BATTERY
If 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-
17)
DRAINING OF COOLANT WATER
If 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.
Starting and driving5-51
COLD WEATHER DRIVING

5-52Starting and driving
TIRE EQUIPMENT
The 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 328F(08C) 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 328F(0 8C) .
WARNING
Never use summer tires when the
temperature is below −48F(−208C) 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 8-39)
If you install tires, they must also be the specified
size, brand, construction and tread pattern on all
four wheels.
SPECIAL WINTER EQUIPMENT
It 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 (328F, 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) .
These may appear on an otherwise
clear road in shaded areas. If a
patch of ice is seen ahead, brake
before reaching it. Try not to brake
while on the ice, and avoid any
sudden steering maneuvers.
. Do not use the cruise control on
slippery roads.
. Snow can trap dangerous exhaust
gases under your vehicle. Keep
snow clear of the exhaust pipe and
from around your vehicle.
NOTE:
When driving on snow, select the SAVE
mode with the setup switch. By selecting
the SAVE mode, the engine output is
controlled appropriately for snow or slip-
pery road surfaces. This enables the vehi-
cle to start or accelerate smoothly.

9 Technical and consumer information
Capacities and recommended fuel/lubricants .................. 9-2Fuel recommendation ........................................................ 9-4
Engine oil and oil filter recommendation ...................... 9-6
Air conditioning system refrigerant and
lubricant recommendations .............................................. 9-7
Specifications ........................................................................\
.... 9-8
Engine ........................................................................\
........... 9-8
Wheels and tires ................................................................ 9-9
Dimensions ....................................................................... 9-11
When traveling or registering your vehicle in
another country ...................................................................... 9-11 Vehicle identification ............................................................. 9-11 Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) plate ................. 9-11
Vehicle identification number (chassis number) ..... 9-12
Engine serial number ...................................................... 9-12
F.M.V.S.S./C.M.V.S.S. certification label ................... 9-12
Emission control information label .............................. 9-13
Tire and loading information label ............................... 9-13
Air conditioner specification label ............................... 9-13 Installing front license plate ............................................... 9-14
Vehicle loading information ................................................ 9-14
Terms ........................................................................\
........ 9-14
Vehicle load capacity ................................................... 9-15
Loading tips .................................................................... 9-16
Measurement of weights ............................................. 9-16
Towing a trailer ...................................................................... 9-17
Flat towing ........................................................................\
...... 9-17
Uniform tire quality grading ................................................ 9-18 Treadwear ....................................................................... 9-18
Traction AA, A, B and C ............................................. 9-18
Temperature A, B and C ............................................. 9-18
Emission control system warranty .................................... 9-19
Reporting safety defects .................................................... 9-19
Readiness for Inspection/Maintenance (I/M) test
(US only) ........................................................................\
........ 9-20
Event Data Recorders (EDR) ............................................ 9-21
Vehicle status data recorder (VSDR) ............................. 9-21 Handling of data ............................................................ 9-21
Owner’s Manual/Service Manual order information .... 9-22

9-18Technical and consumer information
DOT (Department Of Transportation) Quality
Grades: All passenger car tires must conform to
federal safety requirements in addition to these
grades.
Quality grades can be found where applicable
on the tire sidewall between tread shoulder and
maximum section width. For example:
Treadwear 200 Traction AA Temperature A
TREADWEAR
The treadwear grade is a comparative rating
based on the wear rate of the tire when tested
under controlled conditions on a specified
government test course. For example, a tire
graded 150 would wear one and one-half (1
1/2) times as well on the government course as
a tire graded 100. The relative performance of
tires depends upon actual conditions of their
use, however, and may depart significantly from
the norm due to variations in driving habits,
service practices and differences in road char-
acteristics and climate.
TRACTION AA, A, B AND C
The traction grades, from highest to lowest, are
AA, A, B and C. Those grades represent the
tire’s ability to stop on wet pavement as
measured under controlled conditions on spe-
cified government test surfaces of asphalt and
concrete. A tire marked C may have poor
traction performance.
WARNING
The traction grade assigned to this tire
is based on straight-ahead braking
traction tests, and does not include
acceleration, cornering, hydroplaning,
or peak traction characteristics.
TEMPERATURE A, B AND C
The temperature grades A (the highest), B, and
C, representing the tire’s resistance to the
generation of heat and its ability to dissipate
heat when tested under controlled conditions on
a specified indoor laboratory test wheel. Sus-
tained high temperature can cause the material
of the tire to degenerate and reduce tire life, and
excessive temperature can lead to sudden tire
failure. The grade C corresponds to a level of
performance which all passenger car tires mustmeet under the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety
Standard No. 109. Grades B and A represent
higher levels of performance on the laboratory
test wheel than the minimum required by law.
WARNING
The temperature grade for this tire is
established for a tire that is properly
inflated and not overloaded. Excessive
speed, under-inflation, or excessive
loading, either separately or in combi-
nation, can cause heat build-up and
possible tire failure.
UNIFORM TIRE QUALITY GRADING

T
Tachometer ..................................................................... 2-7
Temperature A, B and C........................................... 9-18
Terms.............................................................................. 9-14
Three-point type seat belt with retractor ................ 1-8
Three-way catalyst........................................................ 5-3
Tight corner braking phenomenon.......................... 5-42
Tilt/telescopic steering column................................ 3-26
TireChanging wheels and tires................................ 8-39
Checking the tire pressure................................ 8-34
Flat tire....................................................................... 6-2
Front/rear tire size discrepancy warning........ 2-37
Low tire pressure warning ................................. 2-38
Run-flat tire warning............................................ 2-38
Run-flat tires............................................................. 6-3
Tire and loading information label......... 8-33, 9-13
Tire chains.............................................................. 8-39
Tire dressing............................................................. 7-4
Tire equipment...................................................... 5-52
Tire labeling ........................................................... 8-35
Tire pressure ......................................................... 8-31
Tire Pressure Monitoring System............... 5-4, 6-2
Tire Pressure Monitoring System warning..... 2-38
Tires......................................................................... 5-43
Types of tires......................................................... 8-37
Uniform tire quality grading ............................... 9-18
Wheels and tires......................................... 8-31, 9-9
Tires and road wheels ........................................... GTR-4
To protect your vehicle from corrosion.................... 7-8 Towing
Flat towing ............................................................. 9-17
Towing a trailer ..................................................... 9-17
Towing recommended by NISSAN .................... 6-9
Towing your vehicle................................................ 6-8
Traction AA, A, B and C........................................... 9-18
Transmission
Dual clutch transmission .................................... 5-15
Transmission clutch high
temperature warning............................................ 2-35
Transmission oil ..................................... GTR-4, 8-14
Transmission oil high temperature warning.... 2-34
Transmission position indicator ........................... 2-8
Transmission system check display................. 2-13
Transmission system warning ........................... 2-34
VDC, transmission and suspension
setup switches...................................................... 5-24
Transmission operation characteristics............ GTR-29
Transmission settings............................................. GTR-9
Treadwear...................................................................... 9-18
Troubleshooting guide ............................................... 3-17
Trunk............................................................................... 3-20
Trunk lid release switch............................................. 3-20
Trunk open request switch ....................................... 3-20
Trunk release power cancel switch........................ 3-21
Turbocharger system.................................................. 5-31
Turning off the heaters............................................... 2-53
Turning on the heaters............................................... 2-53
Types of tires................................................................ 8-37
U
Underbody....................................................................... 7-3
Uneven wear of tires ............................................ GTR-25
Uniform tire quality grading ...................................... 9-18
Upshift indicator ............................................................ 2-9
Using the washer ........................................................ 2-48
Using the wipers ......................................................... 2-47
V
Vanity mirror.................................................................. 3-29
Vanity mirror lights ...................................................... 2-63
VDC, transmission and suspension
setup switches............................................................. 5-24
Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) OFF mode .... GTR-10
Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) warning light .... 2-30
Vehicle Dynamic Control system ............................ 5-49
Vehicle Dynamic Control system warning ............ 2-36
Vehicle identification................................................... 9-11 Vehicle identification number ............................ 9-12
Vehicle Identification Number plate................. 9-11
Vehicle information display........................................ 2-11
Vehicle load capacity.................................................. 9-15
Vehicle loading information....................................... 9-14
Vehicle recovery........................................................... 6-10
Vehicle security system ............................................. 2-44
Vehicle speed............................................................... 2-15
Vehicle status data recorder .................................... 9-21
10-7