GT-R Factory Launch Control
- Brandyn Mowat
- Paul Blamire
GT-R ProECU Tuning Guide: Factory Launch Control
Table of Contents
This guide covers the factory launch control. For information on the RaceROM Launch Control refer to GT-R RaceROM Launch Control, Rolling Launch and BOTL
Launch Control Method of Operation
When the Engine and Gearbox oils are up to temperature, the vehicle is stationary and the correct settings are applied to the 4WD and VDC switches along with Manual Gear Selection (not in Auto) then the factory Launch Control can be used (assuming the factory TCM ROM has it enabled by Nissan, see NOTE below!).
With your left foot on the brake and quickly pressing the Accel pedal to the floor, the engine RPM will rise very quickly to around 3300rpm or 4500rpm (depending on the exact LC version installed), this RPM will be held for around 5 seconds until the ECU will force release of the LC mode to prevent strain and heat on the clutches and gearbox.
If the 4WD switch is simply moved out of RACE mode and the test repeated then LC mode will not enable and the difference is clearly felt.
LC2 and some LC3 ROMs have the factory LC mode disabled in the TCM ROM, this can be enabled using ProECU.
Launch Control Versions Defined
LC1 (early “JF” series TCM ROMs)
- Early 2008-2009 GTR models have a built in Factory Launch Control system called LC1 which is an aggressive Launch Control Mode that put considerable strain on the drivetrain.
- Launch RPM is factory set at 4500rpm and is found in the Engine ECU ROM in the 1D Launch Control RPM map:
- LC1 Launch Control mode will only activate when:
- Oil temp is over 65 Deg C
- Transmission set in Race Mode (Red Light ON)
- VDC is OFF so traction control does not operate (Yellow Light ON)
- Gear Level selection is in MANUAL and 1st Gear is selected
LC2 ("JF" Series TCM Roms)
On later JF cars Nissan simply disabled the launch control in the TCM ROM, this was sometimes applied during servicing at Nissan dealerships and it’s claimed that the launch control functionality was removed to maintain manufactures warranty.
You can see below the LC2 TCM ROM called JF09DBA has the factory Launch Control disabled by Nissan, to re-enable simply check the box, save the ROM and program into the TCM ECU. This will enable the LC1 Launch Control code again in the LC2 ROM 
LC1 and LC2 can only be used with VDC OFF and in Manual – R mode and conditions must be met as described above.
LC3 ("JW" Series TCM Roms)
2010-2011 Gen 1 GTR models have a revised Factory Launch Control system which is enabled on all JW models. LC3 is a less aggressive Launch Control strategy that is easier on the transmission and drivetrain. LC3 works with VDC ON (Traction Control working).
- Launch RPM is factory set at 3300rpm and is found in the Engine ECM ROM in the 1D Launch Control RPM map.
- Launch Control mode will only activate when:
- Oil temp is over 65 Deg C
- VDC is ON so traction control is working (RED Light ON)
- Gear Level selection is in MANUAL and 1st Gear is selected
- As seen below LC3 can be enabled in Manual with or without the Transmission in R mode (Race)
If you wish to allow LC to work in other conditions (like Auto or without VDC etc) then simply enable the condition in the TCM ROM (though the associated risks must be accepted).
LC should be enabled in BOTH Mode A and Mode B if used with any Gen 1 GTR models.
LC4 and LC5 ("KB", “KJ”, “38”, “62”, “80” and “89” series TCM ROMs)
2011 Gen 2 GTR models have more refined gearbox control code, along with more advanced Launch Control strategy with improved clutch control, faster gear selection and much smoother gear changes compared to earlier TCM code versions.
- LC4-5 Launch RPM is factory set at 4100rpm and is found in the Engine ECM ROM in the 1D Launch Control RPM map.
- LC4-5 Launch Control mode will only activate when:
- Oil temp is over 65 Deg C
- VDC is ON so traction control is working (RED Light ON)
- Gear Level selection is in MANUAL and 1st Gear is selected
- LC4 can be enabled in Manual with or without the Transmission in R mode (Race).
If you wish to allow LC to work in other conditions (like Auto or without VDC etc) then simply enable the condition in the TCM ROM (though the associated risks must be accepted).
: LC should be enabled in BOTH Mode A and Mode B if used with any Gen 1 GTR models.
Map List
JF Series TCM (LC1)
| Mode | VDC On | VDC Off |
|---|---|---|
| Auto | No | No |
| Auto-R | No | No |
| Manual | No | No |
| Manu-R | No | Yes |
JW Series TCM (LC3)
| Mode | VDC On | VDC Off |
|---|---|---|
| Auto | No | No |
| Auto-R | No | No |
| Manual | Yes | No |
| Manu-R | Yes | No |
KB, KJ, 38 Series TCM (LC4 - 5)
| Mode | VDC On | VDC Off |
|---|---|---|
| Auto | No | No |
| Auto-R | Yes | No |
| Manual | No | No |
| Manu-R | Yes | No |
EcuTek ProECU Nissan GTR TCM software allows the tuner to modify the LC setting conditions so that launch control can be activated without R-mode, or with VDC off or however you want.
Launch Control Enable
Overall enable for the launch control strategy enabled when box is checked, enabled by default on later ROMs.
Launch Control Enable (Modes)
Individual enable for launch control. A checkbox exists for each possible combination of gearbox mode and VDC mode. When using the later LC4-5 ROMs in earlier TCMs make sure to enable both A and B for each mode you want to use LC.
By default launch is only enabled when VDC is enabled. For drag cars, especially those running custom TC, it’s recommended to enable the LC for VDC off.
Launch Control Limit
Once the limit is reached the car will need to be drive for approximately 1.5 miles before the TCM will allow another launch. Set to one more than the number of launches required. Essential for all out drag cars or for launch testing.
Launch Control Clutch B Temperature 1
Maximum clutch B temperature allow at launch. LC will not activate if the temperature already exceeds this value.
Launch Control Clutch B Temperature 2
Maximum clutch B temperature allow at launch. LC will not activate if the temperature already exceeds this value.
LC Engine Temp Min
Minimum engine (coolant) temperature required to enable launch control. Launch control will not be enabled/armed if the actual temperature is below this threshold.
LC Fluid Temp Max
Maximum transmission fluid temperature to enable launch control. Launch control will not be enabled/armed if the actual fluid temperature is above this threshold
LC Fluid Temp Min
Minimum transmission fluid temperature required to enable launch control. Launch control will not be enabled/armed if the actual temperature is below this threshold
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