2012 NISSAN LEAF coolant

5 Starting and driving
Precautions when starting and driving ............................... 5-2Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) ................... 5-2
Avoiding collision and rollover ........................................ 5-5
Off-road recovery ............................................................... 5-5
Rapid air pressure loss ..................................................... 5-5
Drinking alcohol/drugs and driving ................................ 5-6
Push-button power switch .................................................... 5-7 Intelligent Key system ....................................................... 5-7
Operating range for EV (Electric Vehicle)
start function ........................................................................ 5-8
Power switch operation .................................................... 5-8
Power switch positions ..................................................... 5-9
Emergency EV (Electric Vehicle) shut off .................... 5-9
Intelligent Key battery discharge ................................. 5-10
Before starting the EV (Electric Vehicle) system .......... 5-10
Starting the EV (Electric Vehicle) system ....................... 5-11
Driving vehicle ........................................................................ 5-11 Electric shift control system ......................................... 5-11
Electric parking brake .......................................................... 5-15 Cruise control ........................................................................ 5-17
Precautions on cruise control .................................... 5-17Cruise control operation ............................................. 5-17
Increasing power economy ................................................ 5-19 Parking/parking on hills ....................................................... 5-20
Electric power steering system ........................................ 5-21
Brake system ......................................................................... 5-21 Braking precautions ..................................................... 5-21
Electric parking brake break-in .................................. 5-23
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) .............................. 5-23
Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) system ........................ 5-24
Cold weather driving ........................................................... 5-26 Freeing a frozen door lock .......................................... 5-26
Antifreeze ........................................................................ 5-26
12-volt battery ................................................................ 5-26
Draining of coolant water ............................................ 5-26
Tire equipment ............................................................... 5-27
Special winter equipment ........................................... 5-27
Driving on snow or ice ................................................ 5-27
Freeing a frozen charge port lid ................................ 5-27

10 Index
A
ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) ............................ 5-23
Advanced air bag system ......................................... 1-42
Air bag systemAdvanced air bag system .................................. 1-42
Front passenger air bag and status light....... 1-44
Front-seat mounted side-impact supplemental
air bag system....................................................... 1-47
Roof-mounted curtain side-impact
supplemental air bag system ............................ 1-47
Air bag warning labels............................................... 1-50
Air bag warning light...................................... 1-50, 2-18
Air conditioner Air conditioner specification label....................... 9-8
Air conditioning system refrigerant and
lubricant recommendations................................... 9-3
Alarm, How to stop alarm (see vehicle
security system)........................................................... 2-36
Alcohol, drugs and driving.......................................... 5-6
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) ............................ 5-23
Anti-lock braking system (ABS) warning light..... 2-14
Appearance care Exterior appearance care ...................................... 7-2
Interior appearance care ....................................... 7-4
Audible reminders....................................................... 2-21
Autolight system.......................................................... 2-42
Automatic Door locks................................................................. 3-5
Automatic climate control ........................................... 4-6
Avoiding collision and rollover ................................... 5-5
B
Battery 12-volt battery....................................................... 8-11
Battery saver system........................................... 2-43
Intelligent Key battery.......................................... 8-18
Li-ion battery.......................................................... EV-2
Li-ion battery temperature gauge........................ 2-7
Before starting system............................................... 5-10
Booster seats............................................................... 1-33
Brake Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) ..................... 5-23
Brake fluid................................................................. 8-9
Brake system......................................................... 5-21
BRAKE system warning light (yellow) ............ 2-14
BRAKE warning light (red) ................................ 2-15
Brakes..................................................................... 8-15
Electric parking brake operation ...................... 5-15
BRAKE system warning light (yellow) ................... 2-14
BRAKE warning light (red) ....................................... 2-15
Bulb replacement........................................................ 8-20
C
Cabin air filter............................................................... 4-13
Capacities and recommended lubricants ............... 9-2
Cargo cover.................................................................. 2-51
Ceiling light................................................................... 2-57
Charging Charge port lid...................................................... 3-17
Charging related indicator light.................... CH-26
Charging timer .................................................. CH-19
Cleaning .................................................................... 7-6
Normal charge ..................................................... CH-9
Precautions on charging ................................... CH-2 Quick charge..................................................... CH-16
Specifications........................................................... 9-4
Tricklle charge................................................... CH-11
Charging methods .................................................. CH-19
Charging related indicator light........................... CH-26
Charging related remote function....................... CH-25
Charging status indicator light ............................ CH-26
Charging timer ......................................................... CH-19
Charging troubleshooting guide.......................... CH-30
Checking Checking bulbs..................................................... 2-13
Checking coolant level .......................................... 8-8
Child restraints............................................................. 1-19 Booster seats........................................................ 1-33
Precautions on child restraints......................... 1-19
Top tether strap.................................................... 1-22
Child safety................................................................... 1-17
Child safety rear door lock ......................................... 3-6
Circuit breaker, Fusible link...................................... 8-17
Cleaning exterior and interior............................ 7-2, 7-4
Climate control Climate control service....................................... 4-14
Climate control system refrigerant and
lubricant recommendations................................ 4-14
In-cabin microfilter ............................................... 4-13
Climate control system Climate control operation...................................... 4-3
Climate Ctrl. Timer........................................................ 4-7
Clock.............................................................................. 2-11
Cockpit ............................................................................ 2-3
Cold weather driving.................................................. 5-26
Console box ................................................................. 2-51
Coolant Capacities and recommended lubricants ......... 9-2
Changing coolant.................................................... 8-8

Checking coolant level .......................................... 8-8
Cooling system.............................................................. 8-7
Corrosion protection .................................................... 7-7
Cruise control............................................................... 5-17
Cup holders.................................................................. 2-49
D
Defroster switch, Rear window and outside mirror
defroster switch........................................................... 2-40
Dimensions and weights............................................. 9-5
Dot matrix liquid crystal display............................... 2-22
Driving Cold weather driving........................................... 5-26
Driving vehicle....................................................... 5-11
Precautions when starting and driving .............. 5-2
Driving range.................................................................. 2-8
Driving vehicle.............................................................. 5-11
E
ECO indicator.............................................................. 2-10
Efficient use of your vehicle ................................. EV-22
Electric parking brake break-in................................ 5-23
Electric parking brake indicator light...................... 2-19
Electric power steering system ............................... 5-21
Emergency charge.................................................. CH-11
Emergency EV (Electric Vehicle) shut off...... 5-9, 6-2
Emergency shutoff system........................................ EV-9
Emission control information label............................ 9-7
EV Characteristics ..................................................... EV-9
EV system ..................................................................... EV-2
EV unique information............................................. EV-24
Event Data Recorder (EDR)..................................... 9-18
EVSE (Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment) ..... CH-11
EVSE (Electric Vehicle Supply
Equipment) cleaning..................................................... 7-6
F
F.M.V.S.S./C.M.V.S.S. certification label ................. 9-7
Flashers (See hazard warning flasher switch)..... 2-45
Flat tire............................................................................. 6-2
Flat towing .................................................................... 9-14
Floor mat cleaning ........................................................ 7-5
Fluid Brake fluid................................................................. 8-9
Capacities and recommended lubricants ......... 9-2
coolant ....................................................................... 8-7
Reduction gear fluid............................................... 8-9
Window washer fluid .......................................... 8-10
Fog light switch........................................................... 2-44
Front manual seat adjustment.................................... 1-3
Front passenger air bag and status light.............. 1-44
Front seat, Front seat adjustment............................. 1-3
Fuses.............................................................................. 8-16
Fusible links.................................................................. 8-17
G
Garage door open, HomeLink®Universal
Transceiver............................................................. 2-58
Gauge .............................................................................. 2-5 Driving range............................................................ 2-8
ECO indicator....................................................... 2-10
Li-ion battery available charge gauge................ 2-9
Li-ion battery capacity level gauge.................. 2-10
Li-ion battery temperature gauge........................ 2-7
Odometer.................................................................. 2-6
Power meter ............................................................. 2-7
Speedometer............................................................ 2-6
General maintenance ................................................... 8-2
Glove box...................................................................... 2-51
H
Hazard warning flasher switch................................. 2-45
Head restraints .............................................................. 1-4
Headlights Bulb replacement................................................. 8-21
Headlight Aiming Control ................................. 2-44
Headlight switch................................................... 2-41
Heated seats................................................................ 2-46
Heated steering wheel............................................... 2-45
High voltage precautions .......................................... EV-7
HomeLink
®universal transceiver............................. 2-58
Hood release................................................................ 3-16
Horn................................................................................ 2-46
How to normal charge.............................................. CH-9
How to quick charge.............................................. CH-16
How to trickle charge ............................................ CH-11
I
If the Li-ion battery becomes
completely discharged............................................... 6-12
Immediate charge.................................................... CH-24
Immobilizer system...................................................... 2-36
In-cabin microfilter ...................................................... 4-13
indicator Electric parking brake indicator light............... 2-19
Indicator lights.............................................................. 2-19
Indicators for operation.............................................. 2-23
Inside rearview mirror................................................. 3-20
Instrument brightness control .................................. 2-41
Instrument panel............................................................ 2-4
Intelligent Key system ......................................... 3-6, 5-7 Key operating range ............................................... 3-8
Key operation ........................................................ 3-10
Remote keyless operation.................................. 3-13

8 Maintenance and do-it-yourself
Maintenance requirement ....................................................... 8-2Scheduled maintenance ................................................... 8-2
General maintenance ........................................................ 8-2
Where to go for service ................................................... 8-2
General maintenance .............................................................. 8-2 Explanation of maintenance items ................................. 8-2
Maintenance precautions ....................................................... 8-4
Motor compartment check locations .................................. 8-6
Cooling system ......................................................................... 8-7 Checking coolant level ..................................................... 8-8
Changing coolant ............................................................... 8-8
Reduction gear fluid ................................................................ 8-9
Brake fluid .................................................................................. 8-9
Window washer fluid ........................................................... 8-10
12-volt battery ........................................................................ 8-11 Jump starting .................................................................... 8-12
Windshield wiper blades .................................................... 8-12 Cleaning ............................................................................ 8-12
Replacing .......................................................................... 8-12 Rear window wiper blade .................................................. 8-15
Brakes ..................................................................................... 8-15
Brake pad wear warning ............................................. 8-15
Fuses ....................................................................................... 8-16 Motor compartment ...................................................... 8-16
Passenger compartment ............................................. 8-17
Intelligent Key battery replacement .................................. 8-18
Lights ....................................................................................... 8-20 Headlights ....................................................................... 8-21Exterior and interior lights ........................................... 8-22
Wheels and tires .................................................................. 8-25 Tire pressure .................................................................. 8-25
Tire labeling .................................................................... 8-28
Types of tires .................................................................. 8-30
Tire chains ...................................................................... 8-31
Changing wheels and tires ......................................... 8-32
Emergency tire puncture repair kit ........................... 8-34

10 Index
A
ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) ............................ 5-23
Advanced air bag system ......................................... 1-42
Air bag systemAdvanced air bag system .................................. 1-42
Front passenger air bag and status light....... 1-44
Front-seat mounted side-impact supplemental
air bag system....................................................... 1-47
Roof-mounted curtain side-impact
supplemental air bag system ............................ 1-47
Air bag warning labels............................................... 1-50
Air bag warning light...................................... 1-50, 2-18
Air conditioner Air conditioner specification label....................... 9-8
Air conditioning system refrigerant and
lubricant recommendations................................... 9-3
Alarm, How to stop alarm (see vehicle
security system)........................................................... 2-36
Alcohol, drugs and driving.......................................... 5-6
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) ............................ 5-23
Anti-lock braking system (ABS) warning light..... 2-14
Appearance care Exterior appearance care ...................................... 7-2
Interior appearance care ....................................... 7-4
Audible reminders....................................................... 2-21
Autolight system.......................................................... 2-42
Automatic Door locks................................................................. 3-5
Automatic climate control ........................................... 4-6
Avoiding collision and rollover ................................... 5-5
B
Battery 12-volt battery....................................................... 8-11
Battery saver system........................................... 2-43
Intelligent Key battery.......................................... 8-18
Li-ion battery.......................................................... EV-2
Li-ion battery temperature gauge........................ 2-7
Before starting system............................................... 5-10
Booster seats............................................................... 1-33
Brake Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) ..................... 5-23
Brake fluid................................................................. 8-9
Brake system......................................................... 5-21
BRAKE system warning light (yellow) ............ 2-14
BRAKE warning light (red) ................................ 2-15
Brakes..................................................................... 8-15
Electric parking brake operation ...................... 5-15
BRAKE system warning light (yellow) ................... 2-14
BRAKE warning light (red) ....................................... 2-15
Bulb replacement........................................................ 8-20
C
Cabin air filter............................................................... 4-13
Capacities and recommended lubricants ............... 9-2
Cargo cover.................................................................. 2-51
Ceiling light................................................................... 2-57
Charging Charge port lid...................................................... 3-17
Charging related indicator light.................... CH-26
Charging timer .................................................. CH-19
Cleaning .................................................................... 7-6
Normal charge ..................................................... CH-9
Precautions on charging ................................... CH-2 Quick charge..................................................... CH-16
Specifications........................................................... 9-4
Tricklle charge................................................... CH-11
Charging methods .................................................. CH-19
Charging related indicator light........................... CH-26
Charging related remote function....................... CH-25
Charging status indicator light ............................ CH-26
Charging timer ......................................................... CH-19
Charging troubleshooting guide.......................... CH-30
Checking Checking bulbs..................................................... 2-13
Checking coolant level .......................................... 8-8
Child restraints............................................................. 1-19 Booster seats........................................................ 1-33
Precautions on child restraints......................... 1-19
Top tether strap.................................................... 1-22
Child safety................................................................... 1-17
Child safety rear door lock ......................................... 3-6
Circuit breaker, Fusible link...................................... 8-17
Cleaning exterior and interior............................ 7-2, 7-4
Climate control Climate control service....................................... 4-14
Climate control system refrigerant and
lubricant recommendations................................ 4-14
In-cabin microfilter ............................................... 4-13
Climate control system Climate control operation...................................... 4-3
Climate Ctrl. Timer........................................................ 4-7
Clock.............................................................................. 2-11
Cockpit ............................................................................ 2-3
Cold weather driving.................................................. 5-26
Console box ................................................................. 2-51
Coolant Capacities and recommended lubricants ......... 9-2
Changing coolant.................................................... 8-8

Checking coolant level .......................................... 8-8
Cooling system.............................................................. 8-7
Corrosion protection .................................................... 7-7
Cruise control............................................................... 5-17
Cup holders.................................................................. 2-49
D
Defroster switch, Rear window and outside mirror
defroster switch........................................................... 2-40
Dimensions and weights............................................. 9-5
Dot matrix liquid crystal display............................... 2-22
Driving Cold weather driving........................................... 5-26
Driving vehicle....................................................... 5-11
Precautions when starting and driving .............. 5-2
Driving range.................................................................. 2-8
Driving vehicle.............................................................. 5-11
E
ECO indicator.............................................................. 2-10
Efficient use of your vehicle ................................. EV-22
Electric parking brake break-in................................ 5-23
Electric parking brake indicator light...................... 2-19
Electric power steering system ............................... 5-21
Emergency charge.................................................. CH-11
Emergency EV (Electric Vehicle) shut off...... 5-9, 6-2
Emergency shutoff system........................................ EV-9
Emission control information label............................ 9-7
EV Characteristics ..................................................... EV-9
EV system ..................................................................... EV-2
EV unique information............................................. EV-24
Event Data Recorder (EDR)..................................... 9-18
EVSE (Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment) ..... CH-11
EVSE (Electric Vehicle Supply
Equipment) cleaning..................................................... 7-6
F
F.M.V.S.S./C.M.V.S.S. certification label ................. 9-7
Flashers (See hazard warning flasher switch)..... 2-45
Flat tire............................................................................. 6-2
Flat towing .................................................................... 9-14
Floor mat cleaning ........................................................ 7-5
Fluid Brake fluid................................................................. 8-9
Capacities and recommended lubricants ......... 9-2
coolant ....................................................................... 8-7
Reduction gear fluid............................................... 8-9
Window washer fluid .......................................... 8-10
Fog light switch........................................................... 2-44
Front manual seat adjustment.................................... 1-3
Front passenger air bag and status light.............. 1-44
Front seat, Front seat adjustment............................. 1-3
Fuses.............................................................................. 8-16
Fusible links.................................................................. 8-17
G
Garage door open, HomeLink®Universal
Transceiver............................................................. 2-58
Gauge .............................................................................. 2-5 Driving range............................................................ 2-8
ECO indicator....................................................... 2-10
Li-ion battery available charge gauge................ 2-9
Li-ion battery capacity level gauge.................. 2-10
Li-ion battery temperature gauge........................ 2-7
Odometer.................................................................. 2-6
Power meter ............................................................. 2-7
Speedometer............................................................ 2-6
General maintenance ................................................... 8-2
Glove box...................................................................... 2-51
H
Hazard warning flasher switch................................. 2-45
Head restraints .............................................................. 1-4
Headlights Bulb replacement................................................. 8-21
Headlight Aiming Control ................................. 2-44
Headlight switch................................................... 2-41
Heated seats................................................................ 2-46
Heated steering wheel............................................... 2-45
High voltage precautions .......................................... EV-7
HomeLink
®universal transceiver............................. 2-58
Hood release................................................................ 3-16
Horn................................................................................ 2-46
How to normal charge.............................................. CH-9
How to quick charge.............................................. CH-16
How to trickle charge ............................................ CH-11
I
If the Li-ion battery becomes
completely discharged............................................... 6-12
Immediate charge.................................................... CH-24
Immobilizer system...................................................... 2-36
In-cabin microfilter ...................................................... 4-13
indicator Electric parking brake indicator light............... 2-19
Indicator lights.............................................................. 2-19
Indicators for operation.............................................. 2-23
Inside rearview mirror................................................. 3-20
Instrument brightness control .................................. 2-41
Instrument panel............................................................ 2-4
Intelligent Key system ......................................... 3-6, 5-7 Key operating range ............................................... 3-8
Key operation ........................................................ 3-10
Remote keyless operation.................................. 3-13

webbing for cuts, fraying, wear or damage.
Steering wheel:Check for changes in the
steering conditions, such as excessive free play,
hard steering or strange noises.
Warning lights and chimes: Make sure that
all warning lights and chimes are operating
properly.
Windshield defroster: Check that the air
emits from the defroster outlets properly and in
sufficient quantity when operating the heater or
air conditioner.
Windshield wiper and washer*: Check that
the wipers and washers operate properly and
that the wipers do not streak.
Under hood and vehicle
The maintenance items listed here should be
checked periodically.
12-volt battery*: Check the fluid level in each
cell.
It should be between the MAX and MIN lines.
Vehicles operated in high temperatures or under
severe conditions require frequent checks of the
12-volt battery fluid level.
Brake fluid level*: Make sure that the brake
fluid level is between the MAX and MIN lines on
the reservoir. Coolant level*:
Check the coolant level when
the motor compartment is cold.
Fluid leaks: Check under the vehicle for water
or other fluid leaks after the vehicle has been
parked for a short period of time. Water dripping
from the air conditioner after use is normal. If you
notice any leaks, check for the cause and have it
corrected immediately.
Radiator and hoses: Check the front of the
radiator and clean off any dirt, insects, leaves,
etc., that may have accumulated. Make sure that
the hoses have no cracks, deformation, rot or
loose connections.
Underbody: The underbody is frequently ex-
posed to corrosive substances such as those
used on icy roads or to control dust. It is very
important to remove these substances, other-
wise rust will form on the floor pan and frame. At
the end of winter, the underbody should be
thoroughly flushed with plain water, being care-
ful to clean those areas where mud and dirt may
accumulate. For additional information, see
“Cleaning exterior” in the “7. Appearance and
care” section.
Windshield washer fluid*: Check that there is
an adequate amount of fluid in the reservoir.

CHECKING COOLANT LEVEL
Check the coolant levelin the reservoir when
the high voltage parts are cold. If the coolant
level is below the MIN level
*2, open the
reservoir cap and add coolant up to the MAX
level
*1. If the reservoir is empty, check the
coolant level in the coolant tank when the high
voltage parts are cold. If there is insufficient
coolant in the coolant tank, fill the coolant tank
with coolant up to the reservoir cap opening and
also add it to the reservoir up to the MAX level
*1.
Tighten the cap securely after adding coolant. If the cooling system frequently requires
coolant, have it checked by a NISSAN
certified LEAF dealer.
CHANGING COOLANT
Major cooling system repairs should be per-
formed by a NISSAN certified LEAF dealer. The
service procedures can be found in the appro-
priate NISSAN Service Manual.
Improper servicing can result in reduced
heater performance.