2012 NISSAN LEAF battery

Parking brake mechanically release ....................... 6-16
PowerElectric power steering system ........................ 5-21
Power door lock...................................................... 3-4
Power windows .................................................... 2-53
Power economy........................................................... 5-19
Power meter ................................................................... 2-7
Power outlet ................................................................. 2-48
Power switch......................................................... 5-7, 5-8
Precautions Braking precautions............................................. 5-21
Charging................................................................ CH-2
Child restraints...................................................... 1-19
Cruise control........................................................ 5-17
High voltage precautions ................................... EV-7
Maintenance ............................................................. 8-4
Road accident precautions................................ EV-8
Seat belt usage .................................................... 1-10
Supplemental restraint system.......................... 1-36
When starting and driving .................................... 5-2
Push starting ................................................................ 6-12
Q
Quick charge............................................................ CH-16
R
Rapid air pressure loss................................................ 5-5
Rear center seat belt ................................................. 1-16
Rear door lock, Child safety rear door lock........... 3-6
Rear hatch..................................................................... 3-17
Rear seats....................................................................... 1-4
Rear window and outside mirror
defroster switch........................................................... 2-40
Rear window wiper and washer switch ............... 2-39
Reduction gear fluid..................................................... 8-9 Remote charge ........................................................ CH-25
Remote climate control.............................................. 4-11
Remote keyless entry function, For Intelligent
Key system.................................................................... 3-13
Repairing flat tire........................................................... 6-3
Repairing tire.................................................................. 6-5
Reporting safety defects........................................... 9-15
Road accident precautions....................................... EV-8
Roadside assistance program ................................... 6-2
Rollover............................................................................ 5-5
S
Safety Child seat belts .................................................... 1-17
Reporting safety defects.................................... 9-15
Scene guide At home after driving......................................... EV-21
Before driving your vehicle .............................. EV-13
Charging the Li-ion battery.............................. EV-10
Driving the vehicle.............................................. EV-17
Parking the vehicle............................................. EV-20
Starting your vehicle.......................................... EV-16
Seat adjustment Front manual seat adjustment.............................. 1-3
Front seats................................................................ 1-3
Seat belt(s) Child safety............................................................ 1-17
Infants...................................................................... 1-17
Injured persons..................................................... 1-12
Larger children...................................................... 1-18
Precautions on seat belt usage........................ 1-10
Pregnant women .................................................. 1-12
Rear center seat belt .......................................... 1-16
Seat belt cleaning................................................... 7-6
Seat belt extenders.............................................. 1-16
Seat belt hooks .................................................... 1-15 Seat belt maintenance........................................ 1-16
Seat belt warning light........................................ 2-18
Seat belts............................................................... 1-10
Seat belts with pretensioners........................... 1-49
Shoulder belt height adjustment...................... 1-15
Small children........................................................ 1-18
Three-point type................................................... 1-12
Seat(s) , Seats................................................................ 1-2 Heated seats......................................................... 2-46
Security system (NISSAN Vehicle Immobilizer
System) , EV system start.......................................... 2-36
Servicing climate control........................................... 4-14
Shifting Electric shift control system .............................. 5-11
Shoulder belt height adjustment, For
front seats..................................................................... 1-15
Soft bottle holders...................................................... 2-50
Solar cell module .......................................................... 7-3
Speedometer.................................................................. 2-6
Starting .......................................................................... 5-11 Before starting system........................................ 5-10
Jump starting............................................................ 6-9
Precautions when starting and driving .............. 5-2
Push starting ......................................................... 6-12
Status light, Front passenger air bag .................... 1-44
Steering Electric power steering system ........................ 5-21
Heated steering wheel........................................ 2-45
Tilting steering column........................................ 3-19
Stopping the vehicle .................................................... 6-4
Storage .......................................................................... 2-49
Stowing golf bags....................................................... 2-53
Sun visors ..................................................................... 3-20
Supplemental air bag warning labels..................... 1-50
Supplemental air bag warning light............ 1-50, 2-18
Supplemental restraint system................................. 1-36

Precautions on supplemental
restraint system..................................................... 1-36
Switch Autolight switch.................................................... 2-42
Fog light switch.................................................... 2-44
Hazard warning flasher switch.......................... 2-45
Headlight Aiming Control ................................. 2-44
Headlight switch................................................... 2-41
Power door lock switch......................................... 3-5
Rear window and outside mirror
defroster switch.................................................... 2-40
Turn signal switch ................................................ 2-44
Vehicle dynamic control (VDC) off switch..... 2-48
T
Telematics overview.................................................... 9-16
Temperature Li-ion battery temperature gauge........................ 2-7
Theft (NISSAN Vehicle Immobilizer System) ,
traction motor start ..................................................... 2-36
Tilt steering column .................................................... 3-19
Tire Low tire pressure warning light........................ 2-16
Tires Flat tire....................................................................... 6-2
Low tire pressure warning system...................... 5-2
Tire and Loading information label ......... 8-27, 9-8
Tire chains.............................................................. 8-31
Tire dressing............................................................. 7-4
Tire pressure ......................................................... 8-28
Tire pressure monitoring
system (TPMS) ............................................... 5-2, 6-2
Tire rotation............................................................ 8-32
Types of tires......................................................... 8-30
Uniform tire quality grading ............................... 9-14
Wheel/tire size......................................................... 9-5 Wheels and tires.................................................. 8-25
Tools............................................................................... 6-13
To p Tether strap child restraints............................... 1-22
Towing Flat towing ............................................................. 9-14
Tow truck towing.................................................. 6-13
Towing a trailer ..................................................... 9-13
TPMS, Tire pressure monitoring system................. 5-2
TPMS, Tire pressure warning system...................... 6-2
Traction motor Traction motor serial number ............................... 9-7
Trailer towing................................................................ 9-13
Transceiver, HomeLink
®Universal
Transceiver............................................................. 2-58
Transmitter, With Intelligent Key system
(See Intelligent Key system)..................................... 3-13
Trickle charge........................................................... CH-11
Trip computer............................................................... 2-27
Turn signal switch ....................................................... 2-44
Type of charge and how to charge the
Li-ion battery................................................................ CH-5
U
Underbody cleaning ..................................................... 7-3
Uniform tire quality grading ...................................... 9-14
Unplugged status.................................................... CH-25
V
Vanity mirror.................................................................. 3-22
Vehicle Dimensions and weights....................................... 9-5
Identification number (VIN)................................... 9-6
Loading information ............................................. 9-10
Recovery (freeing stuck vehicle) ...................... 6-15 Security system .................................................... 2-35
Vehicle dynamic control (VDC) off switch..... 2-48
Vehicle dynamic control (VDC) system.......... 5-24
Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC)
warning light.......................................................... 2-19
Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) warning light .... 2-19
Vehicle security system ............................................. 2-35
Ventilators........................................................................ 4-2
W
Warning Hazard warning flasher switch.......................... 2-45
Indicators for operation....................................... 2-23
Tire pressure monitoring
system (TPMS) ............................................... 5-2, 6-2
Warning information displays............................ 2-31
Warning lights....................................................... 2-13
Warning/indicator lights and
audible reminders................................................. 2-12
Warning and indicator lights.................................... 0-10
Warning information displays................................... 2-31
Warning labels, Air bag warning labels................. 1-50
Warning light Air bag warning light................................ 1-50, 2-18
Anti-lock braking system (ABS)
warning light.......................................................... 2-14
BRAKE system warning light (yellow) ............ 2-14
BRAKE warning light (red) ................................ 2-15
Low tire pressure warning light........................ 2-16
Seat belt warning light........................................ 2-18
Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC)
warning light.......................................................... 2-19
Washer switch Rear window wiper and washer switch ......... 2-39
Windshield wiper and washer switch............. 2-38
Washing........................................................................... 7-2
Index10-5

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.

maintenance.
. Park the vehicle on a level surface,
apply the parking brake securely
and chock the wheels to prevent
the vehicle from moving. Push the P
position switch on the selector lever
or place the vehicle into the N
(Neutral) position.
. If you must work with the EV
(Electric vehicle) system is turned
on, keep hands, clothing, hair and
tools away from moving fans and
any other moving parts.
. Make sure that the power switch is
in the OFF or LOCK position when
performing any part replacement or
repairs.
. It is advisable to secure or remove
any loose clothing and remove any
jewelry, such as rings, watches, etc.
before working on your vehicle.
. Always wear eye protection when-
ever you work on your vehicle.
. Never get under the vehicle while it
is supported only by a jack. If it is
necessary to work under the vehicle,
support it with safety stands. .
Keep smoking materials, flames
and sparks away from the 12-volt
battery.

position to prevent the 12-volt bat-
tery automatically being charged by
the Li-ion battery. See “Charging
the 12-volt battery” in the “EV.
Overview” section.
This “8. Maintenance and do-it-yourself” section
gives instructions regarding only those items
that are relatively easy for an owner to perform.
A genuine NISSAN Service Manual is also
available. See “Owner’s Manual/Service Manual
order information” in the “9. Technical and
consumer information” section.
You should be aware that incomplete or
improper servicing may result in operating
difficulties and could affect your warranty cover-
age. If in doubt about any servicing, we
recommend that it be done by a NISSAN
certified LEAF dealer.

1. Remove the cell plugs*A.
2. Add distilled water up to the UPPER LEVEL
*1line.
If the side of the 12-volt battery is not clear,
check the distilled water level by looking
directly above the cell; the condition
*1
indicates OK and the condition*2needs
more to be added.
3. Tighten cell plugs
*A.
Vehicles operated in high temperatures or under
severe conditions require frequent checks of the
12-volt battery fluid level.
JUMP STARTING
Jump starting provides power to the 12 volt
system to allow the electrical systems to
operate. The electrical systems must be operat-
ing to allow the Li-ion battery to be charged.
Jump starting does not charge the Li-ion battery.
The Li-ion battery must be charged before the
vehicle can be driven.
If jump starting is necessary, see “Jump starting”
in the “6. In case of emergency” section. If the
power switch does not switch to READY to drive
position by jump starting, the 12-volt battery
may have to be replaced. Contact a NISSAN
certified LEAF dealer.

2 Instruments and controls
Cockpit ....................................................................................... 2-3
Instrument panel ....................................................................... 2-4
Meters and gauges .................................................................. 2-5Speedometer and odometer ........................................... 2-6
Li-ion battery temperature gauge ................................... 2-7
Power meter ........................................................................ 2-7
Driving range ....................................................................... 2-8
Li-ion battery available charge gauge ........................... 2-9
Li-ion battery capacity level gauge ............................. 2-10
Outside air temperature ................................................ 2-10
ECO indicator .................................................................. 2-10
Clock .................................................................................. 2-11
Warning/indicator lights and audible reminders ........... 2-12
Checking bulbs ................................................................ 2-13
Warning lights .................................................................. 2-13
Indicator lights .................................................................. 2-19
Audible reminders ........................................................... 2-21
Dot matrix liquid crystal display ......................................... 2-22 Indicators for operation .................................................. 2-23
Trip computer ................................................................... 2-27
Warning information displays ....................................... 2-31
Indicators for maintenance ........................................... 2-33
Indicator for timer ............................................................ 2-34
Security systems ................................................................... 2-35 Vehicle security system ................................................. 2-35 NISSAN Vehicle Immobilizer System ....................... 2-36
Windshield wiper and washer switch ............................. 2-38 Washer operation ......................................................... 2-39
Rear window wiper and washer switch ........................ 2-39
Rear window and outside mirror defroster switch ...... 2-40
Instrument brightness control ............................................ 2-41
Headlight and turn signal switch ...................................... 2-41 Headlight switch ........................................................... 2-41
Turn signal switch ......................................................... 2-44
Fog light switch (if so equipped) ..................................... 2-44
Hazard warning flasher switch .......................................... 2-45
Heated steering wheel ........................................................ 2-45
Horn ......................................................................................... 2-46
Heated seats ......................................................................... 2-46
Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) OFF switch ................ 2-48
Power outlet ........................................................................... 2-48
Storage ................................................................................... 2-49 Cup holders .................................................................... 2-49
Sunglasses holder ........................................................ 2-50
Glove box ........................................................................ 2-51
Console box ................................................................... 2-51
Cargo cover (if so equipped) .................................... 2-51
Stowing golf bags ........................................................ 2-53
Luggage side hook ....................................................... 2-53

illuminates, the Li-ion battery charge is too low
for travel. See “Low battery charge warning
light” in the “2. Instruments and controls”
section. Charge the Li-ion battery as soon as
possible.
EV OverviewEV-19