2013 NISSAN LEAF light

surface, steer the vehicle to stay in the appro-
priate driving lane.
If you decide that it is not safe to return the vehicle to the road surface based on vehicle,
road or traffic conditions, gradually slow the
vehicle to a stop in a safe place off the road.
RAPID AIR PRESSURE LOSS
Rapid air pressure loss or a “blow-out” can occur if
the tire is punctured or is damaged due to hitting a
curb or pothole. Rapid air pressure loss can also be
caused by driving on under-inflated tires.
Rapid air pressure loss can affect the handling
and stability of the vehicle, especially at highway
speeds.
Help prevent rapid air pressure loss by maintain-
ing the correct air pressure and visually inspect
the tires for wear and damage. See Wheels and
tires in the Maintenance and do-it-yourself
section of this manual.
If a tire rapidly loses air pressure or “blows-out”
while driving maintain control of the vehicle by
following the procedure below. Please note that
this procedure is only a general guide. The ve-
hicle must be driven as appropriate based on the
conditions of the vehicle, road and traffic.
WARNING
The following actions can increase the
chance of losing control of the vehicle if
there is a sudden loss of tire air pressure.
Losing control of the vehicle may cause a
collision and result in personal injury.
The vehicle generally moves or pulls in the direction of the flat tire.
Do not rapidly apply the brakes.
Do not rapidly release the accelerator pedal.
Do not rapidly turn the steering wheel.
1. Remain calm and do not overreact.
2. Maintain a firm grip on the steering wheel with both hands and try to hold a straight course.
3. When appropriate, slowly release the accel- erator pedal to gradually slow the vehicle.
4. Gradually steer the vehicle to a safe location off the road and away from traffic if possible.
5. Lightly apply the brake pedal to gradually stop the vehicle.
6. Turn on the hazard warning flashers and either contact a roadside emergency service to
change the tire or see Flat tirein theIn case
of emergency of this Owner’s Manual.
DRINKING ALCOHOL/DRUGS AND
DRIVING
WARNING
Never drive under the influence of alco-
hol or drugs. Alcohol in the bloodstream
reduces coordination, delays reaction
time and impairs judgement. Driving af-
ter drinking alcohol increases the likeli-
hood of being involved in an accident
injuring yourself and others. Additionally,
if you are injured in an accident, alcohol
can increase the severity of the injury.
NISSAN is committed to safe driving. However,
you must choose not to drive under the influence
of alcohol. Every year thousands of people are
injured or killed in alcohol-related accidents. Al-
though the local laws vary on what is considered
to be legally intoxicated, the fact is that alcohol
affects all people differently and most people
underestimate the effects of alcohol.
Remember, drinking and driving don’t mix! That is
true for drugs too (over-the-counter, prescrip-
tion, and illegal drugs) . Do not drive if your ability
to operate your vehicle is impaired by alcohol,
drugs, or some other physical condition.
5-6Starting and driving

If the Intelligent Key is within the operating range,
it is possible for anyone, even someone who does
not carry the Intelligent Key, to push the power
switch to start the EV (Electric Vehicle) system.
The cargo area is not included in the operatingrange but the Intelligent Key may function.
If the Intelligent Key is placed on the instrument panel, inside the glove box or door pocket, the
Intelligent Key may not function.
If the Intelligent Key is placed near a door or window outside the vehicle, the Intelligent Key
may not function.
POWER SWITCH OPERATION
When the power switch is pushed without de-
pressing the brake pedal, the power switch posi-
tion will change as follows.
Push once to change to ACC.
Push two times to change to ON.
Push three times to change to OFF.
Push four times to return to ACC.
Open or close any door to return to LOCK whilein the OFF position. The indicator light
Aon the power switch illumi-
nates when the power switch is in the ACC or
ON position.
The power lock is designed so that the power
switch position cannot be switched to LOCK
until the vehicle is into the P (Park) position.
When the power switch cannot be switched to
the LOCK position, proceed as follows.
1. Push the P (Park) position switch on the shift lever to place the vehicle in the P (Park)
position.
2. Push the power switch to the OFF position. The power switch position indicator
Awill
not illuminate.
3. Open the door. The power switch will change to the LOCK position.
POWER SWITCH POSITIONS
LOCK (Normal parking position)
The power switch can only be locked in this
position.
The power switch will be unlocked when it is
pushed to the ACC position while the driver is
carrying the Intelligent Key.
*: Push while the brake pedal is depressed.
5-8Starting and driving

4. Push the power switch while depressing thebrake pedal within 10 seconds after the
chime sounds. The power switch position
changes to READY to drive mode.
After step 3 is performed, if the power switch is
pushed without depressing the brake pedal, the
power switch position will change to ACC.
NOTE:
When the power switch is pushed to the
ACC or ON position or READY to drive
mode by the above procedure, the Intelli-
gent Key battery discharge indicator ap-
pears on the dot matrix liquid crystal dis-
play even if the Intelligent Key is inside
the vehicle. This is not a malfunction. To
stop the warning indicator from blinking,
touch the power switch with the Intelli-
gent Key again.
If the Intelligent Key system battery dis-
charge indicator appears on the dot ma-
trix liquid crystal display, replace the bat-
tery as soon as possible. See Intelligent
key battery replacement in theMainte-
nance and do-it-yourself section. Make sure that the area around the vehicle is
clear.
Check fluid levels such as coolant, brake fluid, and window washer fluid as frequently as pos-
sible.
Check that all windows and lights are clean.
Visually inspect tires for their appearance and condition. Also check tires for proper inflation.
Check that all doors are closed.
Position the seat and adjust the head restraints.
Adjust the inside and outside mirrors.
Fasten seat belts and ask all passengers to do likewise.
Check the operation of the warning lights when the power switch is pushed to the ON position.
(See Warning/indicator lights and audible re-
minders in theInstruments and controls sec-
tion.) 1. Confirm the parking brake is applied.
2. Confirm that the vehicle is in the P (Park)
position.
The EV (Electric Vehicle) is designed not to
operate unless the shift lever is in the P (Park)
or N (Neutral) positions.
The Intelligent Key must be carried with
you when operating the power switch.
3. Depress the brake pedal and push the power switch to place the EV (Electric Vehicle) sys-
tem in the READY to drive position.
To place the vehicle in the READY to drive
position immediately, push and release the
power switch while depressing the brake
pedal with the power switch in any position.
The READY to drive indicator light
in the
meter illuminates.
4. To stop the EV (Electric Vehicle) system, push the P (Park) position switch on the shift lever,
and push the power switch to the OFF
position.
BEFORE STARTING THE EV
(ELECTRIC VEHICLE) SYSTEM STARTING THE EV (ELECTRIC
VEHICLE) SYSTEM
5-10Starting and driving

To engage:Firmly depress the parking brake.
To release:
1. Firmly apply the foot brake.
2. Firmly depress the parking brake and it will release.
3. Before driving, be sure the brake warning light goes out.
PRECAUTIONS ON CRUISE
CONTROL
If the cruise control system malfunctions, it will
cancel automatically. The SET indicator on the dot
matrix crystal display will then blink to warn the
driver.
If the SET indicator on the dot matrix crystal display
blinks, turn the cruise control MAIN switch off and
have the system checked by a NISSAN certified
LEAF dealer.
The SET indicator on the dot matrix crystal display
may blink when the cruise control MAIN switch is
turned ON while pushing the RESUME/
ACCELERATE, SET/COAST or CANCEL switch.
To properly set the cruise control system, perform
the following procedure.
WARNING
Do not use the cruise control when driv-
ing under the following conditions:
when it is not possible to keep the vehicle at a set speed
in heavy traffic or in traffic that varies in speed
on winding or hilly roads
on slippery roads (rain, snow, ice, etc.)
in very windy areas
Doing so could cause a loss of vehicle
control and result in an accident.
CRUISE CONTROL OPERATION
1. RESUME/ACCELERATE switch
2. SET/COAST switch
3. CANCEL switch
4. MAIN (ON·OFF) switch
The cruise control allows driving at a speed be-
tween 25 to 89 MPH (40 to 144 km/h) without
keeping your foot on the accelerator pedal.
To turn on the cruise control, push the MAIN
switch on. The CRUISE indicator on the dot
matrix crystal display will illuminate.
CRUISE CONTROL
Starting and driving5-15

To set the cruising speed,accelerate the ve-
hicle to the preferred speed, push the SET/
COAST switch and release it. Take your foot off
the accelerator pedal. The vehicle will maintain
the set speed.
To pass another vehicle, depress the accel-
erator pedal. When you release the pedal, the
vehicle will return to the previously set speed.
The vehicle may not maintain the set speed on winding or hilly roads. If this happens, drive
without using the cruise control.
To cancel the preset speed, use one of the
following methods.
1. Push the CANCEL switch.
2. Tap the brake pedal.
3. Turn the MAIN switch off. The CRUISE indi- cator on the dot matrix crystal display will turn
off.
If you depress the brake pedal while pushing the RESUME/ACCELERATE or SET/COAST
switch and reset at the cruising speed, the
cruise control will disengage. Turn the MAIN
switch off once and then turn it on again.
The cruise control will automatically cancel if the vehicle slows more than 8 MPH (13 km/h) be-
low the set speed. If you move the shift lever to the N (Neutral)
position, the cruise control will be canceled.
To reset at a faster cruising speed, use one
of the following methods.
Depress the accelerator pedal. When the ve- hicle attains the preferred speed, push and re-
lease the SET/COAST switch.
Push and hold the RESUME/ACCELERATE switch. When the vehicle attains the preferred
speed, release the switch.
Push, then quickly release the RESUME/ ACCELERATE switch. Each time you do this,
the set speed will increase by about 1 MPH
(1.6 km/h) .
To reset at a slower cruising speed, use one
of the following methods.
Lightly tap the brake pedal. When the vehicle attains the preferred speed, push the SET/
COAST switch and release it.
Push and hold the SET/COAST switch. Re- lease the switch when the vehicle slows down
to the preferred speed.
Push, then quickly release, the SET/COAST switch. Each time you do this, the set speed will
decrease by about 1 MPH (1.6 km/h) . To resume the preset speed,
push and re-
lease the RESUME/ACCELERATE switch. The
vehicle will resume the last set cruising speed
when the vehicle speed is over 25 MPH
(40 km/h) .
5-16Starting and driving

WARNING
If the READY to drive indicator light is OFF while driving, the power assist for
the steering will not work. Steering will
be harder to operate.
When the power steering warning light illuminates while the READY to drive
indicator light ON, the power assist for
the steering will cease operation. You
will still have control of the vehicle but
the steering will be harder to operate.
The power steering system is designed to pro-
vide power assistance while driving to operate
the steering wheel with less effort.
When the steering wheel is operated repeatedly
or continuously while parking or driving at a very
low speed, the power assist for the steering
wheel will be reduced. This is to prevent over-
heating of the power steering system and help
protect it from getting damaged. While the power
assistance is reduced, steering wheel operation
will become harder. When the temperature of the
power steering system goes down, the power
assistance level will return to normal. Avoid re-
peating such steering wheel operations that
could cause the power steering system to over-
heat. You may hear a noise when the steering wheel is
operated quickly. However, this is not a malfunc-
tion.
If the power steering warning light
illumi-
nates while the READY to drive indicator light is
ON, it may indicate the power steering system is
not functioning properly and may need servicing.
Have the power steering system checked by a
NISSAN certified LEAF dealer. (See Power
steering warning light in theInstruments and
controls section.)
The power assist for steering stops operating
when both the power steering warning light and
READY to drive indicator light are illuminated.
You will still have control of the vehicle. However,
greater steering effort is needed, especially in
sharp turns and at low speeds.
BRAKE PRECAUTIONS
This vehicle is equipped with two braking sys-
tems:
1. Hydraulic brake system
2. Regenerative brake system
Hydraulic brake system
The hydraulic brake system is similar to the
brakes used on conventional vehicles.
The brake system has two separate hydraulic
circuits. If one circuit malfunctions, you will still
have braking at two wheels.
Regenerative brake system
The primary purpose of regenerative brake sys-
tem is to provide some power to help recharge
the Li-ion battery and extend driving range. A
secondary benefit is “engine braking” that oper-
ates based on battery conditions.
In the D (Drive) range, when the accelerator is
released, the regenerative brake system provides
some deceleration and generates power for the
Li-ion battery. Power is also generated when the
brake pedal is applied.
When you put the shift lever in the ECO position
and take your foot off the accelerator pedal, more
POWER STEERING SYSTEM BRAKE SYSTEM
Starting and driving5-19

regenerative brake is applied than in the D (Drive)
position. However, during high-speed driving you
may feel that regenerative brake provides less
deceleration than the engine braking in an ordi-
nary vehicle. This is normal.
Less deceleration is provided by the regenerative
brake system when the Li-ion battery is fully
charged. Regenerative brake is automatically re-
duced when the Li-ion battery is fully charged to
prevent the Li-ion battery from becoming over-
charged. Regenerative brake is also automati-
cally reduced when the battery temperature is
high/low (indicated by the red/blue zones on the
battery temperature gauge) to prevent Li-ion bat-
tery damage.
The brake pedal should be used to slow or stop
the vehicle depending on traffic or road condi-
tions. The vehicle brakes are not affected by
regenerative brake system operation.
NOTE:
When applying the regenerative brakes,
you may hear a sound coming from the
regenerative brake system. This is a nor-
mal operating characteristic of an EV
(Electric vehicle) .
If the power switch position is in a posi-
tion other than ON or READY to drive, you
can stop the vehicle by depressing the
brake pedal. However, greater foot pres-
sure on the brake pedal will be required to
stop the vehicle, and the stopping dis-
tance will be longer.
When depressing the brake pedal, the
braking pedal feel will not be smooth or
may change when the cooperative regen-
erative brake system activates. However,
the electronically controlled brake system
is operating normally and this does not
indicate a malfunction.
Using brakes
Avoid resting your foot on the brake pedal while
driving. This will cause overheating of the brakes,
wearing out the brake pads and shoes faster and
will reduce driving range.
To help reduce brake wear and to prevent the
brakes from overheating, reduce speed and se-
lect ECO position before going down a slope or
long grade. Overheated brakes may reduce brak-
ing performance and could result in loss of ve-
hicle control.
WARNING
While driving on a slippery surface, be careful when braking or accelerating.
Abrupt braking or accelerating could
cause the wheels to skid, which could
result in an accident.
If the brake pedal is depressed with the EV (Electric Vehicle) system OFF,
you may feel an increased brake pedal
effort and a decreased pedal stroke. If
the BRAKE warning light does not illu-
minate and the brake pedal feels like it
has returned to its normal state after
the EV system is started, this indicates
that there is no malfunction and the
vehicle can be operated normally.
Wet brakes
When the vehicle is washed or driven through
water, the brakes may get wet. As a result, the
braking distance will be longer and the vehicle
may pull to one side during braking.
To dry brakes, drive the vehicle at a safe speed
while lightly tapping the brake pedal to heat up
the brakes. Do this until the brakes return to
normal. Avoid driving the vehicle at high speeds
until the brakes have dried.
5-20Starting and driving

Parking brake break-in
Break in the parking brake shoes whenever the
holding effect of the parking brake is weakened
or whenever the parking brake shoes are re-
placed, in order to maintain optimum braking
performance.
This procedure is described in the vehicle Ser-
vice Manual, and it can be performed by a
NISSAN certified LEAF dealer.
ANTI-LOCK BRAKING SYSTEM
(ABS)
WARNING
The Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) is a sophisticated device, but it cannot
prevent accidents resulting from care-
less or dangerous driving techniques.
It can help maintain vehicle control
during braking on slippery surfaces.
Remember that stopping distances on
slippery surfaces will be longer than
on normal surfaces even with ABS.
Stopping distances may also be longer
on rough, gravel or snow covered
roads, or if you are using tire chains.
Always maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in front of you. Ultimately,
the driver is responsible for safety.
Tire type and condition may also affect braking effectiveness.
– When replacing tires, install thespecified size of tires on all four
wheels.
– For detailed information, see
Wheels and tires in theMainte-
nance and do-it-yourself section of
this manual.
The Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) controls the
brakes so the wheels do not lock during hard
braking or when braking on slippery surfaces.
The system detects the rotation speed at each
wheel and varies the brake fluid pressure to pre-
vent each wheel from locking and sliding. By
preventing each wheel from locking, the system
helps the driver maintain steering control and
helps to minimize swerving and spinning on slip-
pery surfaces.
Using the system
Depress the brake pedal and hold it down. De-
press the brake pedal with firm steady pressure,
but do not pump the brakes. The ABS will oper-
ate to prevent the wheels from locking up. Steer
the vehicle to avoid obstacles.
WARNING
Do not pump the brake pedal. Doing so
may result in increased stopping dis-
tances.
Self-test feature
The ABS includes electronic sensors, electric
pumps, hydraulic solenoids and a computer. The
computer has a built-in diagnostic feature that
tests the system each time you push the power
switch in the READY to drive position and move
the vehicle at a low speed in forward or reverse.
When the self-test occurs, you may hear a
“clunk” noise and/or feel a pulsation in the brake
pedal. This is normal and does not indicate a
malfunction. If the computer senses a malfunc-
tion, it switches the ABS off and illuminates the
ABS warning light on the instrument panel. The
brake system then operates normally, but without
anti-lock assistance.
If the ABS warning light illuminates during the
self-test or while driving, have the vehicle
checked by a NISSAN certified LEAF dealer.
Starting and driving5-21