2013 NISSAN LEAF traction control

16. Li-ion battery low charge warning
This indicator appears when the Li-ion battery is
getting low. The low battery charge warning light
and the master warning light (yellow) also illumi-
nate. Charge the Li-ion battery as soon as pos-
sible. The [i] symbol is shown on the dot matrix
liquid crystal display, this indicates that further
information is available on the navigation display.
Check the navigation display for further informa-
tion and instructions.
17. Power limitation warning
This display appears when the Li-ion battery ca-
pacity is getting too low to move the vehicle or if
there is any reason to limit traction power (Li-ion
battery low or high temperature etc.) . The power
limitation indicator light and the master warning
light (yellow) also illuminate. The [i] symbol is
shown on the dot matrix liquid crystal display.
This indicates that further information is available
on the navigation display. Check the navigation
display for further information and instructions.
18. DC/DC converter warning
This warning appears if the DC/DC converter
system is not functioning properly. The 12-volt
battery charge warning (red) light also and the
master warning light illuminate. Stop the vehiclein a safe location and contact a NISSAN certified
LEAF dealer.
19. Apply parking brake warning
This warning appears if the DC/DC converter
system is not functioning properly after the “Stop
the vehicle” message above. If this warning ap-
pears on the display, stop the vehicle in a safe
location and push the P (Park) position switch on
the selector lever. If the parking brake is applied,
the display turns off. Contact a NISSAN certified
LEAF dealer.
20. Check tire pressure warning
This warning appears when the low tire pressure
warning light in the meter illuminates and low tire
pressure is detected. The warning appears each
time the ignition switch is placed in the ON
position as long as the low tire pressure warning
light remains illuminated.
If this warning appears, stop the vehicle and
adjust the tire pressure to the recommended
COLD tire pressure shown on the Tire and Load-
ing Information label. (See “Low tire pressure
warning light” earlier in this section and “TIRE
PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEM (TPMS)” in
the “Starting and driving” section.)
21. Cruise control indicator
Cruise main switch indicator:
This indicator is displayed when the cruise con-
trol main switch is pushed. When the main switch
is pushed again, the indicator disappears. When
the cruise control main switch indicator is dis-
played, the cruise control system is operational.
Cruise set switch indicator:
This indicator is displayed while the vehicle
speed is controlled by the cruise control system.
If the indicator blinks while the power switch is in
the READY to drive position, it may indicate that
the cruise control system is not functioning prop-
erly. Have the system checked by a NISSAN
certified LEAF dealer.
See
Cruise control in theStarting and driving
section for details.
22. Shift position indicator
The shift position indicator shows the vehicle
position when the power switch is in the ON or
READY to drive position. For more details, see
Driving vehicle in theStarting and driving sec-
tion of this manual.
2-26Instruments and controls

The front seats and the rear outboard seats can
be warmed by built-in heaters. The switches lo-
cated on the center console and at the side of the
front passenger seatback can be operated inde-
pendently of each other.
1. Place the power switch in the ON position.
2. Push the LO or HI position of the switch, asdesired, depending on the temperature. The
indicator light in the switch will illuminate.
3. To turn off the heater, return the switch to the level position. Make sure the indicator light
goes off.
The heater is controlled by a thermostat, auto-
matically turning the heater on and off. The indi-
cator light will remain on as long as the switch is
on.
When the vehicle’s interior is warmed, or before
you leave the vehicle, be sure to turn the switch
off.
NOTE:
The heated seats consumes less power
than the heater and can be used to either
help extend vehicle range by reducing
heater use or to maximize comfort by
supplementing the heater. The vehicle should be driven with the Vehicle
Dynamic Control (VDC) system on for most driv-
ing conditions.
If the vehicle is stuck in mud or snow, the VDC
system reduces the traction motor output to re-
duce wheel spin. The traction motor speed will be
reduced even if the accelerator is depressed to
the floor. If maximum traction motor power is
needed to free a stuck vehicle, turn the VDC
system off.
To turn off the VDC system, push the VDC OFF
switch. The
indicator will illuminate.Push the VDC OFF switch again to turn on the
VDC system, or the VDC is automatically turned
back on when the power switch is placed in the
off position and then placed back in the READY
to drive position. See
Vehicle Dynamic Control
(VDC) system in the5 Starting and driving
section.
VEHICLE DYNAMIC CONTROL (VDC)
OFF SWITCH
2-48Instruments and controls

USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory
WARNING
Do not connect or disconnect the USB
device while driving. Doing so can be a
distraction. If distracted you could lose
control of your vehicle and cause an ac-
cident or serious injury.
CAUTION
Do not force the USB device into the USB port. Inserting the USB device
tilted or up-side-down into the port
may damage the USB device and the
port. Make sure that the USB device is
connected correctly into the USB port.
Do not grab the USB port cover (if so equipped) when pulling the USB de-
vice out of the port. This could damage
the port and the cover.
Do not leave the USB cable in a place where it can be pulled unintentionally.
Pulling the cable may break the wire,
USB device or the port.
To avoid damage and loss of function when using a USB device, note the
following precautions. – Do not bend the cable excessively
(1.6 in [40 mm]) radius minimum.
– Do not twist the cable excessively (more than 180 degrees) .
– Do not pull or drop the cable.
– Do not hit or press the USB port or USB device with hands, feet, or ob-
jects.
– Do not store objects with sharp edges in the storage area where the
cable is stored.
– Do not leave the USB device and attached devices in the vehicle com-
partment. When not in use for ex-
tended periods of time, store the
cable and USB device in a clean,
dust free environment at room tem-
perature and without direct sun ex-
posure.
– Do not use the cable for any other purposes than its intended use in
the vehicle.
The vehicle is not equipped with a USB device.
USB devices should be purchased separately as
necessary. This system cannot be used to format
USB devices. To format a USB device, use a
personal computer. In some states/area, the USB
device for the front seats plays only sound with- out images for regulatory reasons, even when the
vehicle is parked.
This system supports various USB memory de-
vices, USB hard drives and iPod® players. Some
USB devices may not be supported by this sys-
tem.
Partitioned USB devices may not play correctly.
Some characters used in other languages (Chi-
nese, Japanese, etc.) may not appear properly in
the display. Using English language characters
with a USB device is recommended.
General notes for USB use:
The USB device may not function when the
passenger compartment temperature is ex-
tremely high. Lower the temperature before use.
During cold weather or rainy days, the player may malfunction due to humidity. If this occurs,
remove the USB device and dehumidify or ven-
tilate the USB player completely.
Do not connect a USB device if a connector, cable or USB port is wet. Allow the connector,
cable, and USB port to dry completely before
connecting the USB device. (Wait for 24 hours
or more until it is dry.) If the connector and USB
port are exposed to fluids other than water,
evaporative residue may cause a short circuit
Heater, air conditioner, audio and phone systems4-33

CAUTION
Do not slide the shift lever while push- ing the P position switch. This may
also damage the electric motor.
When switching to the preferred posi- tion by operating the shift lever, check
that the shift lever returns to the cen-
tral position by releasing your hand
from the lever. Holding the shift lever
in a mid-way position may also dam-
age the shift control system.
Do not operate the shift lever while the accelerator pedal is depressed, except
when switching to the ECO position.
This may cause a sudden start which
could result in an accident.

The following operations are not allowed
because excessive force would be ap-
plied to the traction motor and this may
result in damage to the vehicle:
– Moving the shift lever to the R (Re- verse) position when driving for-
ward
– Moving the shift lever to the D (Drive) or ECO position when revers-
ing
If these operations are attempted, a
chime sounds and the vehicle shifts to
the N (Neutral) position. P (Park):
Use this shift position when the vehicle is parked
or when placing the vehicle in the READY to drive
position. Make sure that the vehicle is completely
stopped.
In order to switch to the P (Park)
position, press the P (Park) position switch
as shown in the illustration above once the
vehicle has come to a complete stop. If the
P (Park) position switch is pressed while
the vehicle is in motion, a chime sounds
and the current shift position is main-
tained. After switching to the P (Park) position,
apply the parking brake. When parking on a hill, apply the parking brake first while keeping the
foot brake pedal depressed then push the P
(Park) position switch and place the vehicle in the
P (Park) position. See
Parking brake.
NOTE:
While the vehicle is stationary, if the shift
position is placed in any position other
than the P (Park) position when the power
switch is set to OFF, it will automatically
switch to the P (Park) position.
If the P (Park) position switch is pressed
while sliding the shift lever, the shift posi-
tion will not switch to the P (Park) posi-
tion. When pressing the P (Park) position
switch be sure to first allow the shift lever
to return to its center position.
R (Reverse):
Use this position to back up. Make sure that the
vehicle is completely stopped before selecting
the R (Reverse) position. If the vehicle is
placed in the D (Drive) position while re-
versing, the chime will sound and the ve-
hicle will switch into the N (Neutral) posi-
tion.
Starting and driving5-13

Normal operation
The ABS operates at speeds above 3 to 6 MPH
(5 to 10 km/h) . The speed varies according to
road conditions.
When the ABS senses that one or more wheels
are close to locking up, the actuator rapidly ap-
plies and releases hydraulic pressure. This action
is similar to pumping the brakes very quickly. You
may feel a pulsation in the brake pedal and hear a
noise from under the hood or feel a vibration from
the actuator when it is operating. This is normal
and indicates that the ABS is operating properly.
However, the pulsation may indicate that road
conditions are hazardous and extra care is re-
quired while driving.The Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) system uses
various sensors to monitor driver inputs and ve-
hicle motion. Under certain driving conditions,
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 drive wheel on the same axle that is not
slipping.
Controls brake pressure and traction motor out- put to reduce drive wheel slip based on vehicle
speed (traction control function) .
Controls brake pressure at individual wheels and traction motor 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 in-
put)
– oversteer (vehicle tends to spin due to cer- tain 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
warning in the instrument panel flashes. When
the warning flashes, note the following items. 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 sys-
tem is working properly.
Adjust your speed and driving according to the road conditions.
See VDC warning light in theInstruments and
controls section and VDC OFF indicator light
in the Instruments and controls section.
If a malfunction occurs in the system, the
warning illuminates in the lower display. The VDC
system automatically turns off when this warning
light is lit.
The VDC OFF switch is used to turn off the VDC
system. The VDC off indicator
illuminates
to indicate that the VDC system is off. When the
VDC 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
drive wheel that is not slipping. The
warn-
ing flashes if this occurs. All other VDC functions
are off and the
warning will not flash. The
VDC System is automatically reset to ON when
VEHICLE DYNAMIC CONTROL (VDC)
SYSTEM
5-22Starting and driving

the power switch is placed in the OFF position
then back to the ON position.
The computer has a built-in diagnostic feature
that tests the system each time you start the EV
(Electric Vehicle) 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 tech-
niques. Reduce vehicle speed and be
especially careful when driving and
cornering on slippery surfaces and al-
ways drive carefully. Do not modify the vehicle’s suspen-
sion. If suspension parts such as shock
absorbers, struts, springs, stabilizer
bars, bushings and wheels are not
NISSAN recommended for your ve-
hicle or are extremely deteriorated the
VDC system may not operate properly.
This could adversely affect vehicle
handling performance, and the
warning may flash ormay il-
luminate.
If brake related parts such as brake
pads, rotors and calipers are not
NISSAN recommended or are ex-
tremely deteriorated, the VDC system
may not operate properly and
may
illuminate.
If traction motor control related parts
are not NISSAN recommended or are
extremely deteriorated, the
may
illuminate.
When driving on extremely inclined
surfaces such as higher banked cor-
ners, the VDC system may not operate
properly and the
warning may illu-
minate. Do not drive on these types of
roads. When driving on an unstable surface
such as a turntable, ferry, elevator or
ramp, the
warning may illuminate.
This is not a malfunction. Restart the
EV (Electric Vehicle) system after driv-
ing onto a stable surface.
If wheels or tires other than the
NISSAN recommended ones are used,
the VDC system may not operate prop-
erly and the
warning may illumi-
nate.
The VDC system is not a substitute for
winter tires or tire chains on a snow
covered road.
Starting and driving5-23

The predicted charging time displayed on
the meter and navigation system in-
creases when the Li-ion battery warmer
operates.
Vehicle range may be substantially re-
duced in extremely cold conditions (for
example under -4°F (-20°C)) .
Using the climate control system to heat
the cabin when outside temperature is
below 32°F (0°C) uses more electricity and
affects vehicle range more than when us-
ing the heater when the temperature is
above 32°F (0°C) .
Climate control performance is reduced
when using the Climate Ctrl. Timer or Re-
mote Climate Control while the Li-ion bat-
tery warmer operates. Set only the charg-
ing timer [End Time] when charging in
cold weather. The vehicle automatically
determines when to start charging to fully
charge the Li-ion battery, even if the Li-ion
battery warmer operates. Charging ends
before the set end time if the Li-ion bat-
tery is fully charged.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 remote keyless entry keyfob.
ANTIFREEZE
In the winter when it is possible that the outside
temperature will drop below 32°F (0°C) , check
the antifreeze to ensure proper winter protection.
For additional information, see Cooling system
in the Maintenance and do-it-yourself section.
12-VOLT BATTERY
If the 12-volt battery is not fully charged during
extremely cold weather conditions, the 12-volt
battery fluid may freeze and damage the 12-volt
battery. To maintain maximum efficiency, the 12-
volt battery should be checked regularly. For ad-
ditional information, see12-volt batteryin the
Maintenance and do-it-yourself section.
DRAINING OF COOLANT WATER
If the vehicle is to be left outside without anti-
freeze, drain the cooling system. Refill before
operating the vehicle. For details, see Coolingsystem
in theMaintenance and do-it-yourself
section.
TIRE EQUIPMENT
SUMMER tires have a tread designed to provide
superior performance on dry pavement. How-
ever, the performance of these tires will be sub-
stantially reduced in snowy and icy conditions. If
you operate your vehicle on snowy or icy roads,
NISSAN recommends the use of MUD & SNOW
or ALL SEASON tires on all four wheels. Consult
a NISSAN certified LEAF dealer for the tire type,
size, speed rating and availability information.
For additional traction on icy roads, studded tires
may be used. However, some U.S. states and
Canadian provinces prohibit their use. Check
local, state and provincial laws before installing
studded tires.
Skid and traction capabilities of studded
snow tires, on wet or dry surfaces, may be
poorer than that of non-studded snow tires.
Tire chains may be used. For details, see Tire
chains in theMaintenance and do-it-yourself
section.
Starting and driving5-25

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 iceand snow from the windows and wiper blades.
A shovel to dig the vehicle out of snow-drifts.
Extra window washer fluid to refill the reservoir tank.
DRIVING ON SNOW OR ICE
WARNING
Wet ice (32°F, 0°C 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 conditions, drive with caution. Accelerate and slow down
with care. If accelerating too fast, the
drive wheels will lose even more trac-
tion.
Allow more stopping distance under these conditions. Braking should be
started sooner than on dry pavement. 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 cruise control on slippery roads.
FREEING A FROZEN CHARGE
PORT LID
When the charge port is frozen, melt the ice using
a hair dryer.
5-26Starting and driving