2013 NISSAN LEAF brake light

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

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

1. If the booster battery is in another vehicleB,
position the two vehicles (
AandB) to bring
their 12-volt batteries into close proximity to
each other.
Do not allow the two vehicles to touch.
2. Apply the parking brake.
If the 12-volt battery is discharged, the
power switch cannot be moved from the
OFF position. Connect the jumper
cables to the booster vehicle
Bbefore
pushing the power switch.
3. Push the P (Park)position switch to place the vehicle in the P (Park) position.
4. Switch off all unnecessary electrical systems (headlights, heater, air conditioner, etc.) . 5. Place the power switch in the OFF position.
6. Remove the vent caps on the 12-volt battery
(if so equipped) . Cover the battery with a
firmly wrung out moist cloth to reduce the
hazard of an explosion.
7. Connect jumper cables in the sequence as illustrated (
1→2→3→4).
CAUTION
Always connect positive (+) to positive
(+) and negative () to body ground (for
example, as illustrated) , not to the 12-
volt battery.
Make sure the jumper cables do not
touch moving parts in the motor com-
partment and that the cable clamps do
not contact any other metal.
8. Start the engine of the booster vehicle
B.
9. While the booster vehicle
Bengine is run-
ning, place the EV system in the READY to
drive position.
CAUTION
If the system does not start right away,
push the power switch to the OFF posi-
tion and wait 10 seconds before trying
again. 10. After starting your EV system, carefully dis-
connect the negative cable and then the
positive cable (
4→3→2→1) and
keep the READY to drive position over 20
minutes to charge the 12-volt battery.
11. Replace the vent caps (if so equipped) . Be sure to dispose of the cloth used to cover
the vent holes because it may be contami-
nated with corrosive acid.
12. If necessary, connect the vehicle to a charg- ing station or EVSE (Electric Vehicle Supply
Equipment) to charge the Li-ion battery.
(See Charge section.) The vehicle can not
be driven until the Li-ion battery is charged.
NOTE:
If it is not possible to turn the system ON by
following this procedure, contact a NISSAN
certified LEAF dealer immediately.
In case of emergency6-11

8 Maintenance and do-it yourself
Maintenance requirement................. .8-2
Scheduled 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 ................. .8-5
Motor compartment check locations ............8-7
Cooling system ....................... .8-7
Checking coolant level ................. .8-8
Changing coolant .................... .8-9
Reduction gear fluid .................... .8-9
Brake fluid ......................... .8-10
Window washer fluid ................... .8-10
12-volt battery ....................... .8-11
Jump starting ...................... .8-13
Windshield wiper blades ................. .8-13
Cleaning ........................ .8-13
Replacing ........................ .8-13Rear window wiper blade
.................8-15
Brakes ........................... .8-15
Brake pad wear warning ................8-15
Fuses ............................ .8-16
Motor compartment .................. .8-16
Passenger compartment ................8-18
Nissan Intelligent Key® battery replacement ......8-19
Lights ............................ .8-21
Headlights ....................... .8-22
Exterior and interior lights ...............8-23
Wheels and tires ..................... .8-26
Tire pressure ...................... .8-26
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