2013 NISSAN LEAF parking brake

N (Neutral):
Neither forward nor reverse gear is engaged. The
vehicle can be placed in READY to drive position
in this position.
Do not shift to the N (Neutral) position while
driving. The regenerative brake system does not
operate in the N (Neutral) position. However, the
vehicle brakes will still stop the car.
D (Drive):
Use this position for all normal forward driving.If
the vehicle is placed in the D (Drive) posi-
tion while reversing, the chime will sound
and the vehicle will switch into the N (Neu-
tral) position.
B-mode:
Engages the regenerative braking system more
aggressively on downhill slopes, and helps re-
duce brake use. Activated by moving the shift
lever left and down. The shift lever will then return
to the center position. ECO mode:
Use ECO in order to help extend the driving
range.
In comparison to the D (Drive) position, ECO
consumes less power for the traction motor and
heater and air conditioner operations and en-
ables the range of the vehicle to be extended.
ECO can be selected from the D (Drive) or
B-mode position.
WARNING
Be sure the parking brake is released before driving. Failure to do so could
cause brake failure and lead to an ac-
cident.
Do not release the parking brake from outside the vehicle.
Do not leave children unattended in a vehicle. They could release the parking
brake and cause an accident.
When leaving the vehicle, apply the parking brake and push the P (Park)
position switch on the shift lever.
PARKING BRAKE
5-14Starting 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

WARNING
Do not stop or park the vehicle over flammable materials such as dry grass,
waste paper or rags. They may ignite
and cause a fire.
Never leave the vehicle in the READY to drive mode while the vehicle is un-
attended. Do not leave children unattended in-
side the vehicle. They could unknow-
ingly activate switches or controls. Un-
attended children could become
involved in serious accidents.
Safe parking procedures require that both the parking brake be applied and
the vehicle placed in the park position.
Failure to do so could cause the ve-
hicle to move unexpectedly or roll
away and result in an accident.
1. Firmly apply the parking brake.
2. Push the P position switch on the shift lever. 3. To help prevent the vehicle from rolling into
the street when parked on a slope, it is a good
practice to turn the wheels as illustrated.
HEADED DOWNHILL WITH CURB:
1
Turn the wheels into the curb and move the vehicle forward until the curb side wheel
gently touches the curb.
HEADED UPHILL WITH CURB:
2
Turn the wheels away from the curb and move the vehicle back until the curb side
wheel gently touches the curb.
HEADED UPHILL OR DOWNHILL, NO CURB:
3
Turn the wheels toward the side of the roadso the vehicle will move away from the center
of the road if it moves.
4. Place the power switch in the OFF position.
PARKING/PARKING ON HILLS
5-18Starting 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

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

WARNING
Never rely solely on the hill start assist system to prevent the vehicle from
moving backward on a hill. Always
drive carefully and attentively. Depress
the brake pedal when the vehicle is
stopped on a steep hill. Be especially
careful when stopped on a hill on fro-
zen or muddy roads. Failure to prevent
the vehicle from rolling backwards
may result in a loss of control of the
vehicle and possible serious injury or
death.
The hill start assist system is not de- signed to hold the vehicle at a stand-
still on a hill. Depress the brake pedal
when the vehicle is stopped on a steep
hill. Failure to do so may cause the
vehicle to roll backwards and may re-
sult in a collision or serious personal
injury.
The hill start assist may not prevent the vehicle from rolling backwards on a
hill under all load or road conditions.
Always be prepared to depress the
brake pedal to prevent the vehicle
from rolling backwards. Failure to do
so may result in a collision or serious
personal injury. The hill start assist system automatically keeps
the brakes applied to help prevent the vehicle
from rolling backwards in the time it takes the
driver to release the brake pedal and apply the
accelerator when the vehicle is stopped on a hill.
Hill start assist will operate automatically under
the following conditions:
The shift lever is shifted into D (Drive) , ECO, or
R (Reverse) position.
The vehicle is stopped completely on a hill by applying the brake.
The maximum holding time is 2 seconds. After 2
seconds the vehicle will begin to roll back and hill
start assist will stop operating completely.
Hill start assist will not operate when the shift
lever is shifted into D (Drive) , ECO, or R (Re-
verse) position or on a flat and level road.CAUTION
To prevent damage to the Li-ion battery:
Do not store a vehicle in temperatures
below -13°F (-25°C) for over seven days. If
the outside temperature is -13°F (-25°C)
or less, the Li-ion battery may freeze and
it cannot be charged or provide power to
run the vehicle. Move the vehicle to a
warm location.
NOTE:
Connect the charger to the vehicle and
place the power switch in the OFF posi-
tion when parking the vehicle if tempera-
tures may go below -4°F (-20°C) . This pro-
vides external power to the Li-ion battery
warmer when it operates and does not
discharge the Li-ion battery. Vehicle driv-
ing range is reduced if the Li-ion battery
warmer operates (Li-ion battery tempera-
ture approximately -4°F (-20°C) or colder)
while driving the vehicle. You may need to
charge the Li-ion battery sooner than in
warmer temperatures.
The Li-ion battery requires more time to
charge when the Li-ion battery warmer
operates.
HILL START ASSIST SYSTEM COLD WEATHER DRIVING
5-24Starting and driving

Do not use the emergency tire punc-
ture repair kit under the following con-
ditions. Contact a NISSAN certified
LEAF dealer or professional road as-
sistance.
–when the sealant has passed its ex-
piration date (shown on the label
attached to the bottle)
– when the cut or the puncture is ap-
proximately 0.25 in (6 mm) or longer
– when the tire sidewall is damaged
– when the vehicle has been driven
with extremely low tire pressure
– when the tire has come off the in-
side or the outside of the wheel
– when the tire wheel is damaged
– when two or more tires are flat
Stopping the vehicle
1. Safely move the vehicle off the road and away
from traffic.
2. Turn on the hazard warning flashers.
3. Park on a level surface and apply the parking brake.
4. Push the P (Park) position switch on the se- lector lever to the P (Park) position. 5. Turn off the EV (Electric Vehicle) system.
6. Raise the hood to warn other traffic and to
signal professional road assistance personnel
that you need assistance.
7. Have all passengers get out of the vehicle and stand in a safe place, away from traffic and
clear of the vehicle.
WARNING
Make sure the parking brake is securely
applied and the vehicle is placed into the
P (Park) position.
Never repair tires when the vehicle is
on a slope, ice or slippery areas. This is
hazardous.
Never repair tires if oncoming traffic is
close to your vehicle. Wait for profes-
sional road assistance.
Getting emergency tire puncture repair
kit
Take out the emergency tire puncture repair kit
located under the cargo area. The repair kit con-
sists of the following items:
1Tire sealant bottle
2Air compressor
3Speed restriction sticker
In case of emergency6-5

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