2013 NISSAN LEAF stop start

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

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

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

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

WARNING
If stopping for an emergency, be sure to move the vehicle well off the road.
Do not use the hazard warning flash- ers while moving on the highway un-
less unusual circumstances force you
to drive so slowly that your vehicle
might become a hazard to other traf-
fic.
Turn signals do not work when the hazard warning flasher lights are on.
The flasher can be actuated with the power
switch in any position.
Some state laws may prohibit the use of
the hazard warning flasher switch while
driving.
TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING
SYSTEM (TPMS)
This vehicle is equipped with the Tire Pressure
Monitoring System (TPMS) . It monitors tire pres-
sure of all tires. When the low tire pressure warn-
ing light is lit, and the CHECK TIRE PRESSURE
warning appears on the dot matrix liquid crystal
display, one or more of your tires is significantly
under-inflated. If the vehicle is being driven with
low tire pressure, the TPMS will activate and
warn you of it by the low tire pressure warning
light. This system will activate only when the
vehicle is driven at speeds above 16 MPH
(25 km/h) . For more details, see Warning/
indicator lights and audible reminders in the
Instruments and controls section andTire
Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) in the
Starting and driving section.
WARNING
Radio waves could adversely affect electric medical equipment. Those
who use a pacemaker should contact
the electric medical equipment manu-
facturer for the possible influences be-
fore use. If the low tire pressure warning light
illuminates while driving, avoid sud-
den steering maneuvers or abrupt
braking, reduce vehicle speed, pull off
the road to a safe location and stop the
vehicle as soon as possible. Driving
with underinflated tires may perma-
nently damage the tires and increase
the likelihood of tire failure. Serious
vehicle damage could occur and may
lead to an accident and could result in
serious personal injury. Check the tire
pressure for all four tires. Adjust the
tire pressure to the recommended
COLD tire pressure shown on the Tire
and Loading Information label to turn
the low tire pressure warning light
OFF. If the light still illuminates while
driving after adjusting the tire pres-
sure, a tire may be flat. If you have a
flat tire, repair it as soon as possible.
When a wheel is replaced, the TPMS will not function and the low tire pres-
sure warning light will flash for ap-
proximately 1 minute. The light will re-
main on after 1 minute. Contact a
NISSAN certified LEAF dealer as soon
as possible for tire replacement
and/or system resetting.
FLAT TIRE
In case of emergency6-3

If the power limitation indicator lightillumi-
nates, the traction motor output is limited result-
ing in reduced vehicle speed. Stop the vehicle in
a safe location before the Li-ion battery becomes
completely discharged and no power is available
to drive the vehicle. Contact Roadside assis-
tance; see your NISSAN Warranty Information
Booklet.
If possible, place the power switch in the OFF
position while waiting for assistance to prevent
discharging the 12-volt battery.
NOTE:
If the Li-ion battery becomes completely
discharged:
The vehicle is automatically placed in the
ON position and it will not be possible to
switch to the READY position.
The vehicle is automatically switched to
the N (Neutral) position and it will not be
possible to drive the vehicle.
WARNING
If the vehicle is in the N (Neutral) position
and the Li-ion battery and the 12-volt
battery become completely discharged,
the vehicle can not be placed in the P
(Park) position. If this occurs, place suit-
able blocks at both the front and back of
a wheel to prevent the vehicle from mov-
ing. Failure to block a wheel may allow
the vehicle to move unexpectedly which
may result in serious personal injury or
death.
To place the vehicle in the READY position so the
vehicle can be driven, charge the Li-ion battery
until the driving range on the instrument panel
changes from “---” to a numeric distance. Do not attempt to start the system by pushing the
vehicle.
CAUTION
An EV (Electric Vehicle) cannot be push-
started or tow-started. Attempting to do
so may cause traction motor damage.
IF THE LI-ION BATTERY BECOMES
COMPLETELY DISCHARGED PUSH STARTING
6-12In case of emergency