2014 NISSAN LEAF warning light

CHROME PARTS
Clean chrome parts regularly with a non- abrasive
chrome polish to maintain the finish.
TIRE DRESSING
NISSAN does not recommend the use of tire
dressings. Tire manufacturers apply a coating to
the tires to help reduce discoloration of the rub-
ber. If a tire dressing is applied to the tires, it may
react with the coating and form a compound. This
compound may come off the tire while driving and
stain the vehicle paint.
If you choose to use a tire dressing, take the
following precautions:
• Use a water-based tire dressing. The coating on
the tire dissolves more easily with an oil-based
tire dressing.
• Apply a light coat of tire dressing to help prevent
it from entering the tire tread/grooves (where it
would be difficult to remove) .
• Wipe off excess tire dressing using a dry towel.
Make sure the tire dressing is completely re-
moved from the tire tread/grooves.
• Allow the tire dressing to dry as recommended
by the tire dressing manufacturer.Occasionally remove loose dust from the interior
trim, plastic parts and seats using a vacuum
cleaner or soft bristled brush. Wipe the vinyl and
leather surfaces with a clean, soft cloth damp-
ened in mild soap solution, then wipe clean with a
dry soft cloth.
Regular care and cleaning is required in order to
maintain the appearance of the leather.
Before using any fabric protector, read the manu-
facturer’s recommendations. Some fabric pro-
tectors contain chemicals that may stain or
bleach the seat material.
Use a cloth dampened only with water to clean
the meter and gauge lens.
WARNING
Do not use water or acidic cleaners (hot
steam cleaners) on the seat. This can
damage the seat or occupant classifica-
tion sensor. This can also affect the op-
eration of the air bag system and result in
serious personal injury.
CAUTION
• Never use benzine, thinner, or any
similar material.• Small dirt particles can be abrasive
and damaging to the leather surfaces
and should be removed promptly. Do
not use saddle soap, car waxes, pol-
ishes, oils, cleaning fluids, solvents,
detergents or ammonia-based clean-
ers as they may damage the leather’s
natural finish.
• Never use fabric protectors unless rec-
ommended by the manufacturer.
• Do not use glass or plastic cleaner on
meter or gauge lens covers. It may
damage the lens cover.
AIR FRESHENERS
Most air fresheners use a solvent that could affect
the vehicle interior. If you use an air freshener,
take the following precautions:
• Hanging-type air fresheners can cause perma-
nent discoloration when they contact vehicle
interior surfaces. Place the air freshener in a
location that allows it to hang free and not
contact an interior surface.
• Liquid-type air fresheners typically clip on the
vents. These products can cause immediate
damage and discoloration when spilled on inte-
rior surfaces.
CLEANING INTERIOR
7-4Appearance and care

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........................8-8
Checking coolant level..................8-9
Changing coolant.....................8-9
Reduction gear fluid.....................8-10
Brake fluid..........................8-10
Window washer fluid....................8-11
12-volt battery........................8-12
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................8-16
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

Seat belts:Check that all parts of the seat belt
system (for example, buckles, anchors, adjusters
and retractors) operate properly and smoothly,
and are installed securely. Check the belt web-
bing for cuts, fraying, wear or damage.
Steering wheel:Check for changes in the
steering conditions, such as excessive free play,
hard steering or strange noises.
Warning lights and chimes:Make sure that all
warning lights and chimes are operating properly.
Windshield defroster:Check that the air emits
from the defroster outlets properly and in suffi-
cient quantity when operating the heater or air
conditioner.
Windshield wiper and washer*:Check that
the wipers and washers operate properly and
that the wipers do not streak.
Under hood and vehicle
The maintenance items listed here should be
checked periodically.
12-volt battery (for serviceable battery)*:
Check the fluid level in each cell.
It should be between the MAX and MIN lines.
Vehicles operated in high temperatures or undersevere conditions require frequent checks of the
12-volt battery fluid level.
NOTE:
Care should be taken to avoid situations
that can lead to potential battery discharge
and potential no-start conditions such as:
1. Installation or extended use of electronic ac-
cessories that consume battery power when
the engine is not running (Phone chargers,
GPS, DVD players, etc.)
2. Vehicle is not driven regularly and/or only
driven short distances.
In these cases, the battery may need to be
charged to maintain battery health.
Brake fluid level*:Make sure that the brake
fluid level is between the MAX and MIN lines on
the reservoir.
Coolant level*:Check the coolant level when
the motor compartment is cold.
Fluid leaks:Check under the vehicle for water
or other fluid leaks after the vehicle has been
parked for a short period of time. Water dripping
from the air conditioner after use is normal. If you
notice any leaks, check for the cause and have it
corrected immediately.Radiator and hoses:Check the front of the
radiator and clean off any dirt, insects, leaves,
etc., that may have accumulated. Make sure that
the hoses have no cracks, deformation, rot or
loose connections.
Underbody:The underbody is frequently ex-
posed to corrosive substances such as those
used on icy roads or to control dust. It is very
important to remove these substances, other-
wise rust will form on the floor pan and frame. At
the end of winter, the underbody should be thor-
oughly flushed with plain water, being careful to
clean those areas where mud and dirt may accu-
mulate. For additional information, see “Cleaning
exterior” in the “Appearance and care” section.
Windshield washer fluid*:Check that there is
an adequate amount of fluid in the reservoir.
8-4Maintenance and do-it yourself

When checking or replacement is required, we
recommend a NISSAN certified LEAF dealer for
servicing.
CAUTION
• Use only Genuine NISSAN Matic S
ATF. Do not mix with other fluids.
• Using reduction gear fluid other than
Genuine NISSAN Matic S ATF will
damage the reduction gear, which is
not covered by the NISSAN new ve-
hicle limited warranty.For additional brake fluid information, see “Ca-
pacities and recommended lubricants” in the
“Technical and consumer information” section of
this manual.
WARNING
• Use only new fluid from a sealed con-
tainer. Old, inferior or contaminated
fluid may damage the brake system.
The use of improper fluids can damage
the brake system, and affect the vehi-
cle’s stopping ability.
• Clean the filler cap before removing.
• Brake fluid is poisonous and should be
stored carefully in marked containers
out of the reach of children.
CAUTION
Do not spill the fluid on any painted sur-
faces. This will damage the paint. If fluid
is spilled, immediately wash the surface
with water.Check the fluid level in the reservoir. If the fluid is
below the MIN line
1or the brake warning light
illuminates, add Genuine NISSAN Super Heavy
Duty Brake Fluid or equivalentDOT 3fluid up to
the MAX line
2. If fluid must be added fre-
quently, the system should be checked by a
NISSAN certified LEAF dealer.
REDUCTION GEAR FLUID BRAKE FLUID
8-10Maintenance and do-it yourself

BRAKE PAD WEAR WARNING
The disc brake pads have audible wear warnings.
When a brake pad requires replacement, it will
make a high pitched scraping sound when the
vehicle is in motion. This scraping sound will first
occur only when the brake pedal is depressed.
After more wear of the brake pad, the sound will
always be heard even if the brake pedal is not
depressed. Have the brakes checked as soon as
possible if the wear warning sound is heard.
Under some driving or climate conditions, occa-
sional brake squeak, squeal or other noise may
be heard. Occasional brake noise during light to
moderate stops is normal and does not affect the
function or performance of the brake system.
Proper brake inspection intervals should
be followed.For additional information, see the
maintenance log section of your NISSAN Service
and Maintenance Guide.
MOTOR COMPARTMENT
WARNING
• Never touch, disassemble, remove or
replace the high-voltage parts and
cables, as well as their connectors.
High-voltage cables are colored or-
ange. Touching, disassembling, re-
moving or replacing those parts and
cables can cause severe burns or elec-
tric shock that may result in serious
injury or death.
CAUTION
Never use a fuse of a higher or lower
amperage rating than that specified on
the fuse box cover. This could damage
the electrical system or cause a fire.
If any electrical equipment does not operate,
check for an open fuse.
1. Confirm that the power switch and the head-
light switch are turned off.
2. Open the hood.
3. Remove the fuse/fusible link holder cover by
pushing the tab
1and lifting the cover from
the right side
2, and then the left side3.
FUSES
8-16Maintenance and do-it yourself

If you have a flat tire, see “Flat tire” in the
“In case of emergency” section.
TIRE PRESSURE
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 vehicle information dis-
play, one or more of your tires is significantly
under-inflated.
The TPMS will activate only when the vehicle is
driven at speeds above 16 MPH (25 km/h) . Also,
this system may not detect a sudden drop in tire
pressure (for example a flat tire while driving) .
For more details, see “Low tire pressure warning
light” in the “Instruments and controls” section,
“Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)” in the
“Starting and driving” section and “Tire Pressure
Monitoring System (TPMS)” in the “In case of
emergency” section.
Tire inflation pressure
Check the pressure of the tires often and always
prior to long distance trips. The recommendedtire pressure specifications are shown on the Tire
and Loading Information label under the “Cold
Tire Pressure” heading. The Tire and Loading
Information label is affixed to the driver side cen-
ter pillar. Tire pressures should be checked regu-
larly because:
• Most tires naturally lose air over time.
• Tires can lose air suddenly when driven over
potholes or other objects or if the vehicle strikes
a curb while parking.
The tire pressures should be checked when the
tires are cold. The tires are considered COLD
after the vehicle has been parked for 3 or more
hours, or driven less than 1 mile (1.6 km) at
moderate speeds.
The TPMS with Easy Fill Tire Alert also provides
visual and audible signals outside the vehicle for
inflating the tires to the recommended COLD tire
pressure. (See “TPMS with Easy Fill Tire Alert” in
the “Starting and driving” section.)
Incorrect tire pressure, including under in-
flation, may adversely affect tire life and
vehicle handling.
WARNING
• Improperly inflated tires can fail sud-
denly and cause an accident.
• The Gross Vehicle Weight rating
(GVWR) is located on the F.M.V.S.S.
certification label. The vehicle weight
capacity is indicated on the Tire and
Loading Information label. Do not load
your vehicle beyond this capacity.
Overloading your vehicle may result in
reduced tire life, unsafe operating con-
ditions due to premature tire failure, or
unfavorable handling characteristics
and could also lead to a serious acci-
dent. Loading beyond the specified ca-
pacity may also result in failure of
other vehicle components.
• Before taking a long trip, or whenever
you heavily load your vehicle, use a tire
pressure gauge to ensure that the tire
pressures are at the specified level.
• For additional information regarding
tires, refer to “Important Tire Safety
Information” (US) or “Tire Safety Infor-
mation” (Canada) in the Warranty In-
formation Booklet.
WHEELS AND TIRES
8-26Maintenance and do-it yourself

• The original tires have built-in tread
wear indicators. When wear indicators
are visible, the tire(s) should be re-
placed.
• Tires degrade with age and use. Have
tires, over 6 years old checked by a
qualified technician, because some
tire damage may not be obvious. Re-
place the tires as necessary to prevent
tire failure and possible personal in-
jury.
• For additional information regarding
tires, refer to “Important Tire Safety
Information” (US) or “Tire Safety Infor-
mation” (Canada) in the Warranty In-
formation Booklet.
Replacing wheels and tires
When replacing a tire, use the same size, tread
design, speed rating and load carrying capacity
as originally equipped. See “Specifications” in
the “Technical and consumer information” sec-
tion for recommended types and sizes of tires
and wheels.
WARNING
• The use of tires other than those rec-
ommended or the mixed use of tires of
different brands, construction (bias,
bias-belted or radial) , or tread patterns
can adversely affect the ride, braking,
handling, ground clearance, body-to-
tire clearance, tire chain clearance,
speedometer calibration, headlight
aim and bumper height. Some of these
effects may lead to accidents and
could result in serious personal injury.
• If your vehicle was originally equipped
with 4 tires that were the same size
and you are only replacing 2 of the 4
tires, install the new tires on the rear
axle. Placing new tires on the front
axle may cause loss of vehicle control
in some driving conditions and cause
an accident and personal injury.• If the wheels are changed for any rea-
son, always replace with wheels which
have the same off-set dimension.
Wheels of a different off-set could
cause premature tire wear, degrade
vehicle handling characteristics
and/or interference with the brake
discs. Such interference can lead to
decreased braking efficiency and/or
early brake pad/shoe wear. See
“Wheels and tires” in the “Technical
and consumer information” section of
this manual for wheel off-set dimen-
sions.
• 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 your
NISSAN certified LEAF dealer as soon
as possible for tire replacement
and/or system resetting.
• Replacing tires with those not origi-
nally specified by NISSAN could affect
the proper operation of the TPMS.
• Do not install a damaged or deformed
wheel or tire even if it has been re-
paired. Such wheels or tires could have
structural damage and could fail with-
out warning.
Maintenance and do-it yourself8-33

• The use of retread tire is not recom-
mended.
• For additional information regarding
tires, refer to “Important Tire Safety
Information” (US) or “Tire Safety Infor-
mation” (Canada) in the Warranty In-
formation Booklet.
Wheel balance
Unbalanced wheels may affect vehicle handling
and tire life. Even with regular use, wheels can get
out of balance. Therefore, they should be bal-
anced as required.
Wheel balance service should be per-
formed with the wheels off the vehicle.
Spin balancing the wheels on the vehicle
could lead to mechanical damage.
For additional information regarding tires, refer to
“Important Tire Safety Information” (US) or “Tire
Safety Information” (Canada) in the Warranty In-
formation Booklet.
Care of wheels
See “Cleaning exterior” in the “Appearance and
care” section for details about care of the wheels.
EMERGENCY TIRE PUNCTURE
REPAIR KIT
The emergency tire puncture repair kit (Emer-
gency Tire Sealant) is supplied with the vehicle
instead of a spare tire. It can be used to tempo-
rarily repair minor tire punctures.
If possible, have the vehicle towed to a facility that
can repair or replace the flat tire. Using the emer-
gency tire puncture repair kit may cause a mal-
function of the tire pressure sensor and cause the
low tire pressure warning light to illuminate.
See “Flat tire” for more details.
8-34Maintenance and do-it yourself