
Tire chains may be used. For details, see “Tire
chains” in the “Maintenance and do-it-yourself”
section.
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 ice
and 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 reach-
ing it. Try not to brake while on the ice,
and avoid any sudden steering maneu-
vers.
• 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.
Starting and driving5-27

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 performing any inspection or maintenance
work on your vehicle, always take care to prevent
serious accidental injury to yourself or damage to
the vehicle. The following are general precau-
tions that should be closely observed.
WARNING
• The EV (Electric Vehicle) system uses
high voltage up to approximately DC
400 volt. The system can be hot during
and after starting and when the vehicle
is shut off. Be careful of both the high
voltage and the high temperature.
Obey the labels that are attached to
the vehicle.
• Never disassemble, remove or replace
high-voltage parts and cables as well
as their connectors. High-voltage
cables are colored orange.
• Disassembling, removing or replacing
those parts or cables can cause severe
burns or electric shock that may result
in serious injury or death. The vehicle
high voltage system has no user ser-
viceable parts. Take your vehicle to the
NISSAN certified LEAF dealer for any
necessary maintenance.• Park the vehicle on a level surface,
apply the parking brake securely and
chock the wheels to prevent the ve-
hicle from moving. Push the P (Park)
position switch on the shift lever or
place the vehicle into the N (Neutral)
position.
• If you must work with the EV (Electric
vehicle) system is turned on, keep
hands, clothing, hair and tools away
from moving fans and any other mov-
ing parts.
• Make sure that the power switch is in
the OFF or LOCK position when per-
forming any part replacement or re-
pairs.
• It is advisable to secure or remove any
loose clothing and remove any jewelry,
such as rings, watches, etc. before
working on your vehicle.
• Always wear eye protection whenever
you work on your vehicle.
• Never get under the vehicle while it is
supported only by a jack. If it is neces-
sary to work under the vehicle, support
it with safety stands.
• Keep smoking materials, flames and
sparks away from the 12-volt battery.
CAUTION
• Do not work under the hood while the
motor compartment is hot. Push the
power switch in the OFF position and
wait until it cools down.
• Avoid direct contact with used coolant.
Improperly disposed coolant and/or
other vehicle fluids can damage the
environment. Always conform to local
regulations for the disposal of vehicle
fluids.
• Never connect or disconnect the bat-
tery or any transistorized component
while the power switch is in the ON
position.
• Your vehicle is equipped with an auto-
matic cooling fan. It may come on at
any time without warning, even if the
power switch is not in the ACC, ON or
READY to drive position. To avoid in-
jury, always disconnect the negative
12-volt battery cable before working
near the fan.
• Before performing any electrical main-
tenance work on the vehicle such as
the battery, fuses or bulb replacement,
confirm the following:
– The charge connector is removed
from the vehicle.
MAINTENANCE PRECAUTIONS
Maintenance and do-it yourself8-5

1. Brake fluid reservoir
2. 12-volt battery
3. Fuse/fusible link holder
4. Fuse/fusible link holder
5. Coolant tank cap
6. Window washer fluid reservoir
7. Fuse/fusible link holder
MOTOR COMPARTMENT CHECK
LOCATIONS
Maintenance and do-it yourself8-7

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

The following are approximate capacities. The actual refill capacities may be slightly different. When refilling, follow the procedure that
is described in the “Maintenance and do-it-yourself” section to determine the proper refill capacity.
Capacity (approximate) Recommended specifications
US measure Imp measure Liter
Cooling system
With reservoir 5-5/8 qt 4-5/8 qt 5.3
Pre-diluted Genuine NISSAN Long Life Antifreeze/Coolant
(blue) or equivalent
Reservoir 1/2 qt 1/2 qt 0.5
Reduction gear fluid 1-1/2 qt 1-1/4 qt 1.4 Genuine NISSAN Matic S ATF*1
Brake fluidRefill to the proper oil level according to
the instructions in the “Maintenance and
do-it-yourself” section.Genuine NISSAN Super Heavy Duty Brake Fluid*2 or
equivalent DOT 3
Multi-purpose grease — — — NLGI No. 2 (Lithium soap base)
Air conditioning system refrigerant — — — HFC-134a (R-134a)*3
Air conditioning system lubricants — — — NISSAN A/C System Oil ND-OIL11 or equivalent
*1:Using reduction gear fluid other than
Genuine NISSAN Matic S ATF will
cause deterioration in driveability and
reduction gear durability, and may
damage the reduction gear, which is
not covered by the NISSAN new ve-
hicle limited warranty.*2: Available in mainland US through a
NISSAN certified LEAF dealer.
*3: For additional information, see “Vehicle
identification” for air conditioner specifica-
tion label.
CAPACITIES AND RECOMMENDED
LUBRICANTS
9-2Technical and consumer information

10 Index
A
ABS (Anti-lock Braking System)........5-22
Advanced air bag system............1-41
Air bag system..................1-41
Advanced air bag system..........1-41
Front passenger air bag and status light . .1-42
Front-seat mounted side-impact
supplemental air bag system........1-45
Roof-mounted curtain side-impact
supplemental air bag system........1-45
Airbagwarninglabels..............1-48
Airbagwarninglight...........1-48,2-19
Air conditioner...................9-9
Air conditioner specification label.......9-9
Air conditioning system refrigerant and lubricant
recommendations...............9-3
Alarm, How to stop alarm (see vehicle security
system)......................2-38
Alcohol, drugs and driving............5-6
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)........5-22
Anti-lock braking system (ABS) warning light .2-15
Appearance care.................7-2
Exterior appearance care...........7-2
Interior appearance care............7-4Audible reminders................2-22
Autolight system.................2-43
Automatic.....................3-5
Door locks...................3-5
Automatic climate control (models with
Navigation System)...............4-16
Automatic climate control (models without
Navigation System)...............4-10
Avoiding collision and rollover..........5-5
B
Battery......................8-12
12-volt battery................8-12
Battery saver system.............2-44
Intelligent Key battery............8-19
Li-ion battery.................EV-2
Li-ion battery temperature gauge.......2-7
Before starting system.............5-10
Boosterseats ..................1-32
Brake.......................5-15
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)......5-22
Brake fluid...................8-10
Brakes.....................8-15
Brake system.................5-20
BRAKE system warning light (yellow)....2-15
BRAKE warning light (red)..........2-16
BRAKE system warning light (yellow).....2-15BRAKE warning light (red)...........2-16
Bulb replacement................8-21
C
Cabin air filter..................4-15
Capacities and recommended lubricants....9-2
Cargocover...................2-53
Ceiling light...................2-58
Charge......................2-50
ChargetimerOFFswitch..........2-50
Charge connector lock switch.........2-50
Charge port lid switch..............2-49
Charging.....................3-18
Chargeportlid................3-18
Charging related indicator light......CH-28
Chargingtimer...............CH-21
Cleaning....................7-6
Normalcharge................CH-9
Precautions on charging..........CH-2
Quickcharge................CH-15
Specifications.................9-4
Trickle charge...............CH-11
Charging methods..............CH-21
Charging related indicator light........CH-28
Charging related remote function......CH-26
Charging status indicator light........CH-28
Charging timer.................CH-21