2014 NISSAN LEAF ECO mode

NISSAN INTELLIGENT KEY®
BATTERY DISCHARGE
If the Intelligent Key battery is discharged, or
environmental conditions interfere with the Intel-
ligent Key operation, start the EV (Electric Ve-
hicle) system in the READY to drive mode ac-
cording to the following procedure:
1. Push the P (Park) position switch on the shift
lever.
2. Firmly apply the foot brake.
3. Touch the power switch with the Intelligent
Key as illustrated. (A chime will sound.)4. Push the power switch while depressing the
brake pedal within 10 seconds after the
chime sounds. The power switch position
changes to READY to drive mode.
After step 3 is performed, if the power switch is
pushed without depressing the brake pedal, the
power switch position will change to ACC.
NOTE:
•When the power switch is pushed to the
ACC or ON position or READY to drive
mode by the above procedure, the Intelli-
gent Key battery discharge indicator ap-
pears on the vehicle information display
even if the Intelligent Key is inside the
vehicle. This is not a malfunction. To stop
the warning indicator from blinking, touch
the power switch with the Intelligent Key
again.
•If the Intelligent Key system battery dis-
charge indicator appears on the vehicle
information display, replace the battery as
soon as possible. See “Intelligent key bat-
tery replacement” in the “Maintenance
and do-it-yourself” section.• Make sure that the area around the vehicle is
clear.
• Check fluid levels such as coolant, brake fluid,
and window washer fluid as frequently as pos-
sible.
• Check that all windows and lights are clean.
• Visually inspect tires for their appearance and
condition. Also check tires for proper inflation.
• Check that all doors are closed.
• Position the seat and adjust the head restraints/
headrests.
• Adjust the inside and outside mirrors.
• Fasten seat belts and ask all passengers to do
likewise.
• Check the operation of the warning lights when
the power switch is pushed to the ON position.
(See “Warning/indicator lights and audible re-
minders” in the “Instruments and controls” sec-
tion.)
BEFORE STARTING THE EV
(ELECTRIC VEHICLE) SYSTEM
5-10Starting and driving

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 (if so equipped):
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.
5-14Starting and driving

• 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 COAST/SET switch.
• Push and hold the ACCEL/RES switch. When
the vehicle attains the preferred speed, release
the switch.
• Push, then quickly release the ACCEL/RES
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 COAST/
SET switch and release it.
• Push and hold the COAST/SET switch. Re-
lease the switch when the vehicle slows down
to the preferred speed.
• Push, then quickly release, the COAST/SET
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 ACCEL/RES switch. The vehicle will
resume the last set cruising speed when the
vehicle speed is over 25 MPH (40 km/h) .Vehicle range depends on a number of factors.
Actual vehicle range will vary depending upon:
• speed,
• vehicle load,
• electrical load from vehicle accessories,
• traffic and road conditions,
NISSAN recommends the following driving
habits to help maximize vehicle range:
Before driving:
• Follow recommended periodic maintenance.
• Keep tires inflated to correct pressure.
• Keep wheels in correct alignment.
• Pre-heat or pre-cool the interior cabin while the
vehicle is charging.
• Remove unnecessary cargo from the vehicle.
While driving:
• Drive in ECO mode
– In the ECO position more regenerative
brake is applied when the accelerator pedal
is released in comparison to the D (Drive)
position and more power is provided to the
Li-ion battery.
INCREASING POWER ECONOMY
Starting and driving5-17

– The ECO position helps reduce power con-
sumption by reducing acceleration when
compared to the same accelerator pedal
position in the D (Drive ) position.
– The ECO position reduces the power pro-
vided to the heater and air conditioner sys-
tem.
• Drive at a constant speed. Maintain cruising
speeds with a constant accelerator positions or
by using cruise control when appropriate.
• Accelerate slowly and smoothly. Gently press
and release the accelerator pedal for accelera-
tion and deceleration.
• Drive at moderate speeds on the highway.
• Avoid frequent stopping and braking. Maintain a
safe distance behind other vehicles.
• Turn off the air conditioner/heater when it is not
necessary.
• Select a moderate temperature setting for heat-
ing or cooling to help reduce power consump-
tion.
• Use the air conditioner/heater and close win-
dows to reduce drag when cruising at highway
speed.• Release the accelerator pedal to slow down
and do not apply the brakes when traffic and
road conditions allow.
– This vehicle is equipped with a regenerative
brake system. The primary purpose of re-
generative brake system is to provide some
power to recharge the Li-ion battery and
extend driving range. A secondary benefit is
“engine braking” that operates based on
Li-ion battery conditions. In the D (Drive)
position, when the accelerator pedal is re-
leased, the regenerative brake system pro-
vides some deceleration and some power to
the Li-ion battery.
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.
PARKING/PARKING ON HILLS
5-18Starting and driving

Carefully read and follow the manufacturer’s in-
structions before using air fresheners.
FLOOR MATS
WARNING
To avoid potential pedal interference that
may result in a collision or injury:
• NEVER place a floor mat on top of
another floor mat in the driver front
position.
• Use only genuine NISSAN floor mats
specifically designed for use in your
vehicle model. See your NISSAN certi-
fied LEAF dealer for more information.
• Properly position the mats in the floor-
well using the floor mat positioning
aid. See “Floor mat positioning aid
(driver’s side only)”.
The use of genuine NISSAN floor mats can ex-
tend the life of your vehicle carpet and make it
easier to clean the interior. Mats should be main-
tained with regular cleaning and replaced if they
become excessively worn.
Floor mat positioning aid (driver’s side
only)
This vehicle includes front floor mat brackets to
act as a floor mat positioning aid. NISSAN floor
mats have been specially designed for your ve-
hicle model. The driver’s side floor mat has grom-
met holes incorporated in it. Position the mat by
placing the floor mat bracket hook through the
floor mat grommet hole while centering the mat in
the floorwell.Periodically check to make certain the mats are
properly positioned.
The illustration shows the location of floor mat
brackets.
Bracket position
Appearance and care7-5

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

Tire and Loading Information label
1Seating capacity: The maximum number of
occupants that can be seated in the ve-
hicle.
2Vehicle load limit: See “Vehicle loading in-
formation” in the “Technical and consumer
information” section.
3Original size: The size of the tires originally
installed on the vehicle at the factory.
4Cold tire pressure: Inflate the tires to this
pressure when the tires are cold. 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 recommended cold tire infla-
tion is set by the manufacturer to provide
the best balance of tire wear, vehicle han-
dling, driveability, tire noise, etc., up to the
vehicle’s GVWR.
5Tire size — see “Tire labeling”.
6Spare tire size or compact spare tire size (if
so equipped)
Maintenance and do-it yourself8-27

tires are identified by ALL SEASON and/or M&S
(Mud and Snow) on the tire sidewall. Snow tires
have better snow traction than All Season tires
and may be more appropriate in some areas.
Summer tires
NISSAN specifies summer tires on some models
to provide superior performance on dry roads.
Summer tire performance is substantially re-
duced in snow and ice. Summer tires do not have
the tire traction rating M&S on the tire sidewall.
If you plan to operate your vehicle in snowy or icy
conditions, NISSAN recommends the use of
SNOW tires or ALL SEASON tires on all four
wheels.
Snow tires
If snow tires are needed, it is necessary to select
tires equivalent in size and load rating to the
original equipment tires. If you do not, it can
adversely affect the safety and handling of your
vehicle.
Generally, snow tires will have lower speed rat-
ings than factory equipped tires and may not
match the potential maximum vehicle speed.
Never exceed the maximum speed rating of the
tire.If you install snow tires, they must be the same
size, brand, construction and tread pattern on all
four wheels.
For additional traction on icy roads, studded tires
may be used. However, some U.S. states and
Canadian provinces prohibit their use. Check
local, state and provincial laws before installing
studded tires. Skid and traction capabilities of
studded snow tires, on wet or dry surfaces, may
be poorer than that of non-studded snow tires.
TIRE CHAINS
Use of tire chains may be prohibited according to
location. Check the local laws before installing
tire chains. When installing tire chains, make sure
they are the proper size for the tires on your
vehicle and are installed according to the chain
manufacturer’s suggestions.
Use only SAE Class S chains.Class “S”
chains are used on vehicles with restricted tire to
vehicle clearance. Vehicles that can use Class
“S” chains are designed to meet the SAE stan-
dard minimum clearances between the tire and
the closest vehicle suspension or body compo-
nent required to accommodate the use of a win-
ter traction device (tire chains or cables) . The
minimum clearances are determined using thefactory equipped tire size. Other types may dam-
age your vehicle.
Use chain tensioners when recommended by the
tire chain manufacturer to ensure a tight fit. Loose
end links of the tire chain must be secured or
removed to prevent the possibility of whipping
action damage to the fenders or underbody. If
possible, avoid fully loading your vehicle when
using tire chains. In addition, drive at a reduced
speed. Otherwise, your vehicle may be damaged
and/or vehicle handling and performance may be
adversely affected.
Tire chains must be installed only on the
front wheels and not on the rear wheels.
Do not use tire chains on dry roads. Driving with
tire chains in such conditions can cause damage
to the various mechanisms of the vehicle due to
some overstress.
Maintenance and do-it yourself8-31