2014 NISSAN LEAF check engine light

• 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 is released,
the regenerative brake system provides
some deceleration and some power to the
Li-ion battery.
LI-ION BATTERY LIFE
The Li-ion battery’s ability to hold a charge, like all
batteries, decreases with battery age and usage
which results in decreased vehicle range when
compared to the vehicle range when the vehicle
was new. This is normal and expected, and does
not indicate a malfunction of the vehicle or Li-ion
battery.The Li-ion battery’s ability to hold a charge can be
affected by how you drive the vehicle, store the
vehicle, how you charge the Li-ion battery and
Li-ion battery temperature during vehicle opera-
tion and charging.
To maximize the battery’s useful life, use the fol-
lowing driving and charging habits where pos-
sible:
• Avoid exposing a vehicle to extreme ambient
temperatures for extended periods.
• Avoid storing a vehicle in temperatures below
−13°F (−25°C) for over 7 days.
• Avoid leaving your vehicle for over 14 days
where the Li-ion battery available charge gauge
reaches a zero or near zero (state of charge) .
• Allow the vehicle and Li-ion battery to cool
down after use before charging.
• Park/store your vehicle in cool locations out of
direct sunlight and away from heat sources.
• Avoid sustained high battery temperatures
(caused, for example, by exposure to very high
ambient temperatures or extending highway
driving with multiple quick charges) .• Use the normal charging or trickle charging
methods to charge the Li-ion battery and mini-
mize the use of public Fast Charge or Quick
Charger.
• Avoid repetitive charging of the Li-ion battery
with high battery state of charge.
• Moderate driving.
• Use of ECO mode.
• If the vehicle will not be used for an extended
period of time, charge the Li-ion battery once
every 3 months. Do not operate the charging
timer repeatedly while the charge connector is
connected to the vehicle after the Li-ion battery
charging is completed. Doing so may discharge
the 12-volt battery.
The power of the Li-ion battery can be checked
on the Li-ion battery available charge gauge.
See “Li-ion battery available charge gauge” in
the “Instruments and controls” for details.
EV-24EV Overview

in a safe location and contact a NISSAN certified
LEAF dealer.
19. Apply parking brake warning
This warning appears if the DC/DC converter
system is not functioning properly after the “Stop
the vehicle” message above. If this warning ap-
pears on the display, stop the vehicle in a safe
location and push the P (Park) position switch on
the shift lever. If the parking brake is applied, the
display turns off. Contact a NISSAN certified
LEAF dealer.
20. Check tire pressure warning
This warning appears when the low tire pressure
warning light in the meter illuminates and low tire
pressure is detected. The warning appears each
time the ignition switch is placed in the ON
position as long as the low tire pressure warning
light remains illuminated.
If this warning appears, stop the vehicle and
adjust the tire pressure to the recommended
COLD tire pressure shown on the Tire and Load-
ing Information label. (See “Low tire pressure
warning light” earlier in this section and “TIRE
PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEM (TPMS)” in
the “Starting and driving” section.)
21. Cruise control indicator
Cruise main switch indicator:
This indicator is displayed when the cruise con-
trol main switch is pushed. When the main switch
is pushed again, the indicator disappears. When
the cruise control main switch indicator is dis-
played, the cruise control system is operational.
Cruise set switch indicator:
This indicator is displayed while the vehicle
speed is controlled by the cruise control system.
If the indicator blinks while the power switch is in
the READY to drive position, it may indicate that
the cruise control system is not functioning prop-
erly. Have the system checked by a NISSAN
certified LEAF dealer.
See “Cruise control” in the “Starting and driving”
section for details.
22. Shift position indicator
The shift position indicator shows the vehicle
position when the power switch is in the ON or
READY to drive position. For more details, see
“Driving vehicle” in the “Starting and driving”
section of this manual.
23. SHIFTPwarning (if so
equipped)
This warning appears alternating with door/rear
hatch open warning when the driver’s door is
opened with the shift position in any position
other than the P (Park) position. See “Door/rear
hatch open warning (power switch is in the ON
position)”. If this warning appears, push the P
(Park) position switch and place in the P (Park)
position.
24. Intelligent Key error
After the ignition switch is pushed to the ON
position, this light comes on for about 2 seconds
and then turns off.
The I-Key System Error message warns of a
malfunction with the Intelligent Key system. If the
light comes on while the engine is stopped, it may
be impossible to start the engine.
If the light comes on while the engine is running,
you can drive the vehicle. However in these
cases, contact a NISSAN dealer for repair as
soon as possible.
Instruments and controls2-27

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 the “Instruments 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, moreregenerative 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) .
BRAKE SYSTEM
5-20Starting and driving

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