2015 NISSAN LEAF engine

The LEAF is an electric vehicle. Some of the
vehicle’s systems operate differently and have
different operating characteristics than vehicles
equipped with an internal combustion engine. It is
important to carefully review the entire Owner’s
Manual for this reason. The main difference is the
LEAF is powered by electricity. The LEAF does
not require and it is not capable of using gasoline
like a vehicle powered by a traditional internal
combustion engine. The LEAF uses electricity
stored in the lithium ion (Li-ion) battery. The ve-
hicle Li-ion battery must be charged with electric-
ity before the vehicle can be driven. As the vehicle
operates, the Li-ion battery gradually discharges.
If the Li-ion battery becomes completely dis-
charged, the vehicle will not operate until it is
re-charged. The charging process usually takes
from approximately 30 minutes to 21 hours as
described more fully in this manual.
This vehicle uses two types of batteries. One is
the 12-volt battery that is the same as the battery
in vehicles powered by gasoline engines, the
other is the Li-ion battery (high voltage) .
The 12-volt battery provides power to the vehicle
systems and features such as the audio system,
supplemental restraint systems, headlights and
windshield wipers.The Li-ion battery provides power to the electric
motor (traction motor) that moves the vehicle.
The Li-ion battery also charges the 12-volt bat-
tery.
The vehicle must be plugged in for the Li-ion
battery to be charged. Additionally, the vehicle
system can extend the vehicle range by convert-
ing driving force into electricity that is stored in
the Li-ion battery while the vehicle is decelerating
or being driven downhill. This is called regenera-
tive brake. This vehicle is considered to be an
environmentally friendly vehicle because it does
not emit exhaust gases, such as carbon dioxide
and nitrogen oxide.
WARNING
Your vehicle contains a sealed Li-ion high
voltage battery. If the Li-ion battery is
disposed of improperly, there is a risk of
severe burns and electrical shock that
may result in serious injury or death and
there is also a risk of environmental dam-
age.
CAUTION
To prevent damage to the Li-ion battery:
• Do not expose a vehicle to extreme ambient temperatures for extended
periods.
• Do not store a vehicle in temperatures below −13°F (−25°C) for over seven
days.
• Do not leave your vehicle for over 14 days where the Li-ion battery available
charge gauge reaches a zero or near
zero (state of charge) .
• Do not use the Li-ion battery for any other purpose.
THE EV (ELECTRIC VEHICLE)
SYSTEM LI-ION BATTERY
EV-2EV Overview

EMERGENCY SHUT-OFF SYSTEM
The emergency shut-off system is activated and
the high-voltage system automatically turns off in
the following conditions:
- Front and side collisions in which the air bags
are deployed.
- Certain rear collisions.
- Certain EV (Electric Vehicle) system malfunc-
tions
For the above collisions and certain other EV
(Electric Vehicle) system malfunctions, the
READY to drive indicator light will turn off. See
“Warning/indicator lights and audible reminders”
in the “Instruments and controls” section.
The emergency shut-off activates for the above
collisions to minimize risk of an event that could
cause injury or an accident. If the emergency
shut-off system activates, the EV system may not
be switched to READY to drive position, contact
a NISSAN certified LEAF dealer. Even if the
power switch is switched to READY to drive
position, the system may shut-off suddenly.
Therefore, drive cautiously to the nearest
NISSAN certified LEAF dealer or contact a
NISSAN certified LEAF dealer as soon as pos-
sible.WARNING
• Pay special attention to pedestrians. Because there is no engine noise, pe-
destrians may not know the vehicle is
approaching, moving or about to
move, and may step into the path of
vehicle travel.
• When leaving the vehicle, be sure to turn off the EV (Electric Vehicle) sys-
tem.
• Be sure to push the P (Park) position switch on the shift lever and apply the
parking brake when parking because
the vehicle can move when the READY
to drive indicator light is ON. When the
READY to drive indicator light is ON,
do not leave your vehicle in a shift
position other than the P (Park) posi-
tion.
• Keep the brake pedal depressed until you are ready to drive. When the ve-
hicle is in the D (Drive) position or ECO
or R (Reverse) position, if you release
the brake pedal and do not depress
accelerator, the vehicle will creep and
may start abruptly. This may cause se-
rious injury or death.
NOTE:
•The vehicle cannot run with a discharged
Li-ion battery. Repeated acceleration con-
sumes more power from the Li-ion battery
than driving at a steady speed.
• This vehicle is equipped with a regenera-
tive brake system. The primary purpose of
regenerative 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 accel-
erator pedal is released, the regenerative
brake system provides some decelera-
tion.
• When you put the shift lever in the ECO
position (models without navigation sys-
tem) or B position (models with naviga-
tion system) and take your foot off the
accelerator pedal, more regenerative
brake is applied than in the D (Drive)
position.
EV (ELECTRIC VEHICLE)
CHARACTERISTICS
EV OverviewEV-9

• Release the accelerator pedal to slow downand 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” in this section and “TIRE PRES-
SURE 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)” in this section. 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.
2-26Instruments and controls

ANTENNA
Removing antenna
The antenna cannot be shortened, but can be
removed. When you need to remove the antenna,
turn the antenna rod counterclockwise
B.
To install the antenna rod, turn the antenna rod
clockwise
Aand hand tighten.
CAUTION
• To avoid damaging or deforming the antenna, be sure to remove the an-
tenna under the following conditions. – The vehicle enters an automatic car
wash.
– The vehicle enters a garage with a low ceiling.
– The vehicle is covered with a car cover.
• Always properly tighten the antenna rod during installation. Otherwise, the
antenna rod may break during vehicle
operation.
CAR PHONE OR CB RADIO
When installing a CB, ham radio or car phone in
your vehicle, be sure to observe the following
precautions; otherwise, the new equipment may
adversely affect the engine control system and
other electronic parts.
WARNING
• A cellular phone should not be used for any purpose while driving so full
attention may be given to vehicle op-
eration. Some jurisdictions prohibit
the use of cellular phones while driv-
ing. • If you must make a call while your
vehicle is in motion, the hands free
cellular phone operational mode is
highly recommended. Exercise ex-
treme caution at all times so full atten-
tion may be given to vehicle operation.
• If you are unable to devote full atten- tion to vehicle operation while talking
on the phone, pull off the road to a safe
location and stop your vehicle.
CAUTION
• Keep the antenna as far away as pos- sible from the electronic control mod-
ules.
• Keep the antenna wire more than 8 in (20 cm) away from the electronic con-
trol system harnesses. Do not route
the antenna wire next to any harness.
• Adjust the antenna standing-wave ra- tio as recommended by the manufac-
turer.
• Connect the ground wire from the CB radio chassis to the body.
• For details, consult a NISSAN certified LEAF dealer.
4-46Display screen, heater, air conditioner, audio and phone systems

– The ECO position helps reduce power con-sumption by reducing acceleration when
compared to the same accelerator pedal
position in the D (Drive ) position.
• 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
consumption.
• 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

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, more 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) .
BRAKE SYSTEM
5-20Starting and driving

• Keep the 12-volt battery out of thereach of children.
• The booster battery must be rated at 12 volt. Use of an improperly rated
battery can damage your vehicle.
• Whenever working on or near a 12-volt battery, always wear suitable eye pro-
tectors (for example, goggles or indus-
trial safety spectacles) and remove
rings, metal bands, or any other jew-
elry. Do not lean over the 12-volt bat-
tery when jump starting.
• Do not attempt to jump start a frozen battery. It could explode and cause se-
rious injury.
• Your vehicle has an automatic cooling fan. It could come on at any time. Keep
hands and other objects away from it.
WARNING
• Always follow the instructions below. Failure to do so could result in damage
to the DC/DC converter and cause per-
sonal injury.
CAUTION
• Do not attempt to perform a jump start on the 12-volt battery at the same time
that the Li-ion battery is being
charged. Doing so may damage the
vehicle or charging equipment and
could cause an injury.
• LEAF cannot be used as a booster ve- hicle because it cannot supply enough
power to start a gasoline engine. How-
ever, a gasoline engine vehicle can be
used to jump start LEAF’s 12-volt bat-
tery.
1. If the booster battery is in another vehicle
B,
position the two vehicles (
AandB) to bring
their 12-volt batteries into close proximity to
each other.
Do not allow the two vehicles to touch.
2. Apply the parking brake.
6-10In case of emergency