2016 NISSAN LEAF engine

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. For additional
information, refer to “Power steering warning
light” in the “Instruments and controls” section of
this manual.
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 the regenerative brake
system is to provide some power to help re-
charge the Li-ion battery and extend driving
range. A secondary benefit is “engine braking”
that operates 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 B 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

WARNING
• Always follow the instructions below. Failure to do so could result in damage
to the DC/DC converter and cause per-
sonal injury.
• 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.
CAUTION
LEAF cannot be used as a booster vehicle
because it cannot supply enough power
to start a gasoline engine. However, a
gasoline engine vehicle can be used to
jump start LEAF’s 12-volt battery.
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.
If the 12-volt battery is discharged, the
power switch cannot be moved from the
OFF position. Connect the jumper cables
to the booster vehicle
Bbefore pushing
the power switch.
3. Push the P (Park) position switch to place the vehicle in the P (Park) position.
4. Switch off all unnecessary electrical systems (headlights, heater, air conditioner, etc.) .
5. Place the power switch in the OFF position.
6. Ensure vent caps are level and tight.
7. Connect jumper cables in the sequence as illustrated (
1→2→3→4).
CAUTION
• Always connect positive (+) to positive
(+) and negative (−) to body ground (for
example, as illustrated) , not to the 12-
volt battery.
• Make sure the jumper cables do not touch moving parts in the motor com-
partment and that the cable clamps do
not contact any other metal.
8. Start the engine of the booster vehicle
B.
In case of emergency6-11

9. While the booster vehicleBengine is run-
ning, place the EV system in the READY to
drive position.
CAUTION
If the system does not start right away,
push the power switch to the OFF posi-
tion and wait 10 seconds before trying
again.
10. After starting your EV system, carefully dis- connect the negative cable and then the
positive cable (
4→3→2→1) and
keep the READY to drive position over 20
minutes to charge the 12-volt battery.
11. If necessary, connect the vehicle to a charg- ing station or EVSE (Electric Vehicle Supply
Equipment) to charge the Li-ion battery. (For
additional information, refer to “Charge” sec-
tion.) The vehicle cannot be driven until the
Li-ion battery is charged.
NOTE:
If it is not possible to turn the system ON by
following this procedure, contact a NISSAN
certified LEAF dealer immediately. If the power limitation indicator light
illumi-
nates, the traction motor output is limited result-
ing in reduced vehicle speed. Stop the vehicle in
a safe location before the Li-ion battery becomes
completely discharged and no power is available
to drive the vehicle. Contact Roadside assis-
tance; refer to a NISSAN Warranty Information
Booklet.
If possible, place the power switch in the OFF
position while waiting for assistance to prevent
discharging the 12-volt battery.
NOTE:
If the Li-ion battery becomes completely
discharged:
• The vehicle is automatically placed in the
ON position and it will not be possible to
switch to the READY to drive position.
• The vehicle is automatically switched to
the N (Neutral) position and it will not be
possible to drive the vehicle.
WARNING
If the vehicle is in the N (Neutral) position
and the Li-ion battery and the 12-volt
battery become completely discharged,
the vehicle cannot be placed in the P
(Park) position. If this occurs, place suit-
able blocks at both the front and back of
a wheel to prevent the vehicle from mov-
ing. Failure to block a wheel may allow
the vehicle to move unexpectedly which
may result in serious personal injury or
death.
To place the vehicle in the READY to drive posi-
tion so the vehicle can be driven, charge the
Li-ion battery until the driving range on the instru-
ment panel changes from “---” to a numeric dis-
tance.
IF THE LI-ION BATTERY BECOMES
COMPLETELY DISCHARGED
6-12In case of emergency

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 oper-
ated in high temperatures or under severe condi- tions require frequent checks of the 12–volt bat-
tery 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 while. Water dripping from the air
conditioner after use is normal. If you should
notice any leaks, check for 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, refer to
“Cleaning exterior” in the “Appearance and care”
section of this manual.
Windshield-washer fluid*: Check that there is
an adequate amount of fluid in the reservoir.
8-4Maintenance and do-it yourself

CHECKING COOLANT LEVEL
Check the coolant levelin the reservoir when
the high-voltage parts are cold. If the coolant
level is below the MIN level
B, open the reservoir
cap and add coolant up to the MAX level
A.If
the reservoir is empty, check the coolant level in
the coolant reservoir when the high-voltage
parts are cold. If there is insufficient coolant in
the coolant reservoir, fill the coolant reservoir with
coolant up to the reservoir cap opening and also
add it to the reservoir up to the MAX level
A.
Tighten the cap securely after adding coolant. For additional information on the location of the
engine coolant reservoir, refer to “Motor com-
partment check locations” in this section.
If the cooling system frequently requires
coolant, have it checked by a NISSAN cer-
tified LEAF dealer.
CHANGING COOLANT
Major cooling system repairs should be per-
formed by a NISSAN certified LEAF dealer. The
service procedures can be found in the appropri-
ate NISSAN Service Manual.
Improper servicing can result in reduced
heater performance.
WARNING
• To avoid the danger of being scalded, never change the coolant when the
motor compartment is hot.
• Never remove the coolant reservoir cap when the motor compartment is
hot. Serious burns could be caused by
high-pressure fluid escaping from the
radiator. • Avoid direct skin contact with used
coolant. If skin contact is made, wash
thoroughly with soap or hand cleaner
as soon as possible.
• Keep coolant out of reach of children and pets.
Coolant must be disposed of properly. Check
your local regulations.
Maintenance and do-it yourself8-9