2016 NISSAN LEAF Owners Manual

ELECTRIC SHIFT CONTROL
SYSTEM
This vehicle is electronically controlled to produce
maximum available power and smooth operation.
The recommended operating procedures for this
vehicle are shown on the following pages.
Starting vehicle
1. After placing the vehicle in the READY to driveposition, fully depress the foot brake pedal
before moving the shift lever to the D (Drive)
position.
The shift lever of this vehicle is designed
so that the foot brake pedal must be de-
pressed before shifting from the P (Park)
position to any driving position while the
power switch is in the ON position.
The shift lever cannot be moved out of
the P (Park) position and into any of the
other positions if the power switch is
placed in the LOCK, OFF or ACC position
or if the key is removed.
2. Keep the foot brake pedal depressed, and move the shift lever to the D (Drive) position.
3.
Release the parking brake and foot brake pedal,
and then gradually start the vehicle in motion.
WARNING
• Do not depress the accelerator pedal while shifting from P (Park) or N (Neu-
tral) to R (Reverse) or D (Drive) posi-
tion. Always depress the brake pedal
until shifting is completed. Failure to
do so could cause you to lose control,
which could result in an accident.
• Never shift to P (Park) or R (Reverse) while vehicle is moving. Failure to do
so could cause you to lose control and
have an accident.
CAUTION
• When stopping the vehicle on an uphill slope, do not hold the vehicle by de-
pressing the accelerator pedal. The
foot brake should be used for this pur-
pose.
• Do not hang items on the shift lever. This may cause an accident due to a
sudden start.
• Do not shift to the B position abruptly on slippery roads. This may cause a
loss of control.Shifting
To move the shift lever,
: Slide along the gate while the brake pedal
is depressed.
: After sliding, maintain it in the same position
until the vehicle placed to N (Neutral) position.
: When in the D (Drive) position, slide along
the gate
DRIVING THE VEHICLE
5-12Starting and driving

NOTE:
•Confirm that the vehicle is in the desired
shift position by checking the shift indica-
tor
1located near the shift lever or the
vehicle information display in the meter.
• To place the vehicle into the D (Drive)
position from the B position, move the
shift lever into the D (Drive) position.
After placing the vehicle in the READY to drive
position, fully depress the brake pedal, and move
the shift lever to any of the preferred shift posi-
tions.
If the power switch is placed in the OFF or ACC
position for any reason while the shift position is
in any position other than the P (Park) position,
the power switch cannot be placed in the LOCK
position.
If the power switch cannot be placed in the
LOCK position, perform the following steps.
1. Apply the parking brake when the vehicle is stopped.
2. Place the power switch in the ON position while depressing the foot brake pedal.
3. Press the P (Park) position switch and place in the P (Park) position.
4. Place the power switch in the OFF position.
NOTE:
The vehicle automatically applies the P
(Park) position when the power switch is in
the OFF position.
WARNING
• The shift lever is always in the center position when released. When the
power switch is placed in the READY to
drive position, the driver needs to con-
firm that the vehicle is in the P (Park)
position. The indicator next to the “P”
by the shift lever is illuminated and the
“P” is displayed on the meter. If the
vehicle is in the D (Drive) position or R
(Reverse) position when the power
switch is placed in the READY to drive
position, this may cause a sudden start
which could result in an accident.
• On a hilly road, do not allow the vehicle to roll backwards while in the D (Drive)
position or B position, or allow the
vehicle to roll forward while in the R
(Reverse) position. This may cause an
accident.
CAUTION
• Do not slide the shift lever while push- ing the P (Park) position switch. This
may also damage the electric motor.
• When switching to the preferred posi- tion by operating the shift lever, check
that the shift lever returns to the cen-
tral position by releasing your hand
from the lever. Holding the shift lever
in a mid-way position may also dam-
age the shift control system.
• Do not operate the shift lever while the accelerator pedal is depressed, except
when switching to the B position. This
may cause a sudden start which could
result in an accident.
• The following operations are not al- lowed because excessive force would
be applied to the traction motor and
this may result in damage to the ve-
hicle:
– Moving the shift lever to the R (Re-verse) position when driving for-
ward
– Moving the shift lever to the D (Drive) position when reversing
If these operations are attempted, a
chime sounds and the vehicle shifts to
the N (Neutral) position.
Starting and driving5-13

P (Park):
Use this shift position when the vehicle is parked
or when placing the vehicle in the READY to drive
position. Make sure that the vehicle is completely
stopped.In order to switch to the P (Park)
position, press the P (Park) position switch
as shown in the illustration above once the
vehicle has come to a complete stop. If the
P (Park) position switch is pressed while
the vehicle is in motion, a chime sounds
and the current shift position is maintained.
After switching to the P (Park) position, apply the
parking brake. When parking on a hill, apply the
parking brake first while keeping the foot brake pedal depressed then push the P (Park) position
switch and place the vehicle in the P (Park)
position. For additional information, refer to
“Parking brake” in this section.
NOTE:
•
While the vehicle is stationary, if the shift
position is placed in any position other
than the P (Park) position when the power
switch is set to OFF, it will automatically
switch to the P (Park) position.
• If the P (Park) position switch is pressed
while sliding the shift lever, the shift posi-
tion will not switch to the P (Park) posi-
tion. When pressing the P (Park) position
switch be sure to first allow the shift lever
to return to its center position.
R (Reverse):
Use this position to back up. Make sure that the
vehicle is completely stopped before selecting
the R (Reverse) position. If the vehicle is
placed in the D (Drive) position while re-
versing, the chime will sound and the ve-
hicle will switch into the N (Neutral) posi-
tion. 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.
5-14Starting and driving

B-mode:
The B-mode engages the regenerative braking
system more aggressively on downhill slopes,
and helps reduce brake use. It is activated by
moving the shift lever left and down. The shift
lever will then return to the center position.ECO mode:
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
enables the range of the vehicle to be extended.
For additional information, refer to “ECO switch”
in the “Instruments and controls” section of this
manual.
WARNING
• Be sure the parking brake is released before driving. Failure to do so could
cause brake failure and lead to an ac-
cident.
• Do not release the parking brake from outside the vehicle.
• To help avoid risk of injury or death through unintended operation of the
vehicle and/or its systems, do not
leave children, people who require the
assistance of others or pets unat-
tended in your vehicle. Additionally,
the temperature inside a closed ve-
hicle on a warm day can quickly be-
come high enough to cause a signifi-
cant risk of injury or death to people
and pets.
• When leaving the vehicle, apply the parking brake and push the P (Park)
position switch on the shift lever.
PARKING BRAKE
Starting and driving5-15

To engage:Firmly depress the parking brake.
To release:
1. Firmly apply the foot brake.
2. Firmly depress the parking brake and it will release.
3. Before driving, be sure the brake warning light goes out.
PRECAUTIONS ON CRUISE
CONTROL
• If the cruise control system malfunctions, it willcancel automatically. The SET indicator on the
vehicle information display will then blink to
warn the driver.
• If the SET indicator on the vehicle information display blinks, turn the cruise control MAIN
switch off and have the system checked by a
NISSAN certified LEAF dealer.
• The SET indicator on the vehicle information display may blink when the cruise control MAIN
switch is turned ON while pushing the ACCEL/
RES, COAST/SET or CANCEL switch. To
properly set the cruise control system, perform
the following procedure.
WARNING
Do not use the cruise control when driv-
ing under the following conditions:
• when it is not possible to keep the vehicle at a set speed
• in heavy traffic or in traffic that varies in speed
• on winding or hilly roads
• on slippery roads (rain, snow, ice, etc.)
• in very windy areas
Doing so could cause a loss of vehicle
control and result in an accident.
CRUISE CONTROL
5-16Starting and driving

CRUISE CONTROL OPERATION
1. ACCELERATE (ACCEL)/RESUME (RES)switch
2. COAST/SET switch
3. CANCEL switch
4. CRUISE (ON/OFF) switch
The cruise control allows driving at a speed be-
tween 25 to 93 mph (40 to 149 km/h) without
keeping your foot on the accelerator pedal.
To turn on the cruise control, push the
CRUISE ON/OFF switch on. The CRUISE indi-
cator on the vehicle information display will illu-
minate. To set the cruising speed,
accelerate the ve-
hicle to the preferred speed, push the COAST/SET
switch and release it. Take your foot off the accel-
erator pedal. The vehicle will maintain the set speed.
• To pass another vehicle, depress the accel-
erator pedal. When you release the pedal, the
vehicle will return to the previously set speed.
• The vehicle may not maintain the set speed on winding or hilly roads. If this happens, drive
without using the cruise control.
To cancel the preset speed, use one of the
following methods.
1. Push the CANCEL switch.
2. Tap the brake pedal.
3. Turn the CRUISE ON/OFF switch off. The CRUISE indicator on the vehicle information
display will turn off.
• If you depress the brake pedal while pushing the ACCEL/RES or COAST/SET switch and reset
at the cruising speed, the cruise control will
disengage. Turn the CRUISE ON/OFF switch
off once and then turn it on again.
• The cruise control will automatically cancel if the vehicle slows more than 8 mph (13 km/h) below
the set speed.
• 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 or 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 or 1km/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) .
Starting and driving5-17

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 thevehicle is charging.
• Remove unnecessary cargo from the vehicle.
While driving:
• Drive in ECO mode – The ECO mode 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 position 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 the
regenerative brake system is to provide
some power to recharge the Li-ion battery
and extend driving range. A secondary ben-
efit 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.
•
To help avoid risk of injury or death
through unintended operation of the ve-
hicle and/or its systems, do not leave
children, people who require the assis-
tance of others or pets unattended in
your vehicle. Additionally, the tempera-
ture inside a closed vehicle on a warm
day can quickly become high enough to
cause a significant risk of injury or death
to people and pets.
INCREASING POWER ECONOMY PARKING/PARKING ON HILLS
5-18Starting and driving

1. Firmly apply the parking brake.
2. Push the P (Park) position switch on the shiftlever.
3. To help prevent the vehicle from rolling into the street when parked on a slope, it is a good
practice to turn the wheels as illustrated.
• HEADED DOWNHILL WITH CURB:
1
• Turn the wheels into the curb and move the vehicle forward until the curb side wheel
gently touches the curb. • HEADED UPHILL WITH CURB:
2
• Turn the wheels away from the curb and
move the vehicle back until the curb side
wheel gently touches the curb.
• HEADED UPHILL OR DOWNHILL, NO CURB:
3
• Turn the wheels toward the side of the roadso the vehicle will move away from the center
of the road if it moves.
4. Place the power switch in the OFF position.
WARNING
• If the READY to drive indicator light is OFF while driving, the power assist for
the steering will not work. Steering will
be harder to operate.
•
When the power steering warning light
illuminates while the READY to drive in-
dicator light is ON, the power assist for
the steering will cease operation. You
will still have control of the vehicle but
the steering will be harder to operate.
The power steering system is designed to pro-
vide power assistance while driving to operate
the steering wheel with less effort.
When the steering wheel is operated repeatedly
or continuously while parking or driving at a very
low speed, the power assist for the steering
wheel will be reduced. This is to prevent over-
heating of the power steering system and help
protect it from getting damaged. When the
power assistance is reduced, steering wheel op-
eration will become harder. When the tempera-
ture of the power steering system goes down, the
power assistance level will return to normal.
Avoid repeating such steering wheel operations
that could cause the power steering system to
overheat.
POWER STEERING SYSTEM
Starting and driving5-19