5 Starting and driving
Precautions when starting and driving...........5-2
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) .......5-2
Avoiding collision and rollover ..............5-5
Off-road recovery .................... .5-5
Rapid air pressure loss ................. .5-6
Drinking alcohol/drugs and driving ...........5-6
Push-button power switch ................. .5-7
NISSAN Intelligent Key® system ............5-7
Operating range for EV start function .........5-8
Power switch operation ................ .5-8
Power switch positions ................. .5-9
Emergency EV shut off ................ .5-10
NISSAN Intelligent Key® battery discharge .....5-10
Before starting the EV system ...............5-11
Starting the EV system .................. .5-11
Driving the vehicle ..................... .5-11
Electric shift control system ..............5-11
Parking brake ....................... .5-15
Cruise control ....................... .5-16
Precautions on cruise control .............5-16
Cruise control operation ................5-17Increasing power economy
................5-18
Parking/parking on hills .................. .5-19
Power steering system .................. .5-20
Brake system ........................ .5-21
Brake precautions ................... .5-21
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) ...........5-22
Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) system .........5-24
Hill start assist system .................. .5-25
Cold weather driving ................... .5-26
Freeing a frozen door lock ...............5-27
Antifreeze ........................ .5-27
12-volt battery ..................... .5-27
Draining of coolant water ...............
.5-27
Tire
equipment ..................... .5-27
Special winter equipment ...............5-27
Driving on snow or ice ................ .5-28
Freeing a frozen charge port lid ............5-28
OPERATING RANGE FOR EV START
FUNCTION
The Intelligent Key function can only be used for
starting the EV system when the Intelligent Key is
within the specified operating range
1.
When the Intelligent Key battery is almost dis-
charged or strong radio waves are present near
the operating location, the Intelligent Key sys-
tem’s operating range becomes narrower and it
may not function properly. If the Intelligent Key is within the operating range,
it is possible for anyone, even someone who does
not carry the Intelligent Key, to push the power
switch to start the EV system.
• The cargo area is not included in the operating
range but the Intelligent Key may function.
• If the Intelligent Key is placed on the instrument panel, inside the glove box or door pocket, the
Intelligent Key may not function.
• If the Intelligent Key is placed near a door or window outside the vehicle, the Intelligent Key
may not function.
POWER SWITCH OPERATION
When the power switch is pushed without de-
pressing the brake pedal, the power switch posi-
tion will change as follows.
• Push once to change to ACC.
• Push two times to change to ON.
• Push three times to change to OFF.
• Push four times to return to ACC.
• Open or close any door to return to LOCK whilein the OFF position.
The indicator light
Aon the power switch illumi-
nates when the power switch is in the ACC or
ON position.
The power lock is designed so that the power
switch position cannot be switched to LOCK
until the vehicle is placed in the P (Park) position.
When the power switch cannot be placed in the
LOCK position, proceed as follows.
1. Push the P (Park) position switch on the shift lever to place the vehicle in the P (Park)
position.
2. Push the power switch to the OFF position. The power switch position indicator
Awill
not illuminate.
5-8Starting and driving
3. Open the door. The power switch will changeto the LOCK position.
POWER SWITCH POSITIONS
LOCK (Normal parking position)
The power switch can only be locked in this
position.
The power switch will be unlocked when it is
pushed to the ACC position while the driver is
carrying the Intelligent Key.
ACC (Accessories)
This position activates electrical accessories,
such as the radio, when the EV system is off.
ON
This position turns on the EV system and electri-
cal accessories.
READY (Normal operating position)
This position turns on the EV system and electri-
cal accessories and the vehicle can be driven.
OFF
This position turns off the EV system.*Push while the brake pedal is depressed.
Starting and driving5-9
The power switch cannot be placed in the LOCK
position until the vehicle is in the P (Park) posi-
tion.
CAUTION
Do not leave the vehicle with the power
switch in the ACC position for an ex-
tended period of time. This can discharge
the 12-volt battery.
NOTE:
If the power switch is pushed quickly or is
pushed twice quickly, the switch may not
function even if a chime sound is heard.
Push the switch again more slowly.
EMERGENCY EV SHUT OFF
To shut off the EV system in an emergency situ-
ation while driving, perform the following proce-
dure.
• Rapidly push the power switch three consecu- tive times in less than 1.5 seconds, or
• Push and hold the power switch for more than 2 seconds.
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 system in the
READY to drive mode according 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 the 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 EV sys-
tem operation for discharged Intelligent
Key system indicator appears on the ve-
hicle information display even if the Intel-
ligent Key is inside the vehicle. This is not
a malfunction. To stop the warning indica-
tor from blinking, touch the power switch
with the Intelligent Key again.
• If the Intelligent Key battery discharge
indicator appears on the vehicle informa-
tion display, replace the battery as soon
as possible. For additional information,
refer to “NISSAN Intelligent Key® battery
replacement” in the “Maintenance and
do-it-yourself” section of this manual.
5-10Starting and driving
• Make sure that the area around the vehicle isclear.
• Check fluid levels such as coolant, brake fluid, and windshield-washer fluid as frequently as
possible.
• 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.
• 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.
For additional information, refer to “Warning
lights, indicator lights and audible reminders” in
the “Instruments and controls” section of this
manual. 1. Confirm the parking brake is applied.
2. Confirm that the vehicle is in the P (Park)
position.
When the power switch is placed in the ON
position, the EV is designed not to operate
unless the shift lever is in the P (Park) or N
(Neutral) positions.
The Intelligent Key must be carried with
you when operating the power switch.
3. Depress the brake pedal and push the power switch to place the EV system in the READY
to drive position.
To place the vehicle in the READY to drive
position immediately, push and release the
power switch while depressing the brake
pedal with the power switch in any position.
The READY to drive indicator light
in the
meter illuminates.
4. To stop the EV system, push the P (Park) position switch on the shift lever, and push the
power switch to the OFF position.
ELECTRIC SHIFT CONTROL
SYSTEM
This vehicle is electronically controlled to pro-
duce maximum available power and smooth op-
eration.
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
depressed before shifting from the P
(Park) position to any driving position
while the power switch is in the ON po-
sition.
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.
BEFORE STARTING THE EV SYSTEM STARTING THE EV SYSTEM DRIVING THE VEHICLE
Starting and driving5-11
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. Push the P (Park) position switch and confirm the vehicle is 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 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
•If the power switch position is in a posi-
tion other than ON or READY to drive, you
can stop the vehicle by depressing the
brake pedal. However, greater foot pres-
sure on the brake pedal will be required to
stop the vehicle, and the stopping dis-
tance will be longer.
• When depressing the brake pedal, the
brake pedal feel will not be smooth or
may change when the cooperative regen-
erative brake system activates. However,
the electronically controlled brake system
is operating normally and this does not
indicate a malfunction.
Using brakes
Avoid resting your foot on the brake pedal while
driving. This will cause overheating of the brakes,
wearing out of the brake pads and shoes faster,
and will reduce driving range.
To help reduce brake wear, and to prevent the
brakes from overheating, reduce speed and se-
lect B position before going down a slope or long
grade. Overheated brakes may reduce braking
performance and could result in loss of vehicle
control.
WARNING
• While driving on a slippery surface, be careful when braking or accelerating.
Abrupt braking or accelerating could
cause the wheels to skid, which could
result in an accident.
• If the brake pedal is depressed with the EV system OFF, you may feel an
increased brake pedal effort and a de-
creased pedal stroke. If the BRAKE
warning light does not illuminate and
the brake pedal feels like it has re-
turned to its normal state after the EV
system is started, this indicates that
there is no malfunction and the vehicle
can be operated normally.
Wet brakes
When the vehicle is washed or driven through
water, the brakes may get wet. As a result, the
braking distance will be longer and the vehicle
may pull to one side during braking.
To dry brakes, drive the vehicle at a safe speed
while lightly tapping the brake pedal to heat up
the brakes. Do this until the brakes return to
normal. Avoid driving the vehicle at high speeds
until the brakes have dried.
Parking brake break-in
Break-in the parking brake shoes whenever the
stopping effect of the parking brake is weakened
or whenever the parking brake shoes and/or
drum/rotors are replaced, in order to assure the
best braking performance.
This procedure is described in the Genuine
NISSAN Service Manual, and it can be per-
formed by a certified repair facility. It is recom-
mended that you visit a NISSAN certified LEAF
dealer.
ANTI-LOCK BRAKING SYSTEM
(ABS)
WARNING
• The Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) is a sophisticated device, but it cannot
prevent accidents resulting from care-
less or dangerous driving techniques.
It can help maintain vehicle control
during braking on slippery surfaces.
Remember that stopping distances on
slippery surfaces will be longer than
on normal surfaces even with ABS.
Stopping distances may also be longer
on rough, gravel or snow covered
5-22Starting and driving
roads, or if you are using tire chains.
Always maintain a safe distance from
the vehicle in front of you. Ultimately,
the driver is responsible for safety.
• Tire type and condition may also affect braking effectiveness.
– When replacing tires, install thespecified size of tires on all four
wheels.
– For additional information, refer to “Wheels and tires” in the “Mainte-
nance and do-it-yourself” section of
this manual.
The Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) controls the
brakes so the wheels do not lock during hard
braking or when braking on slippery surfaces.
The system detects the rotation speed at each
wheel and varies the brake fluid pressure to pre-
vent each wheel from locking and sliding. By
preventing each wheel from locking, the system
helps the driver maintain steering control and
helps to minimize swerving and spinning on slip-
pery surfaces.
Using the system
Depress the brake pedal and hold it down. De-
press the brake pedal with firm steady pressure,
but do not pump the brakes. The ABS will oper- ate to prevent the wheels from locking up. Steer
the vehicle to avoid obstacles.
WARNING
Do not pump the brake pedal. Doing so
may result in increased stopping dis-
tances.
Self-test feature
The ABS includes electronic sensors, electric
pumps, hydraulic solenoids and a computer. The
computer has a built-in diagnostic feature that
tests the system each time you push the power
switch in the READY to drive position and move
the vehicle at a low speed in forward or reverse.
When the self-test occurs, you may hear a
“clunk” noise and/or feel a pulsation in the brake
pedal. This is normal and does not indicate a
malfunction. If the computer senses a malfunc-
tion, it switches the ABS off and illuminates the
ABS warning light on the instrument panel. The
brake system then operates normally, but without
anti-lock assistance.
If the ABS warning light illuminates during the
self-test or while driving, have the vehicle
checked. It is recommended that you visit a
NISSAN certified LEAF dealer for this service.
Normal operation
The ABS operates at speeds above 3 to 6 mph
(5 to 10 km/h) . The speed varies according to
road conditions.
When the ABS senses that one or more wheels
are close to locking up, the actuator rapidly ap-
plies and releases hydraulic pressure. This action
is similar to pumping the brakes very quickly. You
may feel a pulsation in the brake pedal and hear a
noise from under the hood or feel a vibration from
the actuator when it is operating. This is normal
and indicates that the ABS is operating properly.
However, the pulsation may indicate that road
conditions are hazardous and extra care is re-
quired while driving.
Starting and driving5-23