Page 305 of 424
For additional information, refer to the separate
LEAF Navigation System Owner’s Manual.For additional information, refer to the separate
LEAF Navigation System Owner’s Manual.
BLUETOOTH® HANDS-FREE PHONE
SYSTEM WITH NAVIGATION SYSTEM
(IF SO EQUIPPED)
NISSAN VOICE RECOGNITION
SYSTEM (IF SO EQUIPPED)
4-76Display screen, heater, air conditioner, audio and phone systems
Page 306 of 424

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
Page 307 of 424

WARNING
• Do not leave children or adults who would normally require the support of
others alone in your vehicle. Pets
should not be left alone either. They
could accidentally injure themselves or
others through inadvertent operation
of the vehicle. Also, on hot, sunny days,
temperatures in a closed vehicle could
quickly become high enough to cause
severe or possibly fatal injuries to
people or animals.
• Properly secure all cargo with ropes or straps to help prevent it from sliding or
shifting. Do not place cargo higher
than the seatbacks. In a sudden stop or
collision, unsecured cargo could cause
personal injury.
TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING
SYSTEM (TPMS)
Each tire, including the spare (if provided) ,
should be checked monthly when cold and in-
flated to the inflation pressure recommended by
the vehicle manufacturer on the vehicle placard
or tire inflation pressure label. (If your vehicle has
tires of a different size than the size indicated on
the vehicle placard or tire inflation pressure label, you should determine the proper tire inflation
pressure for those tires.)
As an added safety feature, your vehicle has been
equipped with a Tire Pressure Monitoring System
(TPMS) that illuminates a low tire pressure telltale
when one or more of your tires is significantly
under-inflated. Accordingly, when the low tire
pressure telltale illuminates, you should stop and
check your tires as soon as possible, and inflate
them to the proper pressure. Driving on a signifi-
cantly under-inflated tire causes the tire to over-
heat and can lead to tire failure. Under-inflation
also reduces power efficiency and tire tread life,
and may affect the vehicle’s handling and stop-
ping ability.
Please note that the TPMS is not a substitute for
proper tire maintenance, and it is the driver’s
responsibility to maintain correct tire pressure,
even if under-inflation has not reached the level to
trigger illumination of the TPMS low tire pressure
telltale.
Your vehicle has also been equipped with a
TPMS malfunction indicator to indicate when the
system is not operating properly. The TPMS mal-
function indicator is combined with the low tire
pressure telltale. When the system detects a
malfunction, the telltale will flash for approxi-
mately one minute and then remain continuously
illuminated. This sequence will continue upon
subsequent vehicle start-ups as long as the mal-
function exists. When the malfunction indicator is
illuminated, the system may not be able to detect
or signal low tire pressure as intended. TPMS
malfunctions may occur for a variety of reasons,
including the installation of replacement or alter-
nate tires or wheels on the vehicle that prevent
the TPMS from functioning properly. Always
check the TPMS malfunction telltale after replac-
ing one or more tires or wheels on your vehicle to
ensure that the replacement or alternate tires and
wheels allow the TPMS to continue to function
properly.
Additional information
• The TPMS will activate only when the vehicle is
driven at speeds above 16 mph (25 km/h) . Also,
this system may not detect a sudden drop in tire
pressure (for example, a flat tire while driving) .
• The low tire pressure warning light does not automatically turn off when the tire pressure is
adjusted. After the tire is inflated to the recom-
mended pressure, the vehicle must be driven at
speeds above 16 mph (25 km/h) to active the
TPMS and turn off the low tire pressure warning
PRECAUTIONS WHEN STARTING
AND DRIVING
5-2Starting and driving
Page 308 of 424

light. Use a tire pressure gauge to check the tire
pressure.
• The CHECK TIRE PRESSURE warning also appears on the vehicle information display when
the low tire pressure warning light is illuminated
and low tire pressure is detected. The CHECK
TIRE PRESSURE warning turns off when the
low tire pressure warning light turns off.
• The CHECK TIRE PRESSURE warning ap- pears each time the power switch is placed in
the ON position as long as the low tire pressure
warning light remains illuminated.
• The CHECK TIRE PRESSURE warning does not appear if the low tire pressure warning light
illuminates to indicate a TPMS malfunction.
• Tire pressure rises and falls depending on the heat caused by operation of the vehicle and the
outside temperature. Do not reduce the tire
pressure after driving because the tire pressure
rises after driving. Low outside temperature can
lower the temperature of the air inside the tire,
which can cause a lower tire inflation pressure.
This may cause the low tire pressure warning
light to illuminate. If the warning light illuminates
in low ambient temperature, check the tire pres-
sure for all four tires. • The pressure of all tires can also be checked on
the display screen. The order of the tire pres-
sure figures displayed on the screen does not
correspond with the actual order of the tire
position.
For additional information, refer to “Low tire pres-
sure warning light” in the “Instruments and con-
trols” section and “Tire Pressure Monitoring Sys-
tem (TPMS)” in the “In case of emergency”
section of this manual.
WARNING
• Radio waves could adversely affect electric medical equipment. Those
who use a pacemaker should contact
the electric medical equipment manu-
facturer for the possible influences be-
fore use.
• If the low tire pressure warning light illuminates while driving, avoid sud-
den steering maneuvers or abrupt
braking, reduce vehicle speed, pull off
the road to a safe location and stop the
vehicle as soon as possible. Driving
with under-inflated tires may perma-
nently damage the tires and increase
the likelihood of tire failure. Serious
vehicle damage could occur and may lead to an accident and could result in
serious personal injury. Check the tire
pressure for all four tires. Adjust the
tire pressure to the recommended
COLD tire pressure shown on the Tire
and Loading Information label to turn
the low tire pressure warning light
OFF. If the tire is flat, repair it as soon
as possible. (For additional informa-
tion, refer to “Flat tire” in the “In case
of emergency” section of this manual.)
• When replacing a wheel without the TPMS such as the spare tire, TPMS will
not function and the tow tire pressure
warning light will flash for approxi-
mately 1 minute. The light will remain
on after 1 minute. Have your tires re-
placed and/or TPMS system reset as
soon as possible. It is recommended
that you visit a NISSAN certified LEAF
dealer for this service.
• Replacing tires with those not origi- nally specified by NISSAN could affect
the proper operation of the TPMS.
• Do not inject any tire liquid or aerosol tire sealant into the tires, as this may
cause a malfunction of the tire pres-
sure sensors.
Starting and driving5-3
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CAUTION
• The TPMS may not function properly when the wheels are equipped with
tire chains or the wheels are buried in
snow.
• Do not place metalized film or any metal parts (antenna, etc.) on the win-
dows. This may cause poor reception
of the signals from the tire pressure
sensors, and the TPMS will not func-
tion properly.
Some devices and transmitters may temporarily
interfere with the operation of the TPMS and
cause the low tire pressure warning light to illu-
minate. Some examples are:
• Facilities or electric devices using similar radio frequencies that are near the vehicle.
• If a transmitter set to similar frequencies is being used in or near the vehicle.
• If a computer (or similar equipment) or a DC/AC converter is being used in or near the vehicle.
• The low tire pressure warning light may illumi- nate in the following cases: – If the vehicle is equipped with a wheel and tire without TPMS.
– If the TPMS has been replaced and the ID has not been registered. – If the wheel is not originally specified by
NISSAN.
FCC Notice:
For USA:
This device complies with Part 15 of the
FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the fol-
lowing two conditions: (1) This device may
not cause harmful interference, and (2) this
device must accept any interference re-
ceived, including interference that may
cause undesired operation.
NOTE:
Changes or modifications not expressly ap-
proved by the party responsible for compli-
ance could void the user’s authority to op-
erate the equipment.
For Canada:
This device complies with Industry Canada
licence-exempt RSS standard(s) . Opera-
tion is subject to the following two condi-
tions: (1) this device may not cause inter-
ference, and (2) this device must accept any
interference, including interference that
may cause undesired operation of the
device.
TPMS with Easy-Fill Tire Alert
When tire pressure is low, the low tire pressure
warning light illuminates.
This vehicle provides visual and audible signals to
help you inflate the tires to the recommended
COLD tire pressure.
Vehicle set-up:
1. Park the vehicle in a safe and level place.
2. Apply the parking brake and push the P (Park) position switch on the shift lever.
3. Place the power switch in the ON position. Do not place in the READY to drive mode.
Operation:
1. Add air to the tire.
2. After a few seconds, the hazard indicators will start flashing.
3. When the designated pressure is reached, the horn beeps once and the hazard indica-
tors stop flashing.
4. Perform the above steps for each tire.
• If the tire is over-inflated more than approxi- mately 4 psi (30 kPa) , the horn beeps and the
hazard indicators flash three times. To correct
the pressure, push the core of the valve stem on
the tire briefly to release pressure. When the
5-4Starting and driving
Page 310 of 424

pressure reaches the designated pressure, the
horn beeps once.
• If the hazard indicator does not flash within approximately 15 seconds after starting to in-
flate the tire, it indicates that the Easy-Fill Tire
Alert is not operating.
• The TPMS will not activate the Easy-Fill Tire Alert under the following conditions: – If there is interference from an external de- vice or transmitter.
– The air pressure from the inflation device is not sufficient to inflate the tire, such as those
using a power socket.
– If electrical equipment is being used in or near the vehicle.
– There is a malfunction in the TPMS system.
– There is a malfunction in the horn or hazard indicators.
– If the Easy-Fill Tire Alert does not operate due to TPMS interference, move the vehicle
about 3 ft (1 m) backward or forward and try
again.
If the Easy-Fill Tire Alert is not working, use a tire
pressure gauge.AVOIDING COLLISION AND
ROLLOVER
WARNING
Failure to operate this vehicle in a safe
and prudent manner may result in loss of
control or an accident.
Be alert and drive defensively at all times. Obey
all traffic regulations. Avoid excessive speed,
high speed cornering, or sudden steering ma-
neuvers, because these driving practices could
cause you to lose control of your vehicle. As with
any vehicle, a loss of control could result in
a collision with other vehicles or objects, or
cause the vehicle to rollover, particularly if
the loss of control causes the vehicle to
slide sideways. Be attentive at all times, and
avoid driving when tired. Never drive when under
the influence of alcohol or drugs (including pre-
scription or over-the-counter drugs which may
cause drowsiness) . Always wear your seat belt
as outlined in “Seat belts” in the “Safety — Seats,
seat belts and supplemental restraint system”
section of this manual, and also instruct your
passengers to do so. Seat belts help reduce the risk of injury in colli-
sions and rollovers.
In a rollover crash, an
unbelted or improperly belted person is
significantly more likely to be injured or
killed than a person properly wearing a
seat belt.
OFF-ROAD RECOVERY
While driving, the right side or left side wheels
may unintentionally leave the road surface. If this
occurs, maintain control of the vehicle by follow-
ing the procedure below. Please note that this
procedure is only a general guide. The vehicle
must be driven as appropriate based on the con-
ditions of the vehicle, road and traffic.
1. Remain calm and do not overreact.
2. Do not apply the brakes.
3. Maintain a firm grip on the steering wheel with both hands and try to hold a straight course.
4. When appropriate, slowly release the accel- erator pedal to gradually slow the vehicle.
5. If there is nothing in the way, steer the vehicle to follow the road while the vehicle speed is
reduced. Do not attempt to drive the vehicle
back onto the road surface until vehicle speed
is reduced.
Starting and driving5-5
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6. When it is safe to do so, gradually turn thesteering wheel until both tires return to the
road surface. When all tires are on the road
surface, steer the vehicle to stay in the appro-
priate driving lane.
•If you decide that it is not safe to return the
vehicle to the road surface based on vehicle,
road or traffic conditions, gradually slow the
vehicle to a stop in a safe place off the road.
RAPID AIR PRESSURE LOSS
Rapid air pressure loss or a “blow-out” can occur
if the tire is punctured or is damaged due to
hitting a curb or pothole. Rapid air pressure loss
can also be caused by driving on under-inflated
tires.
Rapid air pressure loss can affect the handling
and stability of the vehicle, especially at highway
speeds.
Help prevent rapid air pressure loss by maintain-
ing the correct air pressure and visually inspect-
ing the tires for wear and damage. For additional
information, refer to “Wheels and tires” in the
“Maintenance and do-it-yourself” section of this
manual. If a tire rapidly loses air pressure or “blows-out”
while driving, maintain control of the vehicle by
following the procedure below. Please note that
this procedure is only a general guide. The ve-
hicle must be driven as appropriate based on the
conditions of the vehicle, road and traffic.
WARNING
The following actions can increase the
chance of losing control of the vehicle if
there is a sudden loss of tire air pressure.
Losing control of the vehicle may cause a
collision and result in personal injury.
• The vehicle generally moves or pulls in the direction of the flat tire.
• Do not rapidly apply the brakes.
• Do not rapidly release the accelerator pedal.
• Do not rapidly turn the steering wheel.
1. Remain calm and do not overreact.
2. Maintain a firm grip on the steering wheel with both hands and try to hold a straight course.
3. When appropriate, slowly release the accel- erator pedal to gradually slow the vehicle.
4. Gradually steer the vehicle to a safe location off the road and away from traffic if possible. 5. Lightly apply the brake pedal to gradually stop
the vehicle.
6. Turn on the hazard warning flashers and con- tact a roadside emergency service to change
the tire. For additional information, refer to
“Flat tire” in the “In case of emergency” sec-
tion of this manual.
DRINKING ALCOHOL/DRUGS AND
DRIVING
WARNING
Never drive under the influence of alco-
hol or drugs. Alcohol in the bloodstream
reduces coordination, delays reaction
time and impairs judgement. Driving af-
ter drinking alcohol increases the likeli-
hood of being involved in an accident
injuring yourself and others. Additionally,
if you are injured in an accident, alcohol
can increase the severity of the injury.
NISSAN is committed to safe driving. However,
you must choose not to drive under the influence
of alcohol. Every year thousands of people are
injured or killed in alcohol-related accidents. Al-
though the local laws vary on what is considered
to be legally intoxicated, the fact is that alcohol
5-6Starting and driving
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affects all people differently and most people
underestimate the effects of alcohol.
Remember, drinking and driving don’t mix! That is
true for drugs too (over-the-counter, prescrip-
tion, and illegal drugs) . Do not drive if your ability
to operate your vehicle is impaired by alcohol,
drugs, or some other physical condition.
WARNING
Do not operate the power switch while
driving the vehicle except in an emer-
gency. (The EV system shuts down when
the power switch is pushed 3 consecutive
times or the power switch is pushed and
held for more than 2 seconds.) If the EV
system stops while the vehicle is being
driven, this could lead to a crash and
serious injury.
Before operating the power switch, make sure
the vehicle is in the P (Park) position.
NISSAN INTELLIGENT KEY®
SYSTEM
The Intelligent Key system allows the driver to
start the EV system without taking the key out of
the pocket or purse. The operating environment
and/or conditions may affect Intelligent Key sys-
tem operation.
Some indicators and warnings for operation are
displayed on the vehicle information display in the
lower display. For additional information, refer to
“Vehicle information display” in the “Instruments
and controls” section of this manual.
CAUTION
• Be sure to carry the Intelligent Key with you when operating the vehicle.
• Never leave the Intelligent Key inside the vehicle when you leave the vehicle.
PUSH-BUTTON POWER SWITCH
Starting and driving5-7