2017 NISSAN LEAF maintenance

The cooling system is filled at the factory with a
pre-diluted mixture of 50% Genuine NISSAN
Long Life Antifreeze/Coolant (blue) and 50% wa-
ter to provide year-round antifreeze and coolant
protection. The antifreeze solution contains rust
and corrosion inhibitors. Additional cooling sys-
tem additives are not necessary.
WARNING
• Never remove the coolant tank cap when the motor compartment is hot.
Wait until the motor compartment cool
down.
• The coolant tank is equipped with a special type coolant tank cap. To pre-
vent damage to the motor compart-
ment, use only a Genuine NISSAN
coolant tank cap.
CAUTION
• Never use any additives in the coolant such as radiator sealer in the cooling
system. This may cause damage to
electrical equipment such as the motor
and inverter. • When adding or replacing coolant, be
sure to use only a Genuine NISSAN
Long Life Antifreeze/Coolant (blue) or
equivalent. Genuine NISSAN Long Life
Antifreeze/Coolant (blue) is pre-
diluted to provide antifreeze protec-
tion to −34°F (−37°C) . If additional
freeze protection is needed due to the
weather conditions where you operate
your vehicle, add Genuine NISSAN
Long Life Antifreeze/Coolant (blue)
concentrate following the directions
on the container. If and equivalent
coolant other than Genuine NISSAN
Long Life Antifreeze/Coolant (blue) is
used, follow the coolant manufacture’s
instructions to maintain minimum an-
tifreeze protection to −34°F (−37°C) .
The use of other types of coolant solu-
tions other than Genuine NISSAN
Long Life Antifreeze/Coolant (blue) or
equivalent may damage the cooling
system. • The life expectancy of the factory-fill
coolant is 125,000 miles (200,000 km)
or 15 years. Mixing any other type of
coolant other than Genuine NISSAN
Long Life Antifreeze/Coolant (blue) ,
including Genuine NISSAN Long Life
Antifreeze/Coolant (green) , or the use
of non-distilled water will reduce the
life expectancy of the factory-filled
coolant. For additional information, re-
fer to the NISSAN Service and Mainte-
nance Guide.
COOLING SYSTEM
8-8Maintenance 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
coolant reservoir, refer to “Motor compartment
check locations” in this section.
If the cooling system frequently requires
coolant, it is recommended that you visit a
NISSAN certified LEAF dealer.
CHANGING COOLANT
It is recommended that major cooling system
repairs should be performed by a NISSAN certi-
fied LEAF dealer. The service procedures can be
found in the appropriate 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

When checking or replacement is required, it is
recommended that you visit a NISSAN certified
LEAF dealer for this service.
CAUTION
• Use only Genuine NISSAN Matic S ATF. Do not mix with other fluids.
• Using reduction gear fluid other than Genuine NISSAN Matic S ATF will
cause deterioration in driveability and
reduction gear durability, and may
damage the reduction gear, which is
not covered by the NISSAN New Ve-
hicle Limited Warranty. For additional brake fluid information, refer to
“Recommended fluids/lubricants and capacities”
in the “Technical and consumer information” sec-
tion of this manual.
WARNING
• Use only new fluid from a sealed con- tainer. Old, inferior or contaminated
fluid may damage the brake system.
The use of improper fluids can damage
the brake system, and affect the vehi-
cle’s stopping ability.
• Clean the filler cap before removing.
• Brake fluid is poisonous and should be stored carefully in marked containers
out of the reach of children.
CAUTION
Do not spill the fluid on any painted sur-
faces. This will damage the paint. If fluid
is spilled, immediately wash the surface
with water. Check the fluid level in the reservoir. If the fluid is
below the MIN line
Bor the brake warning light
illuminates, add Genuine NISSAN Super Heavy
Duty Brake Fluid or equivalent DOT 3fluid up to
the MAX line
A. If fluid must be added fre-
quently, the system should be checked. It is rec-
ommended that you visit a NISSAN certified
LEAF dealer for this service.
REDUCTION GEAR FLUID BRAKE FLUID
8-10Maintenance and do-it yourself

Except for Canada
To check the fluid level, use your finger to plug the
center hole
1of the cap/tube assembly, then
remove it from the reservoir. If there is no fluid in
the tube, add fluid. For Canada
Fill the windshield-washer fluid reservoir periodi-
cally. Add windshield-washer fluid when the low
washer fluid message appears on the vehicle
information display. For additional information,
refer to “Indicators for operation” in the “Instru-
ments and controls” section of this manual.
To fill the windshield-washer fluid reservoir, lift
the cap
1and pour the windshield-washer fluid
into the reservoir opening.
Add a windshield-washer solvent to the reservoir
for better cleaning. In the winter season, add a
windshield-washer antifreeze. Follow the manu-
facturer’s instructions for the mixture ratio.
Fill the windshield-washer fluid reservoir periodi-
cally.
Refill the reservoir more frequently when driving
conditions require an increased amount of
windshield-washer fluid.
Recommended fluid:
Genuine NISSAN Windshield-Washer Concen-
trate Cleaner & Antifreeze or equivalent
CAUTION
• Do not substitute antifreeze coolant for windshield-washer solution. This
may result in damage to the paint.
• Do not fill the windshield-washer res- ervoir with windshield-washer fluid
concentrates at full strength. Some
methyl alcohol based windshield-
washer fluid concentrates may perma-
nently stain the grille if spilled while
filling the windshield-washer reser-
voir.
• Pre-mix windshield-washer fluid con- centrates with water to the manufac-
turer’s recommended levels before
pouring the fluid into the windshield-
washer reservoir. Do not use the
windshield-washer reservoir to mix the
windshield-washer fluid concentrate
and water.
WINDSHIELD-WASHER FLUID
Maintenance and do-it yourself8-11

• Keep the 12-volt battery surface clean and dry.Clean the 12-volt battery with a solution of
baking soda and water.
• Make certain the terminal connections are clean and securely tightened.
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 elec-
tronic accessories that consume battery
power when the motor 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
WARNING
• Do not expose the 12-volt battery to flames or electrical sparks. Hydrogen
gas generated by the 12-volt battery is
explosive. Do not allow 12-volt battery
fluid to contact your skin, eyes, fabrics
or painted surfaces. After touching a
12-volt battery or 12-volt battery cap,
do not touch or rub your eyes. Thor-
oughly wash your hands. If the acid
contacts your eyes, skin or clothing,
immediately flush with water for at
least 15 minutes and seek medical at-
tention.
• Do not operate the vehicle if the fluid in the 12-volt battery is low. Low 12-
volt battery fluid can cause a higher
load on the 12-volt battery which can
generate heat, reduce battery life, and
in some cases lead to an explosion.
• When working on or near a 12-volt battery, always wear suitable eye pro-
tection and remove all jewelry.
• 12-volt battery posts, terminals and re- lated accessories contain lead and
lead compounds. Wash hands after
handling.
• Keep the 12-volt battery out of the reach of children. 1. Remove the vent caps with a screwdriver as
shown. Use a cloth to protect the battery
case.
12-VOLT BATTERY
8-12Maintenance and do-it yourself

2. Check the fluid level in each cell. If it is nec-essary to add fluid, add only distilled water to
bring the level up to the bottom of the filler
opening. Do not overfill. Reinstall the vent
caps. Vehicles operated in high temperatures or under
severe conditions require frequent checks of the
12-volt battery fluid level.
JUMP STARTING
Jump starting provides power to the 12 volt sys-
tem to allow the electrical systems to operate.
The electrical systems must be operating to allow
the Li-ion battery to be charged. Jump starting
does not charge the Li-ion battery. The Li-ion
battery must be charged before the vehicle can
be driven.
For additional information, refer to “Jump start-
ing” in the “In case of emergency” section of this
manual. If the power switch does not switch to
the READY to drive position by jump starting, the
12-volt battery may have to be replaced. It is
recommended that you visit a NISSAN certified
LEAF dealer for this service.
CLEANING
If your windshield is not clear after using the
windshield washer or if a wiper blade chatters
when running, wax or other material may be on
the blade or windshield.
Clean the outside of the windshield with a washer
solution or a mild detergent. Your windshield is
clean if beads do not form when rinsing with clear
water.
Clean each blade by wiping it with a cloth soaked
in a washer solution or a mild detergent. Then
rinse the blade with clear water. If your windshield
is still not clear after cleaning the blades and
using the wiper, replace the blades.
CAUTION
Worn windshield wiper blades can dam-
age the windshield and impair driver
vision.
WINDSHIELD WIPER BLADES
Maintenance and do-it yourself8-13

REPLACING
Replace the wiper blades if they are worn.
Pulling up the wiper arm
The wiper arm should be in the up position when
replacing the wiper.
Pull up the wiper arm manually or using the wiper
rise-up function.Wiper rise-up function:
To pull up the wiper arm, pull the lever
1within
1 minute after the power switch is turned off. The
wiper operation stops in mid-operation and wiper
arm can be pulled up.
To lower the wiper arm, place the wiper arm in the
down position and then push the lever
2up
once after the power switch is turned on.
CAUTION
Do not operate the windshield wiper
while arm is pulled up. The wiper arm or
hood may be damaged.
8-14Maintenance and do-it yourself

Replacing
1. Push the release tabA, and move the wiper
blade down the wiper arm
Bwhile pushing
the release tab to remove.
2. Insert the new wiper blade onto the wiper arm until a click sounds.
3. Rotate the wiper blade so that the dimple is in the groove.
CAUTION
• After wiper blade replacement, return the wiper arm to its origi-
nal position; otherwise it may be
damaged when the hood is
opened.
• Make sure the wiper blades con- tact the glass; otherwise the arm
may be damaged from wind
pressure. Be careful not to clog the washer nozzle
A. This
may cause improper windshield washer opera-
tion. If the nozzle is clogged, remove any objects
with a needle or small pin
B. Be careful not to
damage the nozzle.
Maintenance and do-it yourself8-15