FREEING A FROZEN DOOR LOCK
To prevent a door lock from freezing, apply deicer
through the key hole. If the lock becomes frozen,
heat the key before inserting it into the key hole or
use the remote keyless entry key fob.
ANTIFREEZE
In the winter when it is possible that the outside
temperature will drop below 32°F (0°C) , check
the antifreeze to ensure proper winter protection.
For additional information, refer to “Cooling sys-
tem” in the “Maintenance and do-it-yourself” sec-
tion of this manual.
12-VOLT BATTERY
If the 12-volt battery is not fully charged during
extremely cold weather conditions, the 12-volt
battery fluid may freeze and damage the 12-volt
battery. To maintain maximum efficiency, the 12-
volt battery should be checked regularly. For ad-
ditional information, refer to “12-volt battery” in
the “Maintenance and do-it-yourself” section of
this manual.
DRAINING OF COOLANT WATER
If the vehicle is to be left outside without anti-
freeze, drain the cooling system. Refill before
operating the vehicle. For additional information,
refer to “Cooling system” in the “Maintenance
and do-it-yourself” section of this manual.
TIRE EQUIPMENT
SUMMER tires have a tread designed to provide
superior performance on dry pavement. How-
ever, the performance of these tires will be sub-
stantially reduced in snowy and icy conditions. If
you operate your vehicle on snowy or icy roads,
NISSAN recommends the use of MUD & SNOW
or ALL SEASON tires on all four wheels. It is
recommended that you visit a NISSAN certified
LEAF dealer for the tire type, size, speed rating
and availability information.
For additional traction on icy roads, studded tires
may be used. However, some U.S. states and
Canadian provinces prohibit their use. Check
local, state and provincial laws before installing
studded tires.Skid and traction capabilities of studded
snow tires, on wet or dry surfaces, may be
poorer than that of non-studded snow tires.
Tire chains may be used. For additional informa-
tion, refer to “Tire chains” in the “Maintenance
and do-it-yourself” section of this manual.
SPECIAL WINTER EQUIPMENT
It is recommended that the following items be
carried in the vehicle during winter:
• A scraper and stiff-bristled brush to remove ice
and snow from the windows and wiper blades.
• A shovel to dig the vehicle out of snow-drifts.
• Extra windshield-washer fluid to refill the reser- voir tank.
Starting and driving5-27
8 Maintenance and do-it yourself
Maintenance requirement................. .8-2
Scheduled maintenance ................ .8-2
General maintenance .................. .8-2
Where to go for service ................ .8-2
General maintenance .................... .8-2
Explanation of maintenance items ...........8-2
Maintenance precautions ................. .8-5
Motor compartment check locations ............8-7
Cooling system ....................... .8-8
Checking coolant level ................. .8-9
Changing coolant .................... .8-9
Reduction gear fluid .................... .8-10
Brake fluid ......................... .8-10
Windshield-washer fluid ................. .8-11
12-volt battery ....................... .8-12
Jump starting ...................... .8-13
Windshield wiper blades ................. .8-13
Cleaning ........................ .8-13
Replacing ........................ .8-14Rear window wiper blade
...............8-16
Brakes ........................... .8-16
Brake pad wear warning ................8-16
Fuses ............................ .8-17
Motor compartment .................. .8-17
Passenger compartment ................8-19
Nissan Intelligent Key® battery replacement ......8-20
Lights ............................ .8-22
Headlights ....................... .8-22
Exterior and interior lights ...............8-24
Wheels and tires ..................... .8-26
Tire pressure ...................... .8-26
Tire labeling ...................... .8-30
Types of tires ...................... .8-32
Tire chains .......................
.8-33
Changing
wheels and tires .............. .8-33
Emergency tire puncture repair kit ..........8-36
keeps the motor hood from opening when the
primary latch is released.
When driving in areas using road salt or other
corrosive materials, check lubrication frequently.
Lights*:Clean the headlights on a regular basis.
Make sure that the headlights, stop lights, tail
lights, turn signal lights and other lights are all
operating properly and installed securely. Also
check the aim of the headlights.
Road wheel nuts (lug nuts)*: When checking
the tires, make sure that no wheel nuts are miss-
ing, and check for any loose wheel nuts. Tighten
if necessary.
Tire rotation*: Tires should be rotated every
5,000 miles (8,000 km) .
Tires*: Check the pressure with a gauge often
and always prior to long distance trips. If neces-
sary, adjust the pressure in all tires to the pres-
sure specified. Check carefully for damage, cuts
or excessive wear.
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
transmitter components: Replace the TPMS
transmitter grommet seal, valve core and cap
when the tires are replaced due to wear or age. Wheel alignment and balance:
If the vehicle
pulls to either side while driving on a straight and
level road, or if you detect uneven or abnormal tire
wear, there may be a need for wheel alignment.
If the steering wheel or seat vibrates at normal
highway speeds, wheel balancing may be
needed.
For additional information regarding tires, refer to
“Important Tire Safety Information” (US) or “Tire
Safety Information” (Canada) in the Warranty In-
formation Booklet.
Windshield: Clean the windshield on a regular
basis. Check the windshield at least every six
months for cracks or other damage. Have a dam-
aged windshield repaired by a qualified repair
facility.
Wiper blades*: Check for cracks or wear if they
do not wipe properly.
Inside vehicle
The maintenance items listed here should be
checked on a regular basis, such as when per-
forming scheduled maintenance, cleaning the ve-
hicle, etc.
Accelerator pedal: Check the pedal for smooth
operation and make sure that the pedal does not catch or require uneven effort. Keep the floor mat
away from the pedal.
Brake pedal:
Check the pedal for smooth op-
eration. If the brake pedal suddenly goes down
further than normal, the pedal feels spongy or the
vehicle seems to take longer to stop, it is recom-
mended that you visit a NISSAN certified LEAF
dealer immediately. Keep the floor mat away from
the pedal.
Brakes: Check that the brakes do not pull the
vehicle to one side when applied.
Electric shift P (Park) position mechanism:
On a steep hill, check that the vehicle is held
securely while the vehicle is in the P (Park) posi-
tion without applying the brakes.
Parking brake: Check the parking brake opera-
tion regularly. The vehicle should be securely held
on a steep hill with only the parking brake applied.
If the parking brake cannot keep a vehicle posi-
tion, it is recommended that you visit a NISSAN
certified LEAF dealer for this service.
Seat: Check seat position controls such as the
seat adjusters, seatback recliners, etc. to ensure
that they operate smoothly and that all latches
lock securely in every position. Check that the
head restraints/headrests move up and down
Maintenance and do-it yourself8-3
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
V
Vanity mirror...................3-22
Vehicle .......................9-5
Dimensionsandweights............9-5
Identification number (VIN) ..........9-6
Loading information ..............9-9
Security system ................2-37
Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) off
switch.....................2-49
Vehicle dynamic control (VDC) system . . .5-24
Vehicle information display ...........2-23
Vehicle security system .............2-37
Vents.......................4-21
W
Warning......................6-2 Hazard warning flasher switch ........6-2
Indicators for operation ...........2-24
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) . .5-2
Tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS). . .6-3
Warning/indicator lights and audible
reminders ...................2-12
Warning information displays ........2-33
Warninglights ................2-13
Warning lights, indicator lights and audible
reminders ...................2-12 Warningandindicatorlights ..........0-11
Warning information displays
..........2-33
Warninglabels,Airbagwarninglabels.....1-55
Warninglight...................1-55 Airbagwarninglight .........1-55,2-19
Anti-lock braking system (ABS) warning
light......................2-14
BRAKE system warning light (yellow) ....2-15
BRAKE warning light (red) ..........2-15
Low tire pressure warning light .......2-17
Seatbeltwarninglight............2-19
Washerswitch..................2-41 Rear window wiper and washer switch . . .2-41
Windshieldwiperandwasherswitch....2-39
Washing......................7-2
Waxing .......................7-2
Weights (Refer to Dimensions and weights) . .9-5
Wheels and tires .................8-26
Careofwheels.................7-3
Cleaning aluminum alloy wheels .......7-3
Wheel/tire size ...................9-5
When traveling or registering your vehicle in
another country ..................9-6
Window(s) .....................7-3
Cleaning ....................7-3
Powerwindows................2-56
Windshield-washerfluid.............8-11 Windshield wiper and washer switch
.....2-39
Wiper.......................8-14 Pulling up the wiper arm ...........8-14
Rear window wiper and washer switch . .2-41
Rear window wiper blade ..........8-16
Windshield wiper and washer switch ....2-39
Wiperblades .............8-13,8-15
Index10-7