2019 NISSAN LEAF battery

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 indicator light is on, the power
assist for the steering will cease op-
eration. You will still have control of
the vehicle but the steering will be
harder to operate.
The power steering system is designed to
provide power assistance while driving to
operate the steering wheel with less effort.
When the steering wheel is operated re-
peatedly or continuously while parking or
driving at a very low speed, the power as-
sist for the steering wheel will be reduced.
This is to prevent overheating of the power
steering system and help protect it from
getting damaged. When the power assis-
tance is reduced, steering wheel operation
will become harder. When the temperature
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.
You may hear a noise when the steering
wheel is operated quickly. However, this is
not a malfunction.
If the power steering warning light
illuminates while the READY to drive indica-
tor light is on, it may indicate the power
steering system is not functioning properly
and may need servicing. Have the power
steering system checked. It is recom-
mended that you visit a NISSAN certified
LEAF dealer for this service. For additional
information, refer to “Power steering warn-
ing light” in the “Instruments and controls”
section of this manual.
The power assist for steering stops operat-
ing when both the power steering warning
light and READY to drive indicator light are
illuminated. You will still have control of the
vehicle. However, greater steering effort is
needed, especially in sharp turns and at
low speeds.
BRAKE PRECAUTIONS
This vehicle is equipped with two braking
systems:
1. Hydraulic brake system
2. Regenerative brake system
Hydraulic brake system
The hydraulic brake system is similar to the
brakes used on conventional vehicles.
The brake system has two separate hy-
draulic circuits. If one circuit malfunctions,
you will still have braking at two wheels.
Regenerative brake system
The primary purpose of the regenerative
brake system is to provide some power to
help recharge the Li-ion battery and ex-
tend driving range. A secondary benefit is
“engine braking” that operates based on
battery conditions.
In the D (Drive) range, when the accelerator
is released, the regenerative brake system
provides some deceleration and gener-
ates power for the Li-ion battery. Power is
also generated when the brake pedal is
applied.
POWER STEERING SYSTEM
BRAKE SYSTEM
5-146Starting and driving

When you put the shif t lever in the B mode
and take your foot off the accelerator
pedal, more regenerative brake is applied
than in the D (Drive) position. However, dur-
ing high-speed driving you may feel that
regenerative brake provides less decelera-
tion than the engine braking in an ordinary
vehicle. This is normal.
Less deceleration is provided by the regen-
erative brake system when the Li-ion bat-
tery is fully charged. Regenerative brake is
automatically reduced when the Li-ion
battery is fully charged to prevent the Li-ion
battery from becoming overcharged. Re-
generative brake is also automatically re-
duced when the battery temperature is
high/low (indicated by the red/blue zones
on the battery temperature gauge) to pre-
vent Li-ion battery damage.
The brake pedal should be used to slow or
stop the vehicle depending on traffic or
road conditions. The vehicle brakes are not
affected by regenerative brake system op-
eration.NOTE:
•When applying the regenerative brakes,
you may hear a sound coming from the
regenerative brake system. This is a
normal operating characteristic of an
EV.
• 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
pressure on the brake pedal will be re-
quired to stop the vehicle, and the stop-
ping distance will be longer.
• When depressing the brake pedal, the
brake pedal feel will not be smooth or
may change when the cooperative re-
generative brake system activates.
However, the electronically controlled
brake system is operating normally and
this does not indicate a malfunction.
Using the 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 select B mode 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 acceler-
ating. Abrupt braking or accelerat-
ing 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
decreased pedal stroke. If the BRAKE
warning light does not illuminate
and the brake pedal feels like it has
returned to its normal state af ter the
EV system is started, this indicates
that there is no malfunction and the
vehicle can be operated normally.
Starting and driving5-147

The hill start assist system automatically
keeps the brakes applied to help prevent
the vehicle from rolling backwards in the
time it takes the driver to release the brake
pedal and apply the accelerator when the
vehicle is stopped on a hill.
Hill start assist will operate automatically
under the following conditions:
• The shif t lever is placed in the D (Drive), Bmode, or R (Reverse) position.
• The vehicle is stopped completely on a hill by applying the brake.
The maximum holding time is 2 seconds.
Af ter 2 seconds the vehicle will begin to roll
back and hill start assist will stop operating
completely.
Hill start assist will not operate when the
shif t lever is placed in the N (Neutral) or P
(Park) position or on a flat and level road.
CAUTION
To prevent damage to the Li-ion bat-
tery: Do not store the vehicle in tem-
peratures below -13°F (-25°C) for over
seven days. If the outside temperature
is -13°F (-25°C) or less, the Li-ion battery
may freeze and it cannot be charged or
provide power to run the vehicle. Move
the vehicle to a warm location.
NOTE:
• Connect the charger to the vehicle and
place the power switch in the OFF posi-
tion when parking the vehicle if tem-
peratures may go below -4°F (-20°C). For
models with 40 kWh battery model, this
provides external power to the Li-ion
battery warmer (if so equipped) when it
operates and does not discharge the Li-
ion battery. Vehicle driving range is re-
duced if the Li-ion battery warmer (if so
equipped) operates (Li-ion battery tem-
perature approximately -4°F (-20°C) or
colder) while driving the vehicle. You
may need to charge the Li-ion battery
sooner than in warmer temperatures. •
The Li-ion battery requires more time to
charge when the Li-ion battery warmer
(if so equipped) operates.
•
The predicted charging time displayed
on the meter and navigation system (if so
equipped) increases when the Li-ion bat-
tery warmer (if so equipped) operates.
• Vehicle range may be substantially re-
duced in extremely cold conditions (for
example under -4°F (-20°C)).
• Using the climate control system to
heat the cabin when outside tempera-
ture is below 32°F (0°C) uses more elec-
tricity and affects vehicle range more
than when using the heater when the
temperature is above 32°F (0°C).
• Climate control performance is reduced
when using the Climate Ctrl. Timer or
Remote Climate Control while the Li-ion
battery warmer (if so equipped) oper-
ates (for models with 40 kWh battery
model). Set only the charging timer [End
Time] when charging in cold weather.
The vehicle automatically determines
when to start charging to fully charge
the Li-ion battery, even if the Li-ion bat-
tery warmer operates. Charging ends
before the set end time if the Li-ion bat-
tery is fully charged.
COLD WEATHER DRIVING
5-154Starting and driving

FREEING A FROZEN DOOR LOCK
To prevent a door lock from freezing, apply
deicer through the key hole. If the lock be-
comes frozen, heat the key before inserting
it into the key hole or use the remote key-
less 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 informa-
tion, refer to “Cooling system” in the “Main-
tenance and do-it-yourself ” section 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 additional
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 lef t outside without
antifreeze, 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. However, the performance of
these tires will be substantially 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 cer-
tified LEAF dealer for the tire type, size,
speed rating and availability information.
For additional traction on icy roads, stud-
ded 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 in-
formation, refer to “Tire chains” in the “Main-
tenance 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 re-
move ice and snow from the windows and
wiper blades.
• A shovel to dig the vehicle out of snow-drif ts.
• Extra windshield-washer fluid to refill the reservoir tank.
Starting and driving5-155

6 In case of emergency
Hazard warning flasher switch.............6-2
Roadside assistance program .............6-2
Emergency EV (Electric Vehicle) shut off .......6-3
Flat tire ........................... .6-3
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) .....6-3
Repairing flat tire ................... .6-5
Jump starting .......................6-10 If the Li-ion battery becomes completely
discharged
.........................6-13
Push starting ........................6-14
Towing your vehicle ................... .6-14
Towing recommended by NISSAN ........6-15
Vehicle recovery (freeing a stuck vehicle) . . . .6-16

WARNING
• Af ter using Genuine NISSAN Emer-
gency Tire Sealant to repair a minor
tire puncture, do not drive the ve-
hicle at speeds faster than 50 mph
(80 km/h).
• Immediately af ter using Genuine
NISSAN Emergency Tire Sealant to
repair a minor tire puncture, it is rec-
ommended that you visit a NISSAN
certified LEAF dealer. The Genuine
NISSAN Emergency Tire Sealant can-
not permanently seal a punctured
tire. Continuing operation of the ve-
hicle without a permanent tire repair
can lead to a crash.
• Do not inject any tire liquid or aero- sol tire sealant into the tires, as this
may cause a malfunction of the tire
pressure sensors.
• If you used the Genuine NISSAN Emergency Tire Sealant to repair a
minor tire puncture, it is recom-
mended that you visit a NISSAN cer-
tified LEAF dealer to replace the
TPMS sensor in addition to repairing
or replacing the tire. • NISSAN recommends using only
Genuine NISSAN Emergency Tire
Sealant provided with your vehicle.
Other tire sealants may damage the
valve stem seal which can cause the
tire to lose air pressure. To start your EV system with a booster bat-
tery, the instructions and precautions be-
low must be followed.
Jump starting provides power to the 12-
volt system 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.
WARNING
• If done incorrectly, jump starting can lead to a 12-volt battery explosion,
resulting in severe injury or death.
It could also damage your vehicle.
• Explosive hydrogen gas is always present in the vicinity of the 12-volt
battery. Keep all sparks and flames
away from the 12-volt battery.
JUMP STARTING
6-10In case of emergency

• Do not allow battery fluid to comeinto contact with eyes, skin, clothing
or painted surfaces. Battery fluid is a
corrosive sulfuric acid solution that
can cause severe burns. If the fluid
comes into contact with anything,
immediately flush the contacted
area with water.
• Keep the 12-volt battery out of the reach of children.
• The booster battery must be rated at 12 volt. Use of an improperly rated
battery can damage your vehicle.
•
Whenever working on or near a 12-
volt battery, always wear suitable eye
protectors (for example, goggles or
industrial safety spectacles) and re-
move rings, metal bands, or any other
jewelry. Do not lean over the 12-volt
battery when jump starting.
• Do not attempt to jump start a fro- zen battery. It could explode and
cause serious injury.
• Your vehicle has an automatic cool- ing fan. It could come on at any time.
Keep hands and other objects away
from it.
WARNING
• Always follow the instructions be- low. Failure to do so could result in
damage to the DC/DC converter and
cause personal injury.
• Do not attempt to perform a jump start on the 12-volt battery at the
same time that the Li-ion battery is
being charged. Doing so may dam-
age the vehicle or charging equip-
ment and could cause an injury.
CAUTION
LEAF cannot be used as a booster vehicle
because it cannot supply enough power
to start a gasoline engine. However, a
gasoline engine vehicle can be used to
jump start LEAF's 12-volt battery.
In case of emergency6-11

1. If the booster battery is in another ve-hicle
B, position the two vehicles (A
andB) to bring their 12-volt batteries
into close proximity to each other.
Do not allow the two vehicles to
touch.
2. Apply the parking brake.
If the 12-volt battery is discharged,
the power switch cannot be moved
from the OFF position. Connect the
jumper cables to the booster vehicle
Bbefore pushing the power switch. 3. Push the P (Park) position switch to
place the vehicle in the P (Park) position.
4. Switch off all unnecessary electrical sys- tems (headlights, heater, air conditioner,
etc.).
5. Place the power switch in the OFF position.
6. Ensure vent caps are level and tight.
7. Connect jumper cables in the sequence as illustrated (
1→2→3→4).
CAUTION
• Always connect positive (+) to positive
(+) and negative (−) to body ground
(for example, as illustrated), not to the
12-volt battery.
• Make sure the jumper cables do not touch moving parts in the motor
compartment and that the cable
clamps do not contact any other
metal.
8. Start the engine of the booster vehicle
B.
9. While the booster vehicle
Bengine is
running, place the EV system in the
READY to drive position.
CAUTION
If the system does not start right away,
push the power switch to the OFF po-
sition and wait 10 seconds before try-
ing again.
6-12In case of emergency