10. Af ter starting your EV system, carefullydisconnect the negative cable and
then the positive cable (
4→3→2
→1) and keep in the READY to drive
position over 20 minutes to charge the
12-volt battery.
11. If necessary, connect the vehicle to a charging station or EVSE (Electric Ve-
hicle Supply Equipment) to charge the
Li-ion battery. For additional informa-
tion, refer to the “Charging” section. The
vehicle cannot be driven until the Li-ion
battery is charged.
12. Af ter jump starting your vehicle it is rec- ommended you visit a NISSAN certified
LEAF dealer to have the 12V battery
tested.
NOTE:
If it is not possible to turn the system ON
by following this procedure, it is recom-
mended that you visit a NISSAN certified
LEAF dealer immediately. If the power limitation indicator light
illuminates, the traction motor output is
limited resulting in reduced vehicle speed.
Stop the vehicle in a safe location before
the Li-ion battery becomes completely dis-
charged and no power is available to drive
the vehicle. Contact Roadside assistance;
refer to a NISSAN Warranty Information
Booklet.
If possible, place the power switch in the
OFF position while waiting for assistance to
prevent discharging the 12-volt battery.
NOTE:
If the Li-ion battery becomes completely
discharged:
•
The vehicle is automatically placed in
the ON position and it will not be pos-
sible to switch to the READY to drive po-
sition.
• The vehicle is automatically switched to
the N (Neutral) position and it will not be
possible to drive the vehicle.
WARNING
If the vehicle is in the N (Neutral) posi-
tion and the Li-ion battery and the 12-
volt battery become completely dis-
charged, the vehicle cannot be placed
in the P (Park) position. If this occurs,
place suitable blocks at both the front
and back of a wheel to prevent the ve-
hicle from moving. Failure to block a
wheel may allow the vehicle to move
unexpectedly which may result in seri-
ous personal injury or death.
To place the vehicle in the READY to drive
position so the vehicle can be driven,
charge the Li-ion battery until the driving
range on the instrument panel changes
from “---” to a numeric distance.
NOTE:
•Some vibration may occur when the ve-
hicle is stopped in case the Li-ion battery
becomes completely discharged. This is
not the malfunction of the system.
• If the Li-ion battery is completely dis-
charged, it is required to charge until
the low battery charge warning light
turns off (white) from on (yellow).
IF THE LI-ION BATTERY BECOMES
COMPLETELY DISCHARGED
In case of emergency6-13
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 .................. .8-3
Explanation of maintenance items ........8-3
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 .................... .8-14
Windshield wiper blades ................8-15
Cleaning .........................8-15
Replacing ........................8-15 Rear window wiper blade
..............8-17
Brakes ........................... .8-17
Brake pad wear warning ..............8-17
Fuses ............................ .8-18
Motor compartment ................ .8-18
Passenger compartment ..............8-21
Nissan Intelligent Key® battery replacement . . .8-22
Lights ............................ .8-25
Headlights .......................8-25
Fog lights (if so equipped) .............8-26
Exterior and interior lights .............8-27
Wheels and tires .................... .8-30
Tire pressure ......................8-30
Tire labeling ......................8-34
Types of tires ......................8-36
Tire chains ...................... .8-37
Changing wheels
and tires ............8-38
Emergency tire puncture repair kit .......8-40
Inside vehicle
The maintenance items listed here should
be checked on a regular basis, such as
when performing scheduled maintenance,
cleaning the vehicle, 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
operation. 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 recommended 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 shif t P (Park) position mecha-
nism: On a steep hill, check that the vehicle
is held securely while the vehicle is in the P
(Park) position without applying the brakes. Parking brake:
Check the parking brake
operation 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 position, it is recom-
mended 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 posi-
tion. Check that the head restraints/
headrests move up and down smoothly
and that the locks (if so equipped) hold
securely in all latched positions.
Seat belts: Check that all parts of the seat
belt system (for example, buckles, anchors,
adjusters and retractors) operate properly
and smoothly, and are installed securely.
Check the belt webbing for cuts, fraying,
wear or damage.
Steering wheel: Check for changes in the
steering conditions, such as excessive free
play, hard steering or strange noises. Warning lights and chimes:
Make sure
that all warning lights and chimes are op-
erating properly.
Windshield defroster: Check that the air
emits from the defroster outlets properly
and in sufficient quantity when operating
the heater or air conditioner.
Windshield wiper and washer*: Check
that the wipers and washers operate prop-
erly and that the wipers do not streak.
Under hood and vehicle
The maintenance items listed here should
be checked periodically.
12-volt battery (except for maintenance
free batteries)*: Check the fluid level in
each cell. The fluid should be at the bottom
of the filler opening. Vehicles operated in
high temperatures or under severe condi-
tions require frequent checks of the 12–volt
battery fluid level.
8-4Maintenance and do-it yourself
NOTE:
Care should be taken to avoid situations
that can lead to potential battery dis-
charge and potential no-start conditions
such as:
1.Installation or extended use of elec-
tronic accessories that consume bat-
tery power when the EV system 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.
Brake fluid level*: Make sure that the brake
fluid level is between the MAX and MIN lines
on the reservoir.
Coolant level*: Check the coolant level
when the high voltage parts are cold. Make
sure that the coolant level is between the
MAX and MIN lines on the reservoir. Fluid leaks:
Check under the vehicle for
water or other fluid leaks af ter the vehicle
has been parked for a while. Water dripping
from the air conditioner af ter use is normal.
If you should notice any leaks, check for
cause and have it corrected immediately.
Radiator and hoses: Check the front of the
radiator and clean off any dirt, insects,
leaves, etc., that may have accumulated.
Make sure that the hoses have no cracks,
deformation, rot or loose connections.
Underbody: The underbody is frequently
exposed to corrosive substances such as
those used on icy roads or to control dust. It
is very important to remove these sub-
stances, otherwise rust will form on the
floor pan and frame. At the end of winter,
the underbody should be thoroughly
flushed with plain water, being careful to
clean those areas where mud and dirt may
accumulate. For additional information, re-
fer to “Cleaning exterior” in the “Appearance
and care” section of this manual.
Windshield-washer fluid*: Check that
there is an adequate amount of fluid in the
reservoir. When performing any inspection or main-
tenance work on your vehicle, always take
care to prevent serious accidental injury to
yourself or damage to the vehicle. The fol-
lowing are general precautions that should
be closely observed.
WARNING
• The EV system uses high voltage up to approximately DC 400 volt. The
system can be hot during and af ter
starting and when the vehicle is shut
off. Be careful of both the high volt-
age and the high temperature. Obey
the labels that are attached to the
vehicle.
• Never disassemble, remove or re- place high-voltage parts and cables
as well as their connectors. High-
voltage cables are colored orange.
• Disassembling, removing or replac- ing those parts or cables can cause
severe burns or electric shock that
may result in serious injury or death.
The vehicle high-voltage system has
no user serviceable parts. It is rec-
ommended that you visit a NISSAN
certified LEAF dealer for any neces-
sary maintenance.
MAINTENANCE PRECAUTIONS
Maintenance and do-it yourself8-5
• Park the vehicle on a level surface,apply the parking brake securely
and chock the wheels to prevent the
vehicle from moving. Push the P
(Park) position switch on the shif t
lever or place the vehicle into the N
(Neutral) position.
• If you must work with the EV (Electric Vehicle) system is turned on, keep
hands, clothing, hair and tools away
from moving fans and any other
moving parts.
• Make sure that the power switch is in the OFF or LOCK position when per-
forming any part replacement or re-
pairs.
• It is advisable to secure or remove any loose clothing and remove any
jewelry, such as rings, watches, etc.
before working on your vehicle.
• Always wear eye protection when- ever you work on your vehicle.
• Never get under the vehicle while it is supported only by a jack. If it is
necessary to work under the vehicle,
support it with safety stands.
•
Keep smoking materials, flames and
sparks away from the 12-volt battery.
CAUTION
• Do not work under the hood while the motor compartment is hot. Push
the power switch in the OFF position
and wait until it cools down.
• Avoid direct contact with used cool- ant. Improperly disposed coolant
and/or other vehicle fluids can dam-
age the environment. Always con-
form to local regulations for the dis-
posal of vehicle fluids.
• Never connect or disconnect the battery or any transistorized com-
ponent while the power switch is in
the ON position.
• Your vehicle is equipped with an au- tomatic cooling fan. It may come on
at any time without warning, even if
the power switch is not in the ACC,
ON or READY to drive position. To
avoid injury, always disconnect the
negative 12-volt battery cable be-
fore working near the fan.
• Before performing any electrical maintenance work on the vehicle
such as the battery, fuses or bulb re-
placement, confirm the following:
– The charge connector is removedfrom the vehicle. – The Climate Ctrl. Timer is not ac-
tive or operating. For additional
information, refer to “Climate Ctrl.
Timer” in the “Monitor, climate, au-
dio, phone and voice recognition
systems” section of this manual.
– The 12-volt battery is not being charged by the Li-ion battery and
that all charging status indicator
lights are off. For additional infor-
mation, refer to “Charging the 12-
volt battery ” in the “EV overview”
section and “Charging status indi-
cator lights” in the “Charging” sec-
tion of this manual.
• The power switch is in the OFF posi- tion. Place the power switch in the
ON position and then in the OFF po-
sition to prevent the 12-volt battery
automatically being charged by the
Li-ion battery. For additional infor-
mation, refer to “Charging the 12-
volt battery ” in the “EV overview”
section of this manual.
The “Maintenance and do-it-yourself ” sec-
tion gives instructions regarding only
those items that are relatively easy for an
owner to perform.
8-6Maintenance and do-it yourself
A Genuine NISSAN Service Manual is also
available. For additional information, refer
to “Owner’s manual/service manual order
information” in the “Technical and con-
sumer information” section of this manual.
You should be aware that incomplete or
improper servicing may result in operating
difficulties and could affect your warranty
coverage.If in doubt about any servicing,
it is recommended that you visit a
NISSAN certified LEAF dealer.
1. Fuse/Fusible link holder
2. Brake fluid reservoir
3. 12-volt battery
4. Fuse holder5. Fuse/Fusible link holder
6. Coolant reservoir cap
7. Windshield-washer fluid reservoir
MOTOR COMPARTMENT CHECK
LOCATIONS
Maintenance and do-it yourself8-7
• Keep the 12-volt battery surface clean anddry. Clean the 12-volt battery with a solu-
tion of baking soda and water.
• Make certain the terminal connections are clean and securely tightened.
12-VOLT BATTERY
8-12Maintenance and do-it yourself
NOTE:
Care should be taken to avoid situations
that can lead to potential battery dis-
charge and potential no-start conditions
such as:
1.Installation or extended use of elec-
tronic accessories that consume bat-
tery power when the EV system 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 healthWARNING
• Do not expose the 12-volt battery to flames or electrical sparks. Hydro-
gen gas generated by the 12-volt
battery is explosive. Do not allow 12-
volt battery fluid to contact your
skin, eyes, fabrics or painted sur-
faces. Af ter touching a 12-volt bat-
tery or 12-volt battery cap, do not
touch or rub your eyes. Thoroughly
wash your hands. If the acid con-
tacts your eyes, skin or clothing, im-
mediately flush with water for at
least 15 minutes and seek medical
attention.
• 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
protection and remove all jewelry.
• 12-volt battery posts, terminals and related accessories contain lead and
lead compounds. Wash hands af ter
handling.
• Keep the 12-volt battery out of the reach of children.
Maintenance and do-it yourself8-13