2019 NISSAN LEAF power steering

HOW TO ENABLE/DISABLE THE
STEERING ASSIST1. Steering-wheel mounted control (right)
2. Vehicle information display3. Steering Assist switch
Use the following methods to enable or
disable the Steering Assist.
Steering Assist switch:
To turn the Steering Assist on or off, push
the Steering Assist switch (3) on the instru-
ment panel.
NOTE:
•
When the Steering Assist switch is used
to turn the system on or off, the system
remembers the setting even if the
power switch is cycled. The switch must
be pushed again to change the setting
to on or off.
• The Steering Assist switch changes the
status of the “Steering Assist” selection
made in the “Settings” screen in the ve-
hicle information display.
Setting in the vehicle information display:
1. Press thebutton on the steering
wheel (1) until “Settings” displays in the
vehicle information display (2) and then
press the OK button (1).
5-90Starting and driving

WARNING
Failure to follow the warnings and in-
structions for proper use of the I-DA
system could result in serious injury or
death.
• The I–DA system is only a warning to inform the driver of a potential lack
of driver attention or drowsiness. It
will not steer the vehicle or prevent
loss of control.
• The I–DA system does not detect and provide an alert of the driver’s
lack of attention or fatigue in every
situation.
• It its the driver’s responsibility to: – stay alert,
– drive safely,
– keep the vehicle in the travelinglane,
– be in control of the vehicle at all times,
– avoid driving when tired,
– avoid distractions (texting, etc.). The I–DA system helps alert the driver if the
system detects a lack of attention or driv-
ing fatigue.
The system monitors driving style and
steering behavior over a period of time,
and it detects changes from the normal
pattern. If the system detects that driver
attention is decreasing over a period of
time, the system uses audible and visual
warnings to suggest that the driver take a
break.
I-DA SYSTEM OPERATION
If the system detects driver fatigue or that
driver attention is decreasing, the mes-
sage “Take a break?” appears in the vehicle
information display and a chime sounds
when the vehicle is driven at speeds above
37 mph (60 km/h).
The system continuously monitors driver
attention and can provide multiple warn-
ings per trip.
The system resets and starts reassessing
driving style and steering behavior when the
power switch is cycled from the ON to the
OFF position and back to the ON position.
INTELLIGENT DRIVER ALERTNESS
(I-DA) (IF SO EQUIPPED)
Starting and driving5-139

• Drive at a constant speed. Maintain cruis-ing speeds with a constant accelerator
position or by using cruise control when
appropriate.
• Accelerate slowly and smoothly. Gently press and release the accelerator pedal
for acceleration and deceleration.
• Drive at moderate speeds on the highway.
• Avoid frequent stopping and braking. Maintain a safe distance behind other
vehicles.
• Turn off the air conditioner/heater when it is not necessary.
• Select a moderate temperature setting for heating or cooling to help reduce
power consumption.
• Use the air conditioner/heater and close windows to reduce drag when cruising at
a highway speed. • Release the accelerator pedal to slow
down and do not apply the brakes when
traffic and road conditions allow. – This vehicle is equipped with a regen-erative brake system. The primary pur-
pose of the regenerative brake system
is to provide some power to recharge
the Li-ion battery and extend driving
range. A secondary benefit is “engine
braking” that operates based on Li-ion
battery conditions. In the D (Drive) posi-
tion, when the accelerator pedal is re-
leased, the regenerative brake system
provides some deceleration and some
power to the Li-ion battery. The ECO Drive Report appears for approxi-
mately 30 seconds af ter placing the power
switch in the OFF position, driving the ve-
hicle for more than 0.3 miles (500 m), and
pressing the
button on the steering
wheel.
ECO DRIVE REPORT
Starting and driving5-143

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

The VDC system uses various sensors to
monitor driver inputs and vehicle motion.
Under certain driving conditions, the VDC
system helps to perform the following
functions.
• Controls brake pressure to reduce wheelslip on one slipping drive wheel so power
is transferred to a drive wheel on the same
axle that is not slipping.
• Controls brake pressure and traction mo- tor output to reduce drive wheel slip
based on vehicle speed (traction control
function).
• Controls brake pressure at individual wheels and traction motor output to help
the driver maintain control of the vehicle
in the following conditions:
• Understeer (vehicle tends to not follow the steered path despite increased steering
input).
• Oversteer (vehicle tends to spin due to certain road or driving conditions).
The VDC system can help the driver main-
tain control of the vehicle, but it cannot
prevent loss of vehicle control in all driving
situations. When the VDC system operates, the
indicator light in the instrument panel
flashes. When the indicator light flashes,
note the following items:
• The road may be slippery or the system
may determine some action is required to
help keep the vehicle on the steered path.
• You may feel a pulsation in the brake pedal and hear a noise or vibration from under
the hood. This is normal and indicates
that the VDC system is working properly.
• Adjust your speed and driving according to the road conditions.
For additional information, refer to “Slip in-
dicator light” and “Vehicle Dynamic Control
(VDC) OFF indicator light” in the “Instru-
ments and controls” section of this manual.
If a malfunction occurs in the system, the
indicator light illuminates in the ve-
hicle information display. The VDC system
automatically turns off when this indicator
light is lit. The vehicle information display is used to
turn off the VDC system. The VDC OFF indi-
cator light
illuminates to indicate that
the VDC system is off. When the vehicle
information display is used to turn off the
system, the VDC system still operates to
prevent one drive wheel from slipping by
transferring power to a non-slipping wheel.
The
indicator light flashes if this oc-
curs. All other VDC functions are off and the
indicator light will not flash. The VDC
system is automatically reset to on when
the power switch is placed in the OFF posi-
tion then back to the ON position. For addi-
tional information, refer to “Vehicle infor-
mation display” in the “Instruments and
controls” section of this manual.
The computer has a built-in diagnostic fea-
ture that tests the system each time you
start the EV and move the vehicle forward
or in reverse at a slow speed. When the
self-test occurs, you may hear a “clunk”
noise and/or feel a pulsation in the brake
pedal. This is normal and is not an indica-
tion of a malfunction.
VEHICLE DYNAMIC CONTROL (VDC)
SYSTEM
5-150Starting and driving

To shut off the EV system in an emergency
situation while driving, perform the follow-
ing procedure.
• Rapidly push the power switch three con-secutive times in less than 1.5 seconds, or
• Push and hold the power switch for more than 2 seconds.TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING
SYSTEM (TPMS)
This vehicle is equipped with TPMS. It moni-
tors tire pressure of all tires. When the low
tire pressure warning light is lit, and the “Tire
Pressure Low — Add Air” warning appears
on the vehicle information display, one or
more of your tires is significantly under-
inflated. If the vehicle is being driven with
low tire pressure, the TPMS will activate and
warn you of it by the low tire pressure warn-
ing light. This system will activate only
when the vehicle is driven at speeds above
16 mph (25 km/h). For additional informa-
tion, refer to “Warning lights, indicator lights
and audible reminders” in the “Instruments
and controls” section and “Tire Pressure
Monitoring System (TPMS)” in the “Starting
and driving” section of this manual.
WARNING
• Radio waves could adversely affect electric medical equipment. Those
who use a pacemaker should con-
tact the electric medical equipment
manufacturer for the possible influ-
ences before 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 underinflated tires may
permanently 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 in-
jury. Check the tire pressure for all
four tires. Adjust the tire pressure to
the recommended COLD tire pres-
sure shown on the Tire and Loading
Information label to turn the low tire
pressure warning light OFF. If the
light still illuminates while driving
af ter adjusting the tire pressure, a
tire may be flat or the TPMS may be
malfunctioning. If you have a flat
tire, repair it as soon as possible. If
no tire is flat and all tires are properly
inflated, have the vehicle checked. It
is recommended that you visit a cer-
tified LEAF dealer for this service.
EMERGENCY EV (ELECTRIC VEHICLE)
SHUT OFF FLAT TIRE
In case of emergency6-3

1. Take out the speed restriction stickerfrom the air compressor, then put it in a
location where the driver can see it while
driving.
CAUTION
Do not put the speed restriction label
on the steering wheel pad, the speed-
ometer or the warning light locations. 2. Take the hose
1and the power plug2
out of the air compressor. Remove the
cap of the bottle holder from the air
compressor.3. Remove the cap from the tire sealant
bottle. Leave the bottle seal intact.
Screw the bottle clockwise into the
bottle holder to pierce the seal of the
bottle.
In case of emergency6-7

Do not attempt to start the system by
pushing the vehicle.
CAUTION
An EV cannot be push-started or tow-
started. Attempting to do so may
cause traction motor damage. When towing your vehicle, all State (Provin-
cial in Canada) and local regulations for
towing must be followed.
Incorrect towing equipment could dam-
age your vehicle. Towing instructions are
available from a NISSAN certified LEAF
dealer. Local service operators are familiar
with the applicable laws and procedures
for towing. To assure proper towing and to
prevent accidental damage to your vehicle,
NISSAN recommends that you have a ser-
vice operator tow your vehicle. It is advis-
able to have the service operator carefully
read the following precautions.
WARNING
• Never ride in a vehicle that is being towed.
• Never get under your vehicle af ter it has been lif ted by a tow truck.
CAUTION
• When towing, make sure that the ax- les, steering system and power train
are in working condition. If any unit
is damaged, dollies must be used.
• Always attach safety chains before towing.
For additional information about towing
your vehicle behind a Recreational Vehicle
(RV), refer to “Flat towing” in the “Technical
and consumer information” section of this
manual.
PUSH STARTING TOWING YOUR VEHICLE
6-14In case of emergency