
ELECTRIC SHIFT CONTROL SYSTEM
This vehicle is electronically controlled to
produce maximum available power and
smooth operation.
The recommended operating procedures
for this vehicle are shown on the following
pages.
Starting the vehicle
1. Af ter placing the vehicle in the READY todrive position, fully depress the foot
brake pedal before moving the shif t lever
to the D (Drive) position.
The shif t lever of this vehicle is de-
signed so that the foot brake pedal
must be depressed before shif ting
from the P (Park) position to any driv-
ing position while the power switch is
in the ON position.
The shif t lever cannot be moved out
of the P (Park) position and into any of
the other positions if the power
switch is placed in the LOCK, OFF or
ACC position or if the Intelligent Key is
removed. 2. Keep the foot brake pedal depressed,
and move the shif t lever to the D (Drive)
position.
3. Release the parking brake and foot brake pedal, and then gradually start the
vehicle in motion.
WARNING
• Do not depress the accelerator pedal while shif ting from P (Park) or N
(Neutral) to the R (Reverse) or D
(Drive) position. Always depress the
brake pedal until shif ting is com-
pleted. Failure to do so could cause
you to lose control, which could re-
sult in an accident.
• Never shif t to the P (Park) or R (Re- verse) position while the vehicle is
moving forward and the P (Park) or D
(Drive) position while the vehicle is
reversing. This could cause you to
lose control and have an accident.
• Do not shif t to the B position abruptly on slippery roads. This may
cause a loss of control.
CAUTION
• To avoid possible damage to your vehicle, when stopping the vehicle
on an uphill grade, do not hold the
vehicle by depressing the accelera-
tor pedal. The foot brake should be
used for this purpose.
• Do not hang items on the shif t lever. This may cause an accident due to a
sudden start.
DRIVING THE VEHICLE
Starting and driving5-15

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

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

Extended storage switch
If any electrical equipment does not oper-
ate, remove the extended storage switch
and check for an open fuse.
NOTE:
The extended storage switch is used
for long term vehicle storage. Even if
the extended storage switch is broken
it is not necessary to replace it. Re-
place only the open fuse in the switch
with a new one.
How to replace the extended storage
switch:
1. To remove the extended storage switch,be sure the power switch is in the OFF
position.
2. Be sure the headlight switch is in the OFF position.
3. Remove the fuse box cover.
4. Pinch the locking tabs
1and2found
on each side of the storage switch.
5. Pull the storage switch straight out from the fuse box
3.
CAUTION
• Be careful not to allow children to swallow the battery and removed
parts.
• An improperly disposed battery can harm the environment. Always con-
firm local regulations for battery
disposal.
• When changing batteries, do not let dust or oil get on the components.
• There is danger of explosion if the lithium battery is incorrectly re-
placed. Replace only with the same
or equivalent type.
NISSAN INTELLIGENT KEY® BATTERY
REPLACEMENT
8-22Maintenance and do-it yourself

Replace the battery in the Intelligent Key as
follows:
1. Remove the mechanical key from theIntelligent Key. 2. Insert a small screwdriver into the slit of
the corner and twist it to separate the
upper part from the lower part. Use a
cloth to protect the casing.
3. Replace the battery with a new one.
Recommended battery:
CR2025 or equivalent
• Do not touch the internal circuit and electric terminals as doing so could
cause a malfunction.
• Hold the battery by the edges. Holding the battery across the contact points
will seriously deplete the storage ca-
pacity.
• Make sure that the side faces the
bottom of the case. 4. Align the tips of the upper and lower
parts
1, and then push them together
2until it is securely closed.
5. Operate the buttons to check that it is functioning properly.
It is recommended that you visit a NISSAN
certified LEAF dealer for this service.
Maintenance and do-it yourself8-23

Charging troubleshooting guide.....CH-57
Chassis control ................5-152
Checking ..................2-17, 8-9
Checking bulbs .................2-17
Checking coolant level .............8-9
Child restraints ...........1-21, 1-25, 1-39
Child safety ....................1-18
Child safety rear door lock ...........3-6
Child seat belts .................1-18
Circuit breaker, Fusible link ..........8-20
Cleaning ......................7-3
Cleaning aluminum alloy wheels .......7-3
Cleaning exterior and interior .......7-2,7-4
Climate control .................4-46
Climate control operation ...........4-31
Climate control service ............4-46
Climate control system ............4-31
Climate control system refrigerant and
lubricant recommendations .........4-46
Climate Ctrl. Timer ...............4-41
Clock .......................2-13
Clock setting (models without Navigation
System) .....................4-56
Cold tire pressures ...............9-23
Cold weather driving .............5-154
Console box ...................2-67
coolant ......................8-8
Coolant ....................8-9, 9-2
Cooling system .................8-8
Corrosion protection ..............7-7
Cruise control ..................5-54 Cup holders
...................2-68
D
Defroster switch, Rear window and outside
mirror defroster switch ............2-53
Dimensions and weights ............9-6
Display, vehicle information .........2-28
Door locks ..................3-4, 3-6
Doors .......................3-4
Driving ................5-4, 5-15, 5-154
Driving range ..................2-10
Driving the vehicle ..............EV-18
Driving vehicle ..................5-15
E
e-Pedal......................2-14
e-Pedal system .................5-22
ECO........................2-60
ECO drive report ................5-143
ECO mode ....................2-14
ECO Mode ...................5-142
ECO switch ...................2-60
Efficient use of your vehicle ........EV-23
Electric shif t control system .........5-15
Electronic parking brake ...........5-20
Emergency charge .....CH-11, CH-17, CH-25
Emergency EV (Electric Vehicle)
shut off ...................5-12, 6-3 Emergency shutoff system
.........EV-10
Emission control information label ......9-8
EV Characteristics ..............EV-11
EV system ....................EV-2
EV unique information ............EV-25
Event Data Recorder (EDR) ..........9-19
EVSE (Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment) ....
CH-11, CH-17, CH-25
Exterior appearance care ...........7-2
F
F.M.V.S.S./C.M.V.S.S. certification label .....9-8
Flashers (Refer to hazard warning flasher
switch) .......................6-2
Flat tire ......................6-3
Flat towing ....................9-13
Floor mat cleaning ...............7-5
Fluid ................8-8, 8-10, 8-11, 9-2
FM/AM/SAT Radio with Compact Disc (CD)
Player.......................4-55
Fog light bulb replacement .........8-26
Fog light switch .................2-59
Fog lights ....................8-26
For Intelligent Key system ...........3-6
Front passenger air bag and status light. . .1-52
Front-seat mounted side-impact
supplemental air bag system ........1-58
Fuses .......................8-18
Fusible links ...................8-20
10-2Index

G
Garage door open, HomeLink®
Universal.....................2-75
Gauge ...............2-7, 2-8, 2-9, 2-10
General maintenance ...........8-2, 8-3
Glovebox ....................2-67
H
Hazard warning flasher switch ........6-2
Headlight switch ................2-53
Headlights ................2-53, 8-25
Headlights bulb replacement ........8-25
Heated seat switch ..............2-60
Heated seats ..................2-60
Heated steering wheel ............2-62
Heated steering wheel switch ........2-62
Heater ......................4-31
High voltage precautions ...........EV-9
HillStart.....................5-153
Hill Start Assist .................5-153
Home charge .................CH-10
HomeLink® universal transceiver ......2-75
Hood release ..................3-17
Horn .......................2-60
How to normal charge ...........CH-10
How to quick charge ........CH-35, CH-38
How to trickle charge
(if so equipped) ........CH-11, CH-17, CH-25
I
Identification number (VIN) ...........9-7
If the Li-ion battery becomes completely
discharged ....................6-13
Immediate charge ..............CH-49
Immediate Charge switch ..........2-63
Immobilizer system ...........2-49, 5-13
Indicator lights .................2-24
Indicators for maintenance .........2-42
Indicators for operation ............2-37
Infants ......................1-19
Injured persons .................1-13
Inside rearview mirror ..........3-24, 3-25
Inside vehicle ...................8-4
Instrument brightness control .......2-58
Intelligent Around View Monitor .......4-14
Intelligent Cruise Control (ICC)
(for vehicles without ProPILOT Assist) . . .5-56
Intelligent Driver Alertness (I-DA) ......5-139
Intelligent Forward Forward Collision
Warning (I-FCW) ................5-128
Intelligent Key battery .............8-22
Intelligent Key system .............3-14
Intelligent Lane Intervention (I-LI) ......5-31
Interior appearance care ............7-4
Interior light replacement ...........8-27
Interior lights ..................2-73
iPod® player operation ............4-62
ISOFIX child restraint ..............1-23
J
Jump starting..................6-10
K
Key operating range of the door lock/unlock
function......................3-8
Key operation ..................3-10
Keyless entry ..................3-14
Keys......................3-2, 3-6
L
Labels ............1-61, 8-32, 9-7, 9-8, 9-9
Lane Departure Warning (LDW) .......5-26
Larger children .................1-20
LATCH system ..................1-23
Li-ion battery ..................EV-2
Li-ion battery available charge gauge . . .2-10
Li-ion battery status check ........CH-50
Li-ion battery temperature gauge ......2-8
Li-ion battery warmer .............EV-5
License plate, Installing front license
plate ........................9-9
Light ........1-61, 2-17, 2-24, 2-53, 2-59, 2-73,
2-74, 8-25, 8-26
Lights, Exterior and interior light
replacement ..................8-27
Loading information ..............9-10
Index10-3

Loading information (Refer to vehicle loading
information)...................9-10
Lock...................3-4, 3-6, 3-18
Low tire pressure warning light .......2-21
Low tire pressure warning system ......5-4
Low tire pressure warning system (Refer to
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)) . .5-4
M
Maintenance . .1-18, 2-42, 8-2, 8-3, 8-4, 8-5, 8-12
Maintenance precautions ...........8-5
Maintenance requirements ..........8-2
Map lights ....................2-74
Mechanical key (Intelligent Key system) . . .3-3
Mirror ................3-24, 3-25, 3-26
Motor ....................5-14, 9-5
Motor compartment ..............8-7
Motor serial number ..............9-8
Moving Object Detection (MOD) .......4-26
N
NISSAN Intelligent Key® system . .3-6, 3-8, 3-10
NISSAN Vehicle Immobilizer
System...................2-49, 5-13
NissanConnect® Manual (for Leaf ) ......4-3
Normal charge ................CH-10
O
Occasional charge ..............CH-10
Odometer .....................2-7
Off-roadrecovery................5-8
Oil..........................9-2
Opening rear hatch ...............3-11
Outside air temperature ............2-13
Outside mirrors .................3-26
Outside vehicle ..................8-3
Owner’s Manual/Service Manual order
information ...................9-20
P
Panic alarm ...................3-15
Parking ...............5-19, 5-20, 5-144
Parking brake ..................5-19
Parking brake break-in ............5-148
Parking on hills ................5-144
Parking the vehicle ..............EV-21
Power................2-70, 3-4, 5-146
Power door lock .................3-4
Power door lock switch .............3-5
Power economy ................5-142
Power meter ...................2-9
Power Meter ...................2-9
Power outlet ..................2-65
Power steering system ...........5-146
Power switch ................5-9, 5-11 Power windows
.................2-70
Precautions. . .EV-9, EV-10, CH-2, 1-11, 1-21, 1-43, 5-4, 5-54, 5-146, 8-5
Precautions on charging ...........CH-2
Precautions on child restraints ........1-21
Precautions on seat belt usage ........1-11
Precautions on supplemental restraint
system ......................1-43
Precautions when starting and driving . . .5-4
Pregnant women ................1-13
ProPILOT Assist .................5-80
Public charge .................CH-10
Pulling up the wiper arm ...........8-15
Push starting ..................6-14Q
Quick charge.............CH-35, CH-38
R
Rapid air pressure loss .............5-8
Rear center seat belt ..............1-16
RearCrossTrafficAlert(RCTA)........5-46
Rear door lock, Child safety rear door
lock .........................3-6
Rear hatch ....................3-18
Rear hatch lock .................3-18
Rearseats.....................1-6
10-4Index