1. Fuse/Fusible link holder (P. 8-18)
2. Brake fluid reservoir (P. 8-10)
3. 12-volt battery (P. 8-12)
4. Fuse holder (P. 8-18)
5. Fuse/Fusible link holder (P. 8-18)
6. Coolant reservoir cap (P. 8-8)
7. Windshield-washer fluid reservoir(P. 8-11)
MOTOR COMPARTMENT
Illustrated table of contents0-11
High Beam Assist indicator
light (if so equipped)
The indicator light illuminates when the
headlights come on while the headlight
switch is in the AUTO position with the high
beam selected. This indicates that the high
beam assist system is operational. For ad-
ditional information, refer to “Headlight
beam select” in this section.
High beam indicator light
(blue)
This light illuminates when the headlight
high beam is on and goes out when the low
beam is selected.
Plug-in indicator light
This light illuminates when the charge con-
nector is connected to the vehicle and
blinks during charging.
NOTE:
If the charge connector is connected to
the vehicle, the power switch cannot be
placed in the READY to drive position.
Power limitation indicator
light
When the power limitation indicator light
is illuminated, the power provided to the
traction motor is reduced. Therefore the
vehicle is not as responsive when the
accelerator is depressed while the power
limitation light is illuminated.
When this light comes on, the warning dis-
play appears within the vehicle information
display. Follow the instructions provided on
the vehicle information display.
This light illuminates in the following condi-
tions.
• Li-ion battery available charge is ex-tremely low
• Li-ion battery temperature is very lowj (approximately −4°F (−20°C)
• When the temperature of the EV system is high (motor, inverter, coolant system,
Li-ion battery etc.)
• When the EV system has a malfunction. If the low battery charge indicator is illumi-
nated, charge the Li-ion battery as soon as
possible.
If this indicator illuminates because the Li-
ion battery is cold due to low outside tem-
peratures, move the vehicle to a warmer
location. The Li-ion battery temperature
may be increased by charging the Li-ion
battery.
If the light illuminates when the EV system
becomes hot due to continuous hill climb-
ing, either continue driving at a slower safe
speed or stop the vehicle in a safe location.
If this indicator does not turn off, have the
system checked. It is recommended that
you visit a NISSAN certified LEAF dealer for
this service.
The indicator illuminates when a part in the
EV system has malfunctioned. If the indica-
tor illuminates in a situation other than
those described above, or if it does not turn
off, there may be a system malfunction.
Have the system checked. It is recom-
mended that you visit a NISSAN certified
LEAF dealer for this service.
Instruments and controls2-25
Turning the AEB with Pedestrian Detection
system on/off.................... .5-122
AEB with Pedestrian Detection system
limitations .......................5-123
System temporarily unavailable .........5-125
System malfunction ................5-126
System maintenance ................5-126
Intelligent Forward Collision Warning (I-FCW)
(if so equipped) ......................5-128
I-FCW System operation ..............5-129
Turning the I-FCW system on/off ........5-131
I-FCW system limitations .............5-132
System temporarily unavailable .........5-136
System malfunction ................ .5-137
System maintenance ................5-137
Intelligent Driver Alertness (I-DA)
(if so equipped) ......................5-139
I-DA system operation ...............5-139
How to enable/disable the I-DA system . . .5-140
I-DA system limitations ..............5-140
ECO Mode .........................5-142
Increasing power economy .............5-142 ECO drive report
.................... .5-143
Parking/parking on hills ................5-144
Power steering system ................5-146
Brake system .......................5-146
Brake precautions ................. .5-146
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) .........5-148
Brake Assist ......................5-149
Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) system ......5-150
Chassis control ......................5-152
Intelligent Trace Control (I-TC) ..........5-152
Active Ride Control (ARC) .............5-153
Hill start assist system ................ .5-153
Cold weather driving ................. .5-154
Freeing a frozen door lock ............5-155
Antifreeze .......................5-155
12-volt battery ................... .5-155
Dr aining
of coolant water .............5-155
Tire equipment ................... .5-155
Special winter equipment .............5-155
Driving on snow or ice ...............5-156
Freeing a frozen charge port lid .........5-156
Parking brake .................... .5-156
• Make sure that the area around the ve-hicle is clear.
• Check fluid levels such as coolant, brake fluid, and windshield-washer fluid as fre-
quently as possible.
• Check that all windows and lights are clean.
• Visually inspect tires for their appearance and condition. Also check tires for proper
inflation.
• Check that all doors are closed.
• Position the seat and adjust the head restraints/headrests.
• Adjust the inside and outside mirrors.
• Fasten seat belts and ask all passengers to do likewise.
•
Check the operation of the warning lights
when the power switch is pushed to the ON
position. For additional information, refer to
“Warning lights, indicator lights and audible
reminders” in the “Instruments and con-
trols” section of this manual.
1. Confirm the parking brake is applied.
2. Confirm that the vehicle is in the P (Park) position.
When the power switch is placed in the
ON position, the EV is designed not to
operate unless the shif t lever is in the P
(Park) or N (Neutral) position.
The Intelligent Key must be carried
with you when operating the power
switch.
3. Depress the brake pedal and push the power switch to place the EV system in
the READY to drive position.
To place the vehicle in the READY to drive
position immediately, push and release
the power switch while depressing the
brake pedal with the power switch in
any position. The READY to drive indica-
tor light
in the meter illuminates.
4. To stop the EV system, push the P (Park) position switch on the shif t lever, and
push the power switch to the OFF
position.
NOTE:
Care should be taken to avoid situa-
tions that can lead to potential battery
discharge and potential no-start con-
ditions 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. The 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.
BEFORE STARTING THE EV SYSTEM STARTING THE EV SYSTEM
5-14Starting 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
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
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