2020 NISSAN LEAF cooling

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.
DRIVING ON SNOW OR ICE
WARNING
• Wet ice (32°F, 0°C and freezing rain),
very cold snow or ice can be slick and
very hard to drive on. The vehicle will
have much less traction or “grip” un-
der these conditions. Try to avoid
driving on wet ice until the road is
salted or sanded. •
Whatever the conditions, drive with
caution. Accelerate and slow down
with care. If accelerating too fast, the
drive wheels will lose even more
traction.
• Allow more stopping distance under
these conditions. Braking should be
started sooner than on dry
pavement.
• Allow greater following distances on
slippery roads.
• Watch for slippery spots (glare ice).
These may appear on an otherwise
clear road in shaded areas. If a patch
of ice is seen ahead, brake before
reaching it. Try not to brake while on
the ice, and avoid any sudden steer-
ing maneuvers.
• Do not use cruise control on slippery
roads.
FREEING A FROZEN CHARGE PORT
LID
When the charge port is frozen, melt the ice
using a hair dryer.
5-170Starting and driving

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 ...........................8-2
Explanation of maintenance items ...........8-2
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 ........................8-14
Cleaning .................................... 8-14
Replacing ................................... 8-14Rear 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 .......................................... 8-24
Headlights .................................. 8-25
Fog lights (if so equipped) ...................8-25
Exterior and interior lights ...................8-26
Wheels and tires ............................... 8-28
Tire pressure ................................ 8-28
Tire labeling ................................. 8-33
Types of tires ................................ 8-35
Tire chains .................................. 8-36
Changing wheels and tires ..................8-37
Emergency tire puncture repair kit ..........8-39

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 recom-
mended that you visit a NISSAN cer-
tified LEAF dealer for any necessary
maintenance. •
Park the vehicle on a level surface,
apply the parking brake securely and
chock the wheels to prevent the ve-
hicle 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
repairs.
• 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 nec-
essary 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 bat-
tery or any transistorized compo-
nent 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 nega-
tive 12-volt battery cable before
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 removed
from the vehicle.
MAINTENANCE PRECAUTIONS
Maintenance and do-it yourself8-5

The cooling system is filled at the factory
with a pre-diluted mixture of 50% Genuine
NISSAN Long Life Antifreeze/Coolant (blue)
and 50% water to provide year-round anti-
freeze and coolant protection. The anti-
freeze solution contains rust and corrosion
inhibitors. Additional cooling system addi-
tives are not necessary.
WARNING
• Never remove the coolant reservoir
cap when the motor compartment is
hot. Wait until the motor compart-
ment cools down.
• The coolant reservoir is equipped
with a pressure type coolant reser-
voir cap. To prevent damage to the
motor compartment, use only a
Genuine NISSAN coolant reservoir
cap.
CAUTION
• Never use any additives in the cool-
ant such as radiator sealer in the
cooling system. This may cause
damage to electrical equipment
such as the motor and inverter. •
When adding or replacing coolant, be
sure to use only a Genuine NISSAN
Long Life Antifreeze/Coolant (blue)
or equivalent. Genuine NISSAN Long
Life Antifreeze/Coolant (blue) is pre-
diluted to provide antifreeze protec-
tion to −34°F (−37°C) . If additional
freeze protection is needed due to
the weather conditions where you
operate your vehicle, add Genuine
NISSAN Long Life Antifreeze/Coolant
(blue) concentrate following the di-
rections on the container. If an
equivalent coolant other than Genu-
ine NISSAN Long Life Antifreeze/
Coolant (blue) is used, follow the
coolant manufacture's instructions
to maintain minimum antifreeze
protection to −34°F (−37°C). The use
of other types of coolant solutions
other than Genuine NISSAN Long Life
Antifreeze/Coolant (blue) or equiva-
lent may damage the cooling
system. •
The life expectancy of the factory-fill
coolant is 125,000 miles (200,000
km) or 15 years. Mixing any other type
of coolant other than Genuine
NISSAN Long Life Antifreeze/Coolant
(blue)(or equivalent coolant), includ-
ing Genuine NISSAN Long Life
Antifreeze/Coolant (green), or the
use of non-distilled water may re-
duce the life expectancy of the
factory-filled coolant. For additional
information, refer to the NISSAN Ser-
vice and Maintenance Guide.
COOLING SYSTEM
8-8Maintenance and do-it yourself

CHECKING COOLANT LEVEL
Check the coolant levelin the reservoir
when the high-voltage parts are cold. If
the coolant level is below the MIN level
OB,
open the reservoir cap and add coolant up
to the MAX level
OA. If the reservoir is empty,
check the coolant level in the coolant res-
ervoir when the high-voltage parts are
cold. If there is insufficient coolant in the
coolant reservoir, fill the coolant reservoir
with coolant up to the reservoir cap open-
ing and also add it to the reservoir up to the
MAX level
OA. Tighten the cap securely af ter adding cool-
ant.
For additional information on the location
of the coolant reservoir, refer to “Motor
compartment check locations” in this sec-
tion.
If the cooling system frequently requires
coolant, it is recommended that you visit
a NISSAN certified LEAF dealer.
CHANGING COOLANT
It is recommended that major cooling sys-
tem repairs should be performed by a
NISSAN certified LEAF dealer. The service
procedures can be found in the appropri-
ate NISSAN Service Manual.
Improper servicing can result in reduced
heater performance.
WARNING
• To avoid the danger of being scalded,
never change the coolant when the
motor compartment is hot.
• Never remove the coolant reservoir
cap when the motor compartment is
hot. Serious burns could be caused
by high-pressure fluid escaping from
the radiator. •
Avoid direct skin contact with used
coolant. If skin contact is made, wash
thoroughly with soap or hand
cleaner as soon as possible.
• Keep coolant out of reach of children
and pets.
Coolant must be disposed of properly.
Check your local regulations.
LDI3145
Maintenance and do-it yourself8-9

The following are approximate capacities. The actual refill capacities may be slightly different. When refilling, follow the procedure
described in the “Maintenance and do-it-yourself ” section to determine the proper refill capacity.
Fluid typeCapacity (approximate)
Recommended Fluids/Lubricants
Metric
Measure US
Measure Imperial
Measure
Cooling system
coolant With reservoir 5.3 L 5-5/8 qt 4-5/8 qt
• Pre-diluted Genuine NISSAN Long Life Antifreeze/Coolant (blue) or
equivalent
Reservoir 0.5 L 1/2 qt 1/2 qt
Reduction gear fluid 1.4 L 1-1/2 qt 1-1/4 qt • Genuine NISSAN Matic S ATF
• Using reduction gear fluid other than Genuine NISSAN Matic S ATF
will cause deterioration in driveability and reduction gear durability,
and may damage the reduction gear, which is not covered by the
NISSAN’s New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
Brake fluid Refill to the proper level according to the in-
structions in the “Maintenance and do-it- yourself ” section. • Genuine NISSAN Super Heavy Duty Brake Fluid* or equivalent DOT 3
*: Available in mainland U.S.A. through a NISSAN certified LEAF
dealer.
Multi-purpose grease — — — • NLGI No. 2 (Lithium soap base)
Air conditioning system refrigerant — — — • HFC-134a (R-134a)
• For additional information, refer to “Air conditioner specification
label” in this section.
Air conditioning system lubricants — — — • With heater pump use NISSAN A/C System Oil ND-OIL11 or equiva-
lent.
• Without heater pump use NISSAN A/C System Oil AE10 or equiva- lent.
Windshield washer fluid (US) 2.5 L 5/8 gal 1/2 gal • Genuine NISSAN Windshield Washer Concentrate Cleaner & Anti-
freeze fluid or equivalent
Windshield washer fluid (Canada) 4.5 L 1–1/4 gal 1 gal
RECOMMENDED FLUIDS/
LUBRICANTS AND CAPACITIES
9-2Technical and consumer information

Car phone or CB radio............4-44Ceiling light...................2-70Center console................2-63Charge port lid.................3-21Charge port lid switch............2-58ChargingCharge port lid...............3-21Charging related indicator light. . .CH-50Normal charge..............CH-9Precautions on charging........CH-2Quick charge..........CH-35, CH-38Specifications................9-4Trickle charge...............CH-11Charging information............9-22Charging methods.............CH-43Charging related indicator light.....CH-50Charging related remote function. . .CH-49Charging status indicator light.....CH-50Charging the Li-ion battery........EV-12Charging troubleshooting guide. . . .CH-56CheckingChecking bulbs...............2-15Checking coolant level...........8-9Child restraints.................1-21Booster seats................1-39LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for
CHildren) System..............1-23Precautions on child restraints.....1-21Top tether strap..............1-25Child restraint with top tether strap. . . .1-25Child safety...................1-18Child safety rear door lock..........3-6Chimes, audible reminders.........2-24Circuit breaker, fusible link..........8-20
Cleaning exterior and interior......7-2,7-4ClimateClimate control system refrigerant and
lubricant recommendations
......4-43Climate controlClimate control service..........4-43Climate control systemAir conditioner...............4-28Climate control operation........4-28Heater....................4-28Climate Ctrl. Timer..............4-38Clock.......................2-13Cold tire pressures..............9-24Cold weather driving............5-169ConsoleCenter console...............2-63CoolantCapacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants
................9-2Changing coolant..............8-9Checking coolant level...........8-9Cooling system................ .8-8Corrosion protection..............7-7Cruise control.................5-66Cup holders................. .2-64
D
Defroster switch
Rear window and outside mirror defroster
switch
................... .2-48Dimensions and weights...........9-6Dimmer switch for instrument panel. . .2-54
Display
Information display............2-25Door locks................... .3-4Doors...................... .3-4Driving
Cold weather driving...........5-169Driving vehicle...............5-15Precautions when starting and
driving.................... .5-4Driving range..................2-9Driving the vehicle..............EV-18Driving vehicle.................5-15Dynamic driver assistance switch.....2-59
E
ECO
ECO switch................ .2-55Eco Drive Report...............5-154ECO mode...............2-13,5-152ECO switch.................. .2-55Efficient use of your vehicle........EV-22Electric shif t control system.........5-15Electronic parking brake...........5-20Emergency charge.............CH-11Emergency EV (Electric Vehicle) shut
off......................5-13,6-3Emergency shutoff system........EV-10Emission control information label.....9-8e-Pedal......................2-13e-Pedal system................5-22EV Characteristics..............EV-11Event Data recorders.............9-20
10-2Index