2020 NISSAN LEAF warning

The LEAF is an electric vehicle. Some of the
vehicle’s systems operate differently and
have different operating characteristics
than vehicles equipped with an internal
combustion engine. It is important to care-
fully review the entire Owner's Manual for
this reason. The main difference is the LEAF
is powered by electricity. The LEAF does not
require and it is not capable of using gaso-
line like a vehicle powered by a traditional
internal combustion engine. The LEAF uses
electricity stored in the lithium ion (Li-ion)
battery. The vehicle’s Li-ion battery must
be charged with electricity before the ve-
hicle can be driven. As the vehicle operates,
the Li-ion battery gradually discharges. If
the Li-ion battery becomes completely dis-
charged, the vehicle will not operate until it
is re-charged.
This vehicle uses two types of batteries.
One is the 12-volt battery that is the same
as the battery in vehicles powered by
gasoline engines, the other is the Li-ion
battery (high voltage).
The 12-volt battery provides power to the
vehicle systems and features such as the
audio system, supplemental restraint sys-
tems, headlights and windshield wipers.The Li-ion battery provides power to the
electric motor (traction motor) that moves
the vehicle.
The Li-ion battery also charges the 12-volt
battery.
The vehicle must be plugged in for the Li-
ion battery to be charged. Additionally, the
vehicle system can extend the vehicle
range by converting driving force into elec-
tricity that is stored in the Li-ion battery
while the vehicle is decelerating or being
driven downhill. This is called regenerative
braking. This vehicle is considered to be an
environmentally friendly vehicle because it
does not emit exhaust gases, such as car-
bon dioxide and nitrogen oxide.WARNING
Your vehicle contains a sealed Li-ion
high voltage battery. If the Li-ion bat-
tery is disposed of improperly, there is a
risk of severe burns and electrical
shock that may result in serious injury
or death and there is also a risk of envi-
ronmental damage.
CAUTION
To prevent damage to the Li-ion bat-
tery:
• Do not expose the vehicle to extreme
ambient temperatures for extended
periods.
• Do not store the vehicle in tempera-
tures below −13°F (−25°C) for more
than seven days.
• Do not leave the vehicle for more
than 14 days where the Li-ion battery
available charge gauge reaches a
zero or near zero.
• Do not use the Li-ion battery for any
other purpose.
THE EV (Electric Vehicle) SYSTEM LI-ION BATTERY
EV-2EV Overview

NOTE:
• If the outside temperature is −13°F(−25°C) or less, the Li-ion battery may
freeze and it cannot be charged or pro-
vide power to run the vehicle. Move the
vehicle to a warm location.
• The capacity of the Li-ion battery in your vehicle to hold a charge will, like
all such batteries, decrease with time
and usage. As the battery ages and ca-
pacity decreases, this will result in a
decrease from the vehicle’s initial mile-
age range. This is normal, expected,
and not indicative of any defect in your
Li-ion battery.
• The Li-ion battery has limited service life, and when its charging capacity
falls below a specific level, the EV sys-
tem warning light will illuminate. Own-
ers should bring their vehicle in for in-
spection and possible battery
replacement.
• It is recommended that you visit a NISSAN certified LEAF dealer for infor-
mation about recycling or disposal of
the Li-ion battery. Do not attempt to
recycle or dispose of the Li-ion battery
yourself.
DRIVING WITH A DISCHARGED
LI-ION BATTERY
When a destination is set in the navigation
system (if so equipped) that exceeds the
available vehicle range, the navigation sys-
tem automatically searches the location of
nearby charging stations. When the nearby
charging station locations are displayed,
charge the Li-ion battery as soon as possible.
Warning lights illuminate on the instru-
ment panel and messages are displayed
on the vehicle information display to in-
form you that the Li-ion battery charge is
low. Instructions are also displayed on the
navigation system screen (if so equipped)
to direct you to nearby charging stations.
The vehicle's range is very limited when
these warning lights illuminate and mes-
sages are displayed. Follow the instruc-
tions on the navigation system screen (if so
equipped) and immediately charge the ve-
hicle at the nearest charging station.
There are three levels of information that
will be displayed as the Li-ion battery be-
comes discharged:
1. The following warning lights illuminate on the instrument panel and messages
are displayed on the vehicle information
display at the same time to indicate low
Li-ion battery charge: • The low battery charge indicator
• The master warning light
• The “Battery charge is low, Charge
now” warning message is displayed
on the vehicle information display.
• Messages are displayed on the navi- gation system screen (if so equipped).
LEV2062
EV OverviewEV-3

• The predicted charging time displayedon the meter increases when the Li-ion
battery warmer uses electrical power
from the Li-ion battery.
• The Climate Ctrl. Timer or Remote Cli- mate Control (models with Navigation
System) does not turn on while the Li-
ion battery warmer operates. This is
not a malfunction.
• The charging timer or remote charge (models with Navigation System) does
not turn on while the Li-ion battery
warmer operates. This is not a mal-
function.
• The Li-ion battery may not be charged to the expected level using the charg-
ing timer while the Li-ion battery
warmer operates.
• If the Li-ion battery warmer automati- cally stops because of the Li-ion bat-
tery temperature or outside tempera-
ture change, charging will continue
until the Li-ion battery is fully charged.HIGH-VOLTAGE COMPONENTS
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. Fol-
low the warning labels that are at-
tached to the vehicle.
• Never disassemble, remove or re-
place high-voltage parts and cables
as well as their connectors because
they can cause severe burns or elec-
tric shock that may result in serious
injury or death. High-voltage cables
are colored orange. The vehicle high
voltage system has no user service-
able parts. It is recommended that
you take your vehicle to a NISSAN
certified LEAF dealer for any neces-
sary maintenance.
HIGH VOLTAGE PRECAUTIONS
EV-8EV Overview

1. Traction motor and reduction gear
2. Traction motor inverter
3. Power delivery module (PDM) (Charger,DC/DC converter, junction box)
4. High-voltage wire harnesses (colored orange) 5. Li-ion battery
6. Service plug
WARNING
In case of a collision:
• If your vehicle is drivable, pull your
vehicle off the road, push the P (Park)
position switch on the shif t lever, ap-
ply the parking brake and turn the EV
system off.
• Check your vehicle to see if there are
exposed high-voltage parts or
cables. For their locations, refer to
“High voltage components” in this
section. To avoid personal injury,
never touch high-voltage wiring,
connectors, and other high-voltage
parts, such as inverter unit and Li-ion
battery. An electric shock may occur
if exposed electric wires are visible
when viewed from inside or outside
of your vehicle. Therefore, never
touch exposed electric wires.
• If the vehicle receives a strong im-
pact to the floor while driving, stop
the vehicle in a safe location and
check the floor.
LEV2092
ROAD ACCIDENT PRECAUTIONS
EV OverviewEV-9

•Leaks or damage to the Li-ion bat-
tery may result in a fire. If you dis-
cover them, contact emergency ser-
vices immediately. Since the fluid
leak may be lithium manganate from
the Li-ion battery, never touch the
fluid leak inside or outside the ve-
hicle. If the fluid contacts your skin or
eyes, wash it off immediately with a
large amount of water and receive
immediate medical attention to help
avoid serious injury.
• If a fire occurs in the EV, leave the
vehicle as soon as possible. Only use
a type ABC, BC or C fire extinguisher
that is meant for use on electrical
fires. Using a small amount of water
or the incorrect fire extinguisher can
result in serious injury or death from
electrical shock.
• If your vehicle needs to be towed, do
it with the front wheels raised. If the
front wheels are on the ground when
towing, the traction motor may gen-
erate electricity. This may damage
the components of the EV system
and cause a fire. •
If you are not able to safely assess
the vehicle due to vehicle damage, do
not touch the vehicle. Leave the ve-
hicle and contact emergency ser-
vices. Advise first responders that
this is an electric vehicle.
• In the event of an accident that re-
quires body repair and painting, the
Li-ion battery pack and high voltage
parts such as the inverter, including
the wire harness, should be removed
prior to painting. It is recommended
that you visit a NISSAN certified LEAF
dealer for this service. Li-ion battery
packs exposed to heat in the paint
booth will experience capacity loss.
Damaged Li-ion battery packs may
also pose safety risks to untrained
mechanics and repair personnel.
EMERGENCY SHUT-OFF SYSTEM
The emergency shut-off system is acti-
vated and the high-voltage system auto-
matically turns off in the following condi-
tions:
- Front and side collisions in which the air
bags are deployed.
- Certain rear collisions.
- Certain EV system malfunctions. For the above collisions and certain other
EV system malfunctions, the READY to drive
indicator light will turn off. For additional
information, refer to “Warning lights, indica-
tor lights and audible reminders” in the “In-
struments and controls” section of this
manual.
The emergency shut-off activates for the
above collisions to minimize risk of an
event that could cause injury or an acci-
dent. If the emergency shut-off system ac-
tivates, the EV system may not be switched
to the READY to drive position; it is recom-
mended that you visit a NISSAN certified
LEAF dealer. Even if the power switch is
switched to the READY to drive position, the
system may shut-off suddenly. Therefore,
drive cautiously to the nearest certified re-
pair facility; it is recommended that you
visit a NISSAN certified LEAF dealer for ser-
vice.
EV-10EV Overview

WARNING
• Pay special attention to pedestrians.
Because there is no engine noise, pe-
destrians may not know the vehicle
is approaching, moving or about to
move, and may step into the path of
vehicle travel.
• When leaving the vehicle, be sure to
turn off the EV system.
• Be sure to push the P (Park) position
switch on the shif t lever and apply
the parking brake when parking be-
cause the vehicle can move when the
READY to drive indicator light is ON.
When the READY to drive indicator
light is ON, do not leave your vehicle
in a shif t position other than the P
(Park) position.
• Keep the brake pedal depressed until
you are ready to drive. When the ve-
hicle is in the D (Drive) position, B or R
(Reverse) position, if you release the
brake pedal and do not depress the
accelerator, the vehicle will creep and
may start abruptly. This may cause
serious injury or death.NOTE:
• The vehicle cannot run with a dis- charged Li-ion battery. Repeated ac-
celeration consumes more power from
the Li-ion battery than driving at a
steady speed.
• 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) position, when the ac- celerator pedal is released, the regen-
erative brake system provides some
deceleration.
• When you put the shif t lever in the B mode and take your foot off the accel-
erator pedal, more regenerative brake
is applied than in the D (Drive) position. • Less deceleration is provided by the re-
generative brake system when the Li-
ion battery is fully charged. The regen-
erative brake is automatically reduced
when the Li-ion battery is fully charged
to prevent the Li-ion battery from be-
coming overcharged. The regenerative
brake is also automatically reduced
when the battery temperature is high/
low (indicated by the red/blue zones
on the Li-ion battery temperature
gauge) to prevent Li-ion battery dam-
age.
• The brake pedal should be used to slow or stop the vehicle depending on traffic
or road conditions. The vehicle brakes
are not affected by the regenerative
brake system operation.
NOISE AND VIBRATION
You might experience the following noise
or vibration as a normal characteristic of
this vehicle:
• Traction motor noise from the motorcompartment.
• Water pump and radiator fan noise while charging.
EV CHARACTERISTICS
EV OverviewEV-11

• Compressor and radiator fan noise whenthe Climate Ctrl. Timer or remote climate
control (models with Navigation System)
is used.
• Relay operation noise and vibration at start-up and shut-down of the EV system
(power switch placed in the ON and OFF
position).
• Approaching Vehicle Sound for Pedestri- ans (VSP). This section provides a brief explanation
for the most important LEAF functions. For
additional information, refer to the specific
sections of this manual for detailed expla-
nations of the vehicle features and opera-
tion.CHARGING THE LI-ION BATTERY
WARNING
The EV system uses a high voltage cur-
rent. Failure to follow the proper han-
dling instructions may cause serious
injury or death. Be sure to read the
“Charging” section and follow the pro-
cedures and guidelines described.
LIFE WITH AN EV (scene guide)
EV-12EV Overview

LI-ION BATTERY MAINTENANCE
In addition to the regular maintenance rec-
ommended by NISSAN, the LEAF requires
some special Li-ion battery inspections.
• For additional information, refer to theNISSAN Warranty Information Booklet for
significant limitations, exclusions and
possible voiding of your warranty result-
ing from failure to have these necessary
inspections, repairs and/or adjustments
performed.
• For additional information, refer to the NISSAN Service and Maintenance Guide
for a detailed explanation of the Li-ion
battery inspection and intervals.
METERS AND INDICATORS
Various meters and gauges related to the
EV functions are displayed in the vehicle
information display.
Meter
Master warning light
The master warning light (red or yellow)
O1
illuminates when messages are displayed
on the vehicle information display.
For additional information, refer to “Master
warning light (red/yellow)” in the “Instru-
ments and controls” section of this manual.
LEV2084
EV UNIQUE INFORMATION
EV-24EV Overview