2020 NISSAN LEAF brakes

Steering Assist display and
indicators
1.Steering Assist indicator
Indicates the status of the Steering As-
sist by the color of the indicator • Steering Assist indicator (gray): Steer- ing Assist standby
• Steering Assist indicator (green): Steering Assist active
• Steering Assist indicator (yellow): Steering Assist malfunction 2.
Steering Assist status
indicator/warning
Displays the status of the Steering Assist
by the color of the indicator/warning
• Steering Assist indicator (gray): Steer- ing Assist standby
• Steering Assist indicator (green): Steering Assist active
• Steering Assist indicator (yellow): Steering Assist malfunction
3. Lane marker indicator
Indicates whether the system detects
the lane marker • Lane marker indicator (gray): Lane markers not detected
• Lane marker indicator (green): Lane markers detected
• Lane marker indicator (yellow): Lane departure is detected
When the Steering Assist is in operation,
the Steering Assist status indicator (1), the
Steering Assist indicator (2), and the lane
marker indicator (3) on the vehicle informa-
tion display turn green. A chime sounds
when the Steering Assist initially activates. When the Steering Assist deactivates, the
Steering Assist status indicator (1), the
Steering Assist indicator (2), and the lane
marker indicator (3) on the vehicle informa-
tion display turn gray and a chime sounds
twice.
Intelligent Lane Intervention (I-LI)
When a curve or strong cross wind exceeds
the capabilities of the Steering Assist and
your vehicle approaches either the lef t or
the right side of the traveling lane, a warn-
ing chime sounds and the I-LI indicator
light (orange) on the instrument panel
flashes to alert the driver. Then, the I-LI sys-
tem automatically applies the brakes for a
short period of time to help assist the
driver to return the vehicle to the center of
the traveling lane. This action is in addition
to any Steering Assist actions.
LSD3172
5-116Starting and driving

AEB WITH PEDESTRIAN
DETECTION SYSTEM OPERATION
1. Vehicle ahead detection indicator
2. AEB emergency warning indicator
3. AEB system warning light
The AEB with Pedestrian Detection system
operates at speeds above approximately 3
mph (5 km/h). For the pedestrian detection
function, the AEB with Pedestrian Detec-
tion system operates at speeds between 6
– 37 mph (10 – 60 km/h).
If a risk of a forward collision with a vehicle
is detected, the AEB with Pedestrian Detec-
tion system will first provide a warning to
the driver by flashing the vehicle ahead de-
tection indicator and providing an audible
alert. In addition, the AEB with Pedestrian
Detection system applies partial braking. If
the driver applies the brakes quickly and
forcefully, but the AEB with Pedestrian De-
tection system detects that there is still the
possibility of a forward collision, the system
will automatically increase the braking
force.
If the risk of a collision becomes imminent
and the driver does not take action, the AEB
with Pedestrian Detection system issues
LSD3662
5-126Starting and driving

the second warning to the driver by flash-
ing the AEB with Pedestrian Detection
emergency warning indicator (red), provid-
ing an audible warning, and then automati-
cally applies harder braking.
If a risk of a forward impact with a pedes-
trian is detected, the AEB with Pedestrian
Detection system will provide a warning to
the driver by flashing the AEB with Pedes-
trian Detection emergency warning indica-
tor (red), provides an audible alert and the
system will apply partial braking. If the
driver applies the brakes quickly and force-
fully but the AEB with Pedestrian Detection
system detects that there is still the possi-
bility of a forward impact with a pedestrian,
the system will automatically increase the
braking force. If the risk of collision be-
comes imminent and the driver does not
take action, the AEB with Pedestrian Detec-
tion system automatically applies harder
braking.
NOTE:
The vehicle’s brake lights come on when
any braking is performed by the AEB
with Pedestrian Detection system.Depending on vehicle speed and distance
to the vehicle or pedestrian ahead, as well
as driving and roadway conditions, the sys-
tem may help the driver avoid a forward
collision or may help mitigate the conse-
quences if a collision should be unavoid-
able. If the driver is handling the steering
wheel, accelerating or braking, the AEB with
Pedestrian Detection system will function
later or will not function.
The automatic braking will cease under the
following conditions:
• When the steering wheel is turned to
avoid a collision.
• When the accelerator pedal is depressed.
• When there is no longer a vehicle or a pedestrian detected ahead.
If the AEB with Pedestrian Detection sys-
tem has stopped the vehicle, the vehicle
will remain at a standstill for approximately
2 seconds before the brakes are released.
Starting and driving5-127

RAB SYSTEM OPERATION
When the shif t lever is in the R (Reverse)
position and the vehicle speed is less thanapproximately 9 mph (15 km/h), the RAB
system operates.If a risk of a collision with an obstacle is
detected when your vehicle is backing up,
the RAB system warning indicator will flash
in the vehicle information display, a red
frame will appear in the center display (for
vehicles with the Intelligent Around View
Monitor system), and the system will chime
three times. The system will then auto-
matically apply the brakes. Af ter the auto-
matic brake application, the driver must
depress the brake pedal to maintain brake
pressure.
NOTE:
• The brake lights of the vehicle come on
when braking is performed by the RAB
system.
• When the brakes operate, a noise may be heard. This is not a malfunction.
LSD3673
1RAB system warning light and RAB system warning indicator
2Steering-wheel-mounted controls (lef t side)
3Center display
Starting and driving5-135

•Once the automatic brake control
operates, it does not operate again if
the vehicle approaches the same
obstacle.
• The automatic brake control can only
operate for a short period of time.
Therefore, the driver must depress
the brake pedal.
• In the following situations, the RAB
system may not operate properly or
may not function sufficiently:
– The vehicle is driven in bad
weather (rain, fog, snow, etc.).
– The vehicle is driven on a steep
hill.
– The vehicle’s posture is changed
(e.g., when driving over a bump).
– The vehicle is driven on a slippery
road.
– The vehicle is turned sharply by
turning the steering wheel fully.
– Snow chains are used.
– Wheels or tires other than NISSAN
recommended are used.
– The brakes are cold at low ambi-
ent temperatures or immediately
af ter driving has started. –
The braking force becomes poor
due to wet brakes af ter driving
through a puddle or washing the
vehicle.
• Turn the RAB system off in the follow-
ing conditions to prevent the occur-
rence of an unexpected accident re-
sulting from sudden system
operation:
– The vehicle is towed.
– The vehicle is carried on a flatbed
truck.
– The vehicle is on the chassis
dynamometer.
– The vehicle drives on an uneven
road surface.
– Suspension parts other than
those designated as Genuine
NISSAN parts are used. (If the ve-
hicle height or the vehicle body in-
clination is changed, the system
may not detect an obstacle
correctly.)
• Excessive noise (e.g., audio system
volume, an open vehicle window) will
interfere with the chime sound, and it
may not be heard.SYSTEM MALFUNCTION
If the RAB system malfunctions, it will be
turned off automatically, the RAB system
warning light will illuminate, and the “Mal-
function: See Owner’s Manual” warning
message will appear in the vehicle infor-
mation display.
Action to take
If the warning light illuminates, park the ve-
hicle in a safe location, turn the EV system
off, and restart the EV system. If the warn-
ing light continues to illuminate, have the
RAB system checked. It is recommended
that you visit a NISSAN certified LEAF dealer
for this service.
NOTE:
If the RAB system cannot be operated
temporarily, the RAB system warning
light blinks.
5-138Starting and driving

• The selection of the ECO mode (ON orOFF) is retained even when the EV system
is restarted.
• When the ECO mode is turned off, driving performance is changed. Before turning
off the ECO mode, ensure it is safe to do
so, release the accelerator pedal and op-
erate the ECO switch.
• Turn off the ECO mode when acceleration is required, such as when:– driving with a heavy load of passengers or cargo in the vehicle.
– driving on a steep uphill slope.
• When the cruise control is operated, the vehicle makes it a priority to maintain a
constant speed. The driving range will not
be extended even if the ECO mode indi-
cator appears.
NOTE:
Selecting this drive mode will not neces-
sarily improve power economy as many
driving factors influence its
effectiveness. The vehicle range varies depending upon
the following factors:
• Speed
• Vehicle load
• Electrical load from vehicle accessories
• Traffic and road conditions
NISSAN recommends the following driv-
ing habits to help maximize vehicle
range:
Before driving:
• Follow the recommended periodic main-
tenance.
• Keep tires inflated to the correct pressure.
• Keep wheels in correct alignment.
• Pre-heat or pre-cool the interior cabin while the vehicle is charging.
• Remove unnecessary cargo from the ve- hicle.
While driving:
• Drive in ECO mode. – The ECO mode helps reduce powerconsumption by reducing acceleration
when compared to the same accelera-
tor pedal position in the D (Drive) posi-
tion (normal mode). • 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 high- way.
• Avoid frequent stopping and braking. Maintain a safe distance behind other ve-
hicles.
• 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
INCREASING POWER ECONOMY
Starting and driving5-153

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.When you put the shif t lever in the B mode
and take your foot off the accelerator
pedal, more regenerative brake is applied
than in the D (Drive) position. However, dur-
ing high-speed driving you may feel that
regenerative brake provides less decelera-
tion than the engine braking in an ordinary
vehicle. This is normal.
Less deceleration is provided by the regen-
erative brake system when the Li-ion bat-
tery is fully charged. Regenerative brake is
automatically reduced when the Li-ion
battery is fully charged to prevent the Li-ion
battery from becoming overcharged. Re-
generative brake is also automatically re-
duced when the battery temperature is
high/low (indicated by the red/blue zones
on the battery temperature gauge) to pre-
vent Li-ion battery damage.
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 regenerative brake system op-
eration.
BRAKE SYSTEM
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NOTE:
• When applying the regenerativebrakes, you may hear a sound coming
from the regenerative brake system.
This is a normal operating characteris-
tic of an EV.
• If the power switch position is in a po- sition other than ON or READY to drive,
you can stop the vehicle by depressing
the brake pedal. However, greater foot
pressure on the brake pedal will be re-
quired to stop the vehicle, and the
stopping distance will be longer.
• When depressing the brake pedal, the brake pedal feel will not be smooth or
may change when the cooperative re-
generative brake system activates.
However, the electronically controlled
brake system is operating normally
and this does not indicate a malfunc-
tion.
Using the brakes
Avoid resting your foot on the brake pedal
while driving. This will cause overheating of
the brakes, wearing out of the brake pads
and shoes faster, and will reduce driving
range. To help reduce brake wear, and to prevent
the brakes from overheating, reduce speed
and select B mode before going down a
slope or long grade. Overheated brakes
may reduce braking performance and
could result in loss of vehicle control.
WARNING
• While driving on a slippery surface,
be careful when braking or accelerat-
ing. Abrupt braking or accelerating
could cause the wheels to skid, which
could result in an accident.
• If the brake pedal is depressed with
the EV system OFF, you may feel an
increased brake pedal effort and a
decreased pedal stroke. If the BRAKE
warning light does not illuminate
and the brake pedal feels like it has
returned to its normal state af ter the
EV system is started, this indicates
that there is no malfunction and the
vehicle can be operated normally.
Wet brakes
When the vehicle is washed or driven
through water, the brakes may get wet. As
a result, the braking distance will be longer
and the vehicle may pull to one side during
braking. To dry brakes, drive the vehicle at a safe
speed while lightly tapping the brake pedal
to heat up the brakes. Do this until the
brakes return to normal. Avoid driving the
vehicle at high speeds until the brakes
have dried.
Parking brake break-in
Break in the parking brake shoes whenever
the stopping effect of the parking brake is
weakened or whenever the parking brake
shoes and/or drums/rotors are replaced,
in order to assure the best braking perfor-
mance.
This procedure is described in the Genuine
NISSAN Service Manual, and it can be per-
formed by a certified repair facility. It is rec-
ommended that you visit a NISSAN certi-
fied LEAF dealer.
5-158Starting and driving