2020 NISSAN LEAF brakes

ANTI-LOCK BRAKING SYSTEM (ABS)
WARNING
• The ABS is a sophisticated device, but
it cannot prevent accidents resulting
from careless or dangerous driving
techniques. It can help maintain ve-
hicle control during braking on slip-
pery surfaces. Remember that stop-
ping distances on slippery surfaces
will be longer than on normal sur-
faces even with ABS. Stopping dis-
tances may also be longer on rough,
gravel or snow covered roads, or if
you are using tire chains. Always
maintain a safe distance from the ve-
hicle in front of you. Ultimately, the
driver is responsible for safety.
• Tire type and condition may also af-
fect braking effectiveness.
– When replacing tires, install the
specified size of tires on all four
wheels.
– For additional information, refer
to “Wheels and tires” in the “Main-
tenance and do-it-yourself ” sec-
tion of this manual. The ABS controls the brakes so the wheels
do not lock during hard braking or when
braking on slippery surfaces. The system
detects the rotation speed at each wheel
and varies the brake fluid pressure to pre-
vent each wheel from locking and sliding.
By preventing each wheel from locking, the
system helps the driver maintain steering
control and helps to minimize swerving
and spinning on slippery surfaces.
Using the system
Depress the brake pedal and hold it down.
Depress the brake pedal with firm steady
pressure, but do not pump the brakes. The
Anti-lock Braking System will operate to
prevent the wheels from locking up. Steer
the vehicle to avoid obstacles.
WARNING
Do not pump the brake pedal. Doing so
may result in increased stopping dis-
tances.
Self-test feature
The Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) in-
cludes electronic sensors, electric pumps,
hydraulic solenoids and a computer. The
computer has a built-in diagnostic feature
that tests the system each time you push
the power switch in the READY to drive po-
sition and move the vehicle at a low speed
in forward or reverse. When the self-test
occurs, you may hear a “clunk” noise
and/or feel a pulsation in the brake pedal.
This is normal and does not indicate a mal-
function. If the computer senses a mal-
function, it switches the ABS off and illumi-
nates the ABS warning light on the
instrument panel. The brake system then
operates normally, but without anti-lock
assistance.
If the ABS warning light illuminates during
the self-test or while driving, have the ve-
hicle checked. It is recommended that you
visit a NISSAN certified LEAF dealer for this
service.
Normal operation
The Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) oper-
ates at speeds above 3 to 6 mph (5 to 10
km/h). The speed varies according to road
conditions.
Starting and driving5-159

When the ABS senses that one or more
wheels are close to locking up, the actuator
rapidly applies and releases hydraulic pres-
sure. This action is similar to pumping the
brakes very quickly. You may feel a pulsa-
tion in the brake pedal and hear a noise
from under the hood or feel a vibration
from the actuator when it is operating. This
is normal and indicates that the ABS is op-
erating properly. However, the pulsation
may indicate that road conditions are haz-
ardous and extra care is required while
driving.
BRAKE ASSIST
When the force applied to the brake pedal
exceeds a certain level, the Brake Assist is
activated generating greater braking force
than a conventional brake booster even
with light pedal force.
WARNING
The Brake Assist is only an aid to assist
braking operation and is not a collision
warning or avoidance device. It is the
drivers responsibility to stay alert, drive
safely and be in control of the vehicle at
all times. The VDC system uses various sensors to
monitor driver inputs and vehicle motion.
Under certain driving conditions, the VDC
system helps to perform the following
functions.
• Controls brake pressure to reduce wheel
slip on one slipping drive wheel so power
is transferred to a drive wheel on the
same axle that is not slipping.
• Controls brake pressure and traction motor output to reduce drive wheel slip
based on vehicle speed (traction control
function).
• Controls brake pressure at individual wheels and traction motor output to help
the driver maintain control of the vehicle
in the following conditions:– Understeer (vehicle tends to not follow the steered path despite increased
steering input).
– Oversteer (vehicle tends to spin due to certain road or driving conditions).
The VDC system can help the driver main-
tain control of the vehicle, but it cannot
prevent loss of vehicle control in all driving
situations.
When the VDC system operates, the
indicator light in the instrument panel
flashes. When the indicator light flashes,
note the following items: • The road may be slippery or the system
may determine some action is required
to help keep the vehicle on the steered
path.
• You may feel a pulsation in the brake pedal and hear a noise or vibration from
under the hood. This is normal and indi-
cates that the VDC system is working
properly.
• Adjust your speed and driving according to the road conditions.
For additional information, refer to “Slip in-
dicator light” and “Vehicle Dynamic Control
(VDC) OFF indicator light” in the “Instru-
ments and controls” section of this manual.
If a malfunction occurs in the system, the
indicator light illuminates in the ve-
hicle information display. The VDC system
automatically turns off when this indicator
light is lit.
The vehicle information display is used to
turn off the VDC system. The VDC OFF indi-
cator light
illuminates to indicate that
the VDC system is off. When the vehicle
information display is used to turn off the
system, the VDC system still operates to
prevent one drive wheel from slipping by
transferring power to a non-slipping wheel.
VEHICLE DYNAMIC CONTROL (VDC)
SYSTEM
5-160Starting and driving

•Read and understand the limitations
of the RSS as contained in this sec-
tion. The colors of the sonar indicator
and the distance guide lines in the
rear view indicate different distances
to the object.
• Inclement weather or ultrasonic
sources such as an automatic car
wash, a truck's compressed-air
brakes or a pneumatic drill may af-
fect the function of the system; this
may include reduced performance or
a false activation.
• The RSS is designed as an aid to the
driver in detecting large stationary
objects to help avoid damaging the
vehicle.
• The RSS is not designed to prevent
contact with small or moving ob-
jects. Always move slowly. The sys-
tem will not detect small objects be-
low the bumper, and may not detect
objects close to the bumper or on the
ground.
• The RSS may not detect the following
objects: fluff y objects such as snow,
cloth, cotton, glass, wool, etc., and
thin objects such as rope, wire and
chain, etc., or wedge-shaped objects. If your vehicle sustains damage to the rear
bumper fascia, leaving it misaligned or
bent, the sensing zone may be altered
causing inaccurate measurement of ob-
stacles or false alarms.
CAUTION
• Excessive noise (such as audio sys-
tem volume or an open vehicle win-
dow) will interfere with the tone and
it may not be heard.
• Keep the sonar sensors (located on
the bumper fascia) free from snow,
ice and large accumulations of dirt.
Do not clean the sensors with sharp
objects. If the sensors are covered,
the accuracy of the sonar function
will be diminished.
SYSTEM OPERATION
The system informs with a visual and au-
dible alert of rear obstacles when the shif t
lever is in the R (Reverse) position. Sonar Operation Table
RR Sensor
Range Sound Display Px †
Roo
Nx † Dx †
o – Display/Beep when detect
† – Display on camera view
x – No Display and Beep
The system is deactivated at speeds above
6 mph (10 km/h). It is reactivated at lower
speeds.
While the vehicle is moving the audible alert
will stop af ter 3 seconds when an obstacle
is detected by only the corner sensor and
distance does not change. The audible
alert will also stop when the obstacle
moves away from the vehicle. At any time
the lef t side button of the steering wheel (
buttons) is available to cancel the au-
dible alert.
5-164Starting and driving

SONAR LIMITATIONS
WARNING
Listed below are the system limitations
for the sonar system. Failure to operate
the vehicle in accordance with these
system limitations could result in seri-
ous injury or death.
• Read and understand the limitations
of the sonar system as contained in
this section. Inclement weather may
affect the function of the sonar sys-
tem; this may include reduced per-
formance or a false activation.
• The system is deactivated at speeds
above 6 mph (10 km/h). It is reacti-
vated at lower speeds.
• Inclement weather or ultrasonic
sources such as an automatic car
wash, a truck’s compressed-air
brakes or a pneumatic drill may af-
fect the function of the system; this
may include reduced performance or
a false activation.
• The system is not designed to pre-
vent contact with small or moving
objects. Always move slowly. The
system will not detect small objects
below the bumper or on the ground. •
The system may not detect the fol-
lowing objects: fluff y objects such as
snow, cloth, cotton, glass-wool, etc.;
thin objects such as rope, wire and
chain, etc.; or wedge-shaped objects.
• The system may not detect objects
at speeds above 3 mph (5 km/h) and
may not detect certain angular or
moving objects.
SYSTEM TEMPORARILY
UNAVAILABLE
When sonar blockage is detected, the sys-
tem will be deactivated automatically.
The system is not available until the condi-
tions no longer exist.
The sonar sensors may be blocked by tem-
porary ambient conditions such as splash-
ing water, mist or fog. The blocked condi-
tion may also be caused by objects such as
ice, frost or dirt obstructing the sonar sen-
sors.
Action to take:
When the above conditions no longer exist,
the system will resume automatically.
SYSTEM MAINTENANCE
The sonar sensorsO1are located on the
rear bumper. Always keep the area near
the sonar sensors clean.
The sonar sensors may be blocked by tem-
porary ambient conditions such as splash-
ing water, mist or fog.
The blocked condition may also be caused
by objects such as ice, frost or dirt ob-
structing the sonar sensors.
Check for and remove objects obstructing
the area around the sonar sensors.
LSD2843
Starting and driving5-167

Do not attach stickers (including transpar-
ent material), install accessories or apply
additional paint near the sonar sensors.
Do not strike or damage the area around
the sonar sensors. It is recommended that
you visit a NISSAN dealer if the area around
the sonar sensors is damaged due to a
collision.WARNING
• Never rely solely on the hill start as-
sist system to prevent the vehicle
from moving backward on a hill. Al-
ways drive carefully and attentively.
Depress the brake pedal when the
vehicle is stopped on a steep hill. Be
especially careful when stopped on a
hill on frozen or muddy roads. Failure
to prevent the vehicle from rolling
backwards may result in a loss of
control of the vehicle and possible
serious injury or death.
• The hill start assist system is not de-
signed to hold the vehicle at a stand-
still on a hill. Depress the brake pedal
when the vehicle is stopped on a
steep hill. Failure to do so may cause
the vehicle to roll backwards and
may result in a collision or serious
personal injury.
• The hill start assist may not prevent
the vehicle from rolling backwards
on a hill under all load or road condi-
tions. Always be prepared to depress
the brake pedal to prevent the ve-
hicle from rolling backwards. Failure
to do so may result in a collision or
serious personal injury. The hill start assist system automatically
keeps the brakes applied to help prevent
the vehicle from rolling backwards in the
time it takes the driver to release the brake
pedal and apply the accelerator when the
vehicle is stopped on a hill.
Hill start assist will operate automatically
under the following conditions:
• The shif t lever is placed in the D (Drive), B
mode, or R (Reverse) position.
• The vehicle is stopped completely on a hill by applying the brake.
The maximum holding time is 2 seconds.
Af ter 2 seconds the vehicle will begin to roll
back and hill start assist will stop operating
completely.
Hill start assist will not operate when the
shif t lever is placed in the N (Neutral) or P
(Park) position or on a flat and level road.
HILL START ASSIST SYSTEM
5-168Starting 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

that the secondary latch keeps the motor
hood from opening when the primary latch
is released.
When driving in areas using road salt or
other corrosive materials, check lubrica-
tion frequently.
Lights*:Clean the headlights on a regular
basis. Make sure that the headlights, stop
lights, tail lights, turn signal lights and other
lights are all operating properly and in-
stalled securely. Also check the aim of the
headlights.
Road wheel nuts (lug nuts)*: When check-
ing the tires, make sure that no wheel nuts
are missing, and check for any loose wheel
nuts. Tighten if necessary.
Tire rotation*: Tires should be rotated ev-
ery 7,500 miles (12,000 km).
Tires*: Check the pressure with a gauge
of ten and always prior to long distance
trips. If necessary, adjust the pressure in all
tires to the pressure specified. Check care-
fully for damage, cuts or excessive wear.
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
transmitter components: Replace the
TPMS transmitter grommet seal, valve core
and cap when the tires are replaced due to
wear or age. Wheel alignment and balance:
If the ve-
hicle pulls to either side while driving on a
straight and level road, or if you detect un-
even or abnormal tire wear, there may be a
need for wheel alignment.
If the steering wheel or seat vibrates at
normal highway speeds, wheel balancing
may be needed.
For additional information regarding tires,
refer to “Important Tire Safety Information”
(US) or “Tire Safety Information” (Canada) in
the Warranty Information Booklet.
Windshield: Clean the windshield on a
regular basis. Check the windshield at least
every six months for cracks or other dam-
age. Have a damaged windshield repaired
by a qualified repair facility.
Wiper blades*: Check for cracks or wear if
they do not wipe properly.
Inside vehicle
The maintenance items listed here should
be checked on a regular basis, such as
when performing scheduled maintenance,
cleaning the vehicle, etc.
Accelerator pedal: Check the pedal for
smooth operation and make sure that the pedal does not catch or require uneven
effort. Keep the floor mat away from the
pedal.
Brake pedal:
Check the pedal for smooth
operation. If the brake pedal suddenly goes
down further than normal, the pedal feels
spongy or the vehicle seems to take longer
to stop, it is recommended that you visit a
NISSAN certified LEAF dealer immediately.
Keep the floor mat away from the pedal.
Brakes: Check that the brakes do not pull
the vehicle to one side when applied.
Electric shif t P (Park) position mecha-
nism: On a steep hill, check that the vehicle
is held securely while the vehicle is in the P
(Park) position without applying the brakes.
Parking brake: Check the parking brake
operation regularly. The vehicle should be
securely held on a steep hill with only the
parking brake applied. If the parking brake
cannot keep a vehicle position, it is recom-
mended that you visit a NISSAN certified
LEAF dealer for this service.
Seat: Check seat position controls such as
the seat adjusters, seatback recliners, etc.
to ensure that they operate smoothly and
that all latches lock securely in every posi-
tion. Check that the head restraints/
headrests move up and down smoothly
Maintenance and do-it yourself8-3

REAR WINDOW WIPER BLADE
It is recommended that you visit a NISSAN
certified LEAF dealer if checking or replace-
ment is required.If the brakes do not operate properly, have
the brakes checked. It is recommended
that you visit a NISSAN certified LEAF dealer
for this service.
WARNING
Do not adjust the height of the brake
pedal. Doing so could alter the effec-
tiveness of the brakes, which could re-
sult in a serious accident and personal
injury. If adjustment is required, it is
recommended that you visit a NISSAN
certified LEAF dealer for this service.
BRAKE PAD WEAR WARNING
The disc brake pads have audible wear
warnings. When a brake pad requires re-
placement, it will make a high pitched
scraping sound when the vehicle is in mo-
tion. This scraping sound will first occur
only when the brake pedal is depressed.
Af ter more wear of the brake pad, the
sound will always be heard even if the
brake pedal is not depressed. Have the
brakes checked as soon as possible if the
wear warning sound is heard. Under some driving or climate conditions,
occasional brake squeak, squeal or other
noise may be heard. Occasional brake
noise during light to moderate stops is nor-
mal and does not affect the function or
performance of the brake system.
Proper brake inspection intervals should
be followed.
For additional information, re-
fer to the maintenance log section of your
NISSAN Service and Maintenance Guide.
BRAKES
Maintenance and do-it yourself8-17