2020 NISSAN LEAF power steering

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

Theindicator light flashes if this oc-
curs. All other VDC functions are off and the
indicator light will not flash. The VDC
system is automatically reset to on when
the power switch is placed in the OFF posi-
tion then back to the ON position. For addi-
tional information, refer to “Vehicle infor-
mation display” in the “Instruments and
controls” section of this manual.
The computer has a built-in diagnostic fea-
ture that tests the system each time you
start the EV and move the vehicle forward
or in reverse at a slow speed. When the
self-test occurs, you may hear a “clunk”
noise and/or feel a pulsation in the brake
pedal. This is normal and is not an indica-
tion of a malfunction.
WARNING
• The VDC system is designed to help
the driver maintain stability but does
not prevent accidents due to abrupt
steering operation at high speeds or
by careless or dangerous driving
techniques. Reduce vehicle speed
and be especially careful when driv-
ing and cornering on slippery sur-
faces and always drive carefully. •
Do not modif y the vehicle’s suspen-
sion. If suspension parts such as
shock absorbers, struts, springs, sta-
bilizer bars, bushings and wheels are
not NISSAN recommended for your
vehicle or are extremely deteriorated
the VDC system may not operate
properly. This could adversely affect
vehicle handling performance, and
the
indicator light may flash or
theindicator light may
illuminate.
• If brake related parts such as brake
pads, rotors and calipers are not
NISSAN recommended or are ex-
tremely deteriorated, the VDC sys-
tem may not operate properly and
the
indicator light may
illuminate.
• If traction motor control related
parts are not NISSAN recommended
or are extremely deteriorated, the
indicator light may illuminate.
• When driving on extremely inclined
surfaces such as higher banked cor-
ners, the VDC system may not oper-
ate properly and the
indicator
light may illuminate. Do not drive on
these types of roads. •
When driving on an unstable surface
such as a turntable, ferry, elevator or
ramp, the
indicator light may
illuminate. This is not a malfunction.
Restart the EV system af ter driving
onto a stable surface.
• If wheels or tires other than the
NISSAN recommended ones are
used, the VDC system may not oper-
ate properly and the
indicator
light may illuminate.
• The VDC system is not a substitute
for winter tires or tire chains on a
snow covered road.
Starting and driving5-161

To shut off the EV system in an emergency
situation while driving, perform the follow-
ing procedure.
• Rapidly push the power switch three con-secutive times in less than 1.5 seconds, or
• Push and hold the power switch for more than 2 seconds.TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING
SYSTEM (TPMS)
This vehicle is equipped with TPMS. It moni-
tors tire pressure of all tires. When the low
tire pressure warning light is lit, and the “Tire
Pressure Low — Add Air” warning appears
on the vehicle information display, one or
more of your tires is significantly under-
inflated. If the vehicle is being driven with
low tire pressure, the TPMS will activate and
warn you of it by the low tire pressure warn-
ing light. This system will activate only
when the vehicle is driven at speeds above
16 mph (25 km/h). For additional informa-
tion, refer to “Warning lights, indicator lights
and audible reminders” in the “Instruments
and controls” section and “Tire Pressure
Monitoring System (TPMS)” in the “Starting
and driving” section of this manual.
WARNING
• Radio waves could adversely affect
electric medical equipment. Those
who use a pacemaker should contact
the electric medical equipment
manufacturer for the possible influ-
ences before use. •
If the low tire pressure warning light
illuminates while driving, avoid sud-
den steering maneuvers or abrupt
braking, reduce vehicle speed, pull
off the road to a safe location and
stop the vehicle as soon as possible.
Driving with underinflated tires may
permanently damage the tires and
increase the likelihood of tire failure.
Serious vehicle damage could occur
and may lead to an accident and
could result in serious personal in-
jury. Check the tire pressure for all
four tires. Adjust the tire pressure to
the recommended COLD tire pres-
sure shown on the Tire and Loading
Information label to turn the low tire
pressure warning light OFF. If the
light still illuminates while driving af-
ter adjusting the tire pressure, a tire
may be flat or the TPMS may be mal-
functioning. If you have a flat tire, re-
pair it as soon as possible. If no tire is
flat and all tires are properly inflated,
have the vehicle checked. It is recom-
mended that you visit a certified
LEAF dealer for this service.
EMERGENCY EV (Electric Vehicle)
SHUT OFF FLAT TIRE
In case of emergency6-3

1. Take out the speed restriction stickerfrom the air compressor, then put it in a
location where the driver can see it while
driving.
CAUTION
Do not put the speed restriction label on
the steering wheel pad, the speedom-
eter or the warning light locations.
2. Take the hose
O1and the power plugO2
out of the air compressor. Remove the
cap of the bottle holder from the air
compressor. 3. Remove the cap from the tire sealant
bottle. Leave the bottle seal intact.
Screw the bottle clockwise into the
bottle holder to pierce the seal of the
bottle. 4. Remove the cap from the tire valve on
the flat tire.
LCE2387
SCE0868
SCE0869
In case of emergency6-7

WARNING
If the vehicle is in the N (Neutral) posi-
tion and the Li-ion battery and the 12-
volt battery become completely dis-
charged, the vehicle cannot be placed
in the P (Park) position. If this occurs,
place suitable blocks at both the front
and back of a wheel to prevent the ve-
hicle from moving. Failure to block a
wheel may allow the vehicle to move
unexpectedly which may result in seri-
ous personal injury or death.
To place the vehicle in the READY to drive
position so the vehicle can be driven,
charge the Li-ion battery until the driving
range on the instrument panel changes
from “---” to a numeric distance.
NOTE:
• Some vibration may occur when the vehicle is stopped in case the Li-ion
battery becomes completely dis-
charged. This is not the malfunction of
the system.
• If the Li-ion battery is completely dis- charged, it is required to charge until
the low battery charge warning light
turns off (white) from on (yellow). Do not attempt to start the system by
pushing the vehicle.
CAUTION
An EV cannot be push-started or tow-
started. Attempting to do so may cause
traction motor damage. When towing your vehicle, all State (Provin-
cial in Canada) and local regulations for
towing must be followed.
Incorrect towing equipment could dam-
age your vehicle. Towing instructions are
available from a NISSAN certified LEAF
dealer. Local service operators are familiar
with the applicable laws and procedures
for towing. To assure proper towing and to
prevent accidental damage to your vehicle,
NISSAN recommends that you have a ser-
vice operator tow your vehicle. It is advis-
able to have the service operator carefully
read the following precautions.
WARNING
• Never ride in a vehicle that is being
towed.
• Never get under your vehicle af ter it
has been lif ted by a tow truck.
CAUTION
• When towing, make sure that the ax-
les, steering system and power train
are in working condition. If any unit is
damaged, dollies must be used.
• Always attach safety chains before
towing.
PUSH STARTING TOWING YOUR VEHICLE
In case of emergency6-13

and that the locks (if so equipped) hold
securely in all latched positions.
Seat belts:Check that all parts of the seat
belt system (for example, buckles, anchors,
adjusters and retractors) operate properly
and smoothly, and are installed securely.
Check the belt webbing for cuts, fraying,
wear or damage.
Steering wheel: Check for changes in the
steering conditions, such as excessive free
play, hard steering or strange noises.
Warning lights and chimes: Make sure
that all warning lights and chimes are op-
erating properly.
Windshield defroster: Check that the air
emits from the defroster outlets properly
and in sufficient quantity when operating
the heater or air conditioner.
Windshield wiper and washer*: Check
that the wipers and washers operate prop-
erly and that the wipers do not streak.
Under hood and vehicle
The maintenance items listed here should
be checked periodically.
12-volt battery (except for maintenance
free batteries)*: Check the fluid level in
each cell. The fluid should be at the bottom of the filler opening. Vehicles operated in
high temperatures or under severe condi-
tions require frequent checks of the 12–volt
battery fluid level.
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.
8-4Maintenance and do-it yourself

EVSE
(Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment). . .CH-11EV system...................EV-2EV unique information...........EV-24Extended storage switch..........8-22
F
Flashers (See hazard warning flasher
switch)......................6-2Flat tire..................... .6-3Flat towing...................9-14Floor mat cleaning...............7-5Fluid
Brake fluid..................8-10Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants................9-2Coolant................... .8-8Reduction gear fluid............8-10Windshield-washer fluid..........8-11F.M.V.S.S./C.M.V.S.S. certification label. . . .9-8Fog lights
Bulb replacement.............8-25Fog light switch................2-55Front and rear sonar system.......5-163Front passenger air bag status light. . .1-52Front-seat mounted side-impact
supplemental air bag system.......1-58Fuses.......................8-18Fusible links..................8-20
G
Garage door opener, HomeLink® Universal
Transceiver.........2-71,2-73,2-74,2-75GaugeDriving range................ .2-9Li-ion battery available charge gauge.2-9Li-ion battery temperature gauge. . . .2-7Odometer.................. .2-6Power meter.................2-8Speedometer................2-6General maintenance.............8-2Glove box................... .2-62
H
Hazard warning flasher switch........6-2Headlights...................8-25Bulb replacement.............8-25Headlight switch..............2-49Head restraints
Headrests...................1-7Heated seats................. .2-56Heated seat switches............2-56Heated steering wheel............2-57Heated steering wheel switch.......2-57Heater......................4-28High voltage precautions..........EV-8Hill start....................5-168Hill start assist................5-168Home charge.................CH-9HomeLink® Universal
Transceiver.........2-71,2-73,2-74,2-75
Hood release..................3-18Horn...................... .2-55How to normal charge...........CH-9How to quick charge.......CH-35, CH-38How to trickle charge............CH-11
I
If the Li-ion battery becomes completely
discharged...................6-12Immediate charge.........CH-48, 2-58Immediate charge switch.....CH-48, 2-58Immobilizer system..........2-44, 5-14Indicator lights.................2-22Indicator lights and audible reminders
(See warning/indicator lights and audible
reminders)
...................2-14Indicators for maintenance.........2-38Indicators for operation...........2-33Infants......................1-19Inside automatic anti-glare mirror. . . .3-25Instrument brightness control.......2-54Instrument panel dimmer switch.....2-54Intelligent Around View Monitor (I-AVM). .4-11Intelligent Cruise Control (ICC) (for vehicles
without ProPILOT Assist)...........5-69Intelligent Driver Alertness (I-DA).....5-150Intelligent Forward Collision Warning
(I-FCW).....................5-139Intelligent Key battery............8-22Intelligent Key system
Key operation................3-10Remote keyless entry operation. . . .3-14
Index10-3

Moving Object Detection (MOD)......4-22
N
NissanConnect® Manual (for Leaf ).....4-2NISSAN Intelligent Key™............3-7NISSAN Intelligent Key® system.......5-10Key operating range of the door lock/
unlock function...............3-8NISSAN Vehicle Immobilizer
System..................2-44, 5-14Normal charge................CH-9Home charge...............CH-9Occasional charge............CH-9Public charge...............CH-9
O
Occasional charge..............CH-9Odometer................... .2-6Off-road recovery................5-8Oil
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants
................9-2Opening rear hatch..............3-11Outside air temperature...........2-12Outside mirrors................3-26Owner's manual/service manual order
information...................9-21
P
Panic alarm...................3-15Parking..................5-19,5-20Parking brake operation.........5-20Parking/parking on hills.........5-155Parking brake..................5-19Parking brake break-in...........5-158PowerPower door locks...........3-4, 3-6Power outlet................ .2-61Power steering system.........5-156Power windows..............2-66Power economy...............5-153Power meter.................. .2-8Power outlet..................2-61Power steering................5-156Power switch..............5-10,5-12Precautions
Brake precautions............5-157Charging................. .CH-2Cruise control...............5-66High voltage precautions........EV-8Maintenance precautions.........8-5Precautions on booster seats......1-21Precautions on child restraints.....1-21Precautions on seat belt usage.....1-10Precautions on supplemental restraint
system................... .1-43Precautions when starting and
driving.................... .5-4Road accident precautions.......EV-9ProPILOT Assist................5-92Public charge.................CH-9
Push starting..................6-13
Q
Quick charge............CH-35, CH-38
R
Radio
Car phone or CB radio..........4-44Rapid air pressure loss............5-8Rear Automatic Braking (RAB).......5-134Rear center seat belt.............1-16Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA).......5-59Rear Door Alert................2-60Rear hatch lock................3-19Rear seats................... .1-6RearView Monitor................4-3Rear window and outside mirror defroster
switch..................... .2-48Rear window wiper and washer
switches.....................2-47Recorders
Event Data.................9-20Reduction gear fluid.............8-10Registering a vehicle in another country. .9-7Remote charge...............CH-49Remote climate control...........4-41Remote keyless entry function, For Intelligent
Key system...................3-14Repairing flat tire................6-4Repairing tire................. .6-6Reporting safety defects...........9-15
Index10-5