2020 NISSAN LEAF Owner´s Manual

WARNING
Failure to follow the warnings and in-
structions for proper use of the I-DA
system could result in serious injury or
death.
• The I–DA system is only a warning to
inform the driver of a potential lack
of driver attention or drowsiness. It
will not steer the vehicle or prevent
loss of control.
• The I–DA system does not detect and
provide an alert of the driver’s lack of
attention or fatigue in every
situation.
• It its the driver’s responsibility to:
– stay alert,
– drive safely,
– keep the vehicle in the traveling
lane,
– be in control of the vehicle at all
times,
– avoid driving when tired,
– avoid distractions (texting, etc.).
The I–DA system helps alert the driver if the
system detects a lack of attention or driv-
ing fatigue. The system monitors driving style and
steering behavior over a period of time,
and it detects changes from the normal
pattern. If the system detects that driver
attention is decreasing over a period of
time, the system uses audible and visual
warnings to suggest that the driver take a
break.
I-DA SYSTEM OPERATION
If the system detects driver fatigue or that
driver attention is decreasing, the mes-
sage “Take a break?” appears in the vehicle
information display and a chime sounds
when the vehicle is driven at speeds above
37 mph (60 km/h).
The system continuously monitors driver
attention and can provide multiple warn-
ings per trip.
The system resets and starts reassessing
driving style and steering behavior when the
power switch is cycled from the ON to the
OFF position and back to the ON position.
LSD3667
INTELLIGENT DRIVER ALERTNESS
(I-DA) (if so equipped)
5-150Starting and driving

HOW TO ENABLE/DISABLE THE
I-DA SYSTEM
Perform the following steps to enable or
disable the I–DA system.
1. Press the
button until “Settings” dis-
plays in the vehicle information display.
Use the
button to select “Driver As-
sistance.” Then press the OK button.
2. Select “Driver Attention Alert” and use the OK button to turn the system on or
off.
NOTE:
The setting will be retained even if the EV
system is restarted.
LSD3668
Starting and driving5-151

I-DA SYSTEM LIMITATIONS
WARNING
Listed below are the system limitations
for the I–DA system. Failure to operate
the vehicle in accordance with these
system limitations could result in seri-
ous injury or death.
• The I-DA system may not operate
properly and may not provide an
alert in the following conditions:
– Poor road conditions such as an
uneven road surface or pot holes.
– Strong side wind.
– If you have adopted a sporty driv-
ing style with higher cornering
speeds or higher rates of
acceleration.
– Frequent lane changes or
changes to vehicle speed.
• The I–DA system will not provide an
alert in the following conditions:
– Vehicle speeds lower than 37 mph
(60 km/h).
– Short lapses of attention.
– Instantaneous distractions such
as dropping an object.
System malfunction
If the Intelligent Driver Alertness system
malfunctions, the system warning mes-
sage will appear in the vehicle information
display and the function will be stopped
automatically.
Action to take
Stop the vehicle in a safe location, place the
vehicle in P (Park) position, turn the EV sys-
tem off and restart the EV system. If the
system warning message continues to ap-
pear, have the system checked. It is recom-
mended that you visit a NISSAN certified
LEAF dealer for this service. The ECO mode helps reduce power con-
sumption by reducing acceleration when
compared to the same accelerator pedal
position in the D (Drive) position. Use the
ECO mode for maximum driving range and
for city driving.
To turn on the ECO mode, push the ECO
switch. The ECO mode indicator appears
on the vehicle information display.
To turn off the ECO mode, push the ECO
switch again. The ECO mode indicator will
turn off.
LSD2907LSD3669
ECO MODE
5-152Starting 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

battery conditions. In the D (Drive) posi-
tion, when the accelerator pedal is re-
leased, the regenerative brake system
provides some deceleration and some
power to the Li-ion battery.The ECO Drive Report appears for approxi-
mately 30 seconds af ter placing the power
switch in the OFF position, driving the ve-
hicle for more than 0.3 miles (500 m), and
pressing the
button on the steering
wheel.
1. Previous 5 times (History)Displays the average energy economy
for the previous 5 times
2. Current energy economy Displays the most recent average en-
ergy economy
3. Best energy economy Displays the best energy economy of
the past history
LSD3173
ECO DRIVE REPORT
5-154Starting and driving

4. Regenerated energy (mileage)Displays the amount of regenerated en-
ergy stored in the Li-ion battery in one
trip in terms of distance
If the vehicle has been driven mostly on
downhill roads, more energy is regener-
ated. This may cause the regenerated en-
ergy (mileage) (4) to show a longer distance
than the vehicle was driven or the current
energy economy (2) to show “99.9 miles/
kWh.”
When the
button is pressed while the
ECO Drive Report is shown, the display
switches to the timer display. Either display
will continue to show for another 30 sec-
onds af ter the button is pressed. If the
doors are locked af ter placing the power
switch in the OFF position, the display turns
off before the preset time.
In the “Settings” menu, you can program
the ECO Drive Report to not appear when
the power switch is placed in the OFF posi-
tion. For additional information, refer to “Ve-
hicle information display” in the “Instru-
ments and controls” section of this manual.
WARNING
• Do not stop or park the vehicle over
flammable materials such as dry
grass, waste paper or rags. They may
ignite and cause a fire.
• Never leave the vehicle in the READY
to drive mode while the vehicle is
unattended.
• Safe parking procedures require that
both the parking brake be applied
and the vehicle placed in the park po-
sition. Failure to do so could cause
the vehicle to move unexpectedly or
roll away and result in an accident.
• Do not leave children unattended in-
side the vehicle. They could unknow-
ingly activate switches or controls or
make the vehicle move. Unattended
children could become involved in
serious accidents. •
To help avoid risk of injury or death
through unintended operation of the
vehicle and/or its systems, do not
leave children, people who require
the assistance of others or pets unat-
tended in your vehicle. Additionally,
the temperature inside a closed ve-
hicle on a warm day can quickly be-
come high enough to cause a signifi-
cant risk of injury or death to people
and pets.
PARKING/PARKING ON HILLS
Starting and driving5-155

1. Firmly apply the parking brake.
2. Push the P (Park) position switch on theshif t lever.
3. To help prevent the vehicle from rolling into the street when parked on a slope, it
is a good practice to turn the wheels as
illustrated.
• HEADED DOWNHILL WITH CURB
O1:
Turn the wheels into the curb and
move the vehicle forward until the
curb side wheel gently touches the
curb. • HEADED UPHILL WITH CURB
O2:
Turn the wheels away from the curb
and move the vehicle back until the
curb side wheel gently touches the
curb.
• HEADED UPHILL OR DOWNHILL, NO CURB
O3:
Turn the wheels toward the side of the
road so the vehicle will move away
from the center of the road if it moves.
4. Place the power switch in the OFF position.
WARNING
• If the READY to drive indicator light is
off while driving, the power assist for
the steering will not work. Steering
will be harder to operate.
• When the power steering warning
light illuminates while the READY to
drive indicator light is on, the power
assist for the steering will cease op-
eration. You will still have control of
the vehicle but the steering will be
harder to operate.
The power steering system is designed to
provide power assistance while driving to
operate the steering wheel with less effort.
When the steering wheel is operated re-
peatedly or continuously while parking or
driving at a very low speed, the power as-
sist for the steering wheel will be reduced.
This is to prevent overheating of the power
steering system and help protect it from
getting damaged. When the power assis-
tance is reduced, steering wheel operation
will become harder. When the temperature
of the power steering system goes down,
the power assistance level will return to
normal. Avoid repeating such steering
wheel operations that could cause the
power steering system to overheat.
SSD0488
POWER STEERING SYSTEM
5-156Starting and driving

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
Starting and driving5-157