2021 NISSAN LEAF brakes

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
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 the regenerative
brake system operation.
EV CHARACTERISTICS
EV OverviewEV-11

• When it is cold, use the steering wheelheater in substitution for the heater/air
conditioner. The steering wheel heater
consumes less power than the heater/
air conditioner.
• 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
battery conditions. In the D (Drive) posi-
tion, when the accelerator is released,
the regenerative brake system pro-
vides some deceleration and some
power to the Li-ion battery.
LI-ION BATTERY LIFE
The Li-ion battery's ability to hold a charge,
like all batteries, decreases with battery
age and usage which results in decreased
vehicle range when compared to the ve-
hicle range when the vehicle was new. This
is normal and expected, and does not indi-
cate a malfunction of the vehicle or Li-ion
battery. The Li-ion battery's ability to hold a charge
can be affected by how you drive the ve-
hicle, store the vehicle, how you charge the
Li-ion battery and Li-ion battery tempera-
ture during vehicle operation and charging.
To maximize the battery's useful life, use
the following driving and charging habits
where possible:
• Avoid exposing a vehicle to extreme am-
bient temperatures for extended periods.
•
Avoid storing a vehicle in temperatures be-
low −13°F (−25°C) for more than seven days.
• Avoid leaving your vehicle for more than 14 days where the Li-ion battery available
charge gauge reaches a zero or near zero
(state of charge).
• Allow the vehicle and Li-ion battery to cool down af ter use before charging.
• Park/store your vehicle in cool locations out of direct sunlight and away from heat
sources.
• Avoid sustained high battery tempera- tures (caused, for example, by exposure
to very high ambient temperatures or ex-
tending highway driving with multiple
quick charges [if so equipped]).
• Use the normal charging or trickle charg- ing methods to charge the Li-ion battery
and minimize the use of public Fast
Charge or Quick Charger. • Moderate driving.
• Use of ECO mode.
• Do not operate the charging timer re-
peatedly while the charge connector is
connected to the vehicle af ter the Li-ion
battery charging is completed. Doing so
may discharge the 12-volt battery.
• The power of the Li-ion battery can be checked on the Li-ion battery available
charge gauge. For additional information,
see “Li-ion battery available charge
gauge” (P. 2-9).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 a detailed explanation of the Li-ion battery inspection and intervals, see
“Maintenance and schedules”.
EV OverviewEV-23

Turn signal/hazard
indicator lights (green)
This light flashes when the turn signal
switch lever or hazard switch is turned on.
AUDIBLE REMINDERS
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
warning sound is heard.
Electric shif t control system
reminder chime
If an improper shif t operation is performed,
for safety reasons a chime will sound and
at the same time, depending on the condi-
tions, the operation will be canceled or the
shif t position will switch to the N (Neutral)
position.For additional information, see “Driving the
vehicle” (P. 5-14).
Key reminder chime
A chime will sound if the driver's side door is
opened while the power switch is pushed
to the ON or ACC position.
Make sure that the power switch is pushed
to the OFF position, and take the Intelligent
Key with you when leaving the vehicle.
Light reminder chime
The light reminder chime will sound when
the driver side door is opened with the light
switch in the
orposition, and
the power switch is in the ACC, OFF or LOCK
position.
Turn the light switch off when you leave the
vehicle.
Parking brake reminder chime
A chime sounds if the parking brake is set
and the vehicle is driven. The chime will
stop if the parking brake is released or the
vehicle speed returns to zero.
Power switch reminder chime
The power switch reminder chime will
sound when the driver's door is opened
while the power switch is in the ON or
READY to drive position. Push the power
switch to the OFF position.
12-volt battery charge
warning chime
If the 12-volt battery charge warning light
illuminates, the chime will sound when a
warning message is displayed in the ve-
hicle information display.
When the chime sounds, immediately stop
the vehicle in a safe location and push the P
(Park) position switch on the shif t lever and
apply the parking brake. The 12-volt battery
charge warning light turns off and the
chime will stop when the parking brake is
applied or the vehicle is placed in the P
(Park) position. Have the system checked. It
is recommended that you visit a NISSAN
certified LEAF dealer for this service. For
additional information, see “12-volt battery
charge warning light” (P. 2-15).
Instruments and controls2-25

To turn off the charge timer, push the im-
mediate charge switch. For additional in-
formation, see “Charging timer” (P. CH-43).The dynamic driver assistance switch is
used to temporarily turn on and off the
Intelligent Lane Intervention (I-LI) and Intel-
ligent Blind Spot Intervention (I-BSI) sys-
tems that are activated using the settings
menu of the vehicle information display.
The I-LI and I-BSI systems must be turned
on with the dynamic driver assistance
switch every time the power switch is
placed in the ON position.The I-LI system warns the driver with a
warning and a chime, and helps assist the
driver to return the vehicle to the center of
the traveling lane by applying the brakes to
the lef t or right wheels individually (for a
short period of time). For additional infor-
mation, see “Intelligent Lane Intervention
(I-LI)” (P. 5-30) and “Vehicle information dis-
play ” (P. 2-26).
The I-BSI system helps alert the driver of
other vehicles in adjacent lanes when
changing lanes, and helps assist the driver
to return the vehicle to the center of the
traveling lane. For additional information,
see “Intelligent Blind Spot Intervention (I-
BSI)” (P. 5-36).
LCH2125LIC4290
IMMEDIATE CHARGE SWITCH
DYNAMIC DRIVER ASSISTANCE
SWITCH (for vehicles without
ProPILOT Assist) (if so equipped)
2-58Instruments and controls

OFF-ROAD RECOVERY
While driving, the right side or lef t side
wheels may unintentionally leave the road
surface. If this occurs, maintain control of
the vehicle by following the procedure be-
low. Please note that this procedure is only
a general guide. The vehicle must be driven
as appropriate based on the conditions of
the vehicle, road and traffic.
1. Remain calm and do not overreact.
2. Do not apply the brakes.
3. Maintain a firm grip on the steeringwheel with both hands and try to hold a
straight course.
4. When appropriate, slowly release the ac- celerator pedal to gradually slow the
vehicle.
5. If there is nothing in the way, steer the vehicle to follow the road while the ve-
hicle speed is reduced. Do not attempt
to drive the vehicle back onto the road
surface until the vehicle speed is
reduced. 6. When it is safe to do so, gradually turn
the steering wheel until both tires return
to the road surface. When all tires are on
the road surface, steer the vehicle to
stay in the appropriate driving lane.
• If you decide that it is not safe to return the vehicle to the road surface based
on vehicle, road or traffic conditions,
gradually slow the vehicle to a stop in
a safe place off the road.
RAPID AIR PRESSURE LOSS
Rapid air pressure loss or a “blow-out” can
occur if the tire is punctured or is damaged
due to hitting a curb or pothole. Rapid air
pressure loss can also be caused by driving
on under-inflated tires.
Rapid air pressure loss can affect the han-
dling and stability of the vehicle, especially
at highway speeds.
Help prevent rapid air pressure loss by
maintaining the correct air pressure and
visually inspecting the tires for wear and
damage. For additional information, see
“Wheels and tires” (P. 8-25).
If a tire rapidly loses air pressure or “blows-
out” while driving, maintain control of the
vehicle by following the procedure below.
Please note that this procedure is only a general guide. The vehicle must be driven
as appropriate based on the conditions of
the vehicle, road and traffic.
WARNING
The following actions can increase the
chance of losing control of the vehicle if
there is a sudden loss of tire air pres-
sure. Losing control of the vehicle may
cause a collision and result in personal
injury.
• The vehicle generally moves or pulls
in the direction of the flat tire.
• Do not rapidly apply the brakes.
• Do not rapidly release the accelerator
pedal.
• Do not rapidly turn the steering
wheel.
1. Remain calm and do not overreact.
2. Maintain a firm grip on the steering wheel with both hands and try to hold a
straight course.
3. When appropriate, slowly release the ac- celerator pedal to gradually slow the
vehicle.
5-8Starting and driving

N (Neutral)
Neither forward nor reverse gear is en-
gaged. The vehicle can be placed in the
READY to drive position in this position.
Do not shif t to the N (Neutral) position while
driving. The regenerative brake system
does not operate in the N (Neutral) position.
However, the vehicle brakes will still stop
the car.
D (Drive)
Use this position for all normal forward
driving.If the vehicle is placed in the D
(Drive) position while reversing, the
chime will sound and the vehicle will
switch into the N (Neutral) position. B mode
The B mode engages the regenerative
braking system more aggressively on
downhill slopes, and helps reduce brake
use. It is activated by moving the shif t lever
lef t and down. The shif t lever will then re-
turn to the center position. For additional
information, see “Brake system” (P. 5-156).WARNING
• Be sure the parking brake is released
before driving. Failure to do so could
cause brake failure and lead to an
accident.
• Do not release the parking brake
from outside the vehicle.
• 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.
• When leaving the vehicle, apply the
parking brake and push the P (Park)
position switch on the shif t lever.
LSD2837
PARKING BRAKE
5-18Starting and driving

WARNING
Failure to follow the warnings and in-
structions for proper use of the I-LI sys-
tem could result in serious injury or
death.
• The I-LI system will not steer the ve-
hicle or prevent loss of control. It is
the driver’s responsibility to stay
alert, drive safely, keep the vehicle in
the traveling lane, and be in control of
the vehicle at all times. •
The I-LI system is primarily intended
for use on well-developed freeways
or highways. It may not detect the
lane markers in certain road,
weather, or driving conditions.
The I-LI system must be turned on with the
ProPILOT Assist switch on the steering
wheel (models with ProPILOT Assist) or the
dynamic driver assistance switch (models
without ProPILOT Assist) every time the
power switch is placed in the ON position.
The I-LI system will operate when the ve-
hicle is driven at speeds of approximately
37 mph (60 km/h) and above, and only
when the lane markings are clearly visible
on the road.
The I-LI system warns the driver when the
vehicle has lef t the center of the traveling
lane with an indicator in the vehicle infor-
mation display and a steering vibration.
The system helps assist the driver to return
the vehicle to the center of the traveling
lane by applying the brakes to the lef t or
right wheels individually (for a short period
of time).
The I-LI system monitors the lane markers
on the traveling lane using the camera unit
OAlocated above the inside mirror.
LSD2839
INTELLIGENT LANE INTERVENTION
(I-LI)
5-30Starting and driving

I-LI SYSTEM OPERATION
1. Lane Departure Warning (LDW) indicator2. Intelligent Lane Intervention (I-LI)
indicator 3. ProPILOT Assist switch (for models with
ProPILOT Assist)
4. Dynamic driver assistance switch (for models without ProPILOT Assist)
The I-LI system operates above approxi-
mately 37 mph (60 km/h). When the vehicle
approaches either the lef t or the right side
of the traveling lane, the steering wheel will
vibrate and the LDW indicator in the vehicle
information display will blink to alert the
driver. Then, the I-LI system will automati-
cally apply the brakes for a short period of
time to help assist the driver to return the
vehicle to the center of the traveling lane.
To turn on the I-LI system, push the ProPI-
LOT Assist switch on the steering wheel
(models with ProPILOT Assist) or dynamic
driver assistance switch (models without
ProPILOT Assist). The I-LI indicator will illu-
minate. Push the ProPILOT Assist switch
(models with ProPILOT Assist) or dynamic
driver assistance switch (models without
ProPILOT Assist) again to turn off the I-LI
system. The I-LI indicator will turn off.
LSD3648
Starting and driving5-31