This manual was prepared to help you un-
derstand the operation and maintenance
of your vehicle so that you may enjoy many
miles (kilometers) of driving pleasure.
Please read through this manual before
operating your vehicle.
A separate Warranty Information Book-
let explains details about the warranties
covering your vehicle. The “Maintenance
and schedules” section of this manual
explains details about maintaining and
servicing your vehicle. Additionally, a
separate Customer Care/Lemon Law
Booklet (U.S. only) will explain how to re-
solve any concerns you may have with
your vehicle, and clarif y your rights un-
der your state's lemon law.
In addition to factory installed options, your
vehicle may also be equipped with addi-
tional accessories installed prior to deliv-
ery. It is recommended that you visit a
NISSAN certified LEAF dealer for details
concerning the particular accessories with
which your vehicle is equipped. It is impor-
tant that you familiarize yourself with all
disclosures, warnings, cautions and in-
structions concerning proper use of such
accessories prior to operating the vehicle
and/or accessory. It is recommended that
you visit a NISSAN certified LEAF dealer fordetails concerning the particular accesso-
ries with which your vehicle is equipped.
A NISSAN certified LEAF dealer knows your
vehicle best. When you require any service
or have any questions, we will be glad to
assist you with the extensive resources
available to us.
Before driving your vehicle, please read this
Owner's Manual carefully. This will ensure
familiarity with controls and maintenance
requirements assisting you in the safe op-
eration of your vehicle.
WARNING
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
REMINDERS!
Follow these important driving rules to
help ensure a safe and comfortable trip
for you and your passengers!
• NEVER drive under the influence of
alcohol or drugs.
•
ALWAYS observe posted speed limits
and never drive too fast for conditions.
• ALWAYS give your full attention to
driving and avoid using vehicle fea-
tures or taking other actions that
could distract you.
• ALWAYS use your seat belts and ap-
propriate child restraint systems.
Preteen children should be seated in
the rear seat.
• ALWAYS provide information about
the proper use of vehicle safety fea-
tures to all occupants of the vehicle.
• ALWAYS review this Owner’s Manual
for important safety information.
FOREWORD READ FIRST—THEN DRIVE SAFELY
Table of
contentsIllustrated table of contents
EV Overview
Charging
Safety–Seats, seat belts and supplemental restraint system
Instruments and controls
Pre-driving checks and adjustments
Monitor, climate, audio, phone and voice recognition systems
Starting and driving
In case of emergency
Appearance and care
Do-it yourself
Maintenance and schedules
Technical and consumer information
Index
0
EV
CH
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
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 “EV
maintenance schedules (EM57 electric
motor) (P. 9-7).
EV-24EV Overview
e—Pedal system failure! Press brake
pedal to slow or stop
This warning appears when the e-Pedal
system is malfunctioning. Have the system
checked. It is recommended that you visit a
NISSAN certified LEAF dealer for this
service.
Indicators for maintenance
These indicators appear when the cus-
tomer set distance comes for replacing
tires or other maintenance items. You can
set or reset the distance for replacing tires
and other maintenance items.
WARNING
The tire replacement indicator is not a
substitute for regular tire checks, in-
cluding tire pressure checks. For addi-
tional information, see “Changing
wheels and tires” (P. 8-34). Many factors
including tire inflation, alignment, driv-
ing habits and road conditions affect
tire wear and when tires should be re-
placed. Setting the tire replacement in-
dicator for a certain driving distance
does not mean your tires will last that
long. Use the tire replacement indicator
as a guide only and always perform regular tire checks. Failure to perform
regular tire checks, including tire pres-
sure checks could result in tire failure.
Serious vehicle damage could occur
and may lead to a collision, which could
result in serious personal injury or
death.
For scheduled maintenance items and in-
tervals, see “Maintenance and schedules.”
Headlight System Error: See Owner’s
Manual
This warning appears when the LED head-
lights are not functioning properly.
If this warning appears, have your system
checked. It is recommended that you visit a
NISSAN certified LEAF dealer for this
service.
Low battery charge
indicator
This light appears when the available Li-ion
battery charge is getting low. Charge as
soon as it is possible, preferably before the
Li-ion battery available charge gauge
reaches 0%.
NOTE:
The low battery charge indicator turns
off immediately before the Li-ion battery
is completely discharged and the vehicle
will stop. If the Li-ion battery becomes
completely discharged, the vehicle must
be charged in order to be driven.
Low outside air
temperature
The outside air temperature is displayed in
°F or °C in the range of −20°F to 140°F (−30°C
to 60°C).
The outside air temperature mode in-
cludes a low temperature warning feature.
If the outside air temperature is below 37°F
(3°C), the warning is displayed on the
screen.
The outside temperature sensor is located
in front side of the vehicle. The sensor may
be affected by road, wind directions and
other driving conditions. The display may
differ from the actual outside temperature
or the temperature displayed on various
signs or billboards.
2-36Instruments and controls
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 and schedules”
section of this manual.
BRAKES
8-14Do-it yourself
9 Maintenance and schedules
Maintenance requirements.....................9-2
General maintenance ........................9-2
Scheduled maintenance .....................9-2
Where to go for service .......................9-2
General maintenance ...........................9-2
Explanation of general maintenance
items ........................................9-2
Explanation of scheduled maintenance items . . . 9-5 Explanation of scheduled maintenance
items
........................................9-5
Chassis and Body Maintenance: ..............9-6
Maintenance schedules .........................9-6
Additional Maintenance Items for
severe operating conditions ..................9-6
EV Maintenance schedules
(EM57 electric motor) .........................9-7
Some day-to-day and regular mainte-
nance is essential to maintain your vehicle
good mechanical condition, and its Electric
Vehicle (EV) system performance.
It is the owner's responsibility to make sure
that the scheduled maintenance, and gen-
eral maintenance, is performed.
As the vehicle owner, you are the only one
who can ensure that your vehicle receives
proper maintenance. You are a vital link in
the maintenance chain.
GENERAL MAINTENANCE
General maintenance includes those items
which should be checked during normal
day-to-day operation. They are essential
for proper vehicle operation. It is your re-
sponsibility to perform these procedures
regularly as prescribed.
Performing general maintenance checks
requires minimal mechanical skill and only
a few general automotive tools.
These checks or inspections can be done
by yourself, a qualified technician or, if you
prefer, a NISSAN certified LEAF dealer.
SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE
The maintenance items listed in this sec-
tion are required to be serviced at regular
intervals. However under severe driving
conditions, additional or more frequent
maintenance will be required.
WHERE TO GO FOR SERVICE
If maintenance service is required or your
vehicle appears to malfunction, have the
systems checked and serviced. It is recom-
mended that you visit a NISSAN certified
LEAF dealer for this service.
NISSAN technicians are well-trained spe-
cialists and are kept up-to-date with the
latest service information through techni-
cal bulletins, service tips, and training pro-
grams. They are fully qualified to work on
NISSAN vehiclesbeforework begins.
If your vehicle is involved in a collision, it is
recommended that you ask your NISSAN
certified LEAF dealer where the nearest
NISSAN Certified Collision Center is located,
or go to http://collision.nissanusa.com.
You can be confident that a NISSAN certi-
fied LEAF dealer's service department per-
forms the best job to meet the mainte-
nance requirements on your vehicle. During the normal day-to-day operation of
the vehicle, general maintenance should
be performed regularly as prescribed in
this section. If you detect any unusual
sounds, vibrations or smells, be sure to
check for the cause or have a NISSAN cer-
tified LEAF dealer check it promptly. In ad-
dition, it is recommended that you visit a
NISSAN certified LEAF dealer if you think
that repairs are required.
When performing any checks or mainte-
nance work, closely observe the “Mainte-
nance precautions” (P. 8-2).
EXPLANATION OF GENERAL
MAINTENANCE ITEMS
WARNING
Failure to follow the procedures listed
within this section may result in per-
sonal injury.
Additional information on the following
items with“*”isf ound in the “Do-it-
yourself ” section of this manual.
MAINTENANCE REQUIREMENTS GENERAL MAINTENANCE
9-2Maintenance and schedules
Outside the vehicle
The maintenance items listed here should
be performed from time to time, unless
otherwise specified.
Doors and motor hood:
Check that the
doors and motor hood operate properly.
Also ensure that all latches lock securely. Lu-
bricate hinges, latches, latch pins, rollers and
links if necessary. Make sure that the sec-
ondary 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.
Check that the gas stays or struts properly
and securely hold the hood, trunk, or rear
hatch fully open. If the hood, trunk, or rear
hatch is not held open, have the gas stays
or struts replaced.
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 headlight aim.
Road wheel nuts (lug nuts)*: When check-
ing the tires, make sure no wheel nuts are
missing, and check for any loose wheel
nuts. Tighten if necessary. Tire rotation*:
Rotate tires at the specified
interval shown in the maintenance
schedule.
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)
tire pressure sensor: It is recommended
that you replace the TPMS tire pressure
sensor assembly when the tires are re-
placed 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. It is recom-
mended that you have a damaged wind-
shield repaired by a NISSAN certified LEAF
dealer, or a NISSAN Certified Collision Cen-
ter. To locate a collision center in your area,
refer to http://collision.nissanusa.com.
Windshield wiper blades*:
Check for
cracks or wear if they do not wipe properly.
Inside the 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 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.
Maintenance and schedules9-3