•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.
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.
SSD0488
5-160Starting and driving
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. 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, see “Power steering warning
light” (P. 2-23).
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.
POWER STEERING SYSTEM
BRAKE SYSTEM
Starting and driving5-161
To dry brakes, drive the vehicle at a safe
speed while lightly tapping the brake pedal
to heat up the brakes. Do this until the
brakes return to normal. Avoid driving the
vehicle at high speeds until the brakes
have dried.
Parking brake break-in
Break in the parking brake shoes whenever
the stopping effect of the parking brake is
weakened or whenever the parking brake
shoes and/or rotors are replaced, in order
to assure the best braking performance.
This procedure is described in the Genuine
NISSAN Service Manual, and it can be per-
formed by a certified repair facility. It is rec-
ommended that you visit a NISSAN certi-
fied LEAF dealer.
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, see
“Wheels and tires” (P. 8-25). 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
distances.
Starting and driving5-163
WARNING
The Intelligent Ride Control may not be
effective depending on the driving con-
dition. Always drive carefully and
attentively.
When the Intelligent Ride Control is operat-
ing, you may hear a noise and sense slight
deceleration. This is normal and indicates
that the Intelligent Ride Control is operat-
ing properly.
If the “Chassis Control System Error: See
Owner’s Manual” warning message ap-
pears in the vehicle information display, it
may indicate that the Intelligent Ride Con-
trol is not functioning properly. Have the
system checked as soon as possible. It is
recommended that you visit a NISSAN cer-
tified LEAF dealer for this service. The RSS sounds a tone to inform the driver
of obstacles near the bumper.
When the “DISPLAY” key is ON, the sonar
view will automatically appear in the in the
touch-screen display. An additional view of
the sonar status will appear in the vehicle
information display for reference.
WARNING
• The RSS is a convenience but it is not
a substitute for proper parking. •
The driver is always responsible for
safety during parking and other ma-
neuvers. Always look around and
check that it is safe to do so before
parking.
• 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.
• This function is designed as an aid to
the driver in detecting large station-
ary objects to help avoid damaging
the vehicle.
• 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, and may not de-
tect objects close to the bumper or
on the ground.
LSD3247
REAR SONAR SYSTEM (RSS)
5-168Starting and driving
Perform the following steps to enable or
disable the sonar system:
1. Press the
button until “Settings” ap-
pears in the vehicle information display
and then press OK. Use the
button
to select “Driver Assistance.” Then press
the OK button.
2. Select “Parking Aids” and press the OK button.
3. Select “Sonar” and press the OK button to turn the system on or off.
• Select “Parking sonar” and press the OK button to turn the system on or off.
• Select “Display” and press the OK but- ton to turn the display on or off.
• Select “Volume” to change the sonar system volume to “High,” Med.” or
“Low.”
• Select “Range” to change the sonar system distance to “Far,” “Med.” or
“Near.”
NOTE:
The system will automatically be turned
on when the EV system is restarted.
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.
• 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.
• Do not attach stickers (including
transparent material), install acces-
sories, or apply anything blocking
the sensors. These conditions may
reduce the ability of the system.
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
sensors.
Action to take:
When the above conditions no longer exist,
the system will resume automatically.
Starting and driving5-171
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), Bmode, 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.CAUTION
To prevent damage to the Li-ion bat-
tery: Do not store the vehicle in tem-
peratures below -13°F (-25°C) for over
seven days. If the outside temperature
is -13°F (-25°C) or less, the Li-ion battery
may freeze and it cannot be charged or
provide power to run the vehicle. Move
the vehicle to a warm location.
NOTE:
• Connect the charger to the vehicle and place the power switch in the OFF po-
sition when parking the vehicle if tem-
peratures may go below -4°F (-20°C).
For models with 40 kWh battery
model, this provides external power to
the Li-ion battery warmer (if so
equipped) when it operates and does
not discharge the Li-ion battery. Ve-
hicle driving range is reduced if the Li-
ion battery warmer (if so equipped) op-
erates (Li-ion battery temperature
approximately -4°F (-20°C) or colder)
while driving the vehicle. You may need
to charge the Li-ion battery sooner
than in warmer temperatures.
• The Li-ion battery requires more time to charge when the Li-ion battery
warmer (if so equipped) operates. • The predicted charging time displayed
on the meter and navigation system (if
so equipped) increases when the Li-ion
battery warmer (if so equipped)
operates.
• Vehicle range may be substantially re- duced in extremely cold conditions (for
example under -4°F (-20°C)).
• Using the climate control system to heat the cabin when outside tempera-
ture is below 32°F (0°C) uses more elec-
tricity and affects vehicle range more
than when using the heater when the
temperature is above 32°F (0°C).
• Climate control performance is re- duced when using the Climate Ctrl.
Timer or Remote Climate Control while
the Li-ion battery warmer (if so
equipped) operates (for models with
40 kWh battery model). Set only the
charging timer [End Time] when charg-
ing in cold weather. The vehicle auto-
matically determines when to start
charging to fully charge the Li-ion bat-
tery, even if the Li-ion battery warmer
operates. Charging ends before the set
end time if the Li-ion battery is fully
charged.
COLD WEATHER DRIVING
Starting and driving5-173
•Allow more stopping distance under
these conditions. Braking should be
started sooner than on dry
pavement.
• Allow greater following distances on
slippery roads.
• Watch for slippery spots (glare ice).
These may appear on an otherwise
clear road in shaded areas. If a patch
of ice is seen ahead, brake before
reaching it. Try not to brake while on
the ice, and avoid any sudden steer-
ing maneuvers.
• Do not use cruise control on slippery
roads.
FREEING A FROZEN CHARGE PORT
LID
When the charge port is frozen, melt the ice
using a hair dryer.
PARKING BRAKE
CAUTION
• When parking in an area where the
outside temperature is below 32°F
(0°C), the parking brake, if applied,
may freeze in place and may be diffi-
cult to release.
• For safe parking, it is recommended
that you place the shif t lever in the P
(Park) position and securely block
the wheels.
Starting and driving5-175
CAUTION
• To avoid the emergency tire puncture
kit being damaged during storage or
use:
– Only use the emergency tire punc-
ture repair kit on your vehicle. Do
not use it on other vehicles.
– Only use the kit to inflate the tires
of your vehicle and to check the
vehicle’s tire pressure.
– Only plug the compressor into a
12-volt DC car power point.
– Keep the kit free of water and dirt.
– Do not disassemble or modif y the
kit.
– Do not drop the kit or allow hard
impacts to the kit.
• Do not use the emergency tire punc-
ture repair kit under the following
conditions. It is recommended that
you visit a NISSAN certified LEAF
dealer or professional road
assistance.
– when the sealant has passed its
expiration date (shown on the la-
bel attached to the bottle) –
when the cut or the puncture is
approximately 0.25 in (6 mm) or
longer
– when the tire sidewall is damaged
– when the vehicle has been driven
with extremely low tire pressure
– when the tire has come off the in-
side or the outside of the wheel
– when the tire wheel is damaged
– when two or more tires are flat
If you have a flat tire, follow the instructions
below.
Stopping the vehicle
1. Safely move the vehicle off the road and away from traffic.
2. Turn on the hazard warning flashers.
3. Park on a level surface and apply the parking brake.
4. Push the P (Park) position switch on the shif t lever to the P (Park) position.
5. Turn off the EV system.
6. Raise the hood to warn other traffic and to signal professional road assistance
personnel that you need assistance. 7. Have all passengers get out of the ve-
hicle and stand in a safe place, away
from traffic and clear of the vehicle.
WARNING
• Make sure the parking brake is se-
curely applied and the vehicle is
placed into the P (Park) position.
• Never repair tires when the vehicle is
on a slope, ice or slippery areas. This
is hazardous.
• Never repair tires if oncoming traffic
is close to your vehicle. Wait for pro-
fessional road assistance.
In case of emergency6-5