
1. Confirm the parking brake is applied.
2. Confirm that the vehicle is in the P (Park)position.
When the power switch is placed in the
ON position, the EV is designed not to
operate unless the shif t lever is in the P
(Park) or N (Neutral) position.
The Intelligent Key must be carried
with you when operating the power
switch.
3. Depress the brake pedal and push the power switch to place the EV system in
the READY to drive position.
To place the vehicle in the READY to drive
position immediately, push and release
the power switch while depressing the
brake pedal with the power switch in any
position. The READY to drive indicator
light
in the meter illuminates.
4. To stop the EV system, push the P (Park) position switch on the shif t lever, and
place the power switch in the OFF
position.
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. The 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.
ELECTRIC SHIFT CONTROL
SYSTEM
This vehicle is electronically controlled to
produce maximum available power and
smooth operation.
The recommended operating procedures
for this vehicle are shown on the following
pages.
Starting the vehicle
1. Af ter placing the vehicle in the READY to drive position, fully depress the foot
brake pedal before moving the shif t lever
to the D (Drive) position.
The shif t lever of this vehicle is de-
signed so that the foot brake pedal
must be depressed before shif ting
from the P (Park) position to any driv-
ing position while the power switch is
in the ON position.
The shif t lever cannot be moved out of
the P (Park) position and into any of
the other positions if the power switch
is placed in the LOCK, OFF or ACC posi-
tion or if the Intelligent Key is
removed.
STARTING THE EV SYSTEM DRIVING THE VEHICLE
5-14Starting and driving

• The predicted charging time displayedon 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.FREEING A FROZEN DOOR LOCK
To prevent a door lock from freezing, apply
deicer through the key hole. If the lock be-
comes frozen, heat the key before inserting
it into the key hole or use the remote key-
less entry key fob.
ANTIFREEZE
In the winter when it is possible that the
outside temperature will drop below 32°F
(0°C), check the antifreeze to ensure proper
winter protection. For additional informa-
tion, see “Cooling system” (P. 8-5).
12-VOLT BATTERY
If the 12-volt battery is not fully charged
during extremely cold weather conditions,
the 12-volt battery fluid may freeze and
damage the 12-volt battery. To maintain
maximum efficiency, the 12-volt battery
should be checked regularly. For additional
information, see “12-volt battery” (P. 8-9).
DRAINING OF COOLANT WATER
If the vehicle is to be lef t outside without
antifreeze, drain the cooling system. Refill
before operating the vehicle. For additional
information, see “Cooling system” (P. 8-5).
TIRE EQUIPMENT
SUMMER tires have a tread designed to
provide superior performance on dry
pavement. However, the performance of
these tires will be substantially reduced in
snowy and icy conditions. If you operate
your vehicle on snowy or icy roads, NISSAN
recommends the use of MUD & SNOW or
ALL SEASON tires on all four wheels. It is
recommended that you visit a NISSAN cer-
tified LEAF dealer for the tire type, size,
speed rating and availability information.
For additional traction on icy roads, stud-
ded tires may be used. However, some U.S.
states and Canadian provinces prohibit
their use. Check local, state and provincial
laws before installing studded tires.
Skid and traction capabilities of studded
snow tires, on wet or dry surfaces, may
be poorer than that of non-studded
snow tires.
Tire chains may be used. For additional in-
formation, see “Tire chains” (P. 8-34).
5-174Starting and driving

8 Do-it yourself
Maintenance precautions.......................8-2
Motor compartment check locations ...........8-4
Cooling system .................................8-5
Checking coolant level .......................8-6
Changing coolant ............................8-6
Reduction gear fluid .............................8-7
Brake fluid .......................................8-7
Windshield-washer fluid .........................8-8
12-volt battery ...................................8-9
Jump starting ................................ 8-11
Windshield wiper blades ........................8-12
Cleaning .................................... 8-12
Replacing ................................... 8-12
Rear window wiper blade ...................8-14
Brakes ......................................... 8-14
Brake pad wear warning ....................8-14Fuses
.......................................... 8-15
Motor compartment ........................ 8-15
Passenger compartment ...................8-18
NISSAN Intelligent Key® battery replacement . . . 8-19
Lights .......................................... 8-21
Headlights .................................. 8-22
Fog lights (if so equipped) ...................8-22
Exterior and interior lights ...................8-23
Wheels and tires ............................... 8-25
Tire pressure ................................ 8-25
Tire labeling ................................. 8-29
Types of tires ................................ 8-33
Tire chains .................................. 8-34
Changing wheels and tires ..................8-35
Emergency tire puncture repair kit ..........8-38

Extended storage switch
If any electrical equipment does not oper-
ate, remove the extended storage switch
and check for an open fuse.
NOTE:
The extended storage switch is used for
long term vehicle storage. Even if the ex-
tended storage switch is broken it is not
necessary to replace it. Replace only the
open fuse in the switch with a new one.How to replace the extended storage
switch:
1. To remove the extended storage switch,
be sure the power switch is in the OFF
position.
2. Be sure the headlight switch is in the OFF position.
3. Remove the fuse box cover.
4. Pinch the locking tabs
O1andO2found
on each side of the storage switch.
5. Pull the storage switch straight out from the fuse box
O3.
CAUTION
• Be careful not to allow children to
swallow the battery and removed
parts.
• An improperly disposed battery can
harm the environment. Always con-
firm local regulations for battery
disposal.
• When changing batteries, do not let
dust or oil get on the components.
• There is danger of explosion if the
lithium battery is incorrectly re-
placed. Replace only with the same
or equivalent type.
LDI3205
NISSAN INTELLIGENT KEY® BATTERY
REPLACEMENT
Do-it yourself8-19

Replace the battery in the Intelligent Key as
follows:
1. Remove the mechanical key from theIntelligent Key. 2. Insert a small screwdriver into the slit of
the corner and twist it to separate the
upper part from the lower part. Use a
cloth to protect the casing.
3. Replace the battery with a new one. Recommended battery:
CR2025 or equivalent• Do not touch the internal circuit and electric terminals as doing so could
cause a malfunction.
• Hold the battery by the edges. Holding the battery across the contact points
will seriously deplete the storage
capacity.
• Make sure that the side faces the
bottom of the case. 4. Align the tips of the upper and lower
parts
O1, and then push them together
O2until it is securely closed.
5. Operate the buttons to check that it is functioning properly.
It is recommended that you visit a NISSAN
certified LEAF dealer for this service.
SDI2451
SDI2452
8-20Do-it yourself

Severe use maintenance:
Inspections:
• Axle & suspension parts
• Front suspension ball joints
• Steering gear and linkage
• Steering linkage ball joints
Essential:
• Replace brake fluid22,500 miles/(36,000 km)/
18 months
Perform at number of miles, kilometers or
months, whichever comes first.
Standard maintenance:
Inspections:
• Inspect Intelligent Key battery (1)
• Horn, lights, signals, wipers, rear hatch/hood lif t supports
• Battery terminals and cables, battery test
• Tire pressure, treadwear and depth
• Suspension components (shocks, sub- frame, tie rods)
Essential:
• Tire rotation
Severe use maintenance:
Inspections:
• Axle & suspension parts
• Brake pads & rotors
• Drive shaf t boots
• Front suspension ball joints
• Steering gear and linkage
• Steering linkage ball joints
(1) Performed based on the number of ser-
vice months only.
30,000 miles/(48,000 km)/
24 months
Perform at number of miles, kilometers or
months, whichever comes first.
Standard maintenance:
Inspections:
• Axle & suspension parts
• Brake lines & cables
• Brake pads & rotors
• Charging port
• Charging port sealing cap
• Drive shaf t boots
• Front suspension ball joints
• Reduction gear oil
• Steering gear and linkage
• Steering linkage ball joints
• Horn, lights, signals, wipers, rear hatch/ hood lif t supports
• Battery terminals and cables, battery test
• Tire pressure, treadwear and depth
• Suspension components (shocks, sub- frame, tie rods)
9-8Maintenance and schedules

Essential:
• Replace brake fluid
• Replace in-cabin microfilter
• Tire rotation
Severe use maintenance:
Not applicable. Proceed to next interval.37,500 miles/(60,000 km)/
30 months
Perform at number of miles, kilometers or
months, whichever comes first.
Standard maintenance:
Inspections:
• Horn, lights, signals, wipers, rear hatch/hood lif t supports
• Battery terminals and cables, battery test
• Tire pressure, treadwear and depth
• Suspension components (shocks, sub- frame, tie rods)
Essential:
• Tire rotation
Severe use maintenance:
Inspections:
• Axle & suspension parts
• Brake pads & rotors
• Drive shaf t boots
• Front suspension ball joints
• Steering gear and linkage
• Steering linkage ball joints
45,000 miles/(72,000 km)/
36 months
Perform at number of miles, kilometers or
months, whichever comes first.
Standard maintenance:
Inspections:
• Brake lines & cables
• Brake pads & rotors
• Charging port
• Drive shaf t boots
• Reduction gear oil
• Horn, lights, signals, wipers, rear hatch/ hood lif t supports
• Battery terminals and cables, battery test
• Tire pressure, treadwear and depth
• Suspension components (shocks, sub- frame, tie rods)
Essential:
• Replace Intelligent Key battery (1)
• Replace in-cabin microfilter
• Tire rotation
Maintenance and schedules9-9

Essential:
• Replace brake fluid
• Replace in-cabin microfilter
• Tire rotation
Severe use maintenance:
Not applicable. Proceed to next interval.67,500 miles/(108,000 km)/
54 months
Perform at number of miles, kilometers or
months, whichever comes first.
Standard maintenance:
Inspections:
• Horn, lights, signals, wipers, rear hatch/hood lif t supports
• Battery terminals and cables, battery test
• Tire pressure, treadwear and depth
• Suspension components (shocks, sub- frame, tie rods)
Essential:
• Replace Intelligent Key battery (1)
• Tire rotation
Severe use maintenance:
Inspections:
• Axle & suspension parts
• Brake pads & rotors
• Drive shaf t boots
• Front suspension ball joints
• Steering gear and linkage
• Steering linkage ball joints
(1) Performed based on the number of ser-
vice months only.
75,000 miles/(120,000 km)/
60 months
Perform at number of miles, kilometers or
months, whichever comes first.
Standard maintenance:
Inspections:
• Brake lines & cables
• Brake pads & rotors
• Charging port
• Drive shaf t boots
• Reduction gear oil
• Horn, lights, signals, wipers, rear hatch/ hood lif t supports
• Battery terminals and cables, battery test
• Tire pressure, treadwear and depth
• Suspension components (shocks, sub- frame, tie rods)
Essential:
• Replace in-cabin microfilter
• Tire rotation
Maintenance and schedules9-11