High beam indicator light
(blue)
This light illuminates when the headlight
high beam is on and goes out when the low
beam is selected.
Plug-in
indicator light (green)
This light illuminates when the charge con-
nector is connected to the vehicle and
blinks during charging.
NOTE:
If the charge connector is connected to
the vehicle, the power switch cannot be
placed in the READY to drive position.
READY to drive
indicator light (green)
The READY to drive indicator light illumi-
nates when the EV system is powered and
the vehicle may be driven.
The READY to drive indicator light will turn
off in the following conditions.
• Certain EV system malfunctions.• The READY to drive indicator light turns
off immediately before the Li-ion battery
is completely discharged. If the Li-ion bat-
tery becomes completely discharged,
the vehicle must be charged in order to
be driven. For additional information, see
“Low battery charge indicator” (P. 2-38).
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.
Instruments and controls2-25
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
operation.NOTE:
• When applying the regenerativebrakes, you may hear a sound coming
from the regenerative brake system.
This is a normal operating characteris-
tic of an EV.
• If the power switch position is in a po- sition other than ON or READY to drive,
you can stop the vehicle by depressing
the brake pedal. However, greater foot
pressure on the brake pedal will be re-
quired to stop the vehicle, and the
stopping distance will be longer.
• When depressing the brake pedal, the brake pedal feel will not be smooth or
may change when the cooperative re-
generative brake system activates.
However, the electronically controlled
brake system is operating normally
and this does not indicate a
malfunction.
Using the brakes
Avoid resting your foot on the brake pedal
while driving. This will cause overheating of
the brakes, wearing out of the brake pads
and shoes faster, and will reduce driving
range. To help reduce brake wear, and to prevent
the brakes from overheating, reduce speed
and select B mode before going down a
slope or long grade. Overheated brakes
may reduce braking performance and
could result in loss of vehicle control.
WARNING
• While driving on a slippery surface,
be careful when braking or accelerat-
ing. Abrupt braking or accelerating
could cause the wheels to skid, which
could result in an accident.
• If the brake pedal is depressed with
the EV system OFF, you may feel an
increased brake pedal effort and a
decreased pedal stroke. If the BRAKE
warning light does not illuminate
and the brake pedal feels like it has
returned to its normal state af ter the
EV system is started, this indicates
that there is no malfunction and the
vehicle can be operated normally.
Wet brakes
When the vehicle is washed or driven
through water, the brakes may get wet. As
a result, the braking distance will be longer
and the vehicle may pull to one side during
braking.
5-162Starting and driving
When the VDC system operates, theindicator light in the instrument panel
flashes. When the indicator light flashes,
note the following items:
• The road may be slippery or the systemmay determine some action is required
to help keep the vehicle on the steered
path.
• You may feel a pulsation in the brake pedal and hear a noise or vibration from
under the hood. This is normal and indi-
cates that the VDC system is working
properly.
• Adjust your speed and driving according to the road conditions.
For additional information, see “Slip indica-
tor light” (P. 2-24) and “Vehicle Dynamic
Control (VDC) OFF indicator light” (P. 2-24).
If a malfunction occurs in the system, the
indicator light illuminates in the ve-
hicle information display. The VDC system
automatically turns off when this indicator
light is lit. The vehicle information display is used to
turn off the VDC system. The VDC OFF indi-
cator light
, along with the AEB with
Pedestrian Detection and RAB warning
lights illuminate to indicate that the VDC,
AEB with Pedestrian Detection, and RAB
systems are off. When the vehicle informa-
tion display is used to turn off the system,
the VDC system still operates to prevent
one drive wheel from slipping by transfer-
ring power to a non-slipping wheel. The
indicator light flashes if this occurs. All
other VDC functions are off and the
indicator light will not flash. The VDC sys-
tem is automatically reset to on when the
power switch is placed in the OFF position
then back to the ON position. For additional
information, see “Vehicle information dis-
play” (P. 2-26).
The computer has a built-in diagnostic fea-
ture that tests the system each time you
start the EV and move the vehicle forward
or in reverse at a slow speed. When the
self-test occurs, you may hear a “clunk”
noise and/or feel a pulsation in the brake
pedal. This is normal and is not an indica-
tion of a malfunction.
WARNING
• The VDC system is designed to help
the driver maintain stability but does
not prevent accidents due to abrupt
steering operation at high speeds or
by careless or dangerous driving
techniques. Reduce vehicle speed
and be especially careful when driv-
ing and cornering on slippery sur-
faces and always drive carefully.
• Do not modif y the vehicle’s suspen-
sion. If suspension parts such as
shock absorbers, struts, springs, sta-
bilizer bars, bushings and wheels are
not NISSAN recommended for your
vehicle or are extremely deteriorated
the VDC system may not operate
properly. This could adversely affect
vehicle handling performance, and
the
indicator light may flash or
theindicator light may
illuminate.
• If brake related parts such as brake
pads, rotors and calipers are not
NISSAN recommended or are ex-
tremely deteriorated, the VDC sys-
tem may not operate properly and
the
indicator light may
illuminate.
Starting and driving5-165
•If traction motor control related
parts are not NISSAN recommended
or are extremely deteriorated, the
indicator light may illuminate.
• When driving on extremely inclined
surfaces such as higher banked cor-
ners, the VDC system may not oper-
ate properly and the
indicator
light may illuminate. Do not drive on
these types of roads.
• When driving on an unstable surface
such as a turntable, ferry, elevator or
ramp, the
indicator light may
illuminate. This is not a malfunction.
Restart the EV system af ter driving
onto a stable surface.
• If wheels or tires other than the
NISSAN recommended ones are
used, the VDC system may not oper-
ate properly and the
indicator
light may illuminate.
• The VDC system is not a substitute
for winter tires or tire chains on a
snow covered road.
BRAKE FORCE DISTRIBUTION
During braking while driving through turns,
the system optimizes the distribution of
force to each of the four wheels depending
on the radius of the turn.
WARNING
• The VDC system is designed to help
the driver maintain controllability
but does not prevent accidents due
to abrupt steering operation at high
speeds or by careless or dangerous
driving techniques. Reduce vehicle
speed and be especially careful when
driving and cornering on slippery
surfaces and always drive carefully.
• Do not modif y the vehicle’s suspen-
sion. If suspension parts such as
shock absorbers, struts, springs, sta-
bilizer bars, bushings and wheels are
not NISSAN recommended for your
vehicle or are extremely deterio-
rated, the VDC system may not oper-
ate properly. This could adversely af-
fect vehicle handling performance,
and the
indicator light may flash
or both theandindicator
lights may illuminate.
• If brake related parts such as brake
pads, rotors and calipers are not
NISSAN recommended or are ex-
tremely deteriorated, the VDC sys-
tem may not operate properly and
both the
and theindicator
lights may illuminate. •
If EV system control related parts are
not NISSAN recommended or are ex-
tremely deteriorated, both the
andindicator lights may
illuminate.
• When driving on extremely inclined
surfaces such as higher banked cor-
ners, the VDC system may not oper-
ate properly and the
indicator
light may flash or both theandindicator lights may illuminate.
Do not drive on these types of roads.
• When driving on an unstable surface
such as a turntable, ferry, elevator or
ramp, the
indicator light may
flash or both theandindi-
cator lights may illuminate. This is
not a malfunction. Restart the EV
system af ter driving onto a stable
surface.
• If wheels or tires other than the
NISSAN recommended ones are
used, the VDC system may not oper-
ate properly and the
indicator
light may flash or both theandindicator lights may illuminate.
• The VDC system is not a substitute
for winter tires or tire chains on a
snow covered road.
5-166Starting and driving
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
CHASSIS AND BODY
MAINTENANCE:
Brake lines and cables:Visually inspect for
proper installation. Check for chafing,
cracks, deterioration, and signs of leaking.
Replace any deteriorated or damaged
parts immediately.
Brake pads and rotors: Check for wear,
deterioration and fluid leaks. Replace any
deteriorated or damaged parts
immediately.
In-cabin microfilter: Replace at specified
intervals. When driving for prolonged peri-
ods in dusty conditions, replace the filter
more frequently.
Steering gear and linkage, axle and sus-
pension parts, drive shaf t boots: Check
for damage, looseness, and leakage of oil
or grease. Under severe driving conditions,
inspect more frequently.
Tire rotation: Rotate tires at the specified
interval shown in the maintenance sched-
ule. When rotating tires, check for damage
and uneven wear. Replace if necessary.
Reduction Gear Oil: Visually inspect for
signs of leakage at specified intervals. To help ensure smooth, safe and economi-
cal driving, NISSAN provides two mainte-
nance schedules that may be used, de-
pending upon the conditions in which you
usually drive. These schedules contain
both distance and time intervals, up to
120,000 miles (192,000 km)/96 months. For
most people, the odometer reading will in-
dicate when service is needed. However, if
you drive very little, your vehicle should be
serviced at the regular time intervals
shown in the schedule.
Af ter 120,000 miles (192,000 km)/96
months, continue maintenance at the
same mileage/time intervals.
ADDITIONAL MAINTENANCE ITEMS
FOR SEVERE OPERATING
CONDITIONS
Additional maintenance items for severe
operating conditions
should be per-
formed on vehicles that are driven under
especially demanding conditions. Addi-
tional maintenance items should be per-
formed if you primarily operate your vehicle
under the following conditions:
• Repeated short trips of less than 5 miles (8 km). • Repeated short trips of less than 10 miles
(16 km) with outside temperatures re-
maining below freezing.
• Operating in hot weather in stop-and-go “rush hour” traffic.
• Extensive idling and/or low speed driving for long distances, such as police, taxi or
door-to-door delivery use.
• Driving in dusty conditions.
• Driving on rough, muddy or salt spread roads.
• Using a car-top carrier.
If your vehicle is mainly operated under the
severe conditions, follow the severe use
maintenance intervals shown in the main-
tenance schedule.
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
9-6Maintenance and schedules
EV MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
(EM57 electric motor)
The following shows the maintenance
schedule.
Choose the maintenance schedule
needed based on your vehicle driving
conditions.
Af ter 120,000 miles (192,000 km)/96
months, continue maintenance at the
same mileage/time interval.
7,500 miles/(12,000 km)/6 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
15,000 miles/(24,000 km)/
12 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 schedules9-7
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