traction control NISSAN LEAF 2017 1.G Owners Manual
Page 24 of 424
2. If the vehicle is driven and the Li-ion batterycontinues to discharge, the driving range on
the instrument panel changes to “— — —”
2.
Messages are displayed on the navigation sys-
tem screen (if so equipped) . For additional infor-
mation, refer to “Low battery warning” in the
“Instruments and controls” section of this manual.
3. When the power limitation indicator light
illuminates, traction motor output is lim-
ited resulting in reduced vehicle speed. Stop
the vehicle in a safe location before the Li-ion
battery becomes completely discharged and
there is no power available to drive the ve- hicle. Contact Roadside Assistance Service
shown in your NISSAN Warranty Information
Booklet. For additional information, refer to “If
the Li-ion battery becomes completely dis-
charged” in the “In case of emergency” sec-
tion of this manual.
CHARGING THE 12-VOLT BATTERY
The 12-volt battery is charged automatically us-
ing electricity stored in the Li-ion battery.
When the 12-volt battery is being charged, the
charge status indicator light on the instrument
panel flashes (except when charging the Li-ion
battery or the power switch is in the READY to
drive position) . For additional information, refer to
“Charging status indicator lights” in the “Charg-
ing” section of this manual.
While vehicle is driven
The Li-ion battery charges the 12-volt battery as
necessary when the power switch is in the
READY to drive position or ON position.
The 12-volt battery is not charged in the following
conditions.
• When the power switch is in the ACC position.
•
When the power switch is in the ON position and
the shift position is in the N (Neutral) position.
While the vehicle is not in use
When the EV system is off for an extended time,
the 12-volt battery may be automatically charged
for a short period of time on a regular basis.
LI-ION BATTERY WARMER (IF SO
EQUIPPED)
CAUTION
The Li-ion battery warmer does not oper-
ate if the available Li-ion battery charge
is less than approximately 30% and the
charger is not connected to the vehicle.
To help prevent the Li-ion battery from
freezing, do not leave the vehicle in an
environment if temperatures may go be-
low -1°F (-17°C) unless the vehicle is con-
nected to a charger.
The Li-ion battery warmer helps to prevent the
Li-ion battery from freezing and helps to prevent
significant reductions in the Li-ion battery output
when the temperature is cold. The Li-ion battery
warmer automatically turns on when the Li-ion
battery temperature is approximately -1°F
(-17°C) or colder. The Li-ion battery warmer au-
tomatically turns off when the Li-ion battery tem-
perature is approximately 14°F (-10°C) or higher.
EV OverviewEV-5
Page 29 of 424
•Less deceleration is provided by the re-
generative brake system when the Li-ion
battery is fully charged. The regenerative
brake is automatically reduced when the
Li-ion battery is fully charged to prevent
the Li-ion battery from becoming over-
charged. 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 tem-
perature 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.NOISE AND VIBRATION
You might experience the following noise or vi-
bration as a normal characteristic of this vehicle:
• Traction motor noise from the motor compartment.
• Water pump and radiator fan noise while charging.
• Compressor and radiator fan noise when the Climate Ctrl. Timer or remote climate control
(models with navigation system) is used.
• Relay operation noise and vibration at start-up and shut-down of the EV system (power switch
placed in the ON and OFF position) .
• Approaching Vehicle Sound for Pedestrians (VSP) . This section provides a brief explanation for the
most important LEAF functions. For additional
information, refer to the specific sections of this
manual for detailed explanations of the vehicle
features and operation.
CHARGING THE LI-ION BATTERY
WARNING
The EV system uses a high voltage cur-
rent. Failure to follow the proper han-
dling instructions may cause serious in-
jury or death. Be sure to read the
“Charging” section and follow the proce-
dures and guidelines described.
LIFE WITH AN EV (SCENE GUIDE)
EV-10EV Overview
Page 45 of 424
ECO indicator:
This indicator provides instant information about
how efficiently the vehicle is being operated. You
can see how changing your driving style or op-
eration of vehicle accessories affects power con-
sumption.
For additional information, refer to “ECO indica-
tor” in the “Instruments and controls” section of
this manual.Lower display
Li-ion battery temperature gauge:
This gauge displays the temperature of the Li-ion
battery.
For additional information, refer to “Li-ion battery
temperature gauge” in the “Instruments and con-
trols” section of this manual.Power meter:
This meter displays the actual traction motor
power consumption and the regenerative brake
power provided to the Li-ion battery.
For additional information, refer to “Power meter”
in the “Instruments and controls” section of this
manual.
EV-26EV Overview
Page 146 of 424
LI-ION BATTERY TEMPERATURE
GAUGE
The gauge indicates the temperature of the Li-ion
battery.
The temperature of the Li-ion battery is within the
normal range when the display is within the zone
1shown in the illustration.
The temperature of the Li-ion battery varies ac-
cording to the outside air temperature and driving
conditions.
NOTE:
• If the display indicates that the tempera-
ture of the Li-ion battery is near the red
zone end of the normal range, reduce ve-
hicle speed to decrease the temperature.
If the indicator is over the normal range,
the power provided to the traction motor
is reduced when the power limitation in-
dicator light is illuminated. Therefore, the
vehicle is not as responsive when the ac-
celerator is depressed while the power
limitation light is illuminated. For addi-
tional information, refer to “Power limita-
tion indicator light” in this section.
• If the outside temperature is extremely
low, the Li-ion temperature gauge may not
display a temperature reading. The ve-
hicle may not be able to be put in the
READY to drive mode. Have the system
checked. It is recommended that you visit
a NISSAN certified LEAF dealer for this
service.
POWER METER
This meter displays the actual traction motor
power consumption
Aand the regenerative
brake power provided to the Li-ion battery
B.
The white dot
1in the display moves right or left
depending on demand.
The white dot moves to the right when power is
provided to the traction motor (Li-ion battery dis-
charges) .
The white dot moves to the left when power is
generated and provided to the Li-ion battery by
the regenerative brake system (Li-ion battery
charging) .
Instruments and controls2-7
Page 147 of 424
The power meter also indicates if the power
provided to the motor is limited or if regenerative
braking is limited. When power or regenerative
braking is limited, the circles on the display
change from a double circle to a single circle
2.
Regenerative braking is automatically reduced
when the Li-ion battery is fully charged to prevent
the Li-ion battery from becoming overcharged.
Regenerative braking is also automatically re-
duced when the Li-ion 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 more regenerative braking is reduced, the
more double circles change to single circles.
If the Li-ion battery charge is low, power provided
to the traction motor is reduced. Motor output is
also limited if the Li-ion battery temperature is
high/low (indicated by the red/blue zones on the
Li-ion battery temperature gauge) or the Li-ion
battery charge level is low.
The more power provided to the traction motor is
reduced, the more double circles change to
single circles.
DRIVING RANGE
The driving range1(miles or km) provides an
estimated distance that the vehicle can be driven
before recharging is necessary. The driving range
is constantly being calculated, based on the
amount of available Li-ion battery charge and the
actual power consumption average.
NOTE:
• The driving range display will flash when
the low battery charge warning light illu-
minates. Additionally, if you continue to
drive the vehicle in this state and the Li-
ion battery is close to being completely
discharged, “---” will be displayed. Charge
the Li-ion battery as soon as possible.
When the Li-ion battery is charged, the
original display will be restored.
• After the vehicle is charged, the displayed
driving range is calculated based on the
actual average energy consumption of the
previous driving. The displayed driving
range will vary every time the vehicle is
fully charged.
• The driving range increases or decreases
when the air conditioner, heater or Li-ion
battery warmer (if so equipped) is turned
on or off, or when the ECO mode is se-
lected, or when any other accessory is
turned on or off based on driving.
2-8Instruments and controls
Page 155 of 424
1. Check the brake fluid level. If brake fluid isnecessary, add fluid and have the system
checked. It is recommended that you visit a
NISSAN certified LEAF dealer for this service.
For additional information, refer to “Brake
fluid” in the “Maintenance and do-it-yourself”
section of this manual.
2. If the brake fluid level is correct, have the warning system checked. It is recommended
that you visit a NISSAN certified LEAF dealer
for this service.
WARNING
• Your brake system may not be working properly if the warning light is on. Driv-
ing could be dangerous. If you judge
the brake system to be safe, drive care-
fully to the nearest service station for
repairs. Otherwise, have your vehicle
towed because driving it could be dan-
gerous.
• Pressing the brake pedal when the power switch position is not in the ON
or READY to drive position and/or low
brake fluid level may increase the
stopping distance and braking will re-
quire greater pedal effort as well as
pedal travel. • If the brake fluid level is below the
minimum or MIN mark on the brake
fluid reservoir, do not drive until the
brake system has been checked at a
NISSAN certified LEAF dealer.
Electric shift control system
warning light
This light illuminates to warn when a malfunction
occurs in the electric shift control system. When
the master warning light illuminates, the chime
sounds and the message, “When parked apply
parking brake”, is displayed on the vehicle infor-
mation display.
When the power switch is in the OFF position,
the chime sounds continuously. Make sure the
parking brake is applied.
Have the system checked. It is recommended
that you visit a NISSAN certified LEAF dealer for
this service.
Electric Vehicle (EV) system
warning light
This light illuminates if there is a malfunction in the
following systems. Have the system checked. It is
recommended that you visit a NISSAN certified
LEAF dealer for this service. • Traction motor and inverter system
• Charge port or on board charger
• Li-ion battery system
• Cooling system
• Shift control system
• Emergency shut off system is activated. For
additional information, refer to “Emergency
shut-off system” in the “EV overview” section of
this manual.
Headlight warning light
This light illuminates if the LED headlights are
malfunctioning. Have the system checked. It is
recommended that you visit a NISSAN certified
LEAF dealer for this service.
Low battery charge warning
light
This light illuminates 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 the bottom line.
2-16Instruments and controls
Page 159 of 424
INDICATOR LIGHTS
For additional information, refer to “Vehicle infor-
mation display” in this section.
ECO mode switch indicator light
This indicator illuminates within the vehicle infor-
mation display when the ECO mode has been
activated.
The ECO mode is used to help extend that range
that the vehicle can be driven by consuming less
power.
Exterior light indicator light
This indicator illuminates when the headlight
switch is turned to the AUTO,
or
position and the front parking lights, side marker
lights, tail and license plate lights are on. The
indicator turns off when these lights are turned
off.
Front fog light indicator light (if
so equipped)
The front fog indicator light illuminates when the
front fog lights are on. For additional information,
refer to “Fog light switch” in this section.
Front passenger air bag
status light
The front passenger air bag status light (located
on the center of the instrument panel) will be lit
and the passenger front air bag will be turned off
depending on how the front passenger seat is
being used.
For front passenger air bag status light operation,
refer to “NISSAN Advanced Air Bag System
(front seats)” in the “Safety — Seats, seat belts
and supplemental restraint system” section of
this manual.
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
This light illuminates when the charge connector
is connected to the vehicle and blinks during
charging.
NOTE:
If the charge connector is connected to the
vehicle, the power switch can not be placed
in the READY to drive position.
Power limitation indicator light
When the power limitation indicator light is illu-
minated, the power provided to the traction motor
is reduced. Therefore the vehicle is not as re-
sponsive when the accelerator is depressed
while the power limitation light is illuminated.
When this light comes on, the warning display
appears on the center display and the vehicle
information display. Follow the instructions pro-
vided on the center display.
This light illuminates in the following conditions.
• Li-ion battery available charge is extremely low
• Li-ion battery temperature is very low (approxi-
mately −4°F (−20°C)
• When the temperature of the EV system is high (motor, inverter, coolant system, Li-ion battery
etc.)
• When the EV system has a malfunction.
If the low battery charge warning light is illumi-
nated, charge the Li-ion battery as soon as pos-
sible.
2-20Instruments and controls
Page 160 of 424
If this indicator illuminates because the Li-ion
battery is cold due to low outside temperatures,
move the vehicle to a warmer location. The Li-ion
battery temperature may be increased by charg-
ing the Li-ion battery.
If the light illuminates when the EV system be-
comes hot due to continuous hill climbing, either
continue driving at a slower safe speed or stop
the vehicle in a safe location. If this indicator does
not turn off, have the system checked. It is rec-
ommended that you visit a NISSAN certified
LEAF dealer for this service.
The indicator illuminates when a part in the EV
system has malfunctioned. If the indicator illumi-
nates in a situation other than those described
above, or if it does not turn off, there may be a
system malfunction. Have the system checked. It
is recommended that you visit a NISSAN certified
LEAF dealer for this service.
WARNING
Power limitation mode can result in re-
duced power and vehicle speed. The re-
duced speed may be lower than other
traffic, which could increase the chance
of a collision. Be especially careful when
driving. If the vehicle cannot maintain a
safe driving speed, pull to the side of the
road in a safe area. Charge the Li-ion
battery if the charge is low or allow the
Li-ion battery to cool.
READY to drive indicator light
The READY to drive indicator light illuminates
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 com-
pletely discharged. If the Li-ion battery be-
comes completely discharged, the vehicle must
be charged in order to be driven. For additional
information, refer to “Low battery charge warn-
ing light” in this section.
Security indicator light
This light blinks when the power switch is in the
ACC, OFF or LOCK position. This function indi-
cates the security system equipped on the ve-
hicle is operational.
If the security system is malfunctioning, this light
will remain on while the power switch is in the ON
position. For additional information, refer to “Se-
curity systems” in this section.
Slip indicator light
This indicator will blink when the VDC system or
the traction control system is operating, thus
alerting that the vehicle is nearing its traction
limits. The road surface may be slippery.
You may feel or hear the system working; this is
normal. The light will blink for a few seconds after
the VDC system stops limiting wheel spin.
The indicator light also comes on when you place
the power switch in the ON position.
The light will turn off after approximately 2 sec-
onds if the system is operational. If the light does
not come on, have the system checked. It is
recommended that you visit a NISSAN certified
LEAF dealer for this service.
Instruments and controls2-21
Page 165 of 424
12. Remove charge connector
warning
This warning appears when the power switch is
in the ACC or ON position and if the power
switch is pushed to the READY to drive position
with the brake pedal depressed, while the charge
connector is inserted to the vehicle. Remove the
charge connector.
13. Electric shift control system
warning
This message appears if there is a malfunction in
the electric shift control system.
This message appears when the parking brake is
not applied, even after the vehicle has been
parked. The master warning light (red) also illu-
minates and the chime sounds.
If the power switch cannot be placed in the OFF
position, apply the parking brake and then place
the power switch in the OFF position.
Apply parking brake. The message in the vehicle
information display turns off and the chime stops.
Have the system checked. It is recommended
that you visit a NISSAN certified LEAF dealer for
this service.
14. Shift control system (T/M) warning
This warning appears if there is a malfunction in
the electric shift control system but operation of
the electric shift control is still possible. The mas-
ter warning (yellow) light also illuminates and the
chime sounds. When this occurs, check the shift
position indicator by the shift lever or vehicle
information display in the meter to make sure that
shifting has been performed properly. It is recom-
mended that you contact a NISSAN certified
LEAF dealer as soon as possible.
15. Shift position warning
This warning appears if the system cannot detect
the shift position. Make sure the vehicle is placed
in a position properly.
The master warning light (yellow) also illuminates
and the chime sounds. Check the shift position of
the vehicle.
16. Li-ion battery low charge warning
This indicator appears when the Li-ion battery is
getting low. The low battery charge warning light
and the master warning light (yellow) also illumi-
nate. Charge the Li-ion battery as soon as pos-
sible. The [i] symbol is shown on the vehicle
information display, this indicates that further in-formation is available on the navigation display
(models with navigation system) . Check the navi-
gation display (models with navigation system)
for further information and instructions.
17. Power limitation warning
This display appears when the Li-ion battery ca-
pacity is getting too low to move the vehicle or if
there is any reason to limit traction power (Li-ion
battery low or high temperature etc.) . The power
limitation indicator light and the master warning
light (yellow) also illuminate. The [i] symbol is
shown on the vehicle information display. This
indicates that further information is available on
the navigation display (models with navigation
system) . Check the navigation display (models
with navigation system) for further information
and instructions.
18. DC/DC converter warning
This warning appears if the DC/DC converter
system is not functioning properly. The 12-volt
battery charge warning (red) light and the master
warning light also illuminate. Stop the vehicle in a
safe location and contact a NISSAN certified
LEAF dealer.
2-26Instruments and controls
Page 188 of 424
The heater is controlled by a thermostat, auto-
matically turning the heater on and off. The indi-
cator light will remain on as long as the switch is
on.
When the vehicle’s interior is warmed, or before
you leave the vehicle, be sure to turn the switch
off.
NOTE:
The heated seats consume less power than
the heater and can be used to either help
extend vehicle range by reducing heater
use or to maximize comfort by supplement-
ing the heater.
WARNING
Do not use or allow occupants to use the
seat heater if you or the occupants can-
not monitor elevated seat temperatures
or have an inability to feel pain in those
body parts in contact with the seat. Use of
the seat heater by such people could re-
sult in serious injury.
CAUTION
• Do not use the seat heater for ex- tended periods or when no one is us-
ing the seat.
• Do not put anything on the seat which insulates heat, such as a blanket,
cushion, seat cover, etc. Otherwise, the
seat may become overheated.
• Do not place anything hard or heavy on the seat or pierce it with a pin or similar
object. This may result in damage to
the heater.
• Any liquid spilled on the heated seat should be removed immediately with a
dry cloth.
• When cleaning the seat, never use gasoline, thinner, or any similar mate-
rials.
• If any malfunctions are found or the heated seat does not operate, turn the
switch off and have the system
checked. It is recommended that you
visit a NISSAN certified LEAF dealer
for this service. The vehicle should be driven with the Vehicle
Dynamic Control (VDC) system on for most driv-
ing conditions.
If the vehicle is stuck in mud or snow, the VDC
system reduces the traction motor output to re-
duce wheel spin. The traction motor speed will be
reduced even if the accelerator is depressed to
the floor. If maximum traction motor power is
needed to free a stuck vehicle, turn the VDC
system off.
To turn off the VDC system, push the VDC OFF
switch. The
indicator will illuminate.
VEHICLE DYNAMIC CONTROL (VDC)
OFF SWITCH
Instruments and controls2-49