traction control NISSAN LEAF 2020 Owner´s Manual

When driving on some roads, such as wind-
ing, hilly, curved, narrow roads, or roads
which are under construction, the radar
sensor may detect vehicles in a different
lane, or may temporarily not detect a ve-
hicle traveling ahead. This may cause the
radar system to decelerate or accelerate
the vehicle.
The detection of vehicles may also be af-
fected by vehicle operation (steering ma-
neuver or traveling position in the lane, etc.)
or vehicle condition.If this occurs, the ICC system may warn you
by blinking the system indicator and sound-
ing the chime unexpectedly. You will have to
manually control the proper distance away
from the vehicle traveling ahead.
Automatic cancellation
The following are conditions in which the
ICC system may be temporarily unavail-
able. In these instances, the ICC system
may not cancel and may not be able to
maintain the selected following distance
from the vehicle ahead.Condition A
Under the following conditions, the ICC sys-
tem is automatically canceled. A chime will
sound and the system will not be able to be
set:
• Any door is open.
• The driver’s seat belt is not fastened.
• The vehicle ahead is not detected and
your vehicle is traveling below the speed
of 15 mph (24 km/h).
• Your vehicle has been stopped by the ICC system for approximately 3 minutes or
longer.
• The shif t lever is not in the D (Drive) posi- tion or B mode.
• The electronic parking brake is applied.
• The Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) sys- tem is turned off.
• The Automatic Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection applies harder
braking.
• VDC (including the traction control sys- tem) operates.
• A wheel slips.
• When distance measurement becomes impaired due to adhesion of dirt or ob-
struction to the sensor.
LSD2899
5-112Starting and driving

WARNING
Failure to follow the warnings and in-
structions for proper use of the I-DA
system could result in serious injury or
death.
• The I–DA system is only a warning to
inform the driver of a potential lack
of driver attention or drowsiness. It
will not steer the vehicle or prevent
loss of control.
• The I–DA system does not detect and
provide an alert of the driver’s lack of
attention or fatigue in every
situation.
• It its the driver’s responsibility to:
– stay alert,
– drive safely,
– keep the vehicle in the traveling
lane,
– be in control of the vehicle at all
times,
– avoid driving when tired,
– avoid distractions (texting, etc.).
The I–DA system helps alert the driver if the
system detects a lack of attention or driv-
ing fatigue. The system monitors driving style and
steering behavior over a period of time,
and it detects changes from the normal
pattern. If the system detects that driver
attention is decreasing over a period of
time, the system uses audible and visual
warnings to suggest that the driver take a
break.
I-DA SYSTEM OPERATION
If the system detects driver fatigue or that
driver attention is decreasing, the mes-
sage “Take a break?” appears in the vehicle
information display and a chime sounds
when the vehicle is driven at speeds above
37 mph (60 km/h).
The system continuously monitors driver
attention and can provide multiple warn-
ings per trip.
The system resets and starts reassessing
driving style and steering behavior when the
power switch is cycled from the ON to the
OFF position and back to the ON position.
LSD3667
INTELLIGENT DRIVER ALERTNESS
(I-DA) (if so equipped)
5-150Starting and driving

When the ABS senses that one or more
wheels are close to locking up, the actuator
rapidly applies and releases hydraulic pres-
sure. This action is similar to pumping the
brakes very quickly. You may feel a pulsa-
tion in the brake pedal and hear a noise
from under the hood or feel a vibration
from the actuator when it is operating. This
is normal and indicates that the ABS is op-
erating properly. However, the pulsation
may indicate that road conditions are haz-
ardous and extra care is required while
driving.
BRAKE ASSIST
When the force applied to the brake pedal
exceeds a certain level, the Brake Assist is
activated generating greater braking force
than a conventional brake booster even
with light pedal force.
WARNING
The Brake Assist is only an aid to assist
braking operation and is not a collision
warning or avoidance device. It is the
drivers responsibility to stay alert, drive
safely and be in control of the vehicle at
all times. The VDC system uses various sensors to
monitor driver inputs and vehicle motion.
Under certain driving conditions, the VDC
system helps to perform the following
functions.
• Controls brake pressure to reduce wheel
slip on one slipping drive wheel so power
is transferred to a drive wheel on the
same axle that is not slipping.
• Controls brake pressure and traction motor output to reduce drive wheel slip
based on vehicle speed (traction control
function).
• Controls brake pressure at individual wheels and traction motor output to help
the driver maintain control of the vehicle
in the following conditions:– Understeer (vehicle tends to not follow the steered path despite increased
steering input).
– Oversteer (vehicle tends to spin due to certain road or driving conditions).
The VDC system can help the driver main-
tain control of the vehicle, but it cannot
prevent loss of vehicle control in all driving
situations.
When the VDC system operates, the
indicator light in the instrument panel
flashes. When the indicator light flashes,
note the following items: • The road may be slippery or the system
may 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, refer to “Slip in-
dicator light” and “Vehicle Dynamic Control
(VDC) OFF indicator light” in the “Instru-
ments and controls” section of this manual.
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
illuminates to indicate that
the VDC system is off. When the vehicle
information display is used to turn off the
system, the VDC system still operates to
prevent one drive wheel from slipping by
transferring power to a non-slipping wheel.
VEHICLE DYNAMIC CONTROL (VDC)
SYSTEM
5-160Starting and driving

Theindicator light flashes if this oc-
curs. All other VDC functions are off and the
indicator light will not flash. The VDC
system is automatically reset to on when
the power switch is placed in the OFF posi-
tion then back to the ON position. For addi-
tional information, refer to “Vehicle infor-
mation display” in the “Instruments and
controls” section of this manual.
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.
• 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.
Starting and driving5-161

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, refer to “Cooling system” in the
“Maintenance and do-it-yourself ” section
of this manual.
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, refer to “Tire chains” in the “Main-
tenance and do-it-yourself ” section of this
manual.
SPECIAL WINTER EQUIPMENT
It is recommended that the following items
be carried in the vehicle during winter:
• A scraper and stiff-bristled brush to re-
move ice and snow from the windows
and wiper blades.
• A shovel to dig the vehicle out of snow- drif ts.
• Extra windshield-washer fluid to refill the reservoir tank.
DRIVING ON SNOW OR ICE
WARNING
• Wet ice (32°F, 0°C and freezing rain),
very cold snow or ice can be slick and
very hard to drive on. The vehicle will
have much less traction or “grip” un-
der these conditions. Try to avoid
driving on wet ice until the road is
salted or sanded. •
Whatever the conditions, drive with
caution. Accelerate and slow down
with care. If accelerating too fast, the
drive wheels will lose even more
traction.
• 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.
5-170Starting and driving

9 Technical and consumer information
Recommended fluids/lubricants and
capacities.......................................9-2
Air conditioning system refrigerant and
lubricant recommendations .................9-2
Specifications ...................................9-4
Charging system .............................9-4
Motor ........................................9-4
Wheels and tires .............................9-5
Dimensions and weights .....................9-5
When traveling or registering in another
country .........................................9-6
Vehicle identification ............................9-7
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
plate .........................................9-7
Vehicle identification number
(chassis number) .............................9-7
Traction motor serial number ................9-8
F.M.V.S.S./C.M.V.S.S Certification label ..........9-8
Emission control information label ...........9-8
Tire and Loading Information label ...........9-9
Air conditioner specification label ............9-9
Installing front license plate .....................9-9
Vehicle loading information ....................9-10Terms
....................................... 9-10
Vehicle load capacity ......................... 9-11
Loading tips ................................. 9-13
Measurement of weights ....................9-13
Towing a trailer ................................. 9-14
Flat towing ..................................... 9-14
Uniform tire quality grading ....................9-14
Treadwear .................................. 9-14
Traction AA, A, B and C ....................... 9-15
Temperature A, B and C .....................9-15
Reporting safety defects .......................9-15
Telematics overview (models with Navigation
System) ........................................ 9-16
Telematic Control Unit Gen2K ..................9-18
Event Data Recorders (EDR) ....................9-20
Additional Data Recording (on vehicles
equipped with optional ProPILOT
Assist) ....................................... 9-20
Owner's Manual/Service Manual order
information .................................... 9-21
Charging information .......................... 9-22
Cold tire pressures ............................. 9-24

TRACTION MOTOR SERIAL
NUMBER
The serial number of the traction motor is
stamped on the traction motor as shown.
F.M.V.S.S./C.M.V.S.S CERTIFICATION
LABEL
The Federal/Canadian Motor Vehicle
Safety Standards (F.M.V.S.S./C.M.V.S.S.) certi-
fication label is affixed as shown. This label
contains valuable vehicle information, such
as: Gross Vehicle Weight Ratings (GVWR),
Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR), month
and year of manufacture, Vehicle Identifi-
cation Number (VIN), etc. Review it carefully.
EMISSION CONTROL
INFORMATION LABEL
The emission control information label is
attached to the underside of the hood as
shown in the illustration.
LTI2419LVT0003XLTI2321
9-8Technical and consumer information

Do not tow a trailer with your vehicle.Towing your vehicle with all four wheels on
the ground is sometimes called flat towing.
This method is typically used when towing
a vehicle behind a recreational vehicle,
such as a motor home.
CAUTION
• Failure to follow these guidelines can
result in severe reduction gear
damage.
• DO NOT tow this vehicle with all four
wheels on the ground (flat towing).
• For emergency towing procedures
refer to “Towing your vehicle” in the
“In case of emergency ” section of this
manual. DOT (Department Of Transportation) Qual-
ity Grades: All passenger car tires must
conform to federal safety requirements in
addition to these grades.
Quality grades can be found where appli-
cable on the tire sidewall between tread
shoulder and maximum section width. For
example:
Treadwear 200 Traction AA Temperature
A
TREADWEAR
The treadwear grade is a comparative rat-
ing based on the wear rate of the tire when
tested under controlled conditions on a
specified government test course. For ex-
ample, a tire graded 150 would wear one
and one-half (1 1/2) times as well on the
government course as a tire graded 100.
The relative performance of tires depends
upon actual conditions of their use how-
ever, and may depart significantly from the
norm due to variations in driving habits,
service practices and differences in road
characteristics and climate.
TOWING A TRAILER
FLAT TOWINGUNIFORM TIRE QUALITY GRADING
9-14Technical and consumer information

TRACTION AA, A, B AND C
The traction grades, from highest to low-
est, are AA, A, B and C. Those grades repre-
sent the tire’s ability to stop on wet pave-
ment as measured under controlled
conditions on specified government test
surfaces of asphalt and concrete. A tire
marked C may have poor traction perfor-
mance.
WARNING
The traction grade assigned to this tire
is based on straight-ahead braking
traction tests, and does not include ac-
celeration, cornering, hydroplaning, or
peak traction characteristics.
TEMPERATURE A, B AND C
The temperature grades A (the highest), B,
and C, representing the tire’s resistance to
the generation of heat and its ability to dis-
sipate heat when tested under controlled
conditions on a specified indoor laboratory
test wheel. Sustained high temperature
can cause the material of the tire to degen-
erate and reduce tire life, and excessive
temperature can lead to sudden tire failure.
The grade C corresponds to a level of per-
formance which all passenger car tires
must meet under the Federal Motor Ve- hicle Safety Standard No. 109. Grades B and
A represent higher levels of performance
on the laboratory test wheel than the mini-
mum required by law.
WARNING
The temperature grade for this tire is
established for a tire that is properly
inflated and not overloaded. Excessive
speed, under-inflation, or excessive
loading, either separately or in combi-
nation, can cause heat build-up and
possible tire failure. For USA
If you believe that your vehicle has a
defect which could cause a crash or
could cause injury or death, you
should immediately inform the Na-
tional Highway Traffic Safety Admin-
istration (NHTSA) in addition to noti-
f ying NISSAN.
If NHTSA receives similar complaints,
it may open an investigation, and if it
finds that a safety defect exists in a
group of vehicles, it may order a re-
call and remedy campaign. However,
NHTSA cannot become involved in
individual problems between you,
your dealer, or NISSAN.
To contact NHTSA, you may call the
Vehicle Safety Hotline toll-free at
1-888-327-4236 (TTY: 1-800-424-9153);
go to http://www.safercar.gov; or
write to: Administrator, NHTSA, 400
Seventh Street, SW., Washington, D.C.
REPORTING SAFETY DEFECTS
Technical and consumer information9-15

Intelligent Lane Intervention (I-LI)......5-31Intelligent Ride Control...........5-162Intelligent Trace Control..........5-162Interior light replacement..........8-26Interior lights..................2-69ISOFIX child restraints.............1-23
J
Jump starting.................6-10
K
Key fob battery replacement........8-22Keyless entry
With Intelligent Key system
(See Intelligent Key system)
.......3-14KeysFor Intelligent Key system.........3-2Keys, For Intelligent Key system.......3-7
L
LabelsAir bag warning labels..........1-62Air conditioner specification label. . . .9-9Emission control information label. . .9-8F.M.V.S.S./C.M.V.S.S. certification label. .9-8Motor serial number............9-8Tire and Loading Information
label.................. .8-31, 9-9
Vehicle identification number (VIN)
plate......................9-7Lane Departure Warning (LDW).......5-26LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for
CHildren) System...............1-23License plate, Installing front license
plate....................... .9-9Light
Air bag warning light........1-62, 2-21Bulb replacement.........8-24,8-25Ceiling light.................2-70Fog light bulb replacement.......8-25Fog light switch..............2-55Headlights..................8-25Headlights bulb replacement......8-25Headlight switch..............2-49Indicator lights...............2-22Interior lights................2-69Low tire pressure warning light.....2-19Map lights................. .2-69Warning/indicator lights and audible
reminders..................2-14Warning lights................2-15Lights, Exterior and interior light
replacement..................8-26Li-ion battery...............EV-2, 2-7Li-ion battery available charge gauge. . .2-9Li-ion battery status check........CH-49Li-ion battery temperature gauge......2-7Li-ion battery warmer............EV-5Loading information
(Refer to vehicle loading information). . .9-10Lock
Automatic door lock............3-6
Child safety rear door lock.........3-6Door locks................. .3-4Power door locks...........3-4, 3-6Rear hatch lock...............3-19Low tire pressure warning light.......2-19Low tire pressure warning system
(Refer to Tire Pressure Monitoring System
(TPMS))
..................... .5-4
M
Maintenance
12-volt battery...............8-12General maintenance...........8-2Indicators for maintenance.......2-38Inside the vehicle..............8-3Maintenance precautions.........8-5Maintenance requirements........8-2Outside the vehicle.............8-2Seat belt maintenance..........1-17Map lights.................. .2-69Mechanical key (Intelligent Key system). .3-3Meters and gauges
Instrument brightness control.....2-54MirrorAutomatic anti-glare inside mirror. . .3-25Outside mirrors..............3-26Vanity mirror................3-25Motor...................... .9-5Before starting system..........5-14Starting the traction motor.......5-15Motor compartment..............8-7Motor serial number..............9-8
10-4Index