light NISSAN LEAF 2012 Owners Manual

.Do not place metalized film or any
metal parts (antenna, etc.) on the
windows. This may cause poor re-
ception of the signals from the tire
pressure sensors, and the TPMS will
not function properly.
Some devices and transmitters may temporarily
interfere with the operation of the TPMS and
cause the low tire pressure warning light to
illuminate. Some examples are:
. Facilities or electric devices using similar
radio frequencies that are near the vehicle.
. If a transmitter set to similar frequencies is
being used in or near the vehicle.
. If a computer (or similar equipment) or a DC/
AC converter is being used in or near the
vehicle.
FCC Notice:
For USA:
This device complies with Part 15 of the
FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the
following two conditions: (1) This device
may not cause harmful interference, and
(2) this device must accept any interfer-
ence received, including interference that
may cause undesired operation. NOTE:
Changes or modifications not expressly
approved by the party responsible for
compliance could void the user’s authority
to operate the equipment.
For Canada:
This device complies with RSS-210 of
Industry Canada. Operation is subject to
the following two conditions: (1) this
device may not cause interference, and
(2) this device must accept any interfer-
ence, including interference that may
cause undesired operation of the device.
TPMS with Easy Fill Tire Alert
When tire pressure is low, the low tire pressure
warning light illuminates.
This vehicle provides visual and audible signals
to help you inflate the tires to the recommended
COLD tire pressure.
Vehicle set-up:
1. Park the vehicle in a safe and level place.
2. Apply the parking brake and push the P
position switch on the selector lever.
3. Place the power switch in the ON position. Do not place in the READY to drive mode. Operation:
1. Add air to the tire.
2. After a few seconds, the hazard indicators
will start flashing.
3. When the designated pressure is reached, the horn beeps once and the hazard
indicators stop flashing.
4. Perform the above steps for each tire.
. If the tire is over-inflated more than approxi-
mately 4 psi (30 kPa), the horn beeps and
the hazard indicators flash 3 times. To
correct the pressure, push the core of the
valve stem on the tire briefly to release
pressure. When the pressure reaches the
designated pressure, the horn beeps once.
. If the hazard indicator does not flash within
approximately 15 seconds after starting to
inflate the tire, it indicates that the Easy Fill
Tire Alert is not operating.
. The TPMS will not activate the Easy Fill Tire
Alert under the following conditions:
— If there is interference from an external
device or transmitter.
— The air pressure from the inflation device is not sufficient to inflate the tire such as
those using a power socket.

NOTE:
.While the electric parking brake is
applied or released, an operating
sound is heard from the lower side of
the rear seat. However, this is not a
malfunction.
. When the electric parking brake is
frequently applied and released in a
short period of time, the electric park-
ing brake may not operate in order to
prevent the electric parking brake sys-
tem from overheating. If this occurs,
operate the electric parking brake
again after approximately 1 minute.
. The electric parking brake can be
released with the power switch in the
ON or READY to drive position.
. If the electric parking brake must be
applied while driving in an emergency,
pull up and hold the electric parking
brake switch. When you release the
parking brake switch, the parking
brake will be released.
. While pulling up on the electric parking
brake switch, the electric parking brake
is applied and a chime sounds. The
electric parking brake indicator light in
the meter and parking brake switch operation indicator illuminate. This
does not indicate a malfunction. The
electric parking brake indicator light
and parking switch operation indicator
turn off when the electric parking brake
switch is released.
. Pull up on the electric parking brake
switch twice so that the maximum
electric parking brake force can be
applied to the vehicle.
. When operating the electric parking
brake switch with the power switch in
the ON position, the electric parking
brake indicator light in the meter and
the electric parking brake switch op-
eration indicator turn on.
. Do not start driving while the parking
brake is applied. Doing so may cause
the parking brake to overheat or re-
duce its effectiveness, which could
result in an accident.
. When pulling the electric parking brake
switch with the power switch in the
OFF or ACC position, the electric park-
ing brake switch operation indicator
will continue to illuminate for a short
period of time.

and increase the likelihood of tire
failure. Serious vehicle damage
could occur and may lead to an
accident and could result in serious
personal injury. Check the tire pres-
sure for all four tires. Adjust the tire
pressure to the recommended COLD
tire pressure shown on the Tire and
Loading Information label to turn
the low tire pressure warning light
OFF. If the light still illuminates
while driving after adjusting the tire
pressure, a tire may be flat. If you
have a flat tire, repair it as soon as
possible.
. When a wheel is replaced, the TPMS
will not function and the low tire
pressure warning light will flash for
approximately 1 minute. The light
will remain on after 1 minute. Con-
tact a NISSAN certified LEAF dealer
as soon as possible for tire replace-
ment and/or system resetting.
. Replacing tires with those not ori-
ginally specified by NISSAN could
affect the proper operation of the
TPMS. .
If you used the Emergency Tire
Sealant to repair a minor tire punc-
ture, your NISSAN certified LEAF
dealer will also need to replace the
TPMS sensor in addition to repair-
ing or replacing the tire.
. NISSAN recommends using only
NISSAN Genuine Emergency Tire
Sealant provided with your vehicle.
Other tire sealants may damage the
valve stem seal which can cause the
tire to lose air pressure.
REPAIRING FLAT TIRE

Do not allow the two vehicles to touch.
2. Apply the parking brake.
If the 12-volt battery is discharged, the
power switch cannot be moved from
the OFF position. Connect the jumper
cables to the booster vehicle
*Bbefore
pushing the power switch.
3. Push the P position switch to place the vehicle in the P (Park) position.
4. Switch off all unnecessary electrical systems (headlights, heater, air conditioner, etc.).
5. Place the power switch in the OFF position.
6. Remove the vent caps on the 12-volt battery (if so equipped) . Cover the battery with a
firmly wrung out moist cloth to reduce the
hazard of an explosion.
7. Connect jumper cables in the sequence as illustrated (
*1?*2?*3?*4).

If the electric parking brake cannot be released
by operating the electric parking brake switch,
the parking brake can be mechanically released.
Note that the following procedure must be
performed only when the parking brake needs
to be released in an emergency.
NOTE:
.Depending on the type of parking
brake system malfunction, the parking
brake switch operation indicator may
blink and the electric shift control
system warning light may illuminate in
the meter.
. If the electric shift control system
warning light illuminates in the meter,
stop the vehicle in a safe location and
contact a NISSAN certified LEAF dealer
immediately.
. The mechanical release of the parking
brake should only be done if there is a
malfunction of the electric parking
brake system. After the parking brake
mechanical release has been done, the
vehicle needs to be repaired. Have your
vehicle inspected by a NISSAN certified
LEAF dealer.
To release the parking brake mechanically,
perform the following procedure. 1. Confirm that the vehicle is in the P (Park)
position. If the vehicle cannot be placed in
the P (Park) position, contact a NISSAN
certified LEAF dealer.
2. Check that the parking brake switch opera- tion indicator does not illuminate.
3. Place power switch in the OFF position.
4. Open the rear hatch.
5. Remove the tool for mechanical release from the tool set that is located in the cargo area.
6. Remove the luggage floor board from the cargo area.
7. Remove the cap by turning counterclock- wise.
8. Insert the tool and turn it counterclockwise while pushing it in.
9. Continue to turn it until it stops and then release your hand. The tool will then return
approximately the same position it was in
before it was turned and release of the
parking brake will be completed. Do not turn
the tool beyond the point at which it stops.
Doing so may result in damage.
10. Store the tool for mechanical release by performing the procedure for removing it in
reverse.

wheel temperature should be the
same as ambient temperature.
. Rinse the wheel to completely re-
move the cleaner within 15 minutes
after the cleaner is applied.
CHROME PARTS
Clean chrome parts regularly with a non-
abrasive chrome polish to maintain the finish.
TIRE DRESSING
NISSAN does not recommend the use of tire
dressings. Tire manufacturers apply a coating to
the tires to help reduce discoloration of the
rubber. If a tire dressing is applied to the tires, it
may react with the coating and form a com-
pound. This compound may come off the tire
while driving and stain the vehicle paint.
If you choose to use a tire dressing, take the
following precautions:
.Use a water-based tire dressing. The coat-
ing on the tire dissolves more easily with an
oil-based tire dressing.
. Apply a light coat of tire dressing to help
prevent it from entering the tire tread/
grooves (where it would be difficult to
remove) . .
Wipe off excess tire dressing using a dry
towel. Make sure the tire dressing is
completely removed from the tire tread/
grooves.
. Allow the tire dressing to dry as recom-
mended by tire dressing manufacturer.

8 Maintenance and do-it-yourself
Maintenance requirement ....................................................... 8-2Scheduled maintenance ................................................... 8-2
General maintenance ........................................................ 8-2
Where to go for service ................................................... 8-2
General maintenance .............................................................. 8-2 Explanation of maintenance items ................................. 8-2
Maintenance precautions ....................................................... 8-4
Motor compartment check locations .................................. 8-6
Cooling system ......................................................................... 8-7 Checking coolant level ..................................................... 8-8
Changing coolant ............................................................... 8-8
Reduction gear fluid ................................................................ 8-9
Brake fluid .................................................................................. 8-9
Window washer fluid ........................................................... 8-10
12-volt battery ........................................................................ 8-11 Jump starting .................................................................... 8-12
Windshield wiper blades .................................................... 8-12 Cleaning ............................................................................ 8-12
Replacing .......................................................................... 8-12 Rear window wiper blade .................................................. 8-15
Brakes ..................................................................................... 8-15
Brake pad wear warning ............................................. 8-15
Fuses ....................................................................................... 8-16 Motor compartment ...................................................... 8-16
Passenger compartment ............................................. 8-17
Intelligent Key battery replacement .................................. 8-18
Lights ....................................................................................... 8-20 Headlights ....................................................................... 8-21Exterior and interior lights ........................................... 8-22
Wheels and tires .................................................................. 8-25 Tire pressure .................................................................. 8-25
Tire labeling .................................................................... 8-28
Types of tires .................................................................. 8-30
Tire chains ...................................................................... 8-31
Changing wheels and tires ......................................... 8-32
Emergency tire puncture repair kit ........................... 8-34

webbing for cuts, fraying, wear or damage.
Steering wheel:Check for changes in the
steering conditions, such as excessive free play,
hard steering or strange noises.
Warning lights and chimes: Make sure that
all warning lights and chimes are operating
properly.
Windshield defroster: Check that the air
emits from the defroster outlets properly and in
sufficient quantity when operating the heater or
air conditioner.
Windshield wiper and washer*: Check that
the wipers and washers operate properly and
that the wipers do not streak.
Under hood and vehicle
The maintenance items listed here should be
checked periodically.
12-volt battery*: Check the fluid level in each
cell.
It should be between the MAX and MIN lines.
Vehicles operated in high temperatures or under
severe conditions require frequent checks of the
12-volt battery fluid level.
Brake fluid level*: Make sure that the brake
fluid level is between the MAX and MIN lines on
the reservoir. Coolant level*:
Check the coolant level when
the motor compartment is cold.
Fluid leaks: Check under the vehicle for water
or other fluid leaks after the vehicle has been
parked for a short period of time. Water dripping
from the air conditioner after use is normal. If you
notice any leaks, check for the cause and have it
corrected immediately.
Radiator and hoses: Check the front of the
radiator and clean off any dirt, insects, leaves,
etc., that may have accumulated. Make sure that
the hoses have no cracks, deformation, rot or
loose connections.
Underbody: The underbody is frequently ex-
posed to corrosive substances such as those
used on icy roads or to control dust. It is very
important to remove these substances, other-
wise rust will form on the floor pan and frame. At
the end of winter, the underbody should be
thoroughly flushed with plain water, being care-
ful to clean those areas where mud and dirt may
accumulate. For additional information, see
“Cleaning exterior” in the “7. Appearance and
care” section.
Windshield washer fluid*: Check that there is
an adequate amount of fluid in the reservoir.

HEADLIGHTS
Replacing
Halogen headlight (high-beam):
The headlight high-beam is a semi-sealed beam
type that uses a replaceable headlight (halogen)
bulb.

10 Index
A
ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) ............................ 5-23
Advanced air bag system ......................................... 1-42
Air bag systemAdvanced air bag system .................................. 1-42
Front passenger air bag and status light....... 1-44
Front-seat mounted side-impact supplemental
air bag system....................................................... 1-47
Roof-mounted curtain side-impact
supplemental air bag system ............................ 1-47
Air bag warning labels............................................... 1-50
Air bag warning light...................................... 1-50, 2-18
Air conditioner Air conditioner specification label....................... 9-8
Air conditioning system refrigerant and
lubricant recommendations................................... 9-3
Alarm, How to stop alarm (see vehicle
security system)........................................................... 2-36
Alcohol, drugs and driving.......................................... 5-6
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) ............................ 5-23
Anti-lock braking system (ABS) warning light..... 2-14
Appearance care Exterior appearance care ...................................... 7-2
Interior appearance care ....................................... 7-4
Audible reminders....................................................... 2-21
Autolight system.......................................................... 2-42
Automatic Door locks................................................................. 3-5
Automatic climate control ........................................... 4-6
Avoiding collision and rollover ................................... 5-5
B
Battery 12-volt battery....................................................... 8-11
Battery saver system........................................... 2-43
Intelligent Key battery.......................................... 8-18
Li-ion battery.......................................................... EV-2
Li-ion battery temperature gauge........................ 2-7
Before starting system............................................... 5-10
Booster seats............................................................... 1-33
Brake Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) ..................... 5-23
Brake fluid................................................................. 8-9
Brake system......................................................... 5-21
BRAKE system warning light (yellow) ............ 2-14
BRAKE warning light (red) ................................ 2-15
Brakes..................................................................... 8-15
Electric parking brake operation ...................... 5-15
BRAKE system warning light (yellow) ................... 2-14
BRAKE warning light (red) ....................................... 2-15
Bulb replacement........................................................ 8-20
C
Cabin air filter............................................................... 4-13
Capacities and recommended lubricants ............... 9-2
Cargo cover.................................................................. 2-51
Ceiling light................................................................... 2-57
Charging Charge port lid...................................................... 3-17
Charging related indicator light.................... CH-26
Charging timer .................................................. CH-19
Cleaning .................................................................... 7-6
Normal charge ..................................................... CH-9
Precautions on charging ................................... CH-2 Quick charge..................................................... CH-16
Specifications........................................................... 9-4
Tricklle charge................................................... CH-11
Charging methods .................................................. CH-19
Charging related indicator light........................... CH-26
Charging related remote function....................... CH-25
Charging status indicator light ............................ CH-26
Charging timer ......................................................... CH-19
Charging troubleshooting guide.......................... CH-30
Checking Checking bulbs..................................................... 2-13
Checking coolant level .......................................... 8-8
Child restraints............................................................. 1-19 Booster seats........................................................ 1-33
Precautions on child restraints......................... 1-19
Top tether strap.................................................... 1-22
Child safety................................................................... 1-17
Child safety rear door lock ......................................... 3-6
Circuit breaker, Fusible link...................................... 8-17
Cleaning exterior and interior............................ 7-2, 7-4
Climate control Climate control service....................................... 4-14
Climate control system refrigerant and
lubricant recommendations................................ 4-14
In-cabin microfilter ............................................... 4-13
Climate control system Climate control operation...................................... 4-3
Climate Ctrl. Timer........................................................ 4-7
Clock.............................................................................. 2-11
Cockpit ............................................................................ 2-3
Cold weather driving.................................................. 5-26
Console box ................................................................. 2-51
Coolant Capacities and recommended lubricants ......... 9-2
Changing coolant.................................................... 8-8