parking brake NISSAN LEAF 2012 User Guide

.Do not hang items on the selector
lever. This may cause an accident
due to a sudden start.
. Do not shift to the ECO position
abruptly on slippery roads. This may
cause a loss of control.
NOTE:
If the accelerator pedal is depressed when
the vehicle is in the D (Drive) or ECO
position and the driver’s seat belt is
securely fastened, the parking brake will
be released automatically. See “Electric
parking brake” later in this section.

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.

6 In case of emergency
Roadside assistance program .............................................. 6-2
Emergency EV (Electric Vehicle) shut off .......................... 6-2 Flat tire ........................................................................................ 6-2
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) ................... 6-2
Repairing flat tire ................................................................ 6-3
Jump starting ............................................................................. 6-9
If the Li-ion battery becomes completely discharged ... 6-12 Push starting .......................................................................... 6-12
Tools ........................................................................................ 6-13
Towing your vehicle ............................................................. 6-13
Towing recommended by NISSAN .......................... 6-14
Vehicle recovery (freeing stuck vehicle) ................. 6-15
Parking brake mechanical release ................................... 6-16

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

Checking coolant level .......................................... 8-8
Cooling system.............................................................. 8-7
Corrosion protection .................................................... 7-7
Cruise control............................................................... 5-17
Cup holders.................................................................. 2-49
D
Defroster switch, Rear window and outside mirror
defroster switch........................................................... 2-40
Dimensions and weights............................................. 9-5
Dot matrix liquid crystal display............................... 2-22
Driving Cold weather driving........................................... 5-26
Driving vehicle....................................................... 5-11
Precautions when starting and driving .............. 5-2
Driving range.................................................................. 2-8
Driving vehicle.............................................................. 5-11
E
ECO indicator.............................................................. 2-10
Efficient use of your vehicle ................................. EV-22
Electric parking brake break-in................................ 5-23
Electric parking brake indicator light...................... 2-19
Electric power steering system ............................... 5-21
Emergency charge.................................................. CH-11
Emergency EV (Electric Vehicle) shut off...... 5-9, 6-2
Emergency shutoff system........................................ EV-9
Emission control information label............................ 9-7
EV Characteristics ..................................................... EV-9
EV system ..................................................................... EV-2
EV unique information............................................. EV-24
Event Data Recorder (EDR)..................................... 9-18
EVSE (Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment) ..... CH-11
EVSE (Electric Vehicle Supply
Equipment) cleaning..................................................... 7-6
F
F.M.V.S.S./C.M.V.S.S. certification label ................. 9-7
Flashers (See hazard warning flasher switch)..... 2-45
Flat tire............................................................................. 6-2
Flat towing .................................................................... 9-14
Floor mat cleaning ........................................................ 7-5
Fluid Brake fluid................................................................. 8-9
Capacities and recommended lubricants ......... 9-2
coolant ....................................................................... 8-7
Reduction gear fluid............................................... 8-9
Window washer fluid .......................................... 8-10
Fog light switch........................................................... 2-44
Front manual seat adjustment.................................... 1-3
Front passenger air bag and status light.............. 1-44
Front seat, Front seat adjustment............................. 1-3
Fuses.............................................................................. 8-16
Fusible links.................................................................. 8-17
G
Garage door open, HomeLink®Universal
Transceiver............................................................. 2-58
Gauge .............................................................................. 2-5 Driving range............................................................ 2-8
ECO indicator....................................................... 2-10
Li-ion battery available charge gauge................ 2-9
Li-ion battery capacity level gauge.................. 2-10
Li-ion battery temperature gauge........................ 2-7
Odometer.................................................................. 2-6
Power meter ............................................................. 2-7
Speedometer............................................................ 2-6
General maintenance ................................................... 8-2
Glove box...................................................................... 2-51
H
Hazard warning flasher switch................................. 2-45
Head restraints .............................................................. 1-4
Headlights Bulb replacement................................................. 8-21
Headlight Aiming Control ................................. 2-44
Headlight switch................................................... 2-41
Heated seats................................................................ 2-46
Heated steering wheel............................................... 2-45
High voltage precautions .......................................... EV-7
HomeLink
®universal transceiver............................. 2-58
Hood release................................................................ 3-16
Horn................................................................................ 2-46
How to normal charge.............................................. CH-9
How to quick charge.............................................. CH-16
How to trickle charge ............................................ CH-11
I
If the Li-ion battery becomes
completely discharged............................................... 6-12
Immediate charge.................................................... CH-24
Immobilizer system...................................................... 2-36
In-cabin microfilter ...................................................... 4-13
indicator Electric parking brake indicator light............... 2-19
Indicator lights.............................................................. 2-19
Indicators for operation.............................................. 2-23
Inside rearview mirror................................................. 3-20
Instrument brightness control .................................. 2-41
Instrument panel............................................................ 2-4
Intelligent Key system ......................................... 3-6, 5-7 Key operating range ............................................... 3-8
Key operation ........................................................ 3-10
Remote keyless operation.................................. 3-13

Interior light replacement........................................... 8-22
Interior lights................................................................. 2-56
ISOFIX child restraint................................................. 1-20
J
Jump starting.................................................................. 6-9
K
Keyless entry With Intelligent Key system (See Intelligent
Key system) ........................................................... 3-13
Keys.................................................................................. 3-2 For Intelligent Key system..................................... 3-6
L
LabelsAir bag warning labels........................................ 1-50
Air conditioner specification label....................... 9-8
Emission control information label...................... 9-7
F.M.V.S.S./C.M.V.S.S. certification label ........... 9-7
Motor serial number ............................................... 9-7
Tire and Loading information label ......... 8-27, 9-8
Vehicle identification number (VIN) .................... 9-6
LATCH system............................................................. 1-20
License plate, Installing front license plate ............ 9-9
Light Air bag warning light........................................... 1-50
Bulb replacement................................................. 8-20
Ceiling light............................................................ 2-57
Fog light switch.................................................... 2-44
Headlight switch................................................... 2-41
Headlights bulb replacement............................ 8-21
Indicator lights....................................................... 2-19
Interior lights.......................................................... 2-56 Map lights .............................................................. 2-56
Replacement.......................................................... 8-20
Warning lights....................................................... 2-13
Light reminder warning.............................................. 2-25
Lights, Exterior and interior light replacement ..... 8-22
Li-ion battery................................................................. EV-2
Li-ion battery available charge gauge...................... 2-9
Li-ion battery capacity level gauge......................... 2-10
Li-ion battery heater ................................................... EV-5
Li-ion battery status check ................................... CH-25
Li-ion battery temperature gauge.............................. 2-7
Limited power .............................................................. 2-32
Loading information (See vehicle
loading information) .................................................... 9-10
Lock Automatic door locks ............................................. 3-5
Door locks................................................................. 3-4
Power door lock...................................................... 3-4
Rear hatch lock..................................................... 3-17
Long life mode......................................................... CH-22
Low tire pressure warning light............................... 2-16
Low tire pressure warning system
(See tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS)) .... 5-2
Luggage side hook..................................................... 2-53
M
Maintenance 12-volt battery....................................................... 8-11
General maintenance ............................................. 8-2
Indicators for maintenance ................................ 2-33
Inside vehicle............................................................ 8-3
Maintenance precautions...................................... 8-4
Maintenance requirements.................................... 8-2
Outside vehicle........................................................ 8-2
Seat belt maintenance........................................ 1-16
Manual front seat adjustment..................................... 1-3 Map lights ..................................................................... 2-56
Mechanical key (Intelligent Key system) ................. 3-3
Meters and gauges....................................................... 2-5
Mirror
Inside rearview mirror.......................................... 3-20
Outside mirrors..................................................... 3-21
Vanity mirror........................................................... 3-22
Motor..................................................................... 5-11, 9-5 Before starting system........................................ 5-10
Motor compartment ...................................................... 8-6
N
NISSAN Vehicle Immobilizer System..................... 2-36
Normal charge Home charge........................................................ CH-9
Occasional charge.............................................. CH-9
Public charge ....................................................... CH-9
O
Odometer........................................................................ 2-6
Off-road recovery.......................................................... 5-5
Oil Capacities and recommended lubricants ......... 9-2
Opening rear hatch .................................................... 3-11
Outside air temperature ............................................ 2-10
Outside mirrors............................................................ 3-21
Owner’s Manual/Service Manual
order information ......................................................... 9-19
P
Panic alarm................................................................... 3-14
Parking Electric parking brake operation ...................... 5-15
Parking on hills ..................................................... 5-20
Index10-3

Parking brake mechanically release ....................... 6-16
PowerElectric power steering system ........................ 5-21
Power door lock...................................................... 3-4
Power windows .................................................... 2-53
Power economy........................................................... 5-19
Power meter ................................................................... 2-7
Power outlet ................................................................. 2-48
Power switch......................................................... 5-7, 5-8
Precautions Braking precautions............................................. 5-21
Charging................................................................ CH-2
Child restraints...................................................... 1-19
Cruise control........................................................ 5-17
High voltage precautions ................................... EV-7
Maintenance ............................................................. 8-4
Road accident precautions................................ EV-8
Seat belt usage .................................................... 1-10
Supplemental restraint system.......................... 1-36
When starting and driving .................................... 5-2
Push starting ................................................................ 6-12
Q
Quick charge............................................................ CH-16
R
Rapid air pressure loss................................................ 5-5
Rear center seat belt ................................................. 1-16
Rear door lock, Child safety rear door lock........... 3-6
Rear hatch..................................................................... 3-17
Rear seats....................................................................... 1-4
Rear window and outside mirror
defroster switch........................................................... 2-40
Rear window wiper and washer switch ............... 2-39
Reduction gear fluid..................................................... 8-9 Remote charge ........................................................ CH-25
Remote climate control.............................................. 4-11
Remote keyless entry function, For Intelligent
Key system.................................................................... 3-13
Repairing flat tire........................................................... 6-3
Repairing tire.................................................................. 6-5
Reporting safety defects........................................... 9-15
Road accident precautions....................................... EV-8
Roadside assistance program ................................... 6-2
Rollover............................................................................ 5-5
S
Safety Child seat belts .................................................... 1-17
Reporting safety defects.................................... 9-15
Scene guide At home after driving......................................... EV-21
Before driving your vehicle .............................. EV-13
Charging the Li-ion battery.............................. EV-10
Driving the vehicle.............................................. EV-17
Parking the vehicle............................................. EV-20
Starting your vehicle.......................................... EV-16
Seat adjustment Front manual seat adjustment.............................. 1-3
Front seats................................................................ 1-3
Seat belt(s) Child safety............................................................ 1-17
Infants...................................................................... 1-17
Injured persons..................................................... 1-12
Larger children...................................................... 1-18
Precautions on seat belt usage........................ 1-10
Pregnant women .................................................. 1-12
Rear center seat belt .......................................... 1-16
Seat belt cleaning................................................... 7-6
Seat belt extenders.............................................. 1-16
Seat belt hooks .................................................... 1-15 Seat belt maintenance........................................ 1-16
Seat belt warning light........................................ 2-18
Seat belts............................................................... 1-10
Seat belts with pretensioners........................... 1-49
Shoulder belt height adjustment...................... 1-15
Small children........................................................ 1-18
Three-point type................................................... 1-12
Seat(s) , Seats................................................................ 1-2 Heated seats......................................................... 2-46
Security system (NISSAN Vehicle Immobilizer
System) , EV system start.......................................... 2-36
Servicing climate control........................................... 4-14
Shifting Electric shift control system .............................. 5-11
Shoulder belt height adjustment, For
front seats..................................................................... 1-15
Soft bottle holders...................................................... 2-50
Solar cell module .......................................................... 7-3
Speedometer.................................................................. 2-6
Starting .......................................................................... 5-11 Before starting system........................................ 5-10
Jump starting............................................................ 6-9
Precautions when starting and driving .............. 5-2
Push starting ......................................................... 6-12
Status light, Front passenger air bag .................... 1-44
Steering Electric power steering system ........................ 5-21
Heated steering wheel........................................ 2-45
Tilting steering column........................................ 3-19
Stopping the vehicle .................................................... 6-4
Storage .......................................................................... 2-49
Stowing golf bags....................................................... 2-53
Sun visors ..................................................................... 3-20
Supplemental air bag warning labels..................... 1-50
Supplemental air bag warning light............ 1-50, 2-18
Supplemental restraint system................................. 1-36

maintenance.
. Park the vehicle on a level surface,
apply the parking brake securely
and chock the wheels to prevent
the vehicle from moving. Push the P
position switch on the selector lever
or place the vehicle into the N
(Neutral) position.
. If you must work with the EV
(Electric vehicle) system is turned
on, keep hands, clothing, hair and
tools away from moving fans and
any other moving parts.
. Make sure that the power switch is
in the OFF or LOCK position when
performing any part replacement or
repairs.
. It is advisable to secure or remove
any loose clothing and remove any
jewelry, such as rings, watches, etc.
before working on your vehicle.
. Always wear eye protection when-
ever you work on your vehicle.
. Never get under the vehicle while it
is supported only by a jack. If it is
necessary to work under the vehicle,
support it with safety stands. .
Keep smoking materials, flames
and sparks away from the 12-volt
battery.

CAUTION
.Be sure to carry the Intelligent Key
with you when operating the vehi-
cle.
. Never leave the Intelligent Key in
the vehicle when you leave the
vehicle.
The Intelligent Key is always communicating with
the vehicle because it receives radio waves. The
Intelligent Key system transmits weak radio
waves. Environmental conditions may interfere
with the operation of the Intelligent Key system
under the following operating conditions.
. When operating near a location where
strong radio waves are transmitted, such
as a TV tower, power station or broad-
casting station.
. When in possession of wireless equipment,
such as a cellular phone, transceiver or CB
radio.
. When the Intelligent Key is in contact with or
covered by metallic materials.
. When any type of radio wave remote control
is used nearby. .
When the Intelligent Key is placed near an
electric appliance such as a personal
computer.
. When the vehicle is parked near a parking
meter.
In such cases, correct the operating conditions
before using the Intelligent Key function or use
the mechanical key.
Although the life of the battery varies depending
on the operating conditions, the battery’s life is
approximately 2 years. If the battery is dis-
charged, replace it with a new one.
When the Intelligent Key battery is almost
discharged, firmly apply the foot brake and
touch the power switch with the Intelligent Key.
Then push the power switch while depressing
the brake pedal within 10 seconds after the
chime sound.
Since the Intelligent Key is continuously receiv-
ing radio waves, if the key is left near equipment
that transmits strong radio waves, such as
signals from a TV or personal computer, the
battery life may become shorter.
For information regarding replacement of a
battery, see “Intelligent Key battery replacement”
in the “8. Maintenance and do-it-yourself”
section. Pay special attention that the vehicle battery is
not completely discharged.
As many as 4 Intelligent Keys can be registered
and used with one vehicle. For information about
the purchase and use of additional Intelligent
Keys, contact a NISSAN certified LEAF dealer.

EV Overview
The EV (Electric Vehicle) system ...................................... EV-2
Li-ion battery .......................................................................... EV-2 Driving with a discharged Li-ion battery ................... EV-3
Charging the 12-volt battery ........................................ EV-5
Li-ion battery heater ....................................................... EV-5
High voltage precautions .................................................... EV-7
High-voltage components ............................................. EV-7
Road accident precautions ................................................ EV-8 Emergency shut-off system .......................................... EV-9
EV (Electric Vehicle) characteristics ................................ EV-9
Noise and vibration ...................................................... EV-10
Life with an EV (scene guide) ........................................ EV-10 Charging the Li-ion battery ........................................ EV-10
Before driving your vehicle ........................................ EV-13
Starting your vehicle .................................................... EV-16
Driving the vehicle ........................................................ EV-17 At home after driving ................................................. EV-21
Efficient use of your vehicle ............................................ EV-22 Range ............................................................................ EV-22
Improve driving range ............................................... EV-22
Li-ion battery life ......................................................... EV-23
Li-ion battery maintenance ...................................... EV-24
EV unique information ...................................................... EV-24 Meters and indicators ............................................... EV-24
Approaching Vehicle Sound for Pedestrians
(VSP) system .............................................................. EV-27
Electric shift control system .................................... EV-28
Electric parking brake ............................................... EV-28
LED headlight (low beam) ....................................... EV-29
Solar cell module (if so equipped) ........................ EV-29
Driving range button ................................................ EV-29