charging NISSAN LEAF 2012 Owner's Manual

and
touch [Charging Timer].

and
touch [Charging Timer].

.Pay particular attention when using
the normal charge port as the
charge port lid can be closed even
when the normal charge port cap is
open.
. Close the quick charge (if so
equipped) port cap before closing
the charging lid. The quick charge
port cap can be damaged if it is
open when closing the charge port
lid.

.While the battery is being charged, the
Climate Ctrl. Timer cannot be operated until
the Li-ion battery available charge gauge
reached the full mark. When the battery is
not being charged, the Climate Ctrl. Timer
can be operated, even if the Li-ion battery
available charge gauge has not reached the
full mark.
. When the climate control is set on first
priority, the Climate Ctrl. Timer works
regardless of the remaining battery energy.
. If the Climate Ctrl. Timer starts its operation
while the vehicle is being charged, the
charging time will be prolonged.
. Operating the Climate Ctrl. Timer or remote
climate control in an environment with low
temperature may decrease the rate of
battery charge.
. The Climate Ctrl. Timer settings cannot be
modified while it is operating. If timer
settings are modified while the Climate Ctrl.
Timer is operating, these changes will be
reflected the next time the Climate Ctrl.
Timer operates.
. When charging is set as the first priority, the
Climate Ctrl. Timer does not start until 10
segments of the LI-ION BATTERY AVAIL-
ABLE CHARGE GAUGE are illuminated. .
When the climate control is set as the first
priority, the climate control system will be
turned on as scheduled by the Climate Ctrl.
Timer regardless of the remaining battery
energy.
. Even when the climate control is set as the
first priority, the climate control system will
be turned off when the climate control
spends more electric than the charging Li-
ion battery.
. The Li-ion battery may not charge or may
even become discharged if the Climate Ctrl.
Timer or remote climate control is used in
low ambient temperatures.
REMOTE CLIMATE CONTROL
This vehicle incorporates a communication
device that is called a TCU (Telematics Com-
munication Unit). The communication connec-
tion between this unit and NISSAN CARWINGS
Data Center allows for various remote function
services.
Even when away from the vehicle, climate
control can be started by accessing the
NISSAN CARWINGS Data Center website
using a cellular phone or a personal computer.
When operation is started, or at the set start
time, the NISSAN CARWINGS Data Center accesses the vehicle. When the vehicle receives
a command for remote operation, the climate
control immediately turns ON and operates for
the specified period of time. Confirmation of the
ON/OFF of the climate control operation can be
checked by accessing the website or by e-mail.
Establishing the CARWINGS
TMservice is ne-
cessary before using the service. See LEAF
Navigation System Owner’s Manual.

high enough to cause severe or
possibly fatal injuries to people or
animals.
NOTE:
. To check the Li-ion battery charging
status using an internet enabled smart
phone or personal computer.
—The vehicle must be located in a
cellular phone coverage area.
— The cellular phone must be located
in an area with cellular phone
coverage.
— The computer must be connected to
the internet.
. Some cellular phones are not compa-
tible with this system and cannot be
used to check the Li-ion battery char-
ging status. Confirm this beforehand.
Operating tips
.When the charge connector is connected,
the climate control operates using electric
power. When the charge connector is
disconnected from the vehicle, the climate
control operates using vehicle battery elec-
tric power. .
The climate control can be operated for a
maximum of 2 hours when the charge
connector is connected to the vehicle, or a
maximum of 15 minutes when the charge
connector is disconnected.
. The remote climate control will only start to
operate when the power switch is in the
OFF position. Be sure to check that the
power switch is in the OFF position.
. Remote climate control operation is not
available when the vehicle is in an area of
cellular communication range.
. Communication becomes unavailable when
the vehicle is not used for two weeks or
more. When the power switch is placed in
the ON position, communication with the
NISSAN CARWINGS Data Center can be
restored.
. Air conditioning is limited to the capacity of
the electric power when the charge con-
nector is connected to the vehicle. There-
fore, the temperature may not reach a
comfortable level due to performance of
the air conditioning being limited, if the
outside temperature is excessively high or
low, or if the charge connector is connected
to a 120V outlet. .
If the power switch is in the ON position or
the charge connector is disconnected, while
the remote climate control is being oper-
ated, remote climate control operation is
automatically stopped and an e-mail is sent.
. If remote climate control operation is started
while the vehicle is in normal charge mode,
the climate control operates in climate
control priority mode and charging is con-
tinued.
. If remote climate control operation is started
and charging is stopped while the vehicle is
in quick charge mode, climate control
operation is also stopped.
. If the quick charge connector is connected
and charging is not performed, remote
climate control operation starts using the
battery electric power of the vehicle.

position to prevent the 12-volt bat-
tery automatically being charged by
the Li-ion battery. See “Charging
the 12-volt battery” in the “EV.
Overview” section.
This “8. Maintenance and do-it-yourself” section
gives instructions regarding only those items
that are relatively easy for an owner to perform.
A genuine NISSAN Service Manual is also
available. See “Owner’s Manual/Service Manual
order information” in the “9. Technical and
consumer information” section.
You should be aware that incomplete or
improper servicing may result in operating
difficulties and could affect your warranty cover-
age. If in doubt about any servicing, we
recommend that it be done by a NISSAN
certified LEAF dealer.

ion battery is fully charged. Regenera-
tive brake is automatically reduced
when the Li-ion battery is fully charged
to prevent the Li-ion battery from
becoming overcharged. Regenerating
brake is also automatically reduced
when the battery temperature is high/
low (indicated by the red/blue zones
on the Li-ion battery temperature
gauge) to prevent Li-ion battery da-
mage.
. The brake pedal should be used to
slow or stop the vehicle depending on
traffic or road conditions. The vehicle
brakes are not affected by regenerative
brake system operation.
NOISE AND VIBRATION
You might experience the following noise or
vibration as a normal characteristic of this
vehicle.
.Traction motor noise from motor compart-
ment.
. Noise and vibration when releasing and
applying the electric parking brake.
. Water pump and radiator fan noise while
charging. .
Compressor and radiator fan noise when the
Climate Ctrl. Timer or remote climate control
is used.
. Relay operation noise and vibration at start-
up and shut-down of the EV (Electric
Vehicle) system (power switch placed in
the ON and OFF position) .
. Approaching Vehicle Sound for Pedestrians
(VSP) .
WARNING
The EV (Electric Vehicle) system uses a
high voltage current. Failure to follow
the proper handling instructions may
cause serious injury or death. Be sure
to read the “CH. Charging” section and
follow the procedures and guidelines
described.
LIFE WITH AN EV (scene guide)

EV OverviewEV
ChargingCH
9
Index10

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

CHARGING THE 12-VOLT BATTERY
The 12-volt battery is charged automatically
using 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.) See “Charging status indicator
lights” in the “CH. Charging” section.
While vehicle is in use
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 ACC position.
. When the power switch is in ON position
and shift position is in the N (Neutal)
position.
While the vehicle is not in use
When the EV (Electric Vehicle) 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 HEATER
CAUTION
The Li-ion battery heater does not
operate 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 tempera-
tures may go below -48F (-208C) unless
the vehicle is connected to a charger.
The Li-ion battery heater 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
heater automatically turns on when the Li-ion
battery temperature is approximately -48 F
(-208C) or colder. The Li-ion battery heater
automatically turns off when the Li-ion battery
temperture is approximately 148F (-108C) or
higher.
The Li-ion battery heater uses electrical power
from an external source when a charger is
connected to the vehicle. The Li-ion battery
heater uses electrical power from the Li-ion
battery when the charger is not connected to the vehicle.
NOTE:
.
Connect the charger to the vehicle and
place the power switch in the OFF
position when parking the vehicle if
temperatures may go below -48 F
(-208C) . This provides external power
to the Li-ion battery heater when it
operates and does not discharge the
Li-ion battery.
. The charging status indicator lights
illuminate in a specific pattern when
the Li-ion battery heater operates. The
charging status indicator lights use the
same pattern to indicate 12-volt battery
charging, Climate Ctrl. Timer operation
or Remote Climate Control operation.
The charging status indicator lights do
not change if the Li-ion battery heater
operates at the same time as the above
features. See “Charging status indica-
tor lights” in the “CH. Charging” sec-
tion.
. The Li-ion battery heater uses Li-ion
battery power to operate, even if the
vehicle is connected to a charger when:
EV OverviewEV-5