maintenance NISSAN LEAF 2012 Owner's Guide

TIRE EQUIPMENT
SUMMER tires have a tread designed to provide
superior performance on dry pavement. How-
ever, the performance of these tires will be
substantially reduced in snowy and icy condi-
tions. 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.
Consult a NISSAN certified LEAF dealer for the
tire type, size, speed rating and availability
information.
For additional traction on icy roads, studded
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 details, see “Tire
chains” in the “8. Maintenance and do-it-
yourself” section.
SPECIAL WINTER EQUIPMENT
It is recommended that the following items be
carried in the vehicle during winter:
.A scraper and stiff-bristled brush to remove
ice and snow from the windows and wiper
blades.
. A shovel to dig the vehicle out of snow-
drifts.
. Extra window washer fluid to refill the
reservoir tank.
DRIVING ON SNOW OR ICE

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.

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.

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.

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

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

2 Instruments and controls
Cockpit ....................................................................................... 2-3
Instrument panel ....................................................................... 2-4
Meters and gauges .................................................................. 2-5Speedometer and odometer ........................................... 2-6
Li-ion battery temperature gauge ................................... 2-7
Power meter ........................................................................ 2-7
Driving range ....................................................................... 2-8
Li-ion battery available charge gauge ........................... 2-9
Li-ion battery capacity level gauge ............................. 2-10
Outside air temperature ................................................ 2-10
ECO indicator .................................................................. 2-10
Clock .................................................................................. 2-11
Warning/indicator lights and audible reminders ........... 2-12
Checking bulbs ................................................................ 2-13
Warning lights .................................................................. 2-13
Indicator lights .................................................................. 2-19
Audible reminders ........................................................... 2-21
Dot matrix liquid crystal display ......................................... 2-22 Indicators for operation .................................................. 2-23
Trip computer ................................................................... 2-27
Warning information displays ....................................... 2-31
Indicators for maintenance ........................................... 2-33
Indicator for timer ............................................................ 2-34
Security systems ................................................................... 2-35 Vehicle security system ................................................. 2-35 NISSAN Vehicle Immobilizer System ....................... 2-36
Windshield wiper and washer switch ............................. 2-38 Washer operation ......................................................... 2-39
Rear window wiper and washer switch ........................ 2-39
Rear window and outside mirror defroster switch ...... 2-40
Instrument brightness control ............................................ 2-41
Headlight and turn signal switch ...................................... 2-41 Headlight switch ........................................................... 2-41
Turn signal switch ......................................................... 2-44
Fog light switch (if so equipped) ..................................... 2-44
Hazard warning flasher switch .......................................... 2-45
Heated steering wheel ........................................................ 2-45
Horn ......................................................................................... 2-46
Heated seats ......................................................................... 2-46
Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) OFF switch ................ 2-48
Power outlet ........................................................................... 2-48
Storage ................................................................................... 2-49 Cup holders .................................................................... 2-49
Sunglasses holder ........................................................ 2-50
Glove box ........................................................................ 2-51
Console box ................................................................... 2-51
Cargo cover (if so equipped) .................................... 2-51
Stowing golf bags ........................................................ 2-53
Luggage side hook ....................................................... 2-53