warning NISSAN LEAF 2012 Workshop Manual

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.

3 Pre-driving checks and adjustments
Keys ............................................................................................. 3-2Intelligent Keys .................................................................. 3-2
Doors ........................................................................................... 3-4
Locking with Mechanical key .......................................... 3-4
Locking with inside lock knob ........................................ 3-5
Locking with power door lock switch ........................... 3-5
Automatic door locks ........................................................ 3-5
Child safety rear door lock .............................................. 3-6
Intelligent Key system ............................................................. 3-6 Intelligent Key operating range ....................................... 3-8
Door locks/unlocks precaution ....................................... 3-9
Intelligent Key operation ................................................ 3-10
12-volt battery saver system ........................................ 3-11
Warning signals ............................................................... 3-11 Troubleshooting guide ................................................. 3-12
How to use remote keyless entry function ............. 3-13
Hood ........................................................................................ 3-16
Rear hatch .............................................................................. 3-17
Charge port lid ...................................................................... 3-17 Opening charge port lid .............................................. 3-17
Charge port cap ............................................................ 3-18
Tilt steering column ............................................................. 3-19 Tilt operation .................................................................. 3-19
Sun visors ............................................................................... 3-20
Mirrors ..................................................................................... 3-20 Inside rearview mirror ................................................... 3-20
Outside mirrors .............................................................. 3-21
Vanity mirror .................................................................... 3-22

EMERGENCY SHUT-OFF SYSTEM
The emergency shut-off system is activated and
the high-voltage system automatically turns off in
the following conditions:
- Front and side collisions in which the air bags
are deployed.
- Certain rear collisions.
- Certain EV (Electric Vehicle) system malfunc-
tions
For the above collisions and certain other EV
(Electric Vehicle) system malfunctions, the
READY to drive indicator light will turn off. See
“Warning/indicator lights and audible remin-
ders” in the “2. Instruments and controls”
section.
The emergency shut-off activates for the above
collisions to minimize risk of an event that could
cause injury or an accident. If the emergency
shut-off system activates, the EV system may
not be switched to READY to drive position,
contact a NISSAN certified LEAF dealer. Even if
the power switch is switched to READY to drive
position, the system may shut-off suddenly.
Therefore, drive cautiously to the nearest
NISSAN certified LEAF dealer or contact a
NISSAN certified LEAF dealer as soon as
possible.WARNING
.Pay special attention to pedes-
trians. Because there is no engine
noise, pedestrians may not know
the vehicle is approaching, moving
or about to move, and may step into
the path of vehicle travel.
. When leaving the vehicle, be sure to
turn off the EV (Electric Vehicle)
system.
. Be sure to push the P (Park) posi-
tion switch on the selector lever and
apply the parking brake when park-
ing because the vehicle can move
when the READY to drive indicator
light is ON. When the READY to
drive indicator light is ON, do not
leave your vehicle in a shift position
other than the P (Park) position.
. Keep the brake pedal depressed
until you are ready to drive. When
the vehicle is in the D (drive) posi-
tion or ECO or R (reverse) position,
if you release the brake pedal and
do not depress accelerator, the
vehicle will creep and may start
abruptly. This may cause serious injury or death.
NOTE:
. The vehicle cannot run with a dis-
charged Li-ion battery. Repeated accel-
eration consumes more power from the
Li-ion battery than driving at a steady
speed.
. This vehicle is equipped with a regen-
erative brake system. The primary pur-
pose of regenerative brake system is to
provide some power to recharge the Li-
ion battery and extend driving range. A
secondary benefit is “engine braking”
that operates based on Li-ion battery
conditions.
. In the D (Drive) position, when the
accelerator pedal is released, the re-
generative brake system provides
some deceleration.
. When you put the shift selector in the
ECO position and take your foot off the
accelerator pedal, more regenerative
brake is applied than in the D (Drive)
position.
. Less deceleration is provided by the
regenerative brake system when the Li-
EV OverviewEV-9
EV (Electric Vehicle)
CHARACTERISTICS

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)

WARNING
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
REMINDERS FOR SAFETY!
Follow these important driving rules to
help ensure a safe and comfortable trip
for you and your passengers!
.NEVER drive under the influence of
alcohol or drugs.
. ALWAYS observe posted speed lim-
its and never drive too fast for
conditions.
. ALWAYS give your full attention to
driving and avoid using vehicle
features or taking other actions that could distract you.
. ALWAYS use your seat belts and
appropriate child restraint systems.
Pre-teen children should be seated
in the rear seat.
. ALWAYS provide information about
the proper use of vehicle safety
features to all occupants of the
vehicle.
. ALWAYS review this Owner’s Man-
ual for important safety information.
MODIFICATION OF YOUR VEHICLE
This vehicle should not be modified. Mod-
ification could affect its performance,
safety or durability, and may even violate
governmental regulations. In addition, da-
mage or performance problems resulting
from modification may not be covered
under NISSAN warranties.
WHEN READING THE MANUAL
This manual includes information for all
options available on this model. Therefore,
you may find some information that does
not apply to your vehicle.
FOREWORD

All information, specifications and illustrations in
this manual are those in effect at the time of
printing. NISSAN reserves the right to change
specifications or design at any time without
notice.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT
THIS MANUAL
You will see various symbols in this manual. They
are used in the following ways:
WARNING
This is used to indicate the presence of
a hazard that could cause death or
serious personal injury. To avoid or
reduce the risk, the procedures must
be followed precisely.
WARNING
Certain vehicle components contain or
emit chemicals known to the State of
California to cause cancer and birth
defects or other reproductive harm. In
addition, certain fluids contained in
vehicles and certain products of com-
ponent wear contain or emit chemicals
known to the State of California to
cause cancer and birth defects or other
reproductive harm.

0 Illustrated table of contents
Seats, seat belts and Supplemental Restraint
System (SRS) ........................................................................... 0-2
Exterior front .............................................................................. 0-3
Exterior rear ............................................................................... 0-4
Passenger compartment ........................................................ 0-5 Cockpit ....................................................................................... 0-6
Instrument panel ...................................................................... 0-7
Meters and gauges ................................................................. 0-8
Motor compartment ................................................................ 0-9
Warning and indicator lights ............................................. 0-10

12-volt battery charge
warning light2-13

WARNING
Your vehicle contains a sealed Li-ion
high voltage battery. If the Li-ion bat-
tery is disposed of improperly, there is a
risk of severe burns and electrical
shock that may result in serious injury
or death and there is also a risk of
environmental damage.