battery NISSAN LEAF 2012 Repair Manual

illuminates, traction motor output is
limited resulting in reduced vehicle speed.
Stop the vehicle in a safe location before the
Li-ion battery becomes completely dis-
charged and there is no power available to
drive the vehicle. Contact Roadside assis-
tance service shown in your NISSAN
Warranty Information Booklet. See “If the
Li-ion battery becomes completely dis-
charged” in the “6. In case of emergency”
section.

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

WARNING
In case of a collision:
.If your vehicle is drivable, pull your
vehicle off the road, push the P
(Park) position switch on the selec-
tor lever, apply the parking brake
and turn the EV (Electric Vehicle)
system off.
. Check your vehicle to see if there
are exposed high-voltage parts or
cables. For their locations, see
“High-voltage components” earlier
in this section. To avoid personal
injury, never touch high-voltage wir-
ing, connectors, and other high-
voltage parts, such as inverter unit
and Li-ion battery. An electric shock
may occur if exposed electric wires
are visible when viewed from inside
or outside of your vehicle. There-
fore, never touch exposed electric
wires.
. If the vehicle receives a strong
impact to the floor while driving,
stop the vehicle in a safe location
and check the floor. .
Leaks or damage to the Li-ion
battery may result in a fire. If you
discover them, contact emergency
services immediately. Since the
fluid leak may be lithium manga-
nate from the Li-ion battery, never
touch the fluid leak inside or out-
side the vehicle. If the fluid contacts
your skin or eyes, wash it off
immediately with a large amount of
water and receive immediate medi-
cal attention to help avoid serious
injury.
. If a fire occurs in the EV (Electric
Vehicle) , leave the vehicle as soon
as possible. Only use a type ABC,
BC or C fire extinguisher that is
meant for use on electrical fires.
Using a small amount of water or
the incorrect fire extinguisher can
result in serious injury or death from
electrical shock.
. If your vehicle needs to be towed,
do it with the front wheels raised. If
the front wheels are on the ground
when towing, the traction motor
may generate electricity. This may
damage the components of the EV
(Electric Vehicle) system and cause a fire.
. If you are not able to safely assess
the vehicle due to vehicle damage,
do not touch the vehicle. Leave the
vehicle and contact emergency ser-
vices. Advise 1st responders that
this is an electric vehicle.
. In the event of an accident that
requires body repair and painting,
the vehicle should be delivered to a
NISSAN certified LEAF dealer to
have the Li-ion battery pack and
high voltage parts such as the
inverter, including the wiring har-
ness, removed prior to painting. Li-
ion battery packs exposed to heat in
the paint booth will experience
capacity loss. Damaged Li-ion bat-
tery packs may also pose safety
risks to untrained mechanics and
repair personnel.
ROAD ACCIDENT PRECAUTIONS

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)

illuminates, the Li-ion battery charge is too low
for travel. See “Low battery charge warning
light” in the “2. Instruments and controls”
section. Charge the Li-ion battery as soon as
possible.
EV OverviewEV-19

Charging
Precautions on charging .................................................... CH-2
Types of charge and how to charge the
Li-ion battery ......................................................................... CH-5How to normal charge .................................................. CH-9
How to trickle charge ................................................ CH-11
How to quick charge (if so equipped) .................. CH-16
Charging methods ............................................................ CH-19 Charging timer ............................................................. CH-19 Charging related remote function ......................... CH-25
Charging related indicator lights .................................. CH-26 Charging status indicator lights ............................ CH-26
EVSE (Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment)
control box indicator light ....................................... CH-29
Charging troubleshooting guide ................................... CH-30

WARNING
.If you use any medical electric
devices, such as an implantable
cardiac pacemaker or an implanta-
ble cardiovascular defibrillator,
check with the electric medical de-
vice manufacturer concerning the
effects that charging may have on
implanted devices before starting
the charge operation. Charging
may affect the operation.
. If you have an implantable cardiac
pacemaker or an implantable cardi-
ovascular defibrillator, while the Li-
ion battery is charging:
— Do not stay inside the vehicle.
— Do not go inside the vehicle, for
example to remove or place an
item in the passenger compart-
ment.
— Do not open the rear hatch, for example to remove or place an
item in the cargo area.
Charging may affect the operation
of electric medical device and result
in serious personal injury or death. .
Make sure there is no water or
foreign materials in the charge port,
charge connector or electrical plug,
and that they are not damaged or
affected by rust or corrosion. If any
of these conditions are noticeable,
do not charge the Li-ion battery.
This may result in a short circuit or
electric shock and could cause a fire
which may result in serious perso-
nal injury or death.
. To avoid serious personal injury or
death when the Li-ion battery is
charging, be aware of the following
precautions.
— Do not touch the metal contacts
of the charge port, charge con-
nector or electrical plug.
— Do not touch the vehicle and charger when there is lightning.
A lightning strike may back feed
into the charger causing da-
mage and possible personal in-
jury or death.
. Make sure the charge connector is
removed from the charge port be-
fore starting your vehicle. If the
charge connector is only partially engaged and the connector latch is
unlocked, it is possible to place the
EV (Electric Vehicle) in the READY
to drive position.
. Do not plug in or unplug the plug
with wet hands and do not stand in
water, liquid or snow. This may
cause an electric shock which may
result in serious personal injury or
death.
. Do not disassemble or modify the
charge port or the EVSE (Electric
Vehicle Supply Equipment) . This
may cause a fire.
. If you notice an unusual odor or
smoke coming from the vehicle,
stop charging immediately.
. Be careful not to allow your hands,
hair, jewelry or clothing to come into
contact with, or get caught in, the
traction motor cooling fan. The cool-
ing fan can start at any time during
charging.
PRECAUTIONS ON CHARGING

.Pass the lower side belt of the EVSE
(Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment)
case securely through the fastener
on the bottom of the luggage board.
If the case suddenly becomes loose,
it may cause serious injury or death.
CAUTION
.To prevent damage to the charging
equipment:
— Do not close the charge port lid
without closing the cap. — Do not subject the charging
equipment to impact.
— Do not pull or twist the charge cable.
— Do not drag the charge cable.
— Do not store and use charging equipment in locations where
the temperature is over 1858F
(858C) .
— Do not place the charging equip- ment close to a heater or other
heat source.
. Make sure the cap is closed on the
charge port when charging is fin-
ished. If the charge port lid is closed
when the cap is open, water or
foreign materials may enter the
charge port.
. Do not charge when a vehicle body
cover is in use. This may cause
damage to the charge connector.
. Do not attempt to perform a jump
start on the 12-volt battery at the
same time that the Li-ion battery is
being charged. Doing so may da-
mage the vehicle or charging equip- ment and could cause an injury. See
“Jump starting” in the “6. In case of
emergency” section.
. Trickle charging is performed using
the EVSE (Electric Vehicle Supply
Equipment) provided with the vehi-
cle. NISSAN recommends using an
AC 110 - 120 volt, 15A, dedicated
electrical circuit and outlet. The
dedicated circuit is used to help
prevent circuit damage or the circuit
breaker from tripping due to the
high draw of charging the Li-ion
battery. If the dedicated circuit is
not used, the circuit may cause
adverse interference on MCB
(Moulded Circuit Board) and house-
hold electrical appliances such as
televisions and audio systems. If the
circuit is shared, and another elec-
trical device is being used at the
same time the vehicle is charging,
the breaker may trip. A licensed
professional electrician should in-
stall a dedicated circuit if one is not
already available.
ChargingCH-3

.Check by using a cellular phone, smart
phone or personal computer. See LEAF
Navigation System Owner’s Manual.
. Check by using the charging status indicator
light. See “Charging status indicator lights”
later in this section.
NOTE:
. During the charge operation, charge
continues when the power switch is
placed in the ON position.
. The Li-ion battery cannot be charged if
the quick charge connector and the
normal charge connector are con-
nected at the same time. If another
charge connector is connected mid-
charge, charging will stop.
. For safety reasons, it is not possible to
switch to the READY to drive position
while a charge connector is connected.
. During charging, it is possible that the
radio may be inaudible due to noise by
the electromagnetic wave.HOW TO NORMAL CHARGE
WARNING
.If you use any medical electric
devices, such as an implantable
cardiac pacemaker or an implanta-
ble cardiovascular defibrillator,
check with the electric medical de-
vice manufacturer concerning the
effects that charging may have on
implanted devices before starting
the charge operation. Charging
may affect the operation.
. If you have an implantable cardiac
pacemaker or an implantable cardi-
ovascular defibrillator, while the Li-
ion battery is charging:
— Do not stay inside the vehicle.
— Do not go inside the vehicle, for
example to remove or place an
item in the passenger compart-
ment.
— Do not open the rear hatch, for example to remove or place an
item in the cargo area.
Charging may affect the operation
of electric medical device and result in serious personal injury or death.
. Be sure to follow the precautions
for using the charger that can be
installed in your home. Failing to do
so could result in serious injury or
death.