ESP NISSAN LEAF 2013 1.G First Responders Guide

®

2013 LEAF
First Responder’s Guide
1

Foreword
This
manual describes first response operations and related warnings for this vehicle.
This vehicle is an electrically driven car equipped with a high voltage battery pack. Failure to follow
recommended practices during emergency responses will cause death or serious personal
injury.
Please read this manual in advance in order to understand the features of this vehicle and to help you deal
with incidents involving this vehicle. Follow the procedures in order to help assure a safe and successful
first response operation.
This manual is periodically updated. If you are not viewing this manual on the Nissan web site, we urge you
to go to www.nissanusa.com orwww.nissan-techinfo.com to make sure you have the most recent version of
this

manual.
NISSAN EMERGENCY CONTACT INFORMATION • Nissan EV Customer Support: 1-877-664-2738 (Hours of operation are Monday-Friday7am - 7pm, Saturday 8am - 4:30pm Central time zone)
• Nissan Consumer Affairs: 1-800-647-7261 (US) or 1-800-387-0122 (Canada) (Hours of operation are 8am - 5pm (Monday-Friday) Eastern, Central and Pacific time zones)
IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT THIS MANUAL
You may see various symbols in this manual. They have the following meanings: This symbol is used to inform you of an operation which will result in death or serious personal injury if
instructions

are not followed.
Example: Touching high voltage components without using the appropriate protective equipment will result
in electrocution. This symbol is used to inform you of an operation which may cause death or serious personal injury if
instructions

are not followed.This symbol is used to inform you of an operation which may cause personal injury or component damage if
instructions

are not followed.
Please note that there may be differences between this manual and the vehicle specification due to
specification changes.
2

Table of Contents
FOREWORD
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
NISSAN EMERGENCY CONTACT INFORMATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT THIS MANUAL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
1. ABOUT THE NISSAN LEAF® . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
1-1 LEAF IDENTIFICATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51-1.1. EXTERIOR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
1-1.2. INTERIOR COMPONENT LOCATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
1-2 VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER (VIN) LAYOUT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
1-3 WARNING AND INDICATOR LAMP INFORMATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
2. BASIC HIGH VOLTAGE SYSTEM AND 12V SYSTEM INFORMATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 2-1 HIGH VOLTAGE-RELATED AND 12V-RELATED COMPONENT LOCATIONS AND DESCRIPTIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
2-1.1. LI-ION BATTERY PACK SPECIFICATIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
2-2 HIGH VOLTAGE SAFETY MEASURES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 2-2.1. WARNING LABEL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
2-3 HIGH VOLTAGE CIRCUIT SHUT-OFF SYSTEM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
2-4 PREVENTING ELECTRICAL SHOCK . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
2-5 EMERGENCY MEDICAL EQUIPMENT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
3. EMERGENCY RESPONSE STEPS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 3-1 PREPARATION ITEMS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 123-1.1. PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT (PPE) PROTECTIVE WEAR CONTROL . . . . . 13
3-1.2. DAILY INSPECTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
3-1.3. INSULATED TOOLS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
3-2 VEHICLE IMMOBILIZATION AND STABILIZATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
3-3 HOW TO HANDLE A DAMAGED VEHICLE AT AN ACCIDENT SCENE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 3-3.1. HIGH VOLTAGE SYSTEM SHUT-DOWN PROCEDURES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
3-3.2. WATER SUBMERSION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
3-3.3. VEHICLE FIRE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
3-3.4. CUTTING THE VEHICLE BODY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
3-3.5. LI-ION BATTERY DAMAGE AND FLUID LEAKS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
3-3.6. ACCESSING THE OCCUPANTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
3-4 STORING THE VEHICLE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
4. EMERGENCY QUICK REFERENCE GUIDE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
3

2-1.1 Li-ion Battery Pack Specifications
Li-ion battery voltage
360V nominal
(240V - 398.4V usable range)
Number of Li-ion battery modules in the pack 48
Li-ion battery dimensions 60.91 x 46.77 x 10.39 in. (1547 x 1188 x 264 mm)
Li-ion battery weight 606 lbs (275 kg)
2-2 High Voltage Safety Measures Circuit insulation
The high voltage positive (+) and negative (-) circuits are insulated
from
the metal chassis.
Reducing the risk of electrocution The high voltage components and harnesses have insulated cases or orange-colored coverings which provide insulation and easy
identification.
The high voltage battery case is electrically connected to the vehicle ground.
This connection helps protect the vehicle occupants and emergency
responders from high voltage electrical shock.
Identification The high voltage components are labeled “WARNING” similar to label
shown below. All high voltage harnesses are coated in orange.
2-2.1 Warning Label AAYIA0147ZZ
10

3. Emergency Response Steps
• Failure to properly shut down the high voltage electrical system before the
Emergency Response Procedures are performed will result in serious injury or death
from electrical shock. To prevent serious injury or death, DO NOT touch high voltage
harnesses or components without always wearing appropriate Personal Protective
Equipment (PPE) .
• If it is necessary to touch any of the high voltage harnesses or components you
must
always wear appropriate PPE to avoid electrical shock. Shut down the high
voltage system by following the steps outlined in 3-3.1 High Voltage System Shut-
Down

Procedures. Wait at least ten (10) minutes for complete discharge of the high
voltage

capacitor after the high voltage system has been shut down. • NEVER assume the LEAF is shut OFF simply because it is quiet.
• If the READY indicator or charging indicator are ON, the high voltage system is
active.
• If possible, be sure to verify that the READY indicator on the instrument cluster
is

OFF and the high voltage system is stopped.
• Some of the under hood parts get hot and may cause serious burns. Use caution when working on or around these parts.
3-1 Preparation Items Preparation Items
Specification Purpose
Personal
Protective Equip-
ment (PPE):
Insulated gloves Up to 1,000V
For
protection from high voltage elec-
trical shock
Insulated shoes –
Safety

shield –
W

renches Size:10mm
T
o remove the service plug access
cover bolts.
To remove the 12V battery terminal bolt.
12

Preparation Items
Specification Purpose
Solvent resistant protection
gloves –
To utilize in the event of a Li-ion bat-
tery electrolytic solution leak.
Solvent resistant protection
shoes –
Absorbent pad The same pad used for internal
combustion engine fluids can be
used. To absorb any Li-ion battery electro-
lytic solution leakage.
Standard fire fighting equip-
ment Standard fire fighting equipment
Depending on type of fire (vehicle
or battery) use standard fire
fighting equipment (water or
extinguisher) . To extinguish a fire.
Insulated tape Insulating To cover any damaged harnesses to
protect from and prevent electrical
shock. Tape should cover all bare or
damaged wire.
3-1.1 Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Protective Wear Control
Perform an inspection of the Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) items before beginning work. Do not use
any damaged PPE items.
3-1.2 Daily Inspection
This inspection is performed before and after use. The responder who will be using the items should
perform the inspection and check for deterioration and damage. • Insulated rubber gloves should be inspected for scratches, holes and tears. (Visual check and airleakage test)
• Insulated safety boots should be inspected for holes, damage, nails, metal pieces, wear or other problems on the soles. (Visual check)
• Insulated rubber sheet should be inspected for tears. (Visual check)
3-1.3 Insulated Tools
When performing work at locations where high voltage is applied (such as terminals) , use insulated tools
meeting 1,000V/300A specifications.
13

3-3 How to Handle a Damaged Vehicle at an Accident Scene
NO
TE:
If any air bags have deployed in the following 3 situations, the high-voltage (HV) system has
been automatically shut off at the time of deployment.
The Nissan LEAF high-voltage system incorporates capacitors which are energized whenever the high-
voltage system is on. If the high-voltage system is shut down (either through one of the built-in automatic
mechanisms or manually through one of the procedures explained in this FRG) , the capacitors will begin to
gradually discharge. After 5 minutes, the voltage level will have dropped below 60V, and complete
discharge requires approximately 10 minutes after high-voltage system shut down. It is within
this period of time that responders must be most cautious.
When arriving to an incident involving a Nissan LEAF, the vehicle should be approached with caution and
inspected for the level of damage. In addition to overall vehicle condition (location and severity of body
damage, air bag deployment, etc.) , the high-voltage system should be assessed specifically. The locations
of the high-voltage component parts are illustrated in this FRG. Refer to 2-1 High Voltage-Related and 12V-
Related

Component Locations and Descriptions . Appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) must
always

be worn when approaching a vehicle of unknown condition, as described in this FRG.
Situation 1) High voltage system intact, occupants can be accessed without extrication tools
The HV system can be shut down by following the procedures in this guide, while wearing appropriate PPE.
After HV system shut down, occupant assistance can begin immediately, and no wait period is necessary.
Situation 2) High voltage system intact, occupants cannot be accessed without extrication tools
The HV system can be shut down by following the procedure in this guide, while wearing appropriate PPE.
After HV system shut down, absolute care must be taken not to cut through or damage any HV system
wiring, battery or components within ten (10) minutes of HV system shut down, but occupant
assistance operations using extrication equipment can begin immediately. The locations of the HV
components are illustrated in this guide.
Situation 3) High-voltage (HV) system damaged
If there is any evidence that the HV system has been compromised (such as arcing/sparking, orange wiring
harnesses cut or damaged, HV component casings damaged, etc.) , the responder may still be at risk of
high voltage exposure. The vehicle must be approached with extreme caution prior to initiating any system
shut down procedures or rendering assistance to occupants. Appropriate PPE must always be worn as
described in this guide, and the ten (10) minute wait time must be observed after HV system shut
down in order to ensure the system is de-energized.
In rare situations where vehicle damage is very severe, HV system shut down procedures as described in
this guide may not work. In these instances extreme caution and appropriate risk management must be
followed to prevent shock or electrocution to the responder or occupant.
3-3.1 High Voltage System Shut-Down Procedures
Once the high voltage battery is properly discharged, any of the following procedures can shut down and
isolate the high voltage system. The first response operation should only begin after shutting down the high
voltage system. If the vehicle is heavily damaged, for example the Li-ion battery is deformed, broken or
cracked, appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) must always be used and the Li-ion battery and
high voltage components must not be touched.
15

• Failure to properly shut down the high voltage system before the Emergency
Response Procedures are performed will result in serious injury or death from
electrical shock. To prevent serious injury or death, DO NOT touch high voltage
harnesses or components without always wearing appropriate Personal Protective
Equipment (PPE) .
• When contact with high voltage components or high voltage harnesses is
unavoidable,
or when there is risk of such contact, you must always wear appropriate
PPE. • If the charge connector is connected to the vehicle, remove it. Refer to
Removing the
Charge

Connector .
• The vehicle contains parts that contain powerful magnets. If a person who is wearing
a

pacemaker or other medical device is close to these parts, the medical device may be
affected by the magnets. Such persons must not perform work on the vehicle.
• Be sure to verify that the READY indicator is off and the high voltage system is
stopped.
•

After the high voltage system is shut down, please wait at least ten (10) minutes for
complete discharge of the high voltage capacitor. While waiting, do not operate any vehicle
functions.
NOTE:
The high voltage full discharge takes ten (10) minutes, but after five (5) minutes the voltage
has dropped below 60V.
• After shutting down the high voltage system and removing the 12V battery negative (-) terminal, wait at least three (3) minutes to discharge the air bag capacitor. Even though the
12V battery negative (-) is disconnected, the Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) air bag
maintains voltage at least three (3) minutes. During this time, there is a possibility of
sudden SRS air bag inflation due to harness short circuit or damage and it may cause
serious injuries.
• Always shut down the high voltage system before disconnecting the 12V battery. Not doing so may result in serious injury or death from electrical shock.
• The 12V system will remain active even after the 12V battery negative (-) terminal is removed while the high voltage system is active. The high voltage system is active during
any of the following conditions:
– charging indicator is turned ON
– READY indicator is turned ON
Refer to 1-1.2 Interior Component Location for location of these indicators. This is because
DC/DC

converter will not shut down and power will be supplied to the 12V system and
high voltage system continuously.
16

5. Open the hood.
6.
Disconnect the negative (-) 12V battery cable (1) .
Insulate the negative (-) battery cable terminal with
insulated tape.
NOTE: : Arrow in illustration depicts vehicle front
direction.
7. Wait

at least ten (10) minutes for complete discharge of the high voltage capacitor after
the power switch has been turned OFF.
8. Perform the first response action.
Alternate Procedure 1 (Remove Fuses) 1. Open the hood. AAYIA0145ZZ
1
AAYIA0149ZZ AAYIA0145ZZ
20

4. Remove the fuse box cover and remove the 20A VCM fuse.
NO TE: : Arrow in illustration depicts vehicle front direction.
5.

If you cannot identify the above fuses, remove all fuses in the fuse boxes.
6. Disconnect the negative (-) 12V battery cable (1) . Insulate the negative (-) battery cable terminal with
insulated tape.
NOTE: : Arrow in illustration depicts vehicle front
direction.
7. Wait

at least ten (10) minutes for complete discharge of the high voltage capacitor after
the fuses are pulled.
8. Perform the first response action. To avoid unintended reinstallation and risk of electrical shock and severe personal
injury
or death, the rescuer should carry the fuses on his/her person and cover the fuse box
with insulated tape. 20A VCM (Yellow)
AAYIA0054GB 1
AAYIA0149ZZ
22