instrument panel NISSAN LEAF 2013 1.G Owner's Manual

The autolight system can turn on the headlights
automatically when it is dark and turn off the
headlights when it is light.
For US models: The headlights will also be turned
on automatically at twilight or in rainy weather
(when the windshield wiper is operated continu-
ously) .
If the power switch is placed in the OFF position
and one of the doors is opened and this condition
continues, the headlights remain on for 45 sec-
onds.
Automatic headlights off delay:
You can keep the headlights on for up to 180
seconds after you push the power switch to OFF
and open any door then close all the doors.
You can adjust the period of the automatic head-
lights off delay from 0 seconds (OFF) to 180
seconds. The factory default setting is 45 sec-
onds.
For automatic headlights off delay setting, see
the LEAF Navigation System Owner’s Manual.Be sure not to put anything on top of the
photo sensor
1located on the top of the
instrument panel. The photo sensor con-
trols the autolight; if it is covered, the
photo sensor reacts as if it is dark and the
headlights will illuminate.Headlight beam select
1To select the low beam, put the lever in the
neutral position as shown.
2To select the high beam, push the lever
forward while the switch is in the
position. Pull it back to select the low
beam.
3Pulling the lever toward you will flash the
headlight high beam even when the head-
light switch is in the OFF position.
Instruments and controls2-43

The power outlet is located in the instrument
panel.
CAUTION
The outlet and plug may be hot during or immediately after use.
Do not use with accessories that ex- ceed a 12-volt, 120W (10A) power
draw. Do not use double adapters or
more than one electrical accessory.
Use the power outlet with the power switch is in the ON or READY to drive
position to avoid discharging the 12-
volt battery. Avoid using the power outlet when the
air conditioner, headlights or rear win-
dow defroster are on.
This power outlet is not designed for use with a cigarette lighter unit.
Push the plug in as far as it will go. If good contact is not made, the plug
may overheat or the internal tempera-
ture fuse may open.
Before inserting or disconnecting a plug, make sure that the electrical ac-
cessory being used is turned OFF.
When not in use, be sure to close the cap. Do not allow water to contact the
outlet.
CUP HOLDERS
CAUTION
Avoid abrupt starting and braking when the cup holder is being used to
prevent spilling the drink. If the liquid
is hot, it can scald you or your passen-
ger.
Use only soft cups in the cup holder. Hard objects can injure you in an acci-
dent.
Front
POWER OUTLET STORAGE
2-50Instruments and controls

Switching procedure:
To switch the hazard indicator and horn (chime)
operation, push the LOCK
1and UN-
LOCK
2buttons on the Intelligent Key
simultaneously for more than 2 seconds.
When the hazard indicator mode is set, the hazard indicator flashes 3 times.
When the hazard indicator and horn mode is set, the hazard indicator flashes once and the
horn chirps once.
WARNING
Make sure that the hood is completely closed and latched before driving.
Failure to do so could cause the hood
to open during driving and result in an
accident.
If steam or smoke is emitting from the motor compartment, do not open the
hood. Doing so could cause an injury. When opening the hood:
1. Securely close the charge port door.
2. Pull the hood release handle
1located be-
low the instrument panel. The hood will then
spring up slightly.
3. Locate the lever
2in between the hood and
charge port lid, and push the lever upward
with your fingertips.
4. Raise the hood
3.
5. Remove the support rod
4from the hood
and insert it into the slot
5.
HOOD
3-16Pre-driving checks and adjustments

SECONDARY REAR HATCH
RELEASE
The secondary rear hatch release mechanism
allows the rear hatch to be opened in the event of
a discharged battery, etc.
Push the lever up to open the rear hatch with a
suitable tool.
If you had to open the rear hatch using this
lever, have the vehicle checked by a
NISSAN dealer as soon as possible.
OPENING CHARGE PORT LID
CAUTION
Make sure that the charge port lid is
completely closed and latched before
driving. Failure to do so could cause the
lid to open suddenly during driving.
When opening the charge port lid perform one of
the following:
Push the charge port lid opener switch locatedon the instrument panel, or
Press and hold the charge port unlock button on the Intelligent Key for more than 1 second.
Switch
CHARGE PORT LID
3-18Pre-driving checks and adjustments

If the Intelligent Key is within the operating range,
it is possible for anyone, even someone who does
not carry the Intelligent Key, to push the power
switch to start the EV (Electric Vehicle) system.
The cargo area is not included in the operatingrange but the Intelligent Key may function.
If the Intelligent Key is placed on the instrument panel, inside the glove box or door pocket, the
Intelligent Key may not function.
If the Intelligent Key is placed near a door or window outside the vehicle, the Intelligent Key
may not function.
POWER SWITCH OPERATION
When the power switch is pushed without de-
pressing the brake pedal, the power switch posi-
tion will change as follows.
Push once to change to ACC.
Push two times to change to ON.
Push three times to change to OFF.
Push four times to return to ACC.
Open or close any door to return to LOCK whilein the OFF position. The indicator light
Aon the power switch illumi-
nates when the power switch is in the ACC or
ON position.
The power lock is designed so that the power
switch position cannot be switched to LOCK
until the vehicle is into the P (Park) position.
When the power switch cannot be switched to
the LOCK position, proceed as follows.
1. Push the P (Park) position switch on the shift lever to place the vehicle in the P (Park)
position.
2. Push the power switch to the OFF position. The power switch position indicator
Awill
not illuminate.
3. Open the door. The power switch will change to the LOCK position.
POWER SWITCH POSITIONS
LOCK (Normal parking position)
The power switch can only be locked in this
position.
The power switch will be unlocked when it is
pushed to the ACC position while the driver is
carrying the Intelligent Key.
*: Push while the brake pedal is depressed.
5-8Starting and driving

Parking brake break-in
Break in the parking brake shoes whenever the
holding effect of the parking brake is weakened
or whenever the parking brake shoes are re-
placed, in order to maintain optimum braking
performance.
This procedure is described in the vehicle Ser-
vice Manual, and it can be performed by a
NISSAN certified LEAF dealer.
ANTI-LOCK BRAKING SYSTEM
(ABS)
WARNING
The Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) is a sophisticated device, but it cannot
prevent accidents resulting from care-
less or dangerous driving techniques.
It can help maintain vehicle control
during braking on slippery surfaces.
Remember that stopping distances on
slippery surfaces will be longer than
on normal surfaces even with ABS.
Stopping distances may also be longer
on rough, gravel or snow covered
roads, or if you are using tire chains.
Always maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in front of you. Ultimately,
the driver is responsible for safety.
Tire type and condition may also affect braking effectiveness.
– When replacing tires, install thespecified size of tires on all four
wheels.
– For detailed information, see
Wheels and tires in theMainte-
nance and do-it-yourself section of
this manual.
The Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) controls the
brakes so the wheels do not lock during hard
braking or when braking on slippery surfaces.
The system detects the rotation speed at each
wheel and varies the brake fluid pressure to pre-
vent each wheel from locking and sliding. By
preventing each wheel from locking, the system
helps the driver maintain steering control and
helps to minimize swerving and spinning on slip-
pery surfaces.
Using the system
Depress the brake pedal and hold it down. De-
press the brake pedal with firm steady pressure,
but do not pump the brakes. The ABS will oper-
ate to prevent the wheels from locking up. Steer
the vehicle to avoid obstacles.
WARNING
Do not pump the brake pedal. Doing so
may result in increased stopping dis-
tances.
Self-test feature
The ABS includes electronic sensors, electric
pumps, hydraulic solenoids and a computer. The
computer has a built-in diagnostic feature that
tests the system each time you push the power
switch in the READY to drive position and move
the vehicle at a low speed in forward or reverse.
When the self-test occurs, you may hear a
“clunk” noise and/or feel a pulsation in the brake
pedal. This is normal and does not indicate a
malfunction. If the computer senses a malfunc-
tion, it switches the ABS off and illuminates the
ABS warning light on the instrument panel. The
brake system then operates normally, but without
anti-lock assistance.
If the ABS warning light illuminates during the
self-test or while driving, have the vehicle
checked by a NISSAN certified LEAF dealer.
Starting and driving5-21

Normal operation
The ABS operates at speeds above 3 to 6 MPH
(5 to 10 km/h) . The speed varies according to
road conditions.
When the ABS senses that one or more wheels
are close to locking up, the actuator rapidly ap-
plies and releases hydraulic pressure. This action
is similar to pumping the brakes very quickly. You
may feel a pulsation in the brake pedal and hear a
noise from under the hood or feel a vibration from
the actuator when it is operating. This is normal
and indicates that the ABS is operating properly.
However, the pulsation may indicate that road
conditions are hazardous and extra care is re-
quired while driving.The Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) system uses
various sensors to monitor driver inputs and ve-
hicle motion. Under certain driving conditions,
the VDC system helps to perform the following
functions.
Controls brake pressure to reduce wheel slip on
one slipping drive wheel so power is transferred
to a drive wheel on the same axle that is not
slipping.
Controls brake pressure and traction motor out- put to reduce drive wheel slip based on vehicle
speed (traction control function) .
Controls brake pressure at individual wheels and traction motor output to help the driver
maintain control of the vehicle in the following
conditions. – understeer (vehicle tends to not follow the steered path despite increased steering in-
put)
– oversteer (vehicle tends to spin due to cer- tain road or driving conditions) .
The VDC system can help the driver to maintain
control of the vehicle, but it cannot prevent loss of
vehicle control in all driving situations.
When the VDC system operates, the
warning in the instrument panel flashes. When
the warning flashes, note the following items. The road may be slippery or the system may
determine some action is required to help keep
the vehicle on the steered path.
You may feel a pulsation in the brake pedal and hear a noise or vibration from under the hood.
This is normal and indicates that the VDC sys-
tem is working properly.
Adjust your speed and driving according to the road conditions.
See VDC warning light in theInstruments and
controls section and VDC OFF indicator light
in the Instruments and controls section.
If a malfunction occurs in the system, the
warning illuminates in the lower display. The VDC
system automatically turns off when this warning
light is lit.
The VDC OFF switch is used to turn off the VDC
system. The VDC off indicator
illuminates
to indicate that the VDC system is off. When the
VDC switch is used to turn off the system, the
VDC system still operates to prevent one drive
wheel from slipping by transferring power to a
drive wheel that is not slipping. The
warn-
ing flashes if this occurs. All other VDC functions
are off and the
warning will not flash. The
VDC System is automatically reset to ON when
VEHICLE DYNAMIC CONTROL (VDC)
SYSTEM
5-22Starting and driving

If the power limitation indicator lightillumi-
nates, the traction motor output is limited result-
ing in reduced vehicle speed. Stop the vehicle in
a safe location before the Li-ion battery becomes
completely discharged and no power is available
to drive the vehicle. Contact Roadside assis-
tance; see your NISSAN Warranty Information
Booklet.
If possible, place the power switch in the OFF
position while waiting for assistance to prevent
discharging the 12-volt battery.
NOTE:
If the Li-ion battery becomes completely
discharged:
The vehicle is automatically placed in the
ON position and it will not be possible to
switch to the READY position.
The vehicle is automatically switched to
the N (Neutral) position and it will not be
possible to drive the vehicle.
WARNING
If the vehicle is in the N (Neutral) position
and the Li-ion battery and the 12-volt
battery become completely discharged,
the vehicle can not be placed in the P
(Park) position. If this occurs, place suit-
able blocks at both the front and back of
a wheel to prevent the vehicle from mov-
ing. Failure to block a wheel may allow
the vehicle to move unexpectedly which
may result in serious personal injury or
death.
To place the vehicle in the READY position so the
vehicle can be driven, charge the Li-ion battery
until the driving range on the instrument panel
changes from “---” to a numeric distance. Do not attempt to start the system by pushing the
vehicle.
CAUTION
An EV (Electric Vehicle) cannot be push-
started or tow-started. Attempting to do
so may cause traction motor damage.
IF THE LI-ION BATTERY BECOMES
COMPLETELY DISCHARGED PUSH STARTING
6-12In case of emergency

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
Generalmaintenance...............8-2
Glovebox.....................2-52
H
Hazard warning flasher switch ..........6-2
Headlights ....................8-22
Bulb replacement ............. .8-22
Headlight switch ............. .2-42
Head restraints..................1-4
Heatedseatswitch ...............2-47
Heated steering wheel switch .........2-45
High voltage precautions ............EV-7
HillStart .....................5-24
Hill Start Assist ..................5-24
HomeLink® universal transceiver ........2-58
Hood release ...................3-16
Horn .......................2-46
Howtonormalcharge.............CH-9
Howtoquickcharge.............CH-15
How to trickle charge (if so equipped) ....CH-11
I
If the Li-ion battery becomes completely
discharged....................6-12
Immediate charge ...............CH-31
Immobilizer system ................2-37
In-cabin microfilter ................4-16
Indicatorlights..................2-19
Indicators for operation .............2-23
Inside rearview mirror ..............3-22
Instrument brightness control ..........2-41
Instrument panel ..................2-4
Intelligent Key system ..............3-13
Remote keyless operation .........3-13
Interior light replacement............8-23
Interior lights ...................2-56
ISOFIX child restraint ..............1-18
J
Jump starting...................6-10
K
Keylessentry...................3-13
With Intelligent Key system (See
Intelligent Key system) ...........3-13
Keys ........................3-2
For Intelligent Key system ..........3-6
L
Labels.......................1-48
Air bag warning labels...........1-48
Air conditioner specification label .....9-9
Emission control information label . . . . .9-8
F.M.V.S.S./C.M.V.S.S. certification label. .9-8
Motor serial number .............9-8
Tire and Loading information
label .................. .8-27, 9-9
Vehicle identification number (VIN) . . . .9-7
LATCH system ..................1-18
License plate, Installing front license plate . . .9-9
Light .......................1-48
Air bag warning light ............1-48
Bulb replacement ............. .8-21
Ceiling light ................ .2-57
Fog light switch .............. .2-45
Headlights bulb replacement .......8-22
Headlight switch ............. .2-42
Indicator lights ............... .2-19
Interior lights ................ .2-56
Map lights ................. .2-57
Replacement ............... .8-21
Warning lights ............... .2-13
Lightreminderwarning .............2-25
Lights, Exterior and interior light
replacement...................8-23
Li-ion battery ...................EV-2
Li-ion battery available charge gauge ......2-9
Li-ion battery capacity level gauge .......2-10
Index10-3