maintenance NISSAN LEAF 2013 1.G Workshop Manual

1Tire size (example: P215/60R16 94H)
1. P: The “P” indicates the tire is designed for passenger vehicles. (Not all tires have this
information.)
2. Three-digit number (215): This number gives the width in millimeters of the tire from side-
wall edge to sidewall edge.
3. Two-digit number (60): This number, known as the aspect ratio, gives the tire’s ratio of
height to width.
4. R: The “R” stands for radial. 5. Two-digit number (16): This number is the
wheel or rim diameter in inches.
6. Two- or three-digit number (94): This number is the tire’s load index. It is a measurement of
how much weight each tire can support. You
may not find this information on all tires be-
cause it is not required by law.
7. H: Tire speed rating. You should not drive the vehicle faster than the tire speed rating.
2TIN (Tire Identification Number) for a new
tire (example: DOT XX XX XXX XXXX)
1. DOT: Abbreviation for the “Department of Transportation”. The symbol can be placed
above, below or to the left or right of the Tire
Identification Number.
2. Two-digit code: Manufacturer’s identification mark
3. Two-digit code: Tire size
4. Three-digit code: Tire type code (Optional)
5. Three-digit code: Date of Manufacture
6. Four numbers represent the week and year the tire was built. For example, the numbersExample
Example
Maintenance and do-it yourself8-29

3103 means the 31st week of 2003. If these
numbers are missing, then look on the other
sidewall of the tire.
3Tire ply composition and material
The number of layers or plies of rubber-coated
fabric in the tire.
Tire manufacturers also must indicate the ma-
terials in the tire, which include steel, nylon,
polyester, and others.
4Maximum permissible inflation pressure
This number is the greatest amount of air
pressure that should be put in the tire. Do not
exceed the maximum permissible inflation
pressure.
5Maximum load rating
This number indicates the maximum load in
kilograms and pounds that can be carried by
the tire. When replacing the tires on the ve-
hicle, always use a tire that has the same load
rating as the factory installed tire.
6Term of “tubeless” or “tube type”
Indicates whether the tire requires an inner
tube (“tube type”) or not (“tubeless”) .
7The word “radial”
The word “radial” is shown, if the tire has radial
structure.
8Manufacturer or brand name
Manufacturer or brand name is shown.
Other tire-related terminology:
In addition to the many terms that are defined
throughout this section, Intended Outboard
Sidewall is (1) the sidewall that contains a white-
wall, bears white lettering or bears manufacturer,
brand and/or model name molding that is higher
or deeper than the same molding on the other
sidewall of the tire, or (2) the outward facing
sidewall of an asymmetrical tire that has a par-
ticular side that must always face outward when
mounted on a vehicle.
TYPES OF TIRES
WARNING
When changing or replacing tires, be sure all four tires are of the same type
(Example: Summer, All Season or
Snow) and construction. A NISSAN
certified LEAF dealer may be able to
help you with information about tire
type, size, speed rating and availabil-
ity. Replacement tires may have a lower
speed rating than the factory equipped
tires, and may not match the potential
maximum vehicle speed. Never exceed
the maximum speed rating of the tire.
Replacing tires with those not origi- nally specified by NISSAN could affect
the proper operation of the TPMS.
For additional information regarding tires, refer to “Important Tire Safety
Information” (US) or “Tire Safety Infor-
mation” (Canada) in the Warranty In-
formation Booklet.
All season tires
NISSAN specifies all season tires on some mod-
els to provide good performance all year, includ-
ing snowy and icy road conditions. All Season
tires are identified by ALL SEASON and/or M&S
(Mud and Snow) on the tire sidewall. Snow tires
have better snow traction than All Season tires
and may be more appropriate in some areas.
Summer tires
NISSAN specifies summer tires on some models
to provide superior performance on dry roads.
Summer tire performance is substantially re-
duced in snow and ice. Summer tires do not have
the tire traction rating M&S on the tire sidewall.
8-30Maintenance and do-it yourself

If you plan to operate your vehicle in snowy or icy
conditions, NISSAN recommends the use of
SNOW tires or ALL SEASON tires on all four
wheels.
Snow tires
If snow tires are needed, it is necessary to select
tires equivalent in size and load rating to the
original equipment tires. If you do not, it can
adversely affect the safety and handling of your
vehicle.
Generally, snow tires will have lower speed rat-
ings than factory equipped tires and may not
match the potential maximum vehicle speed.
Never exceed the maximum speed rating of the
tire.
If you install snow tires, they must be the same
size, brand, construction and tread pattern on all
four wheels.
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
Use of tire chains may be prohibited according to
location. Check the local laws before installing
tire chains. When installing tire chains, make sure
they are the proper size for the tires on your
vehicle and are installed according to the chain
manufacturer’s suggestions.
Use only SAE Class S chains.Class “S”
chains are used on vehicles with restricted tire to
vehicle clearance. Vehicles that can use Class
“S” chains are designed to meet the SAE stan-
dard minimum clearances between the tire and
the closest vehicle suspension or body compo-
nent required to accommodate the use of a win-
ter traction device (tire chains or cables) . The
minimum clearances are determined using the
factory equipped tire size. Other types may dam-
age your vehicle.
Use chain tensioners when recommended by the
tire chain manufacturer to ensure a tight fit. Loose
end links of the tire chain must be secured or
removed to prevent the possibility of whipping
action damage to the fenders or underbody. If
possible, avoid fully loading your vehicle when
using tire chains. In addition, drive at a reduced
speed. Otherwise, your vehicle may be damaged and/or vehicle handling and performance may be
adversely affected.
Tire chains must be installed only on the
front wheels and not on the rear wheels.
Do not use tire chains on dry roads. Driving with
tire chains in such conditions can cause damage
to the various mechanisms of the vehicle due to
some overstress.
Maintenance and do-it yourself8-31

CHANGING WHEELS AND TIRES
Tire rotation
NISSAN recommends rotating the tires every
7,500 miles (12,000 km) .
As soon as possible, tighten the wheel nuts
to the specified torque using a torque
wrench.Wheel nut tightening torque:83 ft-lb (112 N·m) The wheel nuts must be kept tightened to
the specification at all times. It is recom-
mended that wheel nuts be tightened to the
specification at each tire rotation interval.
WARNING
After rotating the tires, check and ad- just the tire pressure.
Retighten the wheel nuts when the ve- hicle has been driven for 600 miles
(1,000 km) (also in cases of a flat tire,
etc.) .
For additional information regarding tires, refer to “Important Tire Safety
Information” (US) or “Tire Safety Infor-
mation” (Canada) in the Warranty In-
formation Booklet. 1. Wear indicator
2. Wear indicator location mark
Tire wear and damage
WARNING
Tires should be periodically inspected for wear, cracking, bulging or objects
caught in the tread. If excessive wear,
cracks, bulging or deep cuts are found,
the tire(s) should be replaced.
8-32Maintenance and do-it yourself

The original tires have built-in treadwear indicators. When wear indicators
are visible, the tire(s) should be re-
placed.
Tires degrade with age and use. Have tires, over 6 years old checked by a
qualified technician, because some
tire damage may not be obvious. Re-
place the tires as necessary to prevent
tire failure and possible personal in-
jury.
For additional information regarding tires, refer to “Important Tire Safety
Information” (US) or “Tire Safety Infor-
mation” (Canada) in the Warranty In-
formation Booklet.
Replacing wheels and tires
When replacing a tire, use the same size, tread
design, speed rating and load carrying capacity
as originally equipped. See Specificationsin
the Technical and consumer information sec-
tion for recommended types and sizes of tires
and wheels.
WARNING
The use of tires other than those rec- ommended or the mixed use of tires of
different brands, construction (bias,
bias-belted or radial) , or tread patterns
can adversely affect the ride, braking,
handling, ground clearance, body-to-
tire clearance, tire chain clearance,
speedometer calibration, headlight
aim and bumper height. Some of these
effects may lead to accidents and
could result in serious personal injury.
If your vehicle was originally equipped with 4 tires that were the same size
and you are only replacing 2 of the 4
tires, install the new tires on the rear
axle. Placing new tires on the front
axle may cause loss of vehicle control
in some driving conditions and cause
an accident and personal injury. If the wheels are changed for any rea-
son, always replace with wheels which
have the same off-set dimension.
Wheels of a different off-set could
cause premature tire wear, degrade
vehicle handling characteristics
and/or interference with the brake
discs. Such interference can lead to
decreased braking efficiency and/or
early brake pad/shoe wear. See
Wheels and tires in theTechnical
and consumer information
section of
this manual for wheel off-set dimen-
sions.
When a wheel is replaced, the TPMS will not function and the low tire pres-
sure warning light will flash for ap-
proximately 1 minute. The light will re-
main on after 1 minute. Contact your
NISSAN certified LEAF dealer as soon
as possible for tire replacement
and/or system resetting.
Replacing tires with those not origi- nally specified by NISSAN could affect
the proper operation of the TPMS.
Do not install a damaged or deformed wheel or tire even if it has been re-
paired. Such wheels or tires could
have structural damage and could fail
without warning.
Maintenance and do-it yourself8-33

The use of retread tire is not recom-mended.
For additional information regarding tires, refer to “Important Tire Safety
Information” (US) or “Tire Safety Infor-
mation” (Canada) in the Warranty In-
formation Booklet.
Wheel balance
Unbalanced wheels may affect vehicle handling
and tire life. Even with regular use, wheels can get
out of balance. Therefore, they should be bal-
anced as required.
Wheel balance service should be per-
formed with the wheels off the vehicle.
Spin balancing the wheels on the vehicle
could lead to mechanical damage.
For additional information regarding tires, refer to
“Important Tire Safety Information” (US) or “Tire
Safety Information” (Canada) in the Warranty In-
formation Booklet.
Care of wheels
See Cleaning exterior in theAppearance and
care section for details about care of the wheels.
EMERGENCY TIRE PUNCTURE
REPAIR KIT
The emergency tire puncture repair kit (Emer-
gency Tire Sealant) is supplied with the vehicle
instead of a spare tire. It can be used to tempo-
rarily repair minor tire punctures.
If possible, have the vehicle towed to a facility that
can repair or replace the flat tire. Using the emer-
gency tire puncture repair kit may cause a mal-
function of the tire pressure sensor and cause the
low tire pressure warning light to illuminate.
SeeFlat tire for more details.
8-34Maintenance and do-it yourself

The following are approximate capacities. The actual refill capacities may be slightly different. When refilling, follow the procedure that
is described in the “Maintenance and do-it-yourself” section to determine the proper refill capacity.
Capacity (approximate)Recommended specifications
US measure Imp measure Liter
Cooling system With reservoir 5-5/8 qt 4-5/8 qt 5.3
Pre-diluted Genuine NISSAN Long Life Antifreeze/Coolant
(blue) or equivalent
Reservoir 1/2 qt 1/2 qt 0.5
Reduction gear fluid 1-1/2 qt 1-1/4 qt 1.4 Genuine NISSAN Matic Fluid S*1
Brake fluid Refill to the proper oil level according to
the instructions in the “Maintenance and
do-it-yourself” section.Genuine NISSAN Super Heavy Duty Brake Fluid*2 or
equivalent DOT 3
Multi-purpose grease —— — NLGI No. 2 (Lithium soap base)
Air conditioning system refrigerant —— — HFC-134a (R-134a)*3
Air conditioning system lubricants —— — NISSAN A/C System Oil ND-OIL11 or equivalent
*1: Use only Genuine NISSAN Matic Fluid S. Using reduction gear fluid other than Genuine NISSAN Matic Fluid S will damage the re-
duction gear, which is not covered by the NISSAN new vehicle limited warranty.
*2: Available in mainland US through a NISSAN certified LEAF dealer.
*3: For additional information, see Vehicle identificationfor air conditioner specification label.
CAPACITIES AND RECOMMENDED
LUBRICANTS
9-2Technical and consumer information

In addition to Event Data Recorders (EDRs) dis-
cussed elsewhere in this Owner’s Manual, this
vehicle is equipped with electronic modules that
monitor, control and record data concerning vari-
ous vehicle systems, including the motor, batter-
ies, braking and electrical systems. Other elec-
tronic modules record information concerning
driving conditions, including idling, braking, ac-
celeration, trip and other related data, information
about your use of the car and its features such as
air conditioner or headlight usage, diagnostic
trouble codes, vehicle charging, vehicle speed,
direction and/or location.
Some of this data is stored by the vehicle for use
during vehicle servicing. Other data concerning
your vehicle’s operation and performance is wire-
lessly transmitted by cellular connection through
the vehicle onboard telematics system upon ve-
hicle start-up or at other intervals to NISSAN.
This data may be used by NISSAN for various
purposes, including: to provide you with CAR-
WINGS™ services (see LEAF Navigation System
Owner’s Manual for details); troubleshooting;
evaluation of your vehicle’s quality, functionality
and performance; analysis and research by
NISSAN designed to, among other things, opti-
mize performance of future electric vehicles in-
cluding improvements in future battery life; tooffer you new or additional products or services;
and as otherwise may be required by law. Such
data may be shared with NISSAN’s parents, sub-
sidiaries, affiliates, successors or assignees; au-
thorized NISSAN certified LEAF dealers; NIS-
SAN’s marketing partners; your fleet company, if
your vehicle is a fleet vehicle; your rental com-
pany, if your vehicle is a rental vehicle; and third
party service providers such as cellular, informa-
tion systems and data management providers.
State laws allow access and use of data re-
corded by vehicle devices with the consent of the
vehicle owner or pursuant to subscription agree-
ment. While you are not required to allow such
access and use, if you do not so agree NISSAN
may be unable under applicable law to activate
the vehicle telematics system in your vehicle, and
certain features of your vehicle which are depen-
dent on vehicle telematics will not operate as
intended or designed. These may include fea-
tures such as automatic charging station map
updates, remote battery state of charge check,
charging complete notice, remote plug in re-
minder, remote charging on, remote climate con-
trol on, drive route planning, driving tips to im-
prove range, driving history, billing simulation,
ECO ranking, ECO forest, maintenance remind-
ers, etc. Other features that may be developedand offered by NISSAN in the future may also not
function without telematics data transmission.
CARWINGS™ telematics services are provided
by NISSAN pursuant to a subscription services
agreement covering your vehicle. This agreement
is necessary for all owners. This agreement, and
an explanation of its terms and conditions, can be
found at the NISSAN Owner’s Portal webpage.
Further, the operator of the vehicle must also
touch [OK] on the Navi screen to indicate assent
each time he or she starts the car. If you decide at
any time that you do not want your vehicle to
transmit data to NISSAN, you can deactivate the
telematics account associated with this vehicle
by canceling the subscription services agree-
ment by visiting the NISSAN Owner’s Portal
Webpage or calling NISSAN at 1-877-
NOGASEV (1-877-664-2738) . The service can
be reactivated later upon request if you choose.
Simply visit the same website or call the number
above. Alternatively, you can turn off the transmis-
sion of certain categories of data through the use
of settings found in the Navigation system under
Menu, CARWINGS™, Vehicle Information Shar-
ing with NISSAN. Note, turning off “Vehicle Infor-
mation Sharing with NISSAN” will only disable
the automatic sharing of information at vehicle
start-up. Certain categories of data may still be
TELEMATICS OVERVIEW
9-16Technical and consumer information

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

Li-ion battery status check..........CH-31
Li-ion battery temperature gauge .........2-7
Li-ion battery warmer ..............EV-5
Limited power ..................2-33
Loading information (See vehicle loading
information) ....................9-10
Lock ........................3-5
Automatic door locks ............3-5
Door locks .................. .3-3
Power door lock .............. .3-3
Rear hatch lock .............. .3-17
Long life mode.................CH-26
Low tire pressure warning light .........2-16
Low tire pressure warning system (See tire
pressure monitoring system (TPMS)) ......5-2
Luggage side hook ...............2-54
M
Maintenance...................8-11
12-volt battery ............... .8-11
General maintenance ............8-2
Indicators for maintenance ........2-34
Inside vehicle ................ .8-3
Maintenance precautions ..........8-5
Maintenance requirements .........8-2
Outside vehicle ............... .8-2
Seat belt maintenance ...........1-14
Manual front seat adjustment ...........1-3
Maplights ....................2-57 Mechanical key (Intelligent Key system)
.....3-3
Meters and gauges ................2-5
Mirror .......................3-22
Inside rearview mirror ............3-22
Outside mirrors .............. .3-23
Vanity mirror ................ .3-24
Motor....................5-10,9-6
Before starting system...........5-10
Motor compartment................8-7
N
NISSAN Intelligent Key® system ......3-6,5-7
Key operating range of the door
lock/unlock function.............3-8
Key operation ................ .3-9
NISSAN Vehicle Immobilizer System ......2-37
Normalcharge .................CH-9
Home charge ............... .CH-9
Occasional charge .............CH-9
Public charge ............... .CH-9
O
Odometer.....................2-6
Off-road recovery .................5-5
Oil .........................9-2
Capacities and recommended
lubricants .................. .9-2
Opening rear hatch...............3-10 Outside air temperature
.............2-10
Outside mirrors .................3-23
Owner’s Manual/Service Manual order
information ....................9-18
P
Panic alarm....................3-14
Parking ......................5-14
Parking on hills .............. .5-18
Parking brake break-in..............5-21
Power .......................3-3
Power door lock .............. .3-3
Power steering system ...........5-19
Power windows .............. .2-54
Powereconomy.................5-17
Powermeter....................2-7
Power outlet...................2-50
Power steering system .............5-19
Powerswitch.................5-7,5-8
Precautions ....................5-19
Brake precautions .............5-19
Charging ................. .CH-2
Child restraints .............. .1-17
Cruise control ............... .5-15
High voltage precautions .........EV-7
Maintenance ................. .8-5
Road accident precautions ........EV-8
Seat belt usage ............... .1-7
Supplemental restraint system ......1-34
10-4Index