battery replacement NISSAN LEAF 2013 1.G Owners Manual

NOTE:
If the outside temperature is 13°F
(25°C) or less, the Li-ion battery may
freeze and it cannot be charged or provide
power to run the vehicle. Move the vehicle
to a warm location.
The capacity of the Li-ion battery in your
vehicle to hold a charge will, like all such
batteries, decrease with time and usage.
As the battery ages and capacity de-
creases, this will result in a decrease from
the vehicle’s initial mileage range. This is
normal, expected, and not indicative of
any defect in your Li-ion battery. NISSAN
estimates that battery capacity will be ap-
proximately 80% of original capacity after
five years, although this is only an esti-
mate, and this percentage may vary (and
could be significantly lower) depending
on individual vehicle and Li-ion battery
usage.
The Li-ion battery has limited service life,
and when its charging capacity falls be-
low a specific level, the EV system warn-
ing light will illuminate. Owners should
bring their vehicle in for inspection and
possible battery replacement.
The Li-ion battery has a limited service
life. Contact a NISSAN certified LEAF
dealer for information about recycling or
disposal of the Li-ion battery. Do not at-
tempt to recycle or dispose of the Li-ion
battery yourself.
DRIVING WITH A DISCHARGED
LI-ION BATTERY
When a destination is set in the navigation sys-
tem that exceeds the available vehicle range, the
navigation system automatically searches the lo-
cation of nearby charging stations. When the
nearby charging station locations are displayed,
charge the Li-ion battery as soon as possible
(models with navigation system) .
Warning lights illuminate on the instrument panel
and messages are displayed on the dot matrix
liquid crystal display to inform you that the Li-ion
battery charge is low. Instructions are also dis-
played on the navigation system screen to direct
you to nearby charging stations (models with
navigation system) .
The vehicle’s range is very limited when these
warning lights illuminate and messages are dis-
played. Follow the instructions on the navigation
screen (models with navigation system) and im- mediately charge the vehicle at the nearest
charging station.
EV OverviewEV-3

charged in order to be driven. SeeLow battery
charge warning light.
Security indicator
light
This light blinks when the power switch is in the
ACC, OFF or LOCK position. This function indi-
cates the security system equipped on the ve-
hicle is operational.
If the security system is malfunctioning, this light
will remain on while the power switch is in the ON
position. For additional information, see Security
systems later in this section.
Turn signal/hazard indicator
lights
This light flashes when the turn signal switch
lever or hazard switch is turned on.
Vehicle Dynamic Control
(VDC) off indicator light
This light illuminates when the Vehicle Dynamic
Control (VDC) switch is pushed to OFF. This
indicates that the VDC system is not operating.
SeeVehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) system in
the Starting and driving section.
AUDIBLE REMINDERS
Brake pad wear warning
The disc brake pads have audible wear warnings.
When a brake pad requires replacement, it will
make a high pitched scraping sound when the
vehicle is in motion. This scraping sound will first
occur only when the brake pedal is depressed.
After more wear of the brake pad, the sound will
always be heard even if the brake pedal is not
depressed. Have the brakes checked as soon as
possible if the warning sound is heard.
Electric shift control system reminder
chime
If an improper shift operation is performed, for
safety reasons a chime will sound and at the
same time, depending on the conditions, the
operation will be cancelled or the shift position
will switch to the N position.
For more details, see Driving vehiclein the
Starting and driving section.
Key reminder chime
A chime will sound if the driver’s side door is
opened while the power switch is pushed to the
ON or ACC position. Make sure that the power switch is pushed to the
OFF position, and take the Intelligent Key with
you when leaving the vehicle.
Light reminder chime
The light reminder chime will sound when the
driver side door is opened with the light switch in
the
orposition, and the power
switch in the ACC, OFF or LOCK position.
Turn the light switch off when you leave the
vehicle.
Parking brake reminder chime
A chime sounds if the parking brake is set and the
vehicle is driven. The chime will stop if the parking
brake is released or the vehicle speed returns to
zero.
Power switch reminder chime (if so
equipped)
The power switch reminder chime will sound
when the driver’s door is opened while the power
switch is in the ON or READY position. Push the
power switch to the OFF position.
Instruments and controls2-21

1. READY to drive position operation
indicator
This indicator appears while the vehicle is in the P
(Park) position. This indicator means that the EV
(Electric Vehicle) system will start when the
power switch is pressed with the brake pedal
depressed.
2. Key is not detected warning
This warning appears in either of the following
conditions.
No key inside the vehicle:
This warning appears when the door is closed
with the Intelligent Key left outside the vehicle
and the power switch in the ACC or ON position.
Make sure that the Intelligent Key is inside the
vehicle.
Unregistered Intelligent Key:
This warning appears when the power switch is
placed in the ON, ACC or READY to drive posi-
tion and the Intelligent Key cannot be recognized
by the system. You cannot place the power
switch in the READY to drive position with an
unregistered key. Use an Intelligent Key that has
been registered.See
NISSAN Intelligent Key® system in the
Pre-driving checks and adjustments section for
more details.
3. Intelligent Key battery discharge
indicator
This indicator appears when the Intelligent Key
battery is running out of power.
If this indicator appears, replace the battery with
a new one. (See NISSAN Intelligent Key® bat-
tery replacement in theMaintenance and do-it-
yourself section.)
4. EV system operation for discharged
Intelligent Key system indicator
This indicator appears when the Intelligent Key
battery is running out of power and when the
Intelligent Key System and vehicle are not com-
municating normally.
If this indicator appears, touch the power switch
with the Intelligent Key while depressing the
brake pedal. (See NISSAN Intelligent Key® bat-
tery discharge in theStarting and driving sec-
tion.)
5. Door/rear hatch open warning
(power switch is in the ON position)
This warning appears if any of the doors and/or
the rear hatch are open or not closed securely.
The vehicle icon indicates which door or the rear
hatch is open on the display. Make sure that all of
the doors and the rear hatch are closed.
This warning also appears alternating with SHIFT
P warning while the driver’s door is opened with
the shift position in any position other than the P
(Park) position. See SHIFTPwarning (if so
equipped).
6. Intelligent Key system warning
This warning appears if there is a malfunction in
the Intelligent Key system.
If this warning appears while the power switch
position is in the ON position, the power switch
can not be switched to the READY to drive posi-
tion. If this warning appears while power switch is
in the READY to drive position, the vehicle can be
driven. However, contact a NISSAN certified
LEAF dealer.
7. Driver alert
This warning appears when the previously set
time for a break is reached. You can set the time
2-24Instruments and controls

In such cases, correct the operating conditions
before using the Intelligent Key function or use
the mechanical key.
Although the life of the battery varies depending
on the operating conditions, the battery’s life is
approximately 2 years. If the battery is dis-
charged, replace it with a new one.
When the Intelligent Key battery is almost dis-
charged, firmly apply the foot brake and touch the
power switch with the Intelligent Key. Then push
the power switch while depressing the brake
pedal within 10 seconds after the chime sound.
Since the Intelligent Key is continuously receiving
radio waves, if the key is left near equipment that
transmits strong radio waves, such as signals
from a TV or personal computer, the battery life
may become shorter.
For information regarding replacement of a bat-
tery, seeKey battery replacement in theMain-
tenance and do-it-yourself section.
Pay special attention that the vehicle battery is
not completely discharged.
As many as 4 Intelligent Keys can be registered
and used with one vehicle. For information about
the purchase and use of additional Intelligent
Keys, contact a NISSAN certified LEAF dealer.CAUTION
Do not allow the Intelligent Key, which contains electrical components, to
come into contact with water or salt
water. This could affect the function-
ing of the system.
Do not drop the Intelligent Key.
Do not strike the Intelligent Key sharply against another object.
Do not change or modify the Intelli- gent Key.
The Intelligent Key may be damaged if it gets wet. If the Intelligent Key gets
wet, immediately wipe until it is com-
pletely dry.
If the outside temperature is below 14°F (10°C) , the battery of the Intel-
ligent key may not function properly.
Do not place the Intelligent Key for an extended period in an area where tem-
peratures exceed 140°F (60°C) .
Do not attach the Intelligent Key to a key holder that contains a magnet.
Do not place the Intelligent Key near equipment that produces a magnetic
field, such as a TV, audio equipment,
personal computer or cellular phone. If an Intelligent Key is lost or stolen, NISSAN
recommends erasing the ID code of that Intelli-
gent Key from the vehicle. This may prevent the
unauthorized use of the Intelligent Key to operate
the vehicle. For information regarding the erasing
procedure, contact a NISSAN certified LEAF
dealer.
The Intelligent Key function can be disabled. For
information about disabling the Intelligent Key
function, contact a NISSAN certified LEAF
dealer.
Pre-driving checks and adjustments3-7

TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE
SymptomPossible causeAction to take
When opening the driver’s door to
get out of the vehicleThe inside warning chime sounds continuously. The power switch is pushed to the OFF po-
sition while the driver’s door is open.
Close the driver’s door.
The power switch is in the ACC position. Push the power switch to the OFF position then
close the driver’s door.
When closing the door after getting
out of the vehicle The KEY is not detected warning appears on the
display, the outside chime sounds 3 times and the
inside warning chime sounds for a few seconds. The power switch is in the ACC or ON posi-
tion.
Push the power switch to the OFF position.
When closing the door with the in-
side lock knob turned to LOCK The outside chime sounds for a few seconds and
all the doors unlock. The Intelligent Key is inside the vehicle or
cargo area.
Carry the Intelligent Key with you.
When pushing the request switch or
the “LOCK”
button on the Intel-
ligent Key to lock the door The outside chime sounds for a few seconds. The Intelligent Key is inside the vehicle or a
cargo area.
Carry the Intelligent Key with you.
A door is not closed securely. Close the door securely.
When pushing the power switch in
the READY to drive position The Intelligent Key battery discharge indicator ap-
pears on the display.
The Intelligent Key battery charge is low.Replace the battery with a new one. See
Key
battery replacement in the Maintenance and
do-it-yourself
section.
The Key is not detected warning appears on the
display and the inside warning chime sounds for a
few seconds. The Intelligent Key is not in the vehicle. Carry the Intelligent Key with you.
When pushing the power switch The Intelligent Key system warning indicator ap-
pears on the display. It warns of a malfunction with the Intelligent
Key system.
Contact a NISSAN certified LEAF dealer.
3-12Pre-driving checks and adjustments

4. Push the power switch while depressing thebrake pedal within 10 seconds after the
chime sounds. The power switch position
changes to READY to drive mode.
After step 3 is performed, if the power switch is
pushed without depressing the brake pedal, the
power switch position will change to ACC.
NOTE:
When the power switch is pushed to the
ACC or ON position or READY to drive
mode by the above procedure, the Intelli-
gent Key battery discharge indicator ap-
pears on the dot matrix liquid crystal dis-
play even if the Intelligent Key is inside
the vehicle. This is not a malfunction. To
stop the warning indicator from blinking,
touch the power switch with the Intelli-
gent Key again.
If the Intelligent Key system battery dis-
charge indicator appears on the dot ma-
trix liquid crystal display, replace the bat-
tery as soon as possible. See Intelligent
key battery replacement in theMainte-
nance and do-it-yourself section. Make sure that the area around the vehicle is
clear.
Check fluid levels such as coolant, brake fluid, and window washer fluid as frequently as pos-
sible.
Check that all windows and lights are clean.
Visually inspect tires for their appearance and condition. Also check tires for proper inflation.
Check that all doors are closed.
Position the seat and adjust the head restraints.
Adjust the inside and outside mirrors.
Fasten seat belts and ask all passengers to do likewise.
Check the operation of the warning lights when the power switch is pushed to the ON position.
(See Warning/indicator lights and audible re-
minders in theInstruments and controls sec-
tion.) 1. Confirm the parking brake is applied.
2. Confirm that the vehicle is in the P (Park)
position.
The EV (Electric Vehicle) is designed not to
operate unless the shift lever is in the P (Park)
or N (Neutral) positions.
The Intelligent Key must be carried with
you when operating the power switch.
3. Depress the brake pedal and push the power switch to place the EV (Electric Vehicle) sys-
tem in the READY to drive position.
To place the vehicle in the READY to drive
position immediately, push and release the
power switch while depressing the brake
pedal with the power switch in any position.
The READY to drive indicator light
in the
meter illuminates.
4. To stop the EV (Electric Vehicle) system, push the P (Park) position switch on the shift lever,
and push the power switch to the OFF
position.
BEFORE STARTING THE EV
(ELECTRIC VEHICLE) SYSTEM STARTING THE EV (ELECTRIC
VEHICLE) SYSTEM
5-10Starting and driving

8 Maintenance and do-it yourself
Maintenance requirement................. .8-2
Scheduled 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 ................. .8-5
Motor compartment check locations ............8-7
Cooling system ....................... .8-7
Checking coolant level ................. .8-8
Changing coolant .................... .8-9
Reduction gear fluid .................... .8-9
Brake fluid ......................... .8-10
Window washer fluid ................... .8-10
12-volt battery ....................... .8-11
Jump starting ...................... .8-13
Windshield wiper blades ................. .8-13
Cleaning ........................ .8-13
Replacing ........................ .8-13Rear window wiper blade
.................8-15
Brakes ........................... .8-15
Brake pad wear warning ................8-15
Fuses ............................ .8-16
Motor compartment .................. .8-16
Passenger compartment ................8-18
Nissan Intelligent Key® battery replacement ......8-19
Lights ............................ .8-21
Headlights ....................... .8-22
Exterior and interior lights ...............8-23
Wheels and tires ..................... .8-26
Tire pressure ...................... .8-26
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

When performing any inspection or maintenance
work on your vehicle, always take care to prevent
serious accidental injury to yourself or damage to
the vehicle. The following are general precau-
tions that should be closely observed.
WARNING
The EV (Electric Vehicle) system uses high voltage up to approximately DC
400 volt. The system can be hot during
and after starting and when the vehicle
is shut off. Be careful of both the high
voltage and the high temperature.
Obey the labels that are attached to
the vehicle.
Never disassemble, remove or replace high-voltage parts and cables as well
as their connectors. High-voltage
cables are colored orange.
Disassembling, removing or replacing those parts or cables can cause severe
burns or electric shock that may result
in serious injury or death. The vehicle
high voltage system has no user ser-
viceable parts. Take your vehicle to the
NISSAN certified LEAF dealer for any
necessary maintenance. Park the vehicle on a level surface,
apply the parking brake securely and
chock the wheels to prevent the ve-
hicle from moving. Push the P (Park)
position switch on the selector lever or
place the vehicle into the N (Neutral)
position.
If you must work with the EV (Electric vehicle) system is turned on, keep
hands, clothing, hair and tools away
from moving fans and any other mov-
ing parts.
Make sure that the power switch is in the OFF or LOCK position when per-
forming any part replacement or re-
pairs.
It is advisable to secure or remove any loose clothing and remove any jewelry,
such as rings, watches, etc. before
working on your vehicle.
Always wear eye protection whenever you work on your vehicle.
Never get under the vehicle while it is supported only by a jack. If it is neces-
sary to work under the vehicle, support
it with safety stands.
Keep smoking materials, flames and sparks away from the 12-volt battery.
CAUTION
Do not work under the hood while the motor compartment is hot. Push the
power switch in the OFF position and
wait until it cools down.
Avoid direct contact with used coolant. Improperly disposed coolant and/or
other vehicle fluids can damage the
environment. Always conform to local
regulations for the disposal of vehicle
fluids.
Never connect or disconnect the bat- tery or any transistorized component
while the power switch is in the ON
position.
Your vehicle is equipped with an auto- matic cooling fan. It may come on at
any time without warning, even if the
power switch is not in the ACC, ON or
READY to drive position. To avoid in-
jury, always disconnect the negative
12-volt battery cable before working
near the fan.
Before performing any electrical main- tenance work on the vehicle such as
the battery, fuses or bulb replacement,
confirm the following:
– The charge connector is removedfrom the vehicle.
MAINTENANCE PRECAUTIONS
Maintenance and do-it yourself8-5

CAUTION
Be careful not to allow children to swallow the battery and removed
parts.
An improperly disposed battery can harm the environment. Always confirm
local regulations for battery disposal.
When changing batteries, do not let dust or oil get on the components.
There is danger of explosion if the lithium battery is incorrectly replaced.
Replace only with the same or equiva-
lent type.
Replace the battery in the Intelligent Key as fol-
lows:
1. Remove the mechanical key from the Intelli-gent Key. 2. Insert a small screwdriver into the slit of the
corner and twist it to separate the upper part
from the lower part. Use a cloth to protect the
casing.
3. Replace the battery with a new one.
Recommended battery:
CR2025 or equivalent
Do not touch the internal circuit and electricterminals as doing so could cause a malfunc-
tion.
Hold the battery by the edges. Holding the battery across the contact points will seri-
ously deplete the storage capacity.
Make sure that the side faces the bottom
of the case.
NISSAN INTELLIGENT KEY®
BATTERY REPLACEMENT
Maintenance and do-it yourself8-19

10 Index
A
ABS (Anti-lock Braking System)........5-21
Advanced air bag system ...........1-40
Air bag system .................1-40
Advanced air bag system .........1-40
Front passenger air bag and status
light .................... .1-42
Front-seat mounted side-impact
supplemental air bag system .......1-45
Roof-mounted curtain side-impact
supplemental air bag system .......1-45
Airbagwarninglabels.............1-48
Airbagwarninglight...........1-48,2-18
Air conditioner..................9-9
Air conditioner specification label .....9-9
Air conditioning system refrigerant
and lubricant recommendations ......9-3
Alarm, How to stop alarm (see vehicle security
system) .....................2-37
Alcohol, drugs and driving............5-6
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) ........5-21
Anti-lock braking system (ABS) warning
light .......................2-14
Appearance care .................7-2
Exterior appearance care ..........7-2
Interior appearance care ..........7-4
Audible reminders...............2-21 Autolight system
................2-42
Automatic.....................3-5
Door locks ................. .3-5
Automatic climate control (models with
Navigation System)...............4-17
Automatic climate control (models without
Navigation System) ...............4-10
Avoiding collision and rollover ..........5-5
B
Battery......................8-11
12-volt battery .............. .8-11
Battery saver system ...........2-44
Intelligent Key battery ...........8-19
Li-ion battery ............... .EV-2
Li-ion battery temperature gauge .....2-7
Before starting system.............5-10
Boosterseats..................1-31
Brake ......................5-14
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) .....5-21
Brake fluid ................ .8-10
Brakes ................... .8-15
Brake system ............... .5-19
BRAKE system warning light (yellow) . .2-14
BRAKE warning light (red) ........2-15
BRAKE system warning light (yellow) .....2-14
BRAKE warning light (red) ...........2-15 Bulbreplacement................8-21
C
Cabin air filter
..................4-16
Capacities and recommended lubricants ....9-2
Cargocover...................2-52
Ceiling light ...................2-57
Charge .....................2-49
Charge timer OFF switch .........2-49
Charge connector lock switch .........2-49
Chargeportlidswitch.............2-49
Charging ....................3-18
Charge port lid .............. .3-18
Charging related indicator light . . . .CH-33
Charging timer ............. .CH-21
Cleaning .................. .7-6
Normal charge .............. .CH-9
Precautions on charging .........CH-2
Quick charge ............. .CH-15
Specifications ............... .9-4
Trickle charge ............. .CH-11
Chargingmethods..............CH-21
Charging related indicator light .......CH-33
Charging related remote function ......CH-31
Charging status indicator light .......CH-33
Chargingtimer................CH-21
Chargingtroubleshootingguide.......CH-38