climate control NISSAN LEAF 2013 1.G Owners Manual

there is no power available to drive the ve-
hicle. Contact Roadside assistance service
shown in your NISSAN Warranty Information
Booklet. SeeIf the Li-ion battery becomes
completely discharged in theIn case of
emergency section.
CHARGING THE 12-VOLT BATTERY
The 12-volt battery is charged automatically us-
ing 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 Charge status indicator
light in the Charge section.
While vehicle is driven
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 WARMER
CAUTION
The Li-ion battery warmer does not oper-
ate 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 temperatures may go be-
low -1°F (-17°C) unless the vehicle is con-
nected to a charger.
The Li-ion battery warmer 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
warmer automatically turns on when the Li-ion
battery temperature is approximately -1°F
(-17°C) or colder. The Li-ion battery warmer au-
tomatically turns off when the Li-ion battery tem-
perture is approximately 14°F (-10°C) or higher. The Li-ion battery warmer uses electrical power
from an external source when a charger is con-
nected to the vehicle. The Li-ion battery warmer
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 posi-
tion when parking the vehicle if tempera-
tures may go below -1°F (-17°C) . This pro-
vides external power to the Li-ion battery
warmer when it operates and does not
discharge the Li-ion battery.
The charging status indicator lights illu-
minate in a specific pattern when the Li-
ion battery warmer operates. The charg-
ing status indicator lights use the same
pattern to indicate 12-volt battery charg-
ing, Climate Ctrl. Timer operation or Re-
mote Climate Control operation (models
with navigation system) . The charging
status indicator lights do not change if the
Li-ion battery warmer operates at the
same time as the above features. See
Charge status indicator light in the
Charging section.
EV OverviewEV-5

The Li-ion battery warmer uses Li-ion bat-
tery power to operate, even if the vehicle
is connected to a charger when: – the vehicle’s power switch is in the ON position.
– there is no electrical power being sup- plied to the charging equipment.
When the Li-ion battery warmer is already
in operation using an external power
source, it will continue to use the external
power even if the power switch is placed
in the ON position.
Vehicle driving range is reduced if the
Li-ion battery warmer operates (Li-ion
battery temperature approximately -1°F
(-17°C) or colder) while driving the vehicle.
You may need to charge the Li-ion battery
sooner than in warmer temperatures.
The Li-ion battery requires more time to
charge when the Li-ion battery warmer
operates.
The predicted charging time displayed on
the meter and navigation system (models
with navigation system) increases when
the Li-ion battery warmer operates.
Climate control performance is reduced
when using the Climate Ctrl. Timer or Re-
mote Climate Control (models with navi-
gation system) while the Li-ion battery
warmer operates.
The Li-ion battery may not charge to the
expected level using the charging timer
when [Start Time] (models with navigation
system) and [End Time] are set while the
Li-ion battery warmer operates.
Set the charging timer [End Time] when
charging in cold weather. The vehicle au-
tomatically determines when to start
charging to fully charge the Li-ion battery,
even if the Li-ion battery warmer operates.
Charging ends before the set end time if
the Li-ion battery is fully charged.
EV-6EV Overview

Li-ion battery is fully charged to prevent
the Li-ion battery from becoming over-
charged. Regenerating brake is also auto-
matically reduced when the battery tem-
perature is high/low (indicated by the red/
blue zones on the Li-ion battery
temperature gauge) to prevent Li-ion bat-
tery damage.
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 vi-
bration as a normal characteristic of this vehicle.
Traction motor noise from motor compartment.
Water pump and radiator fan noise while charg- ing.
Compressor and radiator fan noise when the Climate Ctrl. Timer or remote climate control
(models with navigation system) is used.
Relay operation noise and vibration at start-up and shut-down of the EV (Electric Vehicle) sys-
tem (power switch placed in the ON and OFF
position) .
Approaching Vehicle Sound for Pedestrians (VSP) . This section provides a brief explanation for the
most important LEAF functions. Refer to the spe-
cific sections of this manual for detailed explana-
tions of the vehicle features and operation.
CHARGING THE LI-ION BATTERY
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 Charge section and follow the pro-
cedures and guidelines described.
LIFE WITH AN EV (SCENE GUIDE)
EV-10EV Overview

BEFORE DRIVING YOUR VEHICLE
(MODELS WITH NAVIGATION
SYSTEM)
The Li-ion battery charging status and the Li-ion
battery warmer operation can be checked using
an internet enabled smart phone or personal
computer at home. You may also choose to have
SMS messages (text messages) sent to a cellular
phone. Additionally, the heater and air condi-
tioner of the vehicle can be set to operate using
the Climate Ctrl. Timer function or A/C-heater
remote function, if necessary. SeeRemote cli-mate control
in theHeater and air conditioner
systems section.
NOTE:
To check the Li-ion battery charging sta-
tus or to use the remote heater and air
conditioner using an internet enabled
smart phone or personal computer, the
following conditions must be met: – The vehicle must be located in a cellu- lar phone or smart phone coverage
area. – The internet enabled cellular phone or
smart phone must be located in a cel-
lular phone or smart phone coverage
area.
– The computer must be connected to the internet.
– A cellular phone must be used to com- municate with the vehicle.
– A cellular phone capable of text mes- saging must be used to receive text
message regarding vehicle charge sta-
tus.
The remote heater and cooler can adjust
the in-cabin temperature.
When the charge connector is discon-
nected from the vehicle, the heater and air
conditioner operates using vehicle Li-ion
battery electric power.
If the remote heater and air conditioner
function and Li-ion battery charging are
performed at the same time, Li-ion battery
charging will take longer than usual due
to the power used to heat or cool the
vehicle.
EV OverviewEV-13

Operating the climate control system
before driving
The vehicle heating and air conditioning system
can be turned on via remote control with an
internet enabled smart phone or personal com-
puter.This allows the interior of the vehicle to be heated
or cooled while the vehicle is charging. This re-
duces the load on the Li-ion battery while the
vehicle is being driven and can help increase the
vehicle driving range. See
Remote climate con-
trol in the Heater and air conditioner systems
section.
EV OverviewEV-15

AT HOME AFTER DRIVING
Charging the Li-ion battery
When you return home, connect the vehicle to
the charging station installed at your home using
the normal charge connector.
Charge the vehicle or set the charging timer
function to have the vehicle charge at a specific
time. SeeCharging timer in theCharge sec-
tion.
1. When the power switch is turned off, the settings of the charging timer, and the Climate
Ctrl. Timer and the charge connector lock functions are displayed on the dot matrix liq-
uid crystal display. See
Dot matrix liquid crys-
tal display in theInstruments and controls
section.
2. Open the charge port lid and charge port cap. See Charge port lid in thePre-driving
checks and adjustments section.
3. Connect the charge connector to the vehicle.
4. When a charging timer is turned on, charging starts at the set time. When a charging timer
is not turned on, charging starts immediately.
NOTE:
Charging can be started remotely, even if
charging timer is set up.
When you have forgotten to connect the
charge connector at home, there is a func-
tion that can notify you via text message
capable cellular phone, internet enabled
smart phone or personal computer. See
Charging related remote function in the
Charge section (models with navigation
system) .
NISSAN recommends that you connect
the normal charge cable when getting out
of the vehicle, even if it is not going to be
used. By doing this, you can get the most
out of the remote climate control (models
with navigation system) and Climate Ctrl.
Timer functions the next time you use the
vehicle.
EV-22EV Overview

RANGE
The distance you can drive the vehicle (range)
varies considerably depending upon available
charge, weather, temperature, usage, battery
age, topography, and driving style.
Vehicle range depends on a number of factors.
When the Li-ion battery is new, the estimated
vehicle range with a fully charged Li-ion battery is
approximately 100 miles (160 km) based on the
EPA laboratory test commonly called the LA4
mode drive cycle. This test represents city driving
conditions. Your actual range can vary, either
initially or as the battery ages and with use over
time. The majority of drivers will experience ve-
hicle ranges between 62 to 138 miles (99 to 222
km) based on the many factors that affect vehicle
range. SeeImprove driving range later in this
section for information of the factors that affect
vehicle range and how to use the vehicle to
maximize vehicle range.
IMPROVE DRIVING RANGE
Vehicle range depends on a number of factors.
Actual vehicle range will vary depending upon:
speed,
vehicle load, electrical load from vehicle accessories,
traffic and road conditions.
NISSAN recommends the following driving
habits to help maximize vehicle range:
Before driving:
Follow recommended periodic maintenance.
Keep tires inflated to correct pressure.
Keep wheels in correct alignment.
Pre-heat or pre-cool the interior cabin while the
vehicle is charging.
Remove unnecessary cargo from the vehicle.
While driving:
Drive in ECO mode – In the ECO position more regenerativebrake is applied when the accelerator pedal
is released in comparison to the D (Drive)
position and more power is provided to the
Li-ion battery (models with navigation sys-
tem) .
– The ECO position helps reduce power con- sumption by reducing acceleration when
compared to the same accelerator pedal
position in the D (Drive) position.
– The ECO position reduces the power pro- vided to the heater and air conditioner sys-
tem. Drive at a constant speed. Maintain cruising
speeds with a constant accelerator positions or
by using cruise control when appropriate.
Accelerate slowly and smoothly. Gently press and release the accelerator pedal for accelera-
tion and deceleration.
Drive at moderate speeds on the highway.
Avoid frequent stopping and braking. Maintain a safe distance behind other vehicles.
Turn off the air conditioner/heater when it is not necessary.
Select a moderate temperature setting for heat- ing or cooling to help reduce power consump-
tion.
Use the air conditioner/heater and close win- dows to reduce drag when cruising at highway
speed.
Vehicle range may be substantially reduced in extremely cold conditions (for example -4°F
(-20°C)) .
Using the climate control system to heat the cabin when outside temperature is below 32°F
(0°C) uses more electricity and affects vehicle
range more than when using the heater when
the temperature is above 32°F (0°C) .
EFFICIENT USE OF YOUR VEHICLE
EV OverviewEV-23

NOTE:
When charging the Li-ion battery, place
the power switch in the OFF position.
When the power switch is in the ON posi-
tion, the Li-ion battery will not start charg-
ing.
If the charger is connected to the vehicle
when it is in the READY to drive position,
the power switch automatically changes
to the ON position. Place the power
switch in the OFF position to begin charg-
ing.
For your safety, if the charger is con-
nected to the vehicle while the power
switch is in the READY to drive position,
the vehicle will automatically switch to
the ON position. Because charging will
not be started while the power switch is in
this position, be sure to place the power
switch in the OFF position.
When the ambient temperature is 32°F
(0°C) or less, charging time may be longer
than normal and the level to which the
Li-ion battery can be charged may be less
than at higher temperatures.
If the vehicle will not be used for an ex-
tended period of time, charge the Li-ion
battery using the long life mode once ev-
ery 3 months. Do not operate the charging
timer repeatedly while the charge connec-
tor is connected to the vehicle after the
Li-ion battery charging is completed. Do-
ing so may discharge the 12-volt battery.
For details of the long life mode charging
method, see Charging timer. If the Li-ion
battery becomes discharged, charge it
immediately.
The power switch can be set to ON posi-
tion and the climate control and naviga-
tion system (models with navigation sys-
tem) can be used while the Li-ion battery
is charging. However, because these op-
erations consume Li-ion battery power, it
will take longer for the Li-ion battery to
become fully charged. Place the power
switch in the OFF position to help reduce
Li-ion battery charge time.
If electrical power is interrupted while
charging, charging restarts automatically
when the electrical power is restored.
It is recommended to keep the charge
cable connected to save Li-ion battery
power, when the heater and air condi-
tioner are operating with remote opera-
tion (models with navigation system) .
If the charge port is frozen, melt the ice
using a hair dryer. After the ice has
melted, charge the Li-ion battery. Forcing
the charge connector to connect may
cause a malfunction.
If foreign materials have entered the
charge connector and charge port and it is
not possible to connect it, do not attempt
to force the connection. Contact a
NISSAN certified LEAF dealer. Forcing the
charge connector to connect may cause
damage to the charging equipment and
vehicle.
There is a hole on the charge port for
water drainage. If the water drainage hole
becomes blocked, or if water gets trapped
inside the charge port, do not charge.
Contact a NISSAN certified LEAF dealer.
CH-4Charging

The Genuine NISSAN charging equipmentcommunicates with the vehicle before Li-ion
battery charging starts. If this communication
does not occur because other equipment is
used, the Li-ion battery will not charge.
NISSAN recommends that you connect the normal charge cable when getting out of the
vehicle, even if it is not going to be used. By
doing this, you can get the most out of the
remote climate control (models with navigation
system) and Climate Ctrl. Timer functions the
next time you use the vehicle.
To start normal charge:
1. Push the P (Park) position switch to place the vehicle in the P (Park) position and apply the
parking brake.
2. When charging the Li-ion battery, place the power switch in the OFF position. When the
power switch is in the ON position, the Li-ion
battery will not start charging.
3. Open the charge port lid and charge port cap. See Charge port lid andCharge port cap
in the Pre-driving checks and adjustments
section. 4. Connect the charge connector to the charge
port. If it is connected normally, a beep will
sound once.
5. If charging has started or if the battery is waiting for charging timer, a beep will sound
twice and the charging status indicator light
display will change. See Charging status in-
dicator light. To stop normal charge:
1. Ensure that the charge connector lock is not
engaged. For more information, see “Charge
connector lock switch” in this section.
2. Press the button on the charge connector, release the lock and remove the charge con-
nector from the charge port and properly
store it.
3. After closing the charge port cap on the charge port, close the charge port lid.
CH-10Charging

NOTE:
Depending on the charging station, the
lock mechanism established by local
standards may not be compatible with
your vehicle. It may not be possible for the
charge connector to lock to your vehicle.
When the power source is cut off while
charging in AUTO mode, the connector
will be continuously locked for 5 minutes,
then it will be released.
When timer charging is set with AUTO
mode, the connector will not lock until
charging is started.
In AUTO mode, the charge connector lock
will only lock during normal charging-
.When the following systems are operated
individually or the 12-volt battery is being
charged, the charging connector lock will
not lock:
Climate Ctrl. Timer
Remote climate control (if so equipped)
Li-ion battery warmer
IF THE CHARGE CONNECTOR CAN
NOT BE UNLOCKED
1. Place power switch in the OFF position.
2. Open the hood.
3. Remove the jack rod from the tool set that is
located in the cargo area. See “Tools” in the
“In Case of Emergency” section.
4. Insert the suitable tool into the screw that is located on the front of hood lock.
5. Turn it clockwise to release the charge con- nector lock.
6. Remove the charge connector.
CH-20Charging