light NISSAN LEAF 2014 1.G Owners Manual

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........................8-8
Checking coolant level..................8-9
Changing coolant.....................8-9
Reduction gear fluid.....................8-10
Brake fluid..........................8-10
Window washer fluid....................8-11
12-volt battery........................8-12
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................8-16
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 driving in areas using road salt or other
corrosive materials, check lubrication frequently.
Lights*:Clean the headlights on a regular basis.
Make sure that the headlights, stop lights, tail
lights, turn signal lights and other lights are all
operating properly and installed securely. Also
check the aim of the headlights.
Road wheel nuts (lug nuts)*:When checking
the tires, make sure that no wheel nuts are miss-
ing, and check for any loose wheel nuts. Tighten
if necessary.
Tire rotation*:Tires should be rotated every
7,500 miles (12,000 km) .
Tires*:Check the pressure with a gauge often
and always prior to long distance trips. If neces-
sary, adjust the pressure in all tires to the pres-
sure specified. Check carefully for damage, cuts
or excessive wear.
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
transmitter components:Replace the TPMS
transmitter grommet seal, valve core and cap
when the tires are replaced due to wear or age.
Wheel alignment and balance:If the vehicle
pulls to either side while driving on a straight and
level road, or if you detect uneven or abnormal tire
wear, there may be a need for wheel alignment.If the steering wheel or seat vibrates at normal
highway speeds, wheel balancing may be
needed.
For additional information regarding tires, refer to
“Important Tire Safety Information” (US) or “Tire
Safety Information” (Canada) in the Warranty In-
formation Booklet.
Windshield:Clean the windshield on a regular
basis. Check the windshield at least every six
months for cracks or other damage. Have a dam-
aged windshield repaired by a qualified repair
facility.
Windshield wiper blades*:Check for cracks
or wear if they do not wipe properly.
Inside vehicle
The maintenance items listed here should be
checked on a regular basis, such as when per-
forming scheduled maintenance, cleaning the ve-
hicle, etc.
Accelerator pedal:Check the pedal for smooth
operation and make sure that the pedal does not
catch or require uneven effort. Keep the floor mat
away from the pedal.
Brake pedal:Check the pedal for smooth op-
eration and make sure that it has the properdistance under it when depressed fully. Check
the brake booster function. If the brake pedal
suddenly goes down further than normal, the
pedal feels spongy or the vehicle seems to take
longer to stop, contact a NISSAN certified LEAF
dealer immediately. Keep the floor mat away from
the pedal.
Brakes:Check that the brakes do not pull the
vehicle to one side when applied.
Electric shift P (Park) position mechanis-
m:On a steep hill, check that the vehicle is held
securely while the vehicle is in the P (Park) posi-
tion without applying the brakes.
Parking brake:Check the parking brake opera-
tion regularly. The vehicle should be securely held
on a steep hill with only the parking brake applied.
If the parking brake cannot keep a vehicle posi-
tion contact a NISSAN certified LEAF dealer.
Seat:Check seat position controls such as the
seat adjusters, seatback recliners, etc. to ensure
that they operate smoothly and that all latches
lock securely in every position. Check that the
head restraints/headrests move up and down
smoothly and that the locks (if so equipped) hold
securely in all latched positions.
Maintenance and do-it yourself8-3

Seat belts:Check that all parts of the seat belt
system (for example, buckles, anchors, adjusters
and retractors) operate properly and smoothly,
and are installed securely. Check the belt web-
bing for cuts, fraying, wear or damage.
Steering wheel:Check for changes in the
steering conditions, such as excessive free play,
hard steering or strange noises.
Warning lights and chimes:Make sure that all
warning lights and chimes are operating properly.
Windshield defroster:Check that the air emits
from the defroster outlets properly and in suffi-
cient quantity when operating the heater or air
conditioner.
Windshield wiper and washer*:Check that
the wipers and washers operate properly and
that the wipers do not streak.
Under hood and vehicle
The maintenance items listed here should be
checked periodically.
12-volt battery (for serviceable battery)*:
Check the fluid level in each cell.
It should be between the MAX and MIN lines.
Vehicles operated in high temperatures or undersevere conditions require frequent checks of the
12-volt battery fluid level.
NOTE:
Care should be taken to avoid situations
that can lead to potential battery discharge
and potential no-start conditions such as:
1. Installation or extended use of electronic ac-
cessories that consume battery power when
the engine is not running (Phone chargers,
GPS, DVD players, etc.)
2. Vehicle is not driven regularly and/or only
driven short distances.
In these cases, the battery may need to be
charged to maintain battery health.
Brake fluid level*:Make sure that the brake
fluid level is between the MAX and MIN lines on
the reservoir.
Coolant level*:Check the coolant level when
the motor compartment is cold.
Fluid leaks:Check under the vehicle for water
or other fluid leaks after the vehicle has been
parked for a short period of time. Water dripping
from the air conditioner after use is normal. If you
notice any leaks, check for the cause and have it
corrected immediately.Radiator and hoses:Check the front of the
radiator and clean off any dirt, insects, leaves,
etc., that may have accumulated. Make sure that
the hoses have no cracks, deformation, rot or
loose connections.
Underbody:The underbody is frequently ex-
posed to corrosive substances such as those
used on icy roads or to control dust. It is very
important to remove these substances, other-
wise rust will form on the floor pan and frame. At
the end of winter, the underbody should be thor-
oughly flushed with plain water, being careful to
clean those areas where mud and dirt may accu-
mulate. For additional information, see “Cleaning
exterior” in the “Appearance and care” section.
Windshield washer fluid*:Check that there is
an adequate amount of fluid in the reservoir.
8-4Maintenance and do-it yourself

– The Climate Ctrl. Timer and remote
climate control are not active or op-
erating. See “A/C-Heater Timer (Cli-
mate Ctrl. Timer)” and “Remote cli-
mate control” in the “Ventilators and
climate control systems” section.
– The 12-volt battery is not being
charged by the Li-ion battery and
that all charging status indicator
lights are off, see “Charging the 12-
volt battery” in the “EV overview”
section and “Charge status indica-
tor light” in the “Charging” section.
• The power switch is in the OFF posi-
tion. Place the power switch in the ON
position and then in the OFF position
to prevent the 12-volt battery auto-
matically being charged by the Li-ion
battery. See “Charging the 12-volt bat-
tery” in the “EV overview” section.
The “Maintenance and do-it-yourself” section
gives instructions regarding only those items that
are relatively easy for an owner to perform.
A genuine NISSAN Service Manual is also avail-
able. See “Owner’s manual/service manual order
information” in the “Technical and consumer in-
formation” section.You should be aware that incomplete or improper
servicing may result in operating difficulties and
could affect your warranty coverage.If in doubt
about any servicing, we recommend that it
be done by a NISSAN certified LEAF dealer.
8-6Maintenance and do-it yourself

When checking or replacement is required, we
recommend a NISSAN certified LEAF dealer for
servicing.
CAUTION
• Use only Genuine NISSAN Matic S
ATF. Do not mix with other fluids.
• Using reduction gear fluid other than
Genuine NISSAN Matic S ATF will
damage the reduction gear, which is
not covered by the NISSAN new ve-
hicle limited warranty.For additional brake fluid information, see “Ca-
pacities and recommended lubricants” in the
“Technical and consumer information” section of
this manual.
WARNING
• Use only new fluid from a sealed con-
tainer. Old, inferior or contaminated
fluid may damage the brake system.
The use of improper fluids can damage
the brake system, and affect the vehi-
cle’s stopping ability.
• Clean the filler cap before removing.
• Brake fluid is poisonous and should be
stored carefully in marked containers
out of the reach of children.
CAUTION
Do not spill the fluid on any painted sur-
faces. This will damage the paint. If fluid
is spilled, immediately wash the surface
with water.Check the fluid level in the reservoir. If the fluid is
below the MIN line
1or the brake warning light
illuminates, add Genuine NISSAN Super Heavy
Duty Brake Fluid or equivalentDOT 3fluid up to
the MAX line
2. If fluid must be added fre-
quently, the system should be checked by a
NISSAN certified LEAF dealer.
REDUCTION GEAR FLUID BRAKE FLUID
8-10Maintenance and do-it yourself

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 wear warning sound is heard.
Under some driving or climate conditions, occa-
sional brake squeak, squeal or other noise may
be heard. Occasional brake noise during light to
moderate stops is normal and does not affect the
function or performance of the brake system.
Proper brake inspection intervals should
be followed.For additional information, see the
maintenance log section of your NISSAN Service
and Maintenance Guide.
MOTOR COMPARTMENT
WARNING
• Never touch, disassemble, remove or
replace the high-voltage parts and
cables, as well as their connectors.
High-voltage cables are colored or-
ange. Touching, disassembling, re-
moving or replacing those parts and
cables can cause severe burns or elec-
tric shock that may result in serious
injury or death.
CAUTION
Never use a fuse of a higher or lower
amperage rating than that specified on
the fuse box cover. This could damage
the electrical system or cause a fire.
If any electrical equipment does not operate,
check for an open fuse.
1. Confirm that the power switch and the head-
light switch are turned off.
2. Open the hood.
3. Remove the fuse/fusible link holder cover by
pushing the tab
1and lifting the cover from
the right side
2, and then the left side3.
FUSES
8-16Maintenance and do-it yourself

PASSENGER COMPARTMENT
CAUTION
Never use a fuse of a higher or lower
amperage rating than that specified on
the fuse box cover. This could damage
the electrical system or cause a fire.
If any electrical equipment does not operate,
check for an open fuse.
1. Make sure that the power switch and the
headlight switch are turned off.2. Insert a screwdriver wrapped with the cloth
Cinto the slit1.
Use a cloth
Cto protect the fuse box cover.
3. Then pull to remove the fuse box cover
2.
4. Remove the fuse with the fuse puller
3.5. If the fuse is open
A, replace it with a new
fuse
B.
6. If a new fuse also opens, have the electrical
system checked, and if necessary repaired,
by a NISSAN certified LEAF dealer.
8-18Maintenance and do-it yourself

1. Front parking light
2. Headlight (low-beam)
3. Front turn signal light
4. Map light
5. Ceiling light
6. Front fog light (if so equipped)
7. Headlight (high-beam)
8. High-mounted stop light
9. Rear combination light (stop/tail/turn signal/
back-up light/rear side marker)
10. License plate light
11. Cargo light
Fog may temporarily form inside the lens of the
exterior lights in the rain or in a car wash. A
temperature difference between the inside and
the outside of the lens causes the fog. This is not
a malfunction. If large drops of water collect
inside the lens, contact a NISSAN certified LEAF
dealer.
LIGHTS
Maintenance and do-it yourself8-21

HEADLIGHTS
Replacing
Halogen headlight (high-beam):
The headlight high-beam is a semi-sealed beam
type that uses a replaceable headlight (halogen)
bulb.
CAUTION
• Do not leave the bulb out of the head-
light reflector for a long period of time.
Dust, moisture, smoke, etc. entering
the headlight body may affect bulb
performance.
• High-pressure halogen gas is sealed
inside the halogen bulb. The bulb may
break if the glass envelope is
scratched or the bulb is dropped.
• Only touch the base when handling the
bulb. Never touch the glass envelope.
Touching the glass envelope could sig-
nificantly affect bulb life and/or head-
light performance.
• Aiming is not necessary after replacing
the bulb. When aiming adjustment is
necessary, contact a NISSAN certified
LEAF dealer.Use the same number and wattage as originally
installed as shown in the chart.
Disconnect the battery negative cable before
replacing bulbs.
1. Remove the connector
1.
2. Turn the headlight bulb, and then remove the
bulb
2.Disconnect the battery negative cable before
replacing bulbs.
1. Remove the connector
1.
2. Turn the headlight bulb, and then remove the
bulb
2.
Type AType B
8-22Maintenance and do-it yourself

EXTERIOR AND INTERIOR LIGHTS
Item Wattage
(W)Bulb No.
Headlight low beams
(Type A)*LED —
Headlight high beams
(Halogen) (Type A)65 H9
Headlight (Type B) 60/55 H13
Front turn signal light 27 3457NAK
Front fog light (if so
equipped)*55 H11
Front park light 5 W5W
Rear combination light
Turn signal 21 WY21W
Stop/tail* LED —
Back-up 16 W16W
License plate light* 5 W5W
Map light* LED —
High-mounted stop
light*LED —
Ceiling light 8 —
Cargo light 5 —
*: Contact a NISSAN certified LEAF dealer for
replacement.NOTE: Always check with the Parts Department
at a NISSAN certified LEAF dealer for the latest
information about parts.
Replacement procedures
All other lights are either type A, B, C, D or E.
When replacing a bulb, first remove the lens
and/or cover.
: REMOVE
: INSTALL
Maintenance and do-it yourself8-23