NISSAN LEAF 2014 1.G Owners Manual

5 Starting and driving
Precautions when starting and driving...........5-2
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS).......5-2
Avoiding collision and rollover..............5-5
Off-road recovery.....................5-5
Rapid air pressure loss..................5-6
Drinking alcohol/drugs and driving...........5-6
Push-button power switch..................5-7
NISSAN Intelligent Key® system............5-7
Operating range for EV (Electric Vehicle) start
function...........................5-8
Power switch operation.................5-8
Power switch positions..................5-9
Emergency EV (Electric Vehicle) shut off.......5-9
NISSAN Intelligent Key® battery discharge.....5-10
Before starting the EV (Electric Vehicle) system. . . .5-10
Starting the EV (Electric Vehicle) system........5-11
Driving vehicle........................5-11
Electric shift control system..............5-11
Parking brake........................5-15
Cruise control........................5-15Precautions on cruise control.............5-15
Cruise control operation................5-16
Increasing power economy................5-17
Parking/parking on hills...................5-18
Power steering system...................5-19
Brake system.........................5-20
Brake precautions....................5-20
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)...........5-22
Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) system.........5-23
Hill start assist system...................5-25
Cold weather driving....................5-25
Freeing a frozen door lock...............5-26
Anti-freeze........................5-26
12-volt battery......................5-26
Draining of coolant water................5-26
Tire equipment......................5-26
Special winter equipment...............5-27
Driving on snow or ice.................5-27
Freeing a frozen charge port lid............5-27

WARNING
• Do not leave children or adults who
would normally require the support of
others alone in your vehicle. Pets
should not be left alone either. They
could accidentally injure themselves or
others through inadvertent operation
of the vehicle. Also, on hot, sunny days,
temperatures in a closed vehicle could
quickly become high enough to cause
severe or possibly fatal injuries to
people or animals.
• Properly secure all cargo with ropes or
straps to help prevent it from sliding or
shifting. Do not place cargo higher
than the seatbacks. In a sudden stop or
collision, unsecured cargo could cause
personal injury.
TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING
SYSTEM (TPMS)
Each tire, should be checked monthly when cold
and inflated to the inflation pressure recom-
mended by the vehicle manufacturer on the ve-
hicle placard or tire inflation pressure label. (If
your vehicle has tires of a different size than the
size indicated on the vehicle placard or tire infla-tion pressure label, you should determine the
proper tire inflation pressure for those tires.)
As an added safety feature, your vehicle has been
equipped with a Tire Pressure Monitoring System
(TPMS) that illuminates a low tire pressure telltale
when one or more of your tires is significantly
under-inflated. Accordingly, when the low tire
pressure telltale illuminates, you should stop and
check your tires as soon as possible, and inflate
them to the proper pressure. Driving on a signifi-
cantly under-inflated tire causes the tire to over-
heat and can lead to tire failure. Under-inflation
also reduces power efficiency and tire tread life,
and may affect the vehicle’s handling and stop-
ping ability.
Please note that the TPMS is not a substitute for
proper tire maintenance, and it is the driver’s
responsibility to maintain correct tire pressure,
even if under-inflation has not reached the level to
trigger illumination of the TPMS low tire pressure
telltale.
Your vehicle has also been equipped with a
TPMS malfunction indicator to indicate when the
system is not operating properly. The TPMS mal-
function indicator is combined with the low tire
pressure telltale. When the system detects a
malfunction, the telltale will flash for approxi-mately one minute and then remain continuously
illuminated. This sequence will continue upon
subsequent vehicle start-ups as long as the mal-
function exists. When the malfunction indicator is
illuminated, the system may not be able to detect
or signal low tire pressure as intended. TPMS
malfunctions may occur for a variety of reasons,
including the installation of replacement or alter-
nate tires or wheels on the vehicle that prevent
the TPMS from functioning properly. Always
check the TPMS malfunction telltale after replac-
ing one or more tires or wheels on your vehicle to
ensure that the replacement or alternate tires and
wheels allow the TPMS to continue to function
properly.
Additional information
• The TPMS will activate only when the vehicle is
driven at speeds above 16 MPH (25 km/h) .
Also, this system may not detect a sudden drop
in tire pressure (for example, a flat tire while
driving) .
• The low tire pressure warning light does not
automatically turn off when the tire pressure is
adjusted. After the tire is inflated to the recom-
mended pressure, the vehicle must be driven at
speeds above 16 MPH (25 km/h) to activate the
TPMS and turn off the low tire pressure warning
PRECAUTIONS WHEN STARTING
AND DRIVING
5-2Starting and driving

light. Use a tire pressure gauge to check the tire
pressure.
• The CHECK TIRE PRESSURE warning ap-
pears on the vehicle information display when
the low tire pressure warning light is illuminated
and low tire pressure is detected. The CHECK
TIRE PRESSURE warning turns off when the
low tire pressure warning light turns off.
The CHECK TIRE PRESSURE warning ap-
pears each time the ignition switch is placed in
the ON position as long as the low tire pressure
warning light remains illuminated.
The CHECK TIRE PRESSURE warning does not
appear if the low tire pressure warning light illu-
minates to indicate a TPMS malfunction.
• Tire pressure rises and falls depending on the
heat caused by operation of the vehicle and the
outside temperature. A low outside temperature
can decrease the temperature of the air inside
the tire, which can cause a lower tire inflation
pressure. This may cause the low tire pressure
warning light to illuminate. If the warning light
illuminates in low ambient temperature, check
the tire pressure for all four tires.
For additional information, see “Low tire pressure
warning light” in the “Instruments and controls”section and “Tire Pressure Monitoring System
(TPMS)” in the “In case of emergency” section.
WARNING
• Radio waves could adversely affect
electric medical equipment. Those
who use a pacemaker should contact
the electric medical equipment manu-
facturer for the possible influences be-
fore use.
•
If the low tire pressure warning light
illuminates while driving, avoid sudden
steering maneuvers or abrupt braking,
reduce vehicle speed, pull off the road
to a safe location and stop the vehicle
as soon as possible. Driving with under-
inflated tires may permanently damage
the tires and increase the likelihood of
tire failure. Serious vehicle damage
could occur and may lead to an accident
and could result in serious personal in-
jury. Check the tire pressure for all four
tires. Adjust the tire pressure to the
recommended COLD tire pressure
shown on the Tire and Loading Informa-
tion label to turn the low tire pressure
warning light OFF. If the tire is flat,
repair it as soon as possible. (See “Flat
tire” in the “In case of emergency” sec-
tion for changing a flat tire.)
• 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 a
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.
• If you used the Emergency Tire Sealant
to repair a minor tire puncture, your
NISSAN certified LEAF dealer will also
need to replace the TPMS sensor in
addition to repairing or replacing the
tire .
• NISSAN recommends using only
NISSAN Genuine Emergency Tire Seal-
ant provided with your vehicle. Other
tire sealants may damage the valve
stem seal which can cause the tire to
lose air pressure.
Starting and driving5-3

CAUTION
• The TPMS may not function properly
when the wheels are equipped with
tire chains or the wheels are buried in
snow.
• Do not place metalized film or any
metal parts (antenna, etc.) on the win-
dows. This may cause poor reception
of the signals from the tire pressure
sensors, and the TPMS will not func-
tion properly.
Some devices and transmitters may temporarily
interfere with the operation of the TPMS and
cause the low tire pressure warning light to illu-
minate. Some examples are:
• Facilities or electric devices using similar radio
frequencies that are near the vehicle.
• If a transmitter set to similar frequencies is being
used in or near the vehicle.
• If a computer (or similar equipment) or a DC/AC
converter is being used in or near the vehicle.FCC Notice:
For USA:
This device complies with Part 15 of the
FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the fol-
lowing two conditions: (1) This device may
not cause harmful interference, and (2) this
device must accept any interference re-
ceived, including interference that may
cause undesired operation.
NOTE:
Changes or modifications not expressly ap-
proved by the party responsible for compli-
ance could void the user’s authority to op-
erate the equipment.
For Canada:
This device complies with RSS-210 of In-
dustry Canada. Operation is subject to the
following two conditions: (1) this device
may not cause interference, and (2) this
device must accept any interference, in-
cluding interference that may cause unde-
sired operation of the device.
TPMS with Easy Fill Tire Alert
When tire pressure is low, the low tire pressure
warning light illuminates.
This vehicle provides visual and audible signals to
help you inflate the tires to the recommended
COLD tire pressure.
Vehicle set-up:
1. Park the vehicle in a safe and level place.
2. Apply the parking brake and push the P (Park)
position switch on the shift lever.
3. Place the power switch in the ON position. Do
not place in the READY to drive mode.
Operation:
1. Add air to the tire.
2. After a few seconds, the hazard indicators will
start flashing.
3. When the designated pressure is reached,
the horn beeps once and the hazard indica-
tors stop flashing.
4. Perform the above steps for each tire.
• If the tire is over-inflated more than approxi-
mately 4 psi (30 kPa) , the horn beeps and the
hazard indicators flash 3 times. To correct the
pressure, push the core of the valve stem on the
5-4Starting and driving

tire briefly to release pressure. When the pres-
sure reaches the designated pressure, the horn
beeps once.
• If the hazard indicator does not flash within
approximately 15 seconds after starting to in-
flate the tire, it indicates that the Easy Fill Tire
Alert is not operating.
• The TPMS will not activate the Easy Fill Tire
Alert under the following conditions:
– If there is interference from an external de-
vice or transmitter.
– The air pressure from the inflation device is
not sufficient to inflate the tire such as those
using a power socket.
– If an electrical equipment is being used in or
near the vehicle.
– There is a malfunction in the TPMS system.
– There is a malfunction in the horn or hazard
indicators.
– If the Easy Fill Tire Alert does not operate
due to TPMS interference, move the vehicle
about 3 ft (1 m) backward or forward and try
again.
If the Easy Fill Tire Alert is not working, use a tire
pressure gauge.AVOIDING COLLISION AND
ROLLOVER
WARNING
Failure to operate this vehicle in a safe
and prudent manner may result in loss of
control or an accident.
Be alert and drive defensively at all times. Obey
all traffic regulations. Avoid excessive speed,
high speed cornering, or sudden steering ma-
neuvers, because these driving practices could
cause you to lose control of your vehicle.As with
any vehicle, a loss of control could result in
a collision with other vehicles or objects, or
cause the vehicle to rollover, particularly if
the loss of control causes the vehicle to
slide sideways.Be attentive at all times, and
avoid driving when tired. Never drive when under
the influence of alcohol or drugs (including pre-
scription or over-the-counter drugs which may
cause drowsiness) . Always wear your seat belt
as outlined in the “Seat belts” in the “Safety —
Seats seat belts and supplemental restraint sys-
tem” section of this manual, and also instruct your
passengers to do so.Seat belts help reduce the risk of injury in colli-
sions and rollovers.In a rollover crash, an
unbelted or improperly belted person is
significantly more likely to be injured or
killed than a person properly wearing a
seat belt.
OFF-ROAD RECOVERY
While driving, the right side or left side wheels
may unintentionally leave the road surface. If this
occurs, maintain control of the vehicle by follow-
ing the procedure below. Please note that this
procedure is only a general guide. The vehicle
must be driven as appropriate based on the con-
ditions of the vehicle, road and traffic.
1. Remain calm and do not overreact.
2. Do not apply the brakes.
3. Maintain a firm grip on the steering wheel with
both hands and try to hold a straight course.
4. When appropriate, slowly release the accel-
erator pedal to gradually slow the vehicle.
5. If there is nothing in the way, steer the vehicle
to follow the road while the vehicle speed is
reduced. Do not attempt to drive the vehicle
back onto the road surface until vehicle speed
is reduced.
Starting and driving5-5

6. When it is safe to do so, gradually turn the
steering wheel until both tires return to the
road surface. When all tires are on the road
surface, steer the vehicle to stay in the appro-
priate driving lane.
• If you decide that it is not safe to return the
vehicle to the road surface based on vehicle,
road or traffic conditions, gradually slow the
vehicle to a stop in a safe place off the road.
RAPID AIR PRESSURE LOSS
Rapid air pressure loss or a “blow-out” can occur
if the tire is punctured or is damaged due to
hitting a curb or pothole. Rapid air pressure loss
can also be caused by driving on under-inflated
tires.
Rapid air pressure loss can affect the handling
and stability of the vehicle, especially at highway
speeds.
Help prevent rapid air pressure loss by maintain-
ing the correct air pressure and visually inspect
the tires for wear and damage. See “Wheels and
tires” in the “Maintenance and do-it-yourself”
section of this manual.
If a tire rapidly loses air pressure or “blows-out”
while driving maintain control of the vehicle by
following the procedure below. Please note thatthis procedure is only a general guide. The ve-
hicle must be driven as appropriate based on the
conditions of the vehicle, road and traffic.
WARNING
The following actions can increase the
chance of losing control of the vehicle if
there is a sudden loss of tire air pressure.
Losing control of the vehicle may cause a
collision and result in personal injury.
• The vehicle generally moves or pulls in
the direction of the flat tire.
• Do not rapidly apply the brakes.
• Do not rapidly release the accelerator
pedal.
• Do not rapidly turn the steering wheel.
1. Remain calm and do not overreact.
2. Maintain a firm grip on the steering wheel with
both hands and try to hold a straight course.
3. When appropriate, slowly release the accel-
erator pedal to gradually slow the vehicle.
4. Gradually steer the vehicle to a safe location
off the road and away from traffic if possible.
5. Lightly apply the brake pedal to gradually stop
the vehicle.
6. Turn on the hazard warning flashers and either
contact a roadside emergency service tochange the tire or see “Flat tire” in the “In case
of emergency” section of this Owner’s
Manual.DRINKING ALCOHOL/DRUGS AND
DRIVING
WARNING
Never drive under the influence of alco-
hol or drugs. Alcohol in the bloodstream
reduces coordination, delays reaction
time and impairs judgement. Driving af-
ter drinking alcohol increases the likeli-
hood of being involved in an accident
injuring yourself and others. Additionally,
if you are injured in an accident, alcohol
can increase the severity of the injury.
NISSAN is committed to safe driving. However,
you must choose not to drive under the influence
of alcohol. Every year thousands of people are
injured or killed in alcohol-related accidents. Al-
though the local laws vary on what is considered
to be legally intoxicated, the fact is that alcohol
affects all people differently and most people
underestimate the effects of alcohol.
5-6Starting and driving

Remember, drinking and driving don’t mix! That is
true for drugs too (over-the-counter, prescrip-
tion, and illegal drugs) . Do not drive if your ability
to operate your vehicle is impaired by alcohol,
drugs, or some other physical condition.
WARNING
Do not operate the power switch while
driving the vehicle except in an emer-
gency. (The EV system shuts down when
the power switch is pushed 3 consecutive
times or the power switch is pushed and
held for more than 2 seconds.) If the EV
system stops while the vehicle is being
driven, this could lead to a crash and
serious injury.
Before operating the power switch, make sure
the vehicle is in the P (Park) position.
NISSAN INTELLIGENT KEY®
SYSTEM
The Intelligent Key system allows the driver to
start the EV (Electric Vehicle) system without
taking the key out of the pocket or purse. The
operating environment and/or conditions may af-
fect Intelligent Key system operation.
Some indicators and warnings for operation are
displayed on the vehicle information display in the
lower display. See “Vehicle information display” in
the “Instruments and controls” section.)
CAUTION
• Be sure to carry the Intelligent Key
with you when operating the vehicle.
• Never leave the Intelligent Key inside
the vehicle when you leave the vehicle.
PUSH-BUTTON POWER SWITCH
Starting and driving5-7

OPERATING RANGE FOR EV
(ELECTRIC VEHICLE) START
FUNCTION
The Intelligent Key function can only be used for
starting the EV (Electric Vehicle) system when
the Intelligent Key is within the specified operat-
ing range
1.
When the Intelligent Key battery is almost dis-
charged or strong radio waves are present near
the operating location, the Intelligent Key sys-
tem’s operating range becomes narrower and it
may not function properly.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 operating
range 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 while
in the OFF position.
*: Push while the brake pedal is
depressed.
5-8Starting and driving

The indicator lightAon 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.
ACC (Accessories)
This position activates electrical accessories,
such as the radio, when EV system is OFF.
ON
This position turns on the EV (Electric Vehicle)
system and electrical accessories.
READY (Normal operating position)
This position turns on the EV (Electric Vehicle)
system, electrical accessories and the vehicle
can be driven.
OFF
The EV (Electric Vehicle) system can be turned
off.
The power switch cannot be placed in the LOCK
position until the vehicle is in the P (Park) posi-
tion.
CAUTION
Do not leave the vehicle with the power
switch in the ACC position for an ex-
tended period of time. This can discharge
the 12-volt battery.
NOTE:
If the power switch is pushed quickly or is
pushed twice quickly, the switch may not
function even if a chime sound is heard.
Push the switch again more slowly.
EMERGENCY EV (ELECTRIC
VEHICLE) SHUT OFF
To shut off the EV (Electric Vehicle) system in an
emergency situation while driving, perform the
following procedure.
• Rapidly push the power switch 3 consecutive
times in less than 1.5 seconds, or
• Push and hold the power switch for more than 2
seconds.
Starting and driving5-9

NISSAN INTELLIGENT KEY®
BATTERY DISCHARGE
If the Intelligent Key battery is discharged, or
environmental conditions interfere with the Intel-
ligent Key operation, start the EV (Electric Ve-
hicle) system in the READY to drive mode ac-
cording to the following procedure:
1. Push the P (Park) position switch on the shift
lever.
2. Firmly apply the foot brake.
3. Touch the power switch with the Intelligent
Key as illustrated. (A chime will sound.)4. Push the power switch while depressing the
brake 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 vehicle information display
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 Intelligent Key
again.
•If the Intelligent Key system battery dis-
charge indicator appears on the vehicle
information display, replace the battery as
soon as possible. See “Intelligent key bat-
tery replacement” in the “Maintenance
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/
headrests.
• 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 the “Instruments and controls” sec-
tion.)
BEFORE STARTING THE EV
(ELECTRIC VEHICLE) SYSTEM
5-10Starting and driving