NISSAN LEAF 2014 1.G Owners Manual

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.
ELECTRIC SHIFT CONTROL
SYSTEM
This vehicle is electronically controlled to produce
maximum available power and smooth operation.
The recommended operating procedures for this
vehicle are shown on the following pages.
Starting vehicle
1. After placing the vehicle in the READY to drive
position, fully depress the foot brake pedal
before moving the shift lever to the D (Drive)
position.
The shift lever of this vehicle is designed
so that the foot brake pedal must be de-
pressed before shifting from the P (Park)
position to any driving position while the
power switch is in the ON position.
The shift lever cannot be moved out of
the P (Park) position and into any of the
other positions if the power switch is
placed in the LOCK, OFF or ACC position
or if the key is removed.
2. Keep the foot brake pedal depressed, and
move the shift lever to the D (Drive) position.3. Release the parking brake and foot brake
pedal, and then gradually start the vehicle in
motion.
WARNING
• Do not depress the accelerator pedal
while shifting from P (Park) or N (Neu-
tral) to R (Reverse) or D (Drive) posi-
tion. Always depress the brake pedal
until shifting is completed. Failure to
do so could cause you to lose control,
which could result in an accident.
• Never shift to P (Park) or R (Reverse)
while vehicle is moving. Failure to do
so could cause you to lose control and
have an accident.
CAUTION
•
When stopping the vehicle on an uphill
slope, do not hold the vehicle by de-
pressing the accelerator pedal. The foot
brake should be used for this purpose.
• Do not hang items on the shift lever.
This may cause an accident due to a
sudden start.
• Do not shift to the ECO position
abruptly on slippery roads. This may
cause a loss of control.
STARTING THE EV (ELECTRIC
VEHICLE) SYSTEM DRIVING VEHICLE
Starting and driving5-11

Shifting
To move the shift lever,
: Slide along the gate while the brake
pedal is depressed.
: After sliding, maintain it in the same
position until the vehicle placed to N
(Neutral) position.
: When in the D (Drive) position, slide
along the gate.
NOTE:
•Confirm that the vehicle is in the desired
shift position by checking the shift indica-
tor
1located near the shift lever or the
vehicle information display in the meter.
•To place the vehicle into the D (Drive)
position from the ECO position, move the
shift lever into the D (Drive) position.
After placing the vehicle in the READY to drive
position, fully depress the brake pedal, and move
the shift lever to any of the preferred shift posi-
tions.
If the power switch is placed in the OFF or ACC
position for any reason while the shift position is
in any position other than the P (Park) position,
the power switch cannot be placed in the LOCK
position.
If the power switch cannot be placed in the
LOCK position, perform the following steps.
1. Apply the parking brake when the vehicle is
stopped.
2. Place the power switch in the ON position
while depressing the foot brake pedal.
3. Press the P position switch and place in the P
(Park) position.
4. Place the power switch in the OFF position.
NOTE:
The vehicle automatically applies the P
(Park) position when the power switch is in
the OFF position.
WARNING
• The shift lever is always in the center
position when released. When the
power switch is placed in the READY to
drive position, the driver needs to con-
firm that the vehicle is in the P (Park)
position. The indicator next to the “P”
by the shift lever is illuminated and the
“P” is displayed on the meter. If the
vehicle is in the D (Drive) position or R
(Reverse) position when the power
switch is placed in the READY to drive
position, this may cause a sudden start
which could result in an accident.
• On a hilly road, do not allow the vehicle
to roll backwards while in the D (Drive)
position or ECO position, or allow the
vehicle to roll forward while in the R
(Reverse) position. This may cause an
accident.
5-12Starting and driving

CAUTION
• Do not slide the shift lever while push-
ing the P position switch. This may
also damage the electric motor.
• When switching to the preferred posi-
tion by operating the shift lever, check
that the shift lever returns to the cen-
tral position by releasing your hand
from the lever. Holding the shift lever
in a mid-way position may also dam-
age the shift control system.
• Do not operate the shift lever while the
accelerator pedal is depressed, except
when switching to the ECO position.
This may cause a sudden start which
could result in an accident.
• The following operations are not al-
lowed because excessive force would
be applied to the traction motor and
this may result in damage to the ve-
hicle:
– Moving the shift lever to the R (Re-
verse) position when driving for-
ward
– Moving the shift lever to the D
(Drive) or ECO position when revers-
ing
If these operations are attempted, a
chime sounds and the vehicle shifts tothe N (Neutral) position.
P (Park):
Use this shift position when the vehicle is parked
or when placing the vehicle in the READY to drive
position. Make sure that the vehicle is completely
stopped.In order to switch to the P (Park)
position, press the P (Park) position switch
as shown in the illustration above once the
vehicle has come to a complete stop. If the
P (Park) position switch is pressed while
the vehicle is in motion, a chime sounds
and the current shift position is maintained.
After switching to the P (Park) position, apply theparking brake. When parking on a hill, apply the
parking brake first while keeping the foot brake
pedal depressed then push the P (Park) position
switch and place the vehicle in the P (Park)
position. See “Parking brake”.
NOTE:
•While the vehicle is stationary, if the shift
position is placed in any position other
than the P (Park) position when the power
switch is set to OFF, it will automatically
switch to the P (Park) position.
•If the P (Park) position switch is pressed
while sliding the shift lever, the shift posi-
tion will not switch to the P (Park) posi-
tion. When pressing the P (Park) position
switch be sure to first allow the shift lever
to return to its center position.
R (Reverse):
Use this position to back up. Make sure that the
vehicle is completely stopped before selecting
the R (Reverse) position.If the vehicle is
placed in the D (Drive) position while re-
versing, the chime will sound and the ve-
hicle will switch into the N (Neutral) posi-
tion.
Starting and driving5-13

N (Neutral):
Neither forward nor reverse gear is engaged. The
vehicle can be placed in READY to drive position
in this position.
Do not shift to the N (Neutral) position while
driving. The regenerative brake system does not
operate in the N (Neutral) position. However, the
vehicle brakes will still stop the car.
D (Drive):
Use this position for all normal forward driving.If
the vehicle is placed in the D (Drive) posi-
tion while reversing, the chime will sound
and the vehicle will switch into the N (Neu-
tral) position.B-mode:
Engages the regenerative braking system more
aggressively on downhill slopes, and helps re-
duce brake use. Activated by moving the shift
lever left and down. The shift lever will then return
to the center position.ECO mode (if so equipped):
Use ECO in order to help extend the driving
range.
In comparison to the D (Drive) position, ECO
consumes less power for the traction motor and
heater and air conditioner operations and en-
ables the range of the vehicle to be extended.
ECO can be selected from the D (Drive) or
B-mode position.
5-14Starting and driving

WARNING
• Be sure the parking brake is released
before driving. Failure to do so could
cause brake failure and lead to an ac-
cident.
• Do not release the parking brake from
outside the vehicle.
• Do not leave children unattended in a
vehicle. They could release the parking
brake and cause an accident.
• When leaving the vehicle, apply the
parking brake and push the P (Park)
position switch on the shift lever.
To engage:Firmly depress the parking brake.
To release:
1. Firmly apply the foot brake.
2. Firmly depress the parking brake and it will
release.
3. Before driving, be sure the brake warning light
goes out.
PRECAUTIONS ON CRUISE
CONTROL
• If the cruise control system malfunctions, it will
cancel automatically. The SET indicator on the
vehicle information display will then blink to
warn the driver.
• If the SET indicator on the vehicle information
display blinks, turn the cruise control MAIN
switch off and have the system checked by a
NISSAN certified LEAF dealer.
• The SET indicator on the vehicle information
display may blink when the cruise control MAIN
switch is turned ON while pushing the ACCEL/
RES, COAST/SET or CANCEL switch. To
properly set the cruise control system, perform
the following procedure.
PARKING BRAKE CRUISE CONTROL
Starting and driving5-15

WARNING
Do not use the cruise control when driv-
ing under the following conditions:
• when it is not possible to keep the
vehicle at a set speed
• in heavy traffic or in traffic that varies
in speed
• on winding or hilly roads
• on slippery roads (rain, snow, ice, etc.)
• in very windy areas
Doing so could cause a loss of vehicle
control and result in an accident.
CRUISE CONTROL OPERATION
1. ACCELERATE (ACCEL)/RESUME (RES)
switch
2. COAST/SET switch
3. CANCEL switch
4. MAIN (ON·OFF) switch
The cruise control allows driving at a speed be-
tween 25 to 89 MPH (40 to 144 km/h) without
keeping your foot on the accelerator pedal.
To turn on the cruise control,push the MAIN
switch on. The CRUISE indicator on the vehicle
information display will illuminate.To set the cruising speed,accelerate the ve-
hicle to the preferred speed, push the COAST/
SET switch and release it. Take your foot off the
accelerator pedal. The vehicle will maintain the
set speed.
•To pass another vehicle,depress the accel-
erator pedal. When you release the pedal, the
vehicle will return to the previously set speed.
• The vehicle may not maintain the set speed on
winding or hilly roads. If this happens, drive
without using the cruise control.
To cancel the preset speed,use one of the
following methods.
1. Push the CANCEL switch.
2. Tap the brake pedal.
3. Turn the MAIN switch off. The CRUISE indi-
cator on the vehicle information display will
turn off.
• If you depress the brake pedal while pushing the
ACCEL/RES or COAST/SET switch and reset
at the cruising speed, the cruise control will
disengage. Turn the MAIN switch off once and
then turn it on again.
• The cruise control will automatically cancel if the
vehicle slows more than 8 MPH (13 km/h) be-
low the set speed.
5-16Starting and driving

• If you move the shift lever to the N (Neutral)
position, the cruise control will be canceled.
To reset at a faster cruising speed,use one of
the following methods.
• Depress the accelerator pedal. When the ve-
hicle attains the preferred speed, push and re-
lease the COAST/SET switch.
• Push and hold the ACCEL/RES switch. When
the vehicle attains the preferred speed, release
the switch.
• Push, then quickly release the ACCEL/RES
switch. Each time you do this, the set speed will
increase by about 1 MPH (1.6 km/h) .
To reset at a slower cruising speed,use one
of the following methods.
• Lightly tap the brake pedal. When the vehicle
attains the preferred speed, push the COAST/
SET switch and release it.
• Push and hold the COAST/SET switch. Re-
lease the switch when the vehicle slows down
to the preferred speed.
• Push, then quickly release, the COAST/SET
switch. Each time you do this, the set speed will
decrease by about 1 MPH (1.6 km/h) .To resume the preset speed,push and re-
lease the ACCEL/RES switch. The vehicle will
resume the last set cruising speed when the
vehicle speed is over 25 MPH (40 km/h) .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 regenerative
brake 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.
INCREASING POWER ECONOMY
Starting and driving5-17

– 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.• Release the accelerator pedal to slow down
and do not apply the brakes when traffic and
road conditions allow.
– This vehicle is equipped with a regenerative
brake system. The primary purpose of re-
generative brake system is to provide some
power to recharge the Li-ion battery and
extend driving range. A secondary benefit is
“engine braking” that operates based on
Li-ion battery conditions. In the D (Drive)
position, when the accelerator pedal is re-
leased, the regenerative brake system pro-
vides some deceleration and some power to
the Li-ion battery.
WARNING
• Do not stop or park the vehicle over
flammable materials such as dry grass,
waste paper or rags. They may ignite
and cause a fire.
• Never leave the vehicle in the READY
to drive mode while the vehicle is un-
attended.
• Do not leave children unattended in-
side the vehicle. They could unknow-
ingly activate switches or controls. Un-
attended children could become
involved in serious accidents.
• Safe parking procedures require that
both the parking brake be applied and
the vehicle placed in the park position.
Failure to do so could cause the ve-
hicle to move unexpectedly or roll
away and result in an accident.
PARKING/PARKING ON HILLS
5-18Starting and driving

1. Firmly apply the parking brake.
2. Push the P position switch on the shift lever.
3. To help prevent the vehicle from rolling into
the street when parked on a slope, it is a good
practice to turn the wheels as illustrated.
• HEADED DOWNHILL WITH CURB:
1
• Turn the wheels into the curb and move the
vehicle forward until the curb side wheel
gently touches the curb.
• HEADED UPHILL WITH CURB:
2
• Turn the wheels away from the curb and
move the vehicle back until the curb side
wheel gently touches the curb.• HEADED UPHILL OR DOWNHILL, NO
CURB:
3
• Turn the wheels toward the side of the road
so the vehicle will move away from the center
of the road if it moves.
4. Place the power switch in the OFF position.
WARNING
• If the READY to drive indicator light is
OFF while driving, the power assist for
the steering will not work. Steering will
be harder to operate.
• When the power steering warning light
illuminates while the READY to drive
indicator light ON, the power assist for
the steering will cease operation. You
will still have control of the vehicle but
the steering will be harder to operate.
The power steering system is designed to pro-
vide power assistance while driving to operate
the steering wheel with less effort.
When the steering wheel is operated repeatedly
or continuously while parking or driving at a very
low speed, the power assist for the steering
wheel will be reduced. This is to prevent over-
heating of the power steering system and help
protect it from getting damaged. While the power
assistance is reduced, steering wheel operation
will become harder. When the temperature of the
power steering system goes down, the power
assistance level will return to normal. Avoid re-
peating such steering wheel operations that
could cause the power steering system to over-
heat.
POWER STEERING SYSTEM
Starting and driving5-19

You may hear a noise when the steering wheel is
operated quickly. However, this is not a malfunc-
tion.
If the power steering warning light
illumi-
nates while the READY to drive indicator light is
ON, it may indicate the power steering system is
not functioning properly and may need servicing.
Have the power steering system checked by a
NISSAN certified LEAF dealer. (See “Power
steering warning light” in the “Instruments and
controls” section.)
The power assist for steering stops operating
when both the power steering warning light and
READY to drive indicator light are illuminated.
You will still have control of the vehicle. However,
greater steering effort is needed, especially in
sharp turns and at low speeds.
BRAKE PRECAUTIONS
This vehicle is equipped with two braking sys-
tems:
1. Hydraulic brake system
2. Regenerative brake system
Hydraulic brake system
The hydraulic brake system is similar to the
brakes used on conventional vehicles.
The brake system has two separate hydraulic
circuits. If one circuit malfunctions, you will still
have braking at two wheels.
Regenerative brake system
The primary purpose of regenerative brake sys-
tem is to provide some power to help recharge
the Li-ion battery and extend driving range. A
secondary benefit is “engine braking” that oper-
ates based on battery conditions.
In the D (Drive) range, when the accelerator is
released, the regenerative brake system provides
some deceleration and generates power for the
Li-ion battery. Power is also generated when the
brake pedal is applied.
When you put the shift lever in the ECO position
and take your foot off the accelerator pedal, moreregenerative brake is applied than in the D (Drive)
position. However, during high-speed driving you
may feel that regenerative brake provides less
deceleration than the engine braking in an ordi-
nary vehicle. This is normal.
Less deceleration is provided by the regenerative
brake system when the Li-ion battery is fully
charged. Regenerative brake is automatically re-
duced when the Li-ion battery is fully charged to
prevent the Li-ion battery from becoming over-
charged. Regenerative brake is also automati-
cally reduced when the battery temperature is
high/low (indicated by the red/blue zones on the
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 condi-
tions. The vehicle brakes are not affected by
regenerative brake system operation.
NOTE:
•When applying the regenerative brakes,
you may hear a sound coming from the
regenerative brake system. This is a nor-
mal operating characteristic of an EV
(Electric vehicle) .
BRAKE SYSTEM
5-20Starting and driving