ESP NISSAN LEAF 2015 1.G Owner's Manual

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 radiofrequencies 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 Industry Canada
licence-exempt RSS standard(s) . Opera-
tion is subject to the following two condi-
tions: (1) this device may not cause inter-
ference, and (2) this device must accept any
interference, including interference that
may cause undesired operation of the de-
vice.
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
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.
5-4Starting and driving

– There is a malfunction in the horn or hazardindicators.
– 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.
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.
Starting and driving5-5

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, more regenerative 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

ANTI-LOCK BRAKING SYSTEM
(ABS)
WARNING
• The Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) is a sophisticated device, but it cannot
prevent accidents resulting from care-
less or dangerous driving techniques.
It can help maintain vehicle control
during braking on slippery surfaces.
Remember that stopping distances on
slippery surfaces will be longer than
on normal surfaces even with ABS.
Stopping distances may also be longer
on rough, gravel or snow covered
roads, or if you are using tire chains.
Always maintain a safe distance from
the vehicle in front of you. Ultimately,
the driver is responsible for safety.
• Tire type and condition may also affect braking effectiveness.
– When replacing tires, install thespecified size of tires on all four
wheels.
– For detailed information, see “Wheels and tires” in the “Mainte-
nance and do-it-yourself” section of
this manual.
The Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) controls the
brakes so the wheels do not lock during hard brak-
ing or when braking on slippery surfaces. The sys-
tem detects the rotation speed at each wheel and
varies the brake fluid pressure to prevent each wheel
from locking and sliding. By preventing each wheel
from locking, the system helps the driver maintain
steering control and helps to minimize swerving and
spinning on slippery surfaces.
Using the system
Depress the brake pedal and hold it down. De-
press the brake pedal with firm steady pressure,
but do not pump the brakes. The ABS will oper-
ate to prevent the wheels from locking up. Steer
the vehicle to avoid obstacles.
WARNING
Do not pump the brake pedal. Doing so
may result in increased stopping dis-
tances.
Self-test feature
The ABS includes electronic sensors, electric
pumps, hydraulic solenoids and a computer. The
computer has a built-in diagnostic feature that tests
the system each time you push the power switch in
the READY to drive position and move the vehicle at a low speed in forward or reverse. When the self-
test occurs, you may hear a “clunk” noise and/or feel
a pulsation in the brake pedal. This is normal and
does not indicate a malfunction. If the computer
senses a malfunction, it switches the ABS off and
illuminates the ABS warning light on the instrument
panel. The brake system then operates normally, but
without anti-lock assistance.
If the ABS warning light illuminates during the
self-test or while driving, have the vehicle
checked by a NISSAN certified LEAF dealer.
Normal operation
The ABS operates at speeds above 3 to 6 MPH
(5 to 10 km/h) . The speed varies according to
road conditions.
When the ABS senses that one or more wheels
are close to locking up, the actuator rapidly ap-
plies and releases hydraulic pressure. This action
is similar to pumping the brakes very quickly. You
may feel a pulsation in the brake pedal and hear a
noise from under the hood or feel a vibration from
the actuator when it is operating. This is normal
and indicates that the ABS is operating properly.
However, the pulsation may indicate that road
conditions are hazardous and extra care is re-
quired while driving.
5-22Starting and driving

The Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) system uses
various sensors to monitor driver inputs and ve-
hicle motion. Under certain driving conditions,
the VDC system helps to perform the following
functions.
• Controls brake pressure to reduce wheel slip onone slipping drive wheel so power is transferred
to a drive wheel on the same axle that is not
slipping.
• Controls brake pressure and traction motor out- put to reduce drive wheel slip based on vehicle
speed (traction control function) .
• Controls brake pressure at individual wheels and traction motor output to help the driver
maintain control of the vehicle in the following
conditions. – understeer (vehicle tends to not follow the steered path despite increased steering in-
put)
– oversteer (vehicle tends to spin due to cer- tain road or driving conditions) .
The VDC system can help the driver to maintain
control of the vehicle, but it cannot prevent loss of
vehicle control in all driving situations.
When the VDC system operates, the
warning in the instrument panel flashes. When
the warning flashes, note the following items. • The road may be slippery or the system may
determine some action is required to help keep
the vehicle on the steered path.
• You may feel a pulsation in the brake pedal and hear a noise or vibration from under the hood.
This is normal and indicates that the VDC sys-
tem is working properly.
• Adjust your speed and driving according to the road conditions.
See “Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) warning
light” and “Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) off
indicator light” in the “Instruments and controls”
section.
If a malfunction occurs in the system, the
warning illuminates in the lower display. The VDC
system automatically turns off when this warning
light is lit.
The VDC OFF switch is used to turn off the VDC
system. The VDC off indicator
illuminates
to indicate that the VDC system is off. When the
VDC switch is used to turn off the system, the
VDC system still operates to prevent one drive
wheel from slipping by transferring power to a
drive wheel that is not slipping. The
warn-
ing flashes if this occurs. All other VDC functions
are off and the
warning will not flash. The
VDC System is automatically reset to ON when the power switch is placed in the OFF position
then back to the ON position.
The computer has a built-in diagnostic feature
that tests the system each time you start the EV
(Electric Vehicle) and move the vehicle forward or
in reverse at a slow speed. When the self-test
occurs, you may hear a “clunk” noise and/or feel a
pulsation in the brake pedal. This is normal and is
not an indication of a malfunction.
WARNING
• The VDC system is designed to help the driver maintain stability but does
not prevent accidents due to abrupt
steering operation at high speeds or
by careless or dangerous driving tech-
niques. Reduce vehicle speed and be
especially careful when driving and
cornering on slippery surfaces and al-
ways drive carefully.
• Do not modify the vehicle’s suspen- sion. If suspension parts such as shock
absorbers, struts, springs, stabilizer
bars, bushings and wheels are not
NISSAN recommended for your ve-
hicle or are extremely deteriorated the
VDC system may not operate properly.
This could adversely affect vehicle
VEHICLE DYNAMIC CONTROL (VDC)
SYSTEM
Starting and driving5-23

handling performance, and thewarning may flash ormay il-
luminate.
• If brake related parts such as brake
pads, rotors and calipers are not
NISSAN recommended or are ex-
tremely deteriorated, the VDC system
may not operate properly and
may
illuminate.
• If traction motor control related parts
are not NISSAN recommended or are
extremely deteriorated, the
may
illuminate.
• When driving on extremely inclined
surfaces such as higher banked cor-
ners, the VDC system may not operate
properly and the
warning may illu-
minate. Do not drive on these types of
roads.
• When driving on an unstable surface
such as a turntable, ferry, elevator or
ramp, the
warning may illuminate.
This is not a malfunction. Restart the
EV (Electric Vehicle) system after driv-
ing onto a stable surface. • If wheels or tires other than the
NISSAN recommended ones are used,
the VDC system may not operate prop-
erly and the
warning may illumi-
nate.
• The VDC system is not a substitute for
winter tires or tire chains on a snow
covered road.
WARNING
• Never rely solely on the hill start assist system to prevent the vehicle from
moving backward on a hill. Always
drive carefully and attentively. Depress
the brake pedal when the vehicle is
stopped on a steep hill. Be especially
careful when stopped on a hill on fro-
zen or muddy roads. Failure to prevent
the vehicle from rolling backwards
may result in a loss of control of the
vehicle and possible serious injury or
death.
• The hill start assist system is not de- signed to hold the vehicle at a stand-
still on a hill. Depress the brake pedal
when the vehicle is stopped on a steep
hill. Failure to do so may cause the
vehicle to roll backwards and may re-
sult in a collision or serious personal
injury.
• The hill start assist may not prevent the vehicle from rolling backwards on a
hill under all load or road conditions.
Always be prepared to depress the
brake pedal to prevent the vehicle
from rolling backwards. Failure to do
so may result in a collision or serious
personal injury.
HILL START ASSIST SYSTEM
5-24Starting and driving

In order to maintain the appearance of your ve-
hicle, it is important to take proper care of it.
To protect the paint surfaces, wash your vehicle
as soon as you can:
• after a rainfall to prevent possible damage fromacid rain
• after driving on coastal roads
• when contaminants such as soot, bird drop- pings, tree sap, metal particles or bugs get on
the paint surface
• when dust or mud builds up on the surface
Whenever possible, store or park your vehicle
inside a garage or in a covered area.
When it is necessary to park outside, park in a
shady area or protect the vehicle with a body
cover.
Be careful not to scratch the paint surface
when putting on or removing the body
cover.
WASHING
Wash dirt off the vehicle with a wet sponge and
plenty of water. Clean the vehicle thoroughly
using a mild soap, a special vehicle soap or
general purpose dishwashing liquid mixed with
clean, lukewarm (never hot) water.
CAUTION
• Do not use car washes that use acid in the detergent. Some car washes, espe-
cially brushless ones, use some acid
for cleaning. The acid may react with
some plastic vehicle components,
causing them to crack. This could af-
fect their appearance, and also could
cause them not to function properly.
Always check with your car wash to
confirm that acid is not used.
• Do not wash the vehicle with strong household soap, strong chemical de-
tergents, gasoline or solvents.
• Do not wash the vehicle in direct sun- light or while the vehicle body is hot, as
the surface may become water-
spotted.
• Avoid using tight-napped or rough cloths, such as washing mitts. Care
must be taken when removing
caked-on dirt or other foreign sub-
stances so the paint surface is not
scratched or damaged.
Rinse the vehicle thoroughly with plenty of clean
water.
Inside flanges, seams and folds on the doors,
hatches and hood are particularly vulnerable to the effects of road salt. Therefore, these areas
must be regularly cleaned. Make sure that the
drain holes in the lower edge of the door are
open. Spray water under the body and in the
wheel wells to loosen the dirt and wash away
road salt.
Avoid leaving water spots on the paint surface by
using a damp chamois to dry the vehicle.
WAXING
Regular waxing protects the paint surface and
helps retain new vehicle appearance. Polishing is
recommended to remove built-up wax residue
and to avoid a weathered appearance before
reapplying wax.
A NISSAN certified LEAF dealer can assist you in
choosing the proper product.
• Wax your vehicle only after a thorough washing.
Follow the instructions supplied with the wax.
• Do not use a wax containing any abrasives, cutting compounds or cleaners that may dam-
age the vehicle finish.
Machine compound or aggressive polishing on a
base coat/clear coat paint finish may dull the
finish or leave swirl marks.
CLEANING EXTERIOR
7-2Appearance and care

REMOVING SPOTS
Remove tar and oil spots, industrial dust, insects,
and tree sap as quickly as possible from the paint
surface to avoid lasting damage or staining. Spe-
cial cleaning products are available at a NISSAN
certified LEAF dealer or any automotive acces-
sory stores.
UNDERBODY
In areas where road salt is used in winter, the
underbody must be cleaned regularly. This will
prevent dirt and salt from building up and causing
the acceleration of corrosion on the underbody
and suspension. Before the winter period and
again in the spring, the underseal must be
checked and, if necessary, re-treated.
GLASS
Use glass cleaner to remove smoke and dust film
from the glass surfaces. It is normal for glass to
become coated with a film after the vehicle is
parked in the hot sun. Glass cleaner and a soft
cloth will easily remove this film.
CAUTION
When cleaning the inside of the windows,
do not use sharp-edged tools, abrasive cleaners or chlorine-based disinfectant
cleaners. They could damage the electri-
cal conductors, radio antenna elements
or rear window defroster elements.
SOLAR CELL MODULE (IF SO
EQUIPPED)
The solar cell uses a plastic cover. When clean-
ing the cell:
• Do not polish the solar cell using a dry cloth or a
wax that contains a compound. Doing so may
strip off the hard coating.
• In order to maintain the solar cell’s effective- ness, be sure to remove any leaves or dirt from
the surface of the cell.
WHEELS
Wash the wheels when washing the vehicle to
maintain their appearance.
• Clean the inner side of the wheels when thewheel is changed or the underside of the vehicle
is washed.
• Inspect wheel rims regularly for dents or corro- sion. Such damage may cause loss of pressure
or poor seal at the tire bead. • NISSAN recommends that the road wheels be
waxed to protect against road salt in areas
where it is used during winter.
CAUTION
Do not use abrasive cleaners when wash-
ing the wheels.
Aluminum alloy wheels
Wash regularly with a sponge dampened in a
mild soap solution, especially during winter
months in areas where road salt is used. Salt
could discolor the wheels if not removed.
CAUTION
Follow the directions below to avoid
staining or discoloring the wheels:
• Do not use a cleaner that uses strong acid or alkali contents to clean the
wheels.
• Do not apply wheel cleaners to the wheels when they are hot. The wheel
temperature should be the same as
ambient temperature.
• Rinse the wheel to completely remove the cleaner within 15 minutes after the
cleaner is applied.
Appearance and care7-3

WARNING
Do not allow wet seat belts to roll up in
the retractor. NEVER use bleach, dye, or
chemical solvents to clean the seat belts,
since these materials may severely
weaken the seat belt webbing.
ELECTRIC VEHICLE SUPPLY
EQUIPMENT (EVSE)
The Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE)
can be cleaned by wiping gently with a soft cloth
dampened in a 3% mild soap solution. Wipe and
rinse the soap solution off with a cloth dampened
with water and allow the EVSE to dry in a shady
and well-ventilated place.
MOST COMMON FACTORS
CONTRIBUTING TO VEHICLE
CORROSION
• The accumulation of moisture-retaining dirt and debris in body panel sections, cavities, and
other areas.
• Damage to paint and other protective coatings caused by gravel and stone chips or minor
traffic accidents.
ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS
INFLUENCE THE RATE OF
CORROSION
Moisture
Accumulation of sand, dirt and water on the ve-
hicle body underside can accelerate corrosion.
Wet floor coverings will not dry completely inside
the vehicle, and should be removed for drying to
avoid floor panel corrosion.
Relative humidity
Corrosion will be accelerated in areas of high
relative humidity, especially those areas where
the temperatures stay above freezing, where at-
mospheric pollution exists, or where road salt is
used.
Temperature
A temperature increase will accelerate the rate of
corrosion to those parts which are not well ven-
tilated.
Air pollution
Industrial pollution, the presence of salt in the air
in coastal areas, or heavy road salt use will accel-
erate the corrosion process. Road salt will also
accelerate the disintegration of paint surfaces.
TO PROTECT YOUR VEHICLE FROM
CORROSION
• Wash and wax your vehicle often to keep thevehicle clean.
• Always check for minor damage to the paint and repair it as soon as possible.
• Keep drain holes at the bottom of the doors open to avoid water accumulation.
• Check the underbody for accumulation of sand, dirt or salt. If present, wash with water as soon
as possible.
CORROSION PROTECTION
7-6Appearance and care

Your new NISSAN has been designed to have
minimum maintenance requirements with long
service intervals to save you both time and
money. However, some day-to-day and regular
maintenance is essential to maintain your NIS-
SAN’s fine mechanical condition, as well as its
EV (Electric Vehicle) system performance.
It is the owner’s responsibility to make sure that
the scheduled maintenance, as well as general
maintenance, is performed.
As the vehicle owner, you are the only one who
can ensure that your vehicle receives the proper
maintenance care. You are a vital link in the main-
tenance chain.
SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE
For your convenience, both required and optional
scheduled maintenance items are described and
listed in your “NISSAN Service and Maintenance
Guide”. You must refer to that guide to ensure
that necessary maintenance is performed on your
NISSAN at regular intervals.
GENERAL MAINTENANCE
General maintenance includes those items which
should be checked during normal day-to-day op-
eration. They are essential for proper vehicle op-eration. It is your responsibility to perform these
procedures regularly as prescribed.
Performing general maintenance checks requires
minimal mechanical skill and only a few general
automotive tools.
These checks or inspections can be done by
yourself, a qualified technician or, if you prefer, a
NISSAN certified LEAF dealer.
WHERE TO GO FOR SERVICE
If maintenance service is required or your vehicle
appears to malfunction, have the systems
checked and serviced by a NISSAN certified
LEAF dealer.
NISSAN technicians are well-trained specialists
and are kept up-to-date with the latest service
information through technical bulletins, service
tips, and in-dealership information systems. They
are completely qualified to work on NISSAN ve-
hicles
before work begins.
You can be confident that a NISSAN certified
LEAF dealer’s service department performs the
best job to meet the maintenance requirements
on your vehicle — in a reliable and economical
way. During the normal day-to-day operation of the
vehicle, general maintenance should be per-
formed regularly as prescribed in this section. If
you detect any unusual sounds, vibrations or
smell, be sure to check for the cause or have a
NISSAN certified LEAF dealer do it promptly. In
addition, you should notify a NISSAN certified
LEAF dealer if you think that repairs are required.
When performing any checks or maintenance
work, see “Maintenance precautions” in this sec-
tion.
EXPLANATION OF MAINTENANCE
ITEMS
Additional information on the following
items with “*” is found in this section.
Outside vehicle
The maintenance items listed here should be
performed from time to time, unless otherwise
specified.
Doors and motor hood:
Check that all doors
and the motor hood operate properly. Also en-
sure that all latches lock securely. Lubricate
hinges, latches, latch pins, rollers and links if
necessary. Make sure that the secondary latch
MAINTENANCE REQUIREMENT GENERAL MAINTENANCE
8-2Maintenance and do-it yourself