battery NISSAN LEAF 2016 1.G First Responders Guide

Foreword
This
manual describes first response operations and important safetyrelated warnings for this vehicle.
This vehicle is an electrically driven car equipped with a high voltage battery pack. Failure to follow
recommended practices during emergency responses will cause death or serious personal
injury.
Please read this manual in advance in order to understand the features of this vehicle and to help you deal
with incidents involving this vehicle. Follow the procedures in order to help assure a safe and successful
first response operation.
This manual is periodically updated. If you are not viewing this manual on the Nissan web site, we urge you
to go to www.nissanusa.com orwww.nissan-techinfo.com to make sure you have the most recent version of
this

manual.
NISSAN EMERGENCY CONTACT INFORMATION • Nissan EV Customer Support: 1-877-664-2738 (Hours of operation are Monday-Friday7am - 7pm, Saturday 8am - 4:30pm Central time zone)
• Nissan Consumer Affairs: 1-800-647-7261 (US) or 1-800-387-0122 (Canada) (Hours of operation are 8am - 5pm (Monday-Friday) Eastern, Central and Pacific time zones)
IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT THIS MANUAL
You may see various symbols in this manual. They have the following meanings: This symbol is used to inform you of an operation which will result in death or serious personal injury if
instructions

are not followed.
Example: Touching high voltage components without using the appropriate protective equipment will result
in electrocution. This symbol is used to inform you of an operation which may cause death or serious personal injury if
instructions

are not followed.This symbol is used to inform you of an operation which may cause personal injury or component damage if
instructions

are not followed.
Please note that there may be differences between this manual and the vehicle specification due to
specification changes.
FRG–2

Table of Contents
FOREWORD
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . FRG–2
NISSAN EMERGENCY CONTACT INFORMATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . FRG–2
IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT THIS MANUAL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . FRG–2
1. ABOUT THE NISSAN LEAF® . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . FRG–4
1-1 LEAF IDENTIFICATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . FRG–51-1.1 EXTERIOR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . FRG–5
1-1.2 INTERIOR COMPONENT LOCATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . FRG–6
1-2 VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER (VIN) LAYOUT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . FRG–7
1-3 WARNING AND INDICATOR LAMP INFORMATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . FRG–7
2. BASIC HIGH VOLTAGE SYSTEM AND 12-VOLT SYSTEM INFORMATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . FRG–8 2-1 HIGH VOLTAGE-RELATED AND 12-VOLT-RELATED COMPONENT LOCATIONS AND DESCRIPTIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . FRG–8
2-1.1 HIGH VOLTAGE BATTERY PACK SPECIFICATIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . FRG–10
2-2 HIGH VOLTAGE SAFETY MEASURES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . FRG–10 2-2.1 WARNING LABEL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . FRG–10
2-3 HIGH VOLTAGE CIRCUIT SHUT-OFF SYSTEM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . FRG–11
2-4 PREVENTING ELECTRICAL SHOCK . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . FRG–11
2-5 EMERGENCY MEDICAL EQUIPMENT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . FRG–11
3. EMERGENCY RESPONSE STEPS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . FRG–12 3-1 PREPARATION ITEMS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . FRG–133-1.1
PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT (PPE) PROTECTIVE WEAR CONTROL. . . FRG–14
3-1.2 DAILY INSPECTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . FRG–14
3-1.3 INSULATED TOOLS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . FRG–14
3-2 VEHICLE IMMOBILIZATION AND STABILIZATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . FRG–15
3-3 HOW TO HANDLE A DAMAGED VEHICLE AT AN ACCIDENT SCENE . . . . . . . . . . . . . FRG–16 3-3.1 HIGH VOLTAGE SYSTEM SHUT-DOWN PROCEDURES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . FRG–16
3-3.2 WATER SUBMERSION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . FRG–26
3-3.3 VEHICLE FIRE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . FRG–26
3-3.4 CUTTING THE VEHICLE BODY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . FRG–27
3-3.5 HIGH VOLTAGE BATTERY DAMAGE AND FLUID LEAKS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . FRG–32
3-3.6 ACCESSING THE OCCUPANTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . FRG–32
3-4 STORING THE VEHICLE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . FRG–34
4. EMERGENCY QUICK REFERENCE GUIDE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . FRG–35
FRG–3

1. About The Nissan LEAF®
This
vehicle uses two types of batteries. One is a 12-volt battery that is the same as the battery in vehicles
powered by internal combustion engines, and the other is the high voltage battery for the traction motor
which propels the vehicle. The high voltage battery is encased in steel and mounted underneath the vehicle.
The vehicle must be plugged-in in order for the high voltage battery to be recharged. Additionally, the
vehicle system can recharge the high voltage battery by converting driving force into electricity while the
vehicle is decelerating or being driven downhill. This is called regenerative charging. This vehicle is
considered to be an environmentally friendly vehicle because it does not emit exhaust gases.
FRG–4

1-2 Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) Layout
The
vehicle identification number can be located as follows: Example VIN : 1N4A Z0CPXGC053500
The LEAF is identified by the 5
thalphanumeric character: Z
Z = Electric vehicle
1. VIN plate (visible through windshield) 2. Vehicle certification label (lower center pillar)
1-3 Warning and Indicator Lamp Information
The following warning and indicator lamps are located in the instrument cluster. Lamp Name
Icon Description
READ

Y Indicator This lamp is on when the EV system is powered up and the
vehicle

is ready to drive.
EV System Warning Lamp *1 • Malfunction has occurred in the EV system and/or
•

Emergency shut-off system has been activated.
The shut-off system activates in the following conditions:
– Front and side collisions in which the air bags are deployed.
– Certain rear collisions.
– Certain EV system malfunctions.
Master Warning Lamp (RED) This lamp is on when another red warning lamp is displayed in
the

instrument cluster or a warning is displayed on the dot
matrix LCD.
Master Warning Lamp
(YELLOW) This lamp is on when:
•

High voltage battery is getting low on charge.
• A yellow warning lamp is displayed in the instrument cluster or a message is displayed on the dot matrix LCD.
*1: When this lamp is ON, the ready lamp will turn OFF. 1
2
AAYIA0090ZZ
FRG–7

NOTE:
Components with white number in black background are high voltage components.No. Component
LocationDescription
Charge

port Under hood Connecting port for EVSE (Electric Vehicle
Supply Equipment) . Two ports are available:
Normal charge and quick charge (if so equipped) .
High voltage cables Under hood and
undercarriage Orange-colored power cables carry high voltage
current between each of the high voltage
components.
Traction Motor Under hood Converts three-phase AC power to drive power
(torque) which propels the vehicle.
Inverter Under hood Converts the DC power stored in the high voltage
battery to three-phase AC power and controls
motor torque (revolution) by regulating the motor
current.
Electric air
conditioner
compressor Under hood
Air conditioner compressor
Power Delivery
Module (PDM)
• On Board Charger
• DC/DC Converter
• High voltage junction box (J/B) Under hood
The PDM includes an On Board Charger, DC/DC
converter and high voltage junction box (J/B) .
The On Board Charger converts single-phase AC
power from a home power outlet to DC power
and increases the voltage in order to charge the
high voltage battery.
The DC/DC converter reduces the voltage of the
high voltage battery to provide power to the
12-volt battery in order to operate the vehicle’s
electric components (headlights, audio system,
etc.) .
The J/B provides electric power from the high
voltage battery to all high voltage parts of the
vehicle.
12-volt Battery Under hood A lead-acid battery that supplies power to the low
voltage devices.
Cabin heater Interior (This unit is
installed behind the
instrument panel) This is the electric heat source for the cabin
heater. It heats the interior of the vehicle.
High voltage battery Undercarriage Stores and outputs DC power (Maximum voltage
398.4V) needed to propel the vehicle.
High voltage battery
service disconnect Rear seat floor Isolates the battery from the rest of the high
voltage electrical system.
Brake power supply
backup unit Cargo area (This unit
is installed behind a
trim panel to prevent
access) Power supply backup unit for the brake system.
It supplies power to the brake system if a
malfunction occurs in the 12-volt battery.
FRG–9

2-1.1 High Voltage Battery Pack Specifications
24kWh
Battery High voltage battery voltage
360V
nominal
(240V - 398.4V usable range)
Number of high voltage battery modules in the pack 48
High voltage battery dimensions 60.91 x 46.77 x 10.39 in. (1547 x 1188 x 264 mm)
High voltage battery weight US: 602 lbs (273 kg)
Canada: 606 lbs (275 kg)
30kWh Battery High voltage battery voltage
360V
nominal
(240V - 398.4V usable range)
Number of high voltage battery modules in the pack 48
High voltage battery dimensions 60.91 x 46.77 x 10.39 in. (1547 x 1188 x 264 mm)
High voltage battery weight US: 648 lbs (294 kg)
Canada: 653 lbs (296 kg)
2-2 High Voltage Safety Measures Circuit insulation
The high voltage positive (+) and negative (-) circuits are insulated
from
the metal chassis.
Reducing the risk of electrocution The high voltage components and harnesses have insulated cases or orange-colored coverings which provide insulation and easy
identification.
The high voltage battery case is electrically connected to the vehicle
ground. This connection helps protect the vehicle occupants and
emergency responders from high voltage electrical shock.
Identification The high voltage components are labeled “WARNING” similar to label
shown below. All high voltage harnesses are coated in orange.
2-2.1 Warning Label AAYIA0147ZZ
FRG–10

2-3 High Voltage Circuit Shut-Off System
The
high voltage can be shut off by the following methods: Service plug
Positioned in the center area of the high voltage battery, this shuts off output
high
voltage when manually removed.
System main relay (located
in high voltage battery) Controlled by the power switch, this relay, which is controlled by the 12-volt
system, shuts off the high voltage from the high voltage battery.
Emergency shut-off
system In the case of a collision (front and side collisions in which the air bags are
deployed, certain rear collisions) or certain system malfunctions this system
is designed to shut off the high voltage from the high voltage battery.
Charging connector Some of the high voltage components are activated during charging. Remove the charging connector to deactivate these components.
2-4 Preventing Electrical Shock 1. If it is necessary to touch any of the high voltage harnesses or components, you mustalways wear appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) (refer to 3-1 Preparation Items
(FRG–13) ) and shut off the high voltage system by referring to 3-3.1 High Voltage System
Shut-Down

Procedures (FRG–16) .
2.

To avoid the risk of electrocution, NEVER touch the inside of the high voltage battery unless
appropriate PPE is worn even after shutting off the high voltage system. The high voltage battery
maintains charge even though the high voltage system is shut down.
3. Cover any damaged high voltage components with insulated tape.
2-5 Emergency Medical Equipment
The high voltage system should not interfere with emergency medical equipment which must be used in or
near the vehicle at an accident scene.
FRG–11

3-1 Preparation Items
Preparation Items
Specification Purpose
Personal Protective
Equipment (PPE):
Insulated gloves Up to 1,000V
For
protection from high voltage
electrical shock
Insulated shoes –
Safety

shield –
Leather

gloves Must be able to fasten tight
around

the wrist (worn over
insulated gloves) . To protect insulated gloves
Wrenches Size: 10mm
T
o remove the service plug access
cover bolts.
To remove the 12-volt battery terminal
bolt.
Solvent resistant protection
gloves –
To utilize in the event of a high voltage
battery electrolytic solution leak.
Solvent resistant protection
shoes –
Absorbent pad The same pad used for internal
combustion engine fluids can be
used. To absorb any high voltage battery
electrolytic solution leakage.
Standard fire fighting
equipment Standard fire fighting equipment
Depending on type of fire (vehicle
or battery) use standard fire
fighting equipment (water or
extinguisher) . To extinguish a fire.
Insulated tape Insulating To cover any damaged harnesses to
protect from and prevent electrical
shock. Tape should cover all bare or
damaged wire.
FRG–13

3-2 Vehicle Immobilization and Stabilization
If
possible, immobilize the vehicle by turning the 12V system OFF and stabilize it with a wheel chock(s) .
Stabilize the vehicle with cribbing, by removing air from the tires, or utilize the Lift Airbag Equipment for
rescue. • Do not stabilize the vehicle with cribbing under the high voltage battery.
•

To avoid electrical shock, do not put the Lift Airbag Equipment for rescue and wheel
chock(s) under the high voltage components and harnesses as shown following. =
=

3 N - 3
3 N - 4
3 N - 1 3 N - 2

DANGER High voltage battery
Do Not Lift Zone
High voltage battery
AAYIA0148GBFRG–15

3-3 How to Handle a Damaged Vehicle at an Accident Scene
NO
TE:
If any air bags have deployed in the following 3 situations, the high-voltage (HV) system has
been designed to automatically shut off at the time of deployment.
The Nissan LEAF high-voltage system incorporates capacitors which are energized whenever the high-
voltage system is on. If the high-voltage system is shut down (either through one of the built-in automatic
mechanisms or manually through one of the procedures explained in this FRG) , the capacitors will begin to
gradually discharge. After 5 minutes, the voltage level will have dropped below 60V, and complete
discharge requires approximately 10 minutes after high-voltage system shut down. It is within
this period of time that responders must be most cautious.
When arriving to an incident involving a Nissan LEAF, the vehicle should be approached with caution and
inspected for the level of damage. In addition to overall vehicle condition (location and severity of body
damage, air bag deployment, etc.) , the high-voltage system should be assessed specifically. The locations
of the high-voltage component parts are illustrated in this FRG. Refer to 2-1 High Voltage-Related and
12-volt-Related

Component Locations and Descriptions (FRG–8) . Appropriate Personal Protective
Equipment

(PPE) must always be worn when approaching a vehicle of unknown condition, as described in
this FRG.
Situation 1) High voltage system intact, occupants can be accessed without extrication tools
The HV system can be shut down by following the procedures in this guide, while wearing appropriate PPE.
After HV system shut down, occupant assistance can begin immediately, and no wait period is necessary.
Situation 2) High voltage system intact, occupants cannot be accessed without extrication tools
The HV system can be shut down by following the procedure in this guide, while wearing appropriate PPE.
After HV system shut down, absolute care must be taken not to cut through or damage any HV system
wiring, battery or components within ten (10) minutes of HV system shut down, but occupant
assistance operations using extrication equipment can begin immediately. The locations of the HV
components are illustrated in this guide.
Situation 3) High-voltage (HV) system damaged
If there is any evidence that the HV system has been compromised (such as arcing/sparking, orange wiring
harnesses cut or damaged, HV component casings damaged, etc.) , the responder may still be at risk of
high voltage exposure. The vehicle must be approached with extreme caution prior to initiating any system
shut down procedures or rendering assistance to occupants. Appropriate PPE must always be worn as
described in this guide, and the ten (10) minute wait time must be observed after HV system shut
down in order to ensure the system is de-energized.
In rare situations where vehicle damage is very severe, HV system shut down procedures as described in
this guide may not work. In these instances extreme caution and appropriate risk management must be
followed to prevent shock or electrocution to the responder or occupant.
3-3.1 High Voltage System Shut-Down Procedures
Any of the following procedures can shut down and isolate the high voltage system. The first response
operation should only begin after shutting down the high voltage system. If the vehicle is heavily damaged,
for example the high voltage battery is deformed, broken or cracked, appropriate Personal Protective
Equipment (PPE) must always be used and the high voltage battery and high voltage components must not
be touched.
FRG–16