brake fluid NISSAN LEAF 2016 1.G Owners Manual

1. Brake fluid reservoir (P. 8-10)
2. 12-volt battery (P. 8-12)
3. Fuse holder (P. 8-17)
4. Fuse/Fusible link holder (P. 8-17)
5. Coolant reservoir cap (P. 8-8)
6. Windshield-washer fluid reservoir (P. 8-11)
7. Fuse/Fusible link holder (P. 8-17)
MOTOR COMPARTMENT
0-10Illustrated table of contents

WARNING
In case of a collision:
• If your vehicle is drivable, pull your vehicle off the road, push the P (Park)
position switch on the shift lever, apply
the parking brake and turn the EV
(Electric Vehicle) system off.
• Check your vehicle to see if there are exposed high-voltage parts or cables.
For their locations, refer to “High volt-
age components” in this section. To
avoid personal injury, never touch
high-voltage wiring, connectors, and
other high-voltage parts, such as in-
verter unit and Li-ion battery. An elec-
tric shock may occur if exposed electric
wires are visible when viewed from
inside or outside of your vehicle.
Therefore, never touch exposed elec-
tric wires.
• If the vehicle receives a strong impact to the floor while driving, stop the ve-
hicle in a safe location and check the
floor. • Leaks or damage to the Li-ion battery
may result in a fire. If you discover
them, contact emergency services im-
mediately. Since the fluid leak may be
lithium manganate from the Li-ion bat-
tery, never touch the fluid leak inside
or outside the vehicle. If the fluid con-
tacts your skin or eyes, wash it off
immediately with a large amount of
water and receive immediate medical
attention to help avoid serious injury.
• If a fire occurs in the EV (Electric Ve- hicle) , leave the vehicle as soon as
possible. Only use a type ABC, BC or C
fire extinguisher that is meant for use
on electrical fires. Using a small
amount of water or the incorrect fire
extinguisher can result in serious in-
jury or death from electrical shock.
• If your vehicle needs to be towed, do it with the front wheels raised. If the
front wheels are on the ground when
towing, the traction motor may gener-
ate electricity. This may damage the
components of the EV (Electric Ve-
hicle) system and cause a fire. • If you are not able to safely assess the
vehicle due to vehicle damage, do not
touch the vehicle. Leave the vehicle
and contact emergency services. Ad-
vise first responders that this is an
electric vehicle.
• In the event of an accident that re- quires body repair and painting, the
vehicle should be delivered to a
NISSAN certified LEAF dealer to have
the Li-ion battery pack and high volt-
age parts such as the inverter, includ-
ing the wiring harness, removed prior
to painting. Li-ion battery packs ex-
posed to heat in the paint booth will
experience capacity loss. Damaged Li-
ion battery packs may also pose safety
risks to untrained mechanics and re-
pair personnel.
ROAD ACCIDENT PRECAUTIONS
EV-8EV Overview

cooperative regenerative brake and/or the elec-
tronically driven intelligent brake systems are not
functioning properly. Have the system checked
by a NISSAN certified LEAF dealer. If the BRAKE
warning light (red) also illuminates, stop the ve-
hicle immediately and contact a NISSAN certified
LEAF dealer. For additional information, refer to-
“Brake system” in the “Starting and driving” sec-
tion of this manual.
WARNING
• Pressing the brake pedal when the power switch position is not in the ON
or READY to drive position and/or low
brake fluid level may increase the
stopping distance and braking will re-
quire greater pedal effort as well as
pedal travel.
• If the brake fluid level is below the minimum or MIN mark on the brake
fluid reservoir, do not drive until the
brake system has been checked at a
NISSAN certified LEAF dealer. • The cooperative regenerative brake
system may not be working properly if
the brake system warning light illumi-
nates when the READY to drive indica-
tor light is ON. If you judge it to be safe,
drive carefully to the nearest service
station for repairs. Otherwise, have
your vehicle towed because driving
could be dangerous.orBRAKE warning
light (red)
When the power switch is placed in the ON
position or in the READY to drive position, the
light remains illuminated for about a few seconds.
If the light illuminates at any other time, it may
indicate that the hydraulic brake system is not
functioning properly. If the BRAKE warning light
illuminates, stop the vehicle immediately and
contact a NISSAN certified LEAF dealer.
Parking brake indicator:
When the power switch is placed in the ON
position, the light comes on when the parking
brake is applied.
Low brake fluid warning light:
When the power switch is in the ON position, the
light warns of a low brake fluid level. If this warn- ing light illuminates, the Vehicle Dynamic Control
(VDC) warning light and the brake system warn-
ing light (yellow) also illuminate.
If the light illuminates while the power switch is in
the READY to drive position with the parking
brake not applied, stop the vehicle and perform
the following items.
1. Check the brake fluid level. If brake fluid is
necessary, add fluid and have the system
checked by a NISSAN certified LEAF dealer.
For additional information, refer to “Brake
fluid” in the “Maintenance and do-it-yourself”
section of this manual.
2. If the brake fluid level is correct, have the warning system checked by a NISSAN certi-
fied LEAF dealer.
WARNING
• Your brake system may not be working properly if the warning light is on. Driv-
ing could be dangerous. If you judge
the brake system to be safe, drive care-
fully to the nearest service station for
repairs. Otherwise, have your vehicle
towed because driving it could be dan-
gerous.
Instruments and controls2-15

• Pressing the brake pedal when thepower switch position is not in the ON
or READY to drive position and/or low
brake fluid level may increase the
stopping distance and braking will re-
quire greater pedal effort as well as
pedal travel.
• If the brake fluid level is below the minimum or MIN mark on the brake
fluid reservoir, do not drive until the
brake system has been checked at a
NISSAN certified LEAF dealer.
Electric shift control system
warning light
This light illuminates to warn when a malfunction
occurs in the electric shift control system. When
the master warning light illuminates, the chime
sounds and the message, “When parked apply
parking brake”, is displayed on the vehicle infor-
mation display.
When the power switch is in the OFF position,
the chime sounds continuously. Make sure the
parking brake is applied.
Have the system checked by a NISSAN certified
LEAF dealer.
EV system warning light
This light illuminates if there is a malfunction in the
following systems. Contact a NISSAN certified
LEAF dealer.
• Traction motor and inverter system
• Charge port or on board charger
• Li-ion battery system
• Cooling system
• Shift control system
• Emergency shut off system is activated. For
additional information, refer to “Emergency
shut-off system” in the “EV overview” section of
this manual.
Headlight warning light
This light illuminates if the LED headlights are
malfunctioning. Contact a NISSAN certified
LEAF dealer.
Low battery charge warning
light
This light illuminates when the available Li-ion
battery charge is getting low. Charge as soon as
it is possible, preferably before the Li-ion battery
available charge gauge reaches the bottom line.
NOTE:
The low battery charge warning light turns
off immediately before the Li-ion battery is
completely discharged and the vehicle will
stop. If the Li-ion battery becomes com-
pletely discharged, the vehicle must be
charged in order to be driven.
Low tire pressure warning
light
Your vehicle is equipped with a Tire Pressure
Monitoring System (TPMS) that monitors the tire
pressure of all tires.
The low tire pressure warning light warns of low
tire pressure or indicates that the TPMS is not
functioning properly.
After the power switch is placed in the ON posi-
tion, this light illuminates for about 1 second and
then turns off.
Low tire pressure warning:
If the vehicle is being driven with low tire
pressure, the warning light will illuminate.
A CHECK TIRE PRESSURE warning also
appears on the vehicle information display.
2-16Instruments and controls

4. EV system operation for discharged
Intelligent Key® system indicator
This indicator appears when the Intelligent Key
battery is running out of power and when the
Intelligent Key system and vehicle are not com-
municating normally.
If this indicator appears, touch the power switch
with the Intelligent Key while depressing the
brake pedal. For additional information, refer to
“NISSAN Intelligent Key® battery discharge” in
the “Starting and driving” section of this manual.
5. Door/rear hatch open warning
(power switch is in the ON position)
This warning appears if any of the doors and/or
the rear hatch are open or not closed securely.
The vehicle icon indicates which door or the rear
hatch is open on the display. Make sure that all of
the doors and the rear hatch are closed.
This warning also appears alternating with SHIFT
Pwarning while the driver’s door is opened with
the shift position in any position other than the P
(Park) position. For additional information, refer to
“SHIFT Pwarning” in this section.
6. Intelligent Key® system warning
This warning appears if there is a malfunction in
the Intelligent Key system.
If this warning appears while the power switch
position is in the ON position, the power switch
can not be switched to the READY to drive posi-
tion. If this warning appears while the power
switch is in the READY to drive position, the
vehicle can be driven. However, contact a
NISSAN certified LEAF dealer.
7. Driver alert
This warning appears when the previously set
time for a break is reached. You can set the time
for up to 6 hours in the setting menu. For addi-
tional information, refer to “Trip computer” in this
section.
8. Low outside air temperature
The outside air temperature is displayed in °F or
°C in the range of −20°F to 140°F (−30°C to
60°C) .
The outside air temperature mode includes a low
temperature warning feature. If the outside air
temperature is below 37°F (3°C) , the warning is
displayed on the screen. The outside temperature sensor is located in
front side of the vehicle. The sensor may be
affected by road, wind directions and other driv-
ing conditions. The display may differ from the
actual outside temperature or the temperature
displayed on various signs or billboards.
9. Low washer warning (if so
equipped)
This warning appears when the washer tank fluid
is at a low level. Add windshield-washer fluid as
necessary. For additional information, refer to
“Windshield-washer fluid” in the “Maintenance
and do-it-yourself” section of this manual.
10. Light reminder warning
This warning appears when the power switch is
turned to the OFF position but the headlight
switch is still ON. Turn off the headlight switch.
11. Plug-in indicator
This indicator appears when the charge connec-
tor is connected.
If the charge connector is connected to the ve-
hicle, the power switch can not be placed in the
READY to drive position.
2-24Instruments and controls

4. Push the power switch while depressing thebrake pedal within 10 seconds after the
chime sounds. The power switch position
changes to the 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. For additional informa-
tion, refer to “NISSAN Intelligent Key®
battery replacement” in the “Maintenance
and do-it-yourself” section of this manual. • Make sure that the area around the vehicle is
clear.
• Check fluid levels such as coolant, brake fluid, and windshield-washer fluid as frequently as
possible.
• 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.
• 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.
For additional information, refer to “Warning
lights, indicator lights and audible reminders” in
the “Instruments and controls” section of this
manual. 1. Confirm the parking brake is applied.
2. Confirm that the vehicle is in the P (Park)
position.
When the power switch is placed in the ON
position, the EV 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 system 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 system, push the P (Park) position switch on the shift lever, and push the
power switch to the OFF position.
BEFORE STARTING THE EV SYSTEM STARTING THE EV SYSTEM
Starting and driving5-11

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 additional information, refer to “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 malfunc-
tion, 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 applies 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 required while driving.
5-22Starting and driving

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
Windshield-washer fluid ................. .8-11
12-volt battery ....................... .8-12
Jump starting ...................... .8-13
Windshield wiper blades ................. .8-13
Cleaning ........................ .8-13
Replacing ........................ .8-14Rear window wiper blade
...............8-16
Brakes ........................... .8-16
Brake pad wear warning ................8-16
Fuses ............................ .8-17
Motor compartment .................. .8-17
Passenger compartment ................8-19
Nissan Intelligent Key® battery replacement ......8-20
Lights ............................ .8-22
Headlights ....................... .8-23
Exterior and interior lights ...............8-24
Wheels and tires ..................... .8-27
Tire pressure ...................... .8-27
Tire labeling ...................... .8-30
Types of tires ...................... .8-33
Tire chains .......................
.8-34
Changing

wheels and tires .............. .8-34
Emergency tire puncture repair kit ..........8-37

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 oper-
ated in high temperatures or under severe condi- tions require frequent checks of the 12–volt bat-
tery 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 while. Water dripping from the air
conditioner after use is normal. If you should
notice any leaks, check for 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, refer to
“Cleaning exterior” in the “Appearance and care”
section of this manual.
Windshield-washer fluid*: Check that there is
an adequate amount of fluid in the reservoir.
8-4Maintenance and do-it yourself

When performing any inspection or maintenance
work on your vehicle, always take care to prevent
serious accidental injury to yourself or damage to
the vehicle. The following are general precau-
tions that should be closely observed.
WARNING
• The EV system uses high voltage up to approximately DC 400 volt. The system
can be hot during and after starting
and when the vehicle is shut off. Be
careful of both the high voltage and
the high temperature. Obey the labels
that are attached to the vehicle.
• Never disassemble, remove or replace high-voltage parts and cables as well
as their connectors. High-voltage
cables are colored orange.
• Disassembling, removing or replacing those parts or cables can cause severe
burns or electric shock that may result
in serious injury or death. The vehicle
high-voltage system has no user ser-
viceable parts. Take your vehicle to the
NISSAN certified LEAF dealer for any
necessary maintenance. • Park the vehicle on a level surface,
apply the parking brake securely and
chock the wheels to prevent the ve-
hicle from moving. Push the P (Park)
position switch on the shift lever or
place the vehicle into the N (Neutral)
position.
• If you must work with the EV (Electric vehicle) system is turned on, keep
hands, clothing, hair and tools away
from moving fans and any other mov-
ing parts.
• Make sure that the power switch is in the OFF or LOCK position when per-
forming any part replacement or re-
pairs.
• It is advisable to secure or remove any loose clothing and remove any jewelry,
such as rings, watches, etc. before
working on your vehicle.
• Always wear eye protection whenever you work on your vehicle.
• Never get under the vehicle while it is supported only by a jack. If it is neces-
sary to work under the vehicle, support
it with safety stands.
• Keep smoking materials, flames and sparks away from the 12-volt battery.
CAUTION
• Do not work under the hood while the motor compartment is hot. Push the
power switch in the OFF position and
wait until it cools down.
• Avoid direct contact with used coolant. Improperly disposed coolant and/or
other vehicle fluids can damage the
environment. Always conform to local
regulations for the disposal of vehicle
fluids.
• Never connect or disconnect the bat- tery or any transistorized component
while the power switch is in the ON
position.
• Your vehicle is equipped with an auto- matic cooling fan. It may come on at
any time without warning, even if the
power switch is not in the ACC, ON or
READY to drive position. To avoid in-
jury, always disconnect the negative
12-volt battery cable before working
near the fan.
• Before performing any electrical main- tenance work on the vehicle such as
the battery, fuses or bulb replacement,
confirm the following:
– The charge connector is removedfrom the vehicle.
MAINTENANCE PRECAUTIONS
Maintenance and do-it yourself8-5