steering wheel NISSAN LEAF 2019 Owner´s Manual

STEERING ASSIST
WARNING
Failure to follow the warnings and in-
structions for proper use of the Steer-
ing Assist could result in serious injury
or death.
• The Steering Assist is not a replace- ment for proper driving procedures
and is not designed to correct care-
less, inattentive or absent-minded
driving. The Steering Assist will not
always steer the vehicle to keep it in
the lane. It is not designed to prevent
loss of control. It is the driver’s re-
sponsibility to stay alert, drive
safely, keep the vehicle in the travel-
ing lane, and be in control of the ve-
hicle at all times.
• As there is a performance limit to the Steering Assist’s capability, never
rely solely on the system. The Steer-
ing Assist does not function in all
driving, traffic, weather, and road
conditions. Always drive safely, pay
attention to the operation of the ve-
hicle, and manually control your ve-
hicle appropriately. • The Steering Assist is intended for
use on well-developed freeways or
highways with gentle (moderate)
curves. To avoid risk of an accident,
do not use this system on local or
non-highway roads.
• The Steering Assist only steers the vehicle to maintain its position in the
center of a lane. The vehicle will not
steer to avoid objects in the road in
front of the vehicle or to avoid a ve-
hicle moving into your lane.
• It is the driver’s responsibility to stay alert, drive safely, keep the vehicle in
the traveling lane, and be in control
of the vehicle at all times. Never take
your hands off the steering wheel
when driving. Always keep your
hands on the steering wheel and
drive your vehicle safely.
• Always drive carefully and atten- tively when using the Steering As-
sist. Read and understand the Own-
er’s Manual thoroughly before using
the Steering Assist. To avoid serious
injury or death, do not rely on the
system to prevent accidents or to
control the vehicle’s speed in emer-
gency situations. Do not use the
Steering Assist except in appropri-
ate road and traffic conditions.
Steering Assist operation
The Steering Assist controls the steering
system to help keep your vehicle near the
center of the lane when driving. The Steer-
ing Assist is combined with the Intelligent
Cruise Control (ICC) system. For additional
information, refer to “Intelligent Cruise Con-
trol (ICC) (with ProPILOT Assist)” in this sec-
tion.
The Steering Assist can be activated when
the following conditions are met:
• The ICC system is activated.
• Lane markers on both sides are clearly
detected.
• A vehicle ahead is detected (when the ve- hicle is driven at speeds under 37 mph
[60 km/h]).
• The driver grips the steering wheel.
• The vehicle is driven at the center of the lane.
• The turn signals are not operated.
• The windshield wiper is not operated in the high (HI) speed operation (the steering
assist function is disabled af ter the wiper
operates for approximately 10 seconds).
5-102Starting and driving

Hands on detection
When the Steering Assist is activated, it
monitors the driver’s steering wheel opera-
tion.
If the steering wheel is not operated or the
driver takes his/her hands off the steering
wheel for a period of time, the warning
1
appears in the vehicle information display.
If the driver does not operate the steering
wheel af ter the warning has been dis-
played, an audible alert sounds and the
warning flashes in the vehicle information
display, followed by a quick brake applica-
tion to request the driver to take control of
the vehicle again.
If the driver still does not respond, the Pro-
PILOT Assist turns on the hazard flasher
and slows the vehicle to a complete stop.
The driver can cancel the deceleration at
any time by steering, braking, accelerating,
or operating the ProPILOT Assist switch.
5-104Starting and driving

WARNING
Steering Assist is not a system for
hands-free driving. Always keep your
hands on the steering wheel and drive
your vehicle safely. Failure to do so
could cause a collision resulting in se-
rious personal injury or death.
NOTE:
If the driver lightly touches (instead of
firmly grips) the steering wheel, the
steering torque sensor may not detect
the driver’s hand(s) on the wheel and a
sequence of warnings may occur.
When the driver holds and operates
the steering wheel again, the warn-
ings turn off.
Steering Assist limitations
WARNING
• In the following situations, the cam- era may not detect lane markers
correctly or may detect lane mark-
ers incorrectly and the Steering As-
sist may not operate properly:
– When driving on roads wherethere are multiple parallel lane
markers, lane markers that are
faded or not painted clearly, non-
standard lane markers, or lane
markers covered with water, dirt,
snow, etc.
– When driving on roads with dis- continued lane markers
– When driving on roads with a wid- ening or narrowing lane width
– When driving on roads where there are multiple lanes or unclear
lane markers due to road con-
struction
– When driving on roads where there are sharply contrasting ob-
jects, such as shadows, snow,
water, wheel ruts, seams, or lines
remaining af ter road repairs (the Steering Assist could detect these
items as lane markers)
– When driving on roads where the traveling lane merges or sepa-
rates
• Do not use the Steering Assist under the following conditions because
the system may not properly detect
lane markers. Doing so could cause a
loss of vehicle control and result in
an accident.
– During bad weather (rain, fog,snow, dust, etc.)
– When rain, snow, sand, etc., is thrown up by the wheels of other
vehicles
– When dirt, oil, ice, snow, water, or another object adheres to the
camera unit
– When the lens of the camera unit is foggy
– When strong light (for example, sunlight or high beams from on-
coming vehicles) shines on the
camera
– When the headlights are not bright due to dirt on the lens or
the headlights are off in tunnels or
in darkness
Starting and driving5-105

– When a sudden change in bright-ness occurs (for example, when
the vehicle enters or exits a tunnel
or is under a bridge)
– When driving on roads where the traveling lane merges or sepa-
rates or where there are tempo-
rary lane markers because of road
construction
– When there is a lane closure due to road repairs
–
When driving on a bumpy road sur-
face,suchasanunevendirtroad
– When driving on sharp curves or winding roads
– When driving on repeated uphill and downhill roads
• Do not use the Steering Assist under the following conditions because
the system will not operate properly:
–
When driving with a tire that is not
within normal tire conditions (for
example, tire wear, abnormal tire
pressure, installation of a spare tire,
tire chains, nonstandard wheels)
– When the vehicle is equipped withnon-original brake or suspension
parts – When an object such as a sticker
or cargo obstructs the camera
– When excessively heavy baggage is loaded in the rear seat or lug-
gage area of your vehicle
– When the vehicle load capacity is exceeded
– When towing a trailer or other ve- hicle
• Excessive noise will interfere with the warning chime sound, and the
beep may not be heard.
• For the ProPILOT Assist system to operate properly, the windshield in
front of the camera must be clean.
Replace worn wiper blades. The cor-
rect size wiper blades must be used
to help make sure the windshield is
kept clean. Only use Genuine NISSAN
wiper blades, or equivalent wiper
blades, that are specifically de-
signed for use on your vehicle model
and model year. It is recommended
that you visit a NISSAN certified LEAF
dealer for the correct parts for your
vehicle.
Steering Assist temporary
standby
Automatic standby due to driving opera-
tion:
When the driver activates the turn signal,
the Steering Assist is temporarily placed in
a standby mode. (The Steering Assist re-
starts automatically when the operating
conditions are met again.)
Automatic standby:
In the following cases, a warning message
is displayed along with the chime, and the
Steering Assist is placed in a temporary
standby mode. (The Steering Assist re-
starts automatically when the operating
conditions are met again.)
• When lane markers on both sides are no
longer detected
• When a vehicle ahead is no longer de- tected under approximately 37 mph
(60 km/h)
5-106Starting and driving

Depending on vehicle speed and distance
to the vehicle ahead, as well as driving and
roadway conditions, the system may help
the driver avoid a forward collision or may
help mitigate the consequences of a colli-
sion, should one be unavoidable. If the
driver is handling the steering wheel, accel-
erating or braking, the AEB system will
function later or will not function.
The automatic braking will cease under the
following conditions.
• When the steering wheel is turned as faras necessary to avoid a collision.
• When the accelerator pedal is depressed.
• When there is no longer a vehicle detected ahead.
If the AEB system has stopped the vehicle,
the vehicle will remain at a standstill for
approximately 2 seconds before the
brakes are released.
TURNING THE AEB SYSTEM
ON/OFFPerform the following steps to turn the AEB
system ON or OFF:
5-114Starting and driving

emergency warning indicator (red), provid-
ing an audible warning, and then automati-
cally applies harder braking.
If a risk of a forward impact with a pedes-
trian is detected, the AEB with Pedestrian
Detection system will provide a warning to
the driver by flashing the AEB with Pedes-
trian Detection emergency warning indica-
tor (red), provides an audible alert and the
system will apply partial braking. If the
driver applies the brakes quickly and force-
fully but the AEB with Pedestrian Detection
system detects that there is still the possi-
bility of a forward impact with a pedestrian,
the system will automatically increase the
braking force. If the risk of collision be-
comes imminent and the driver does not
take action, the AEB with Pedestrian Detec-
tion system automatically applies harder
braking.
NOTE:
The vehicle’s brake lights come on when
any braking is performed by the AEB
with Pedestrian Detection system.Depending on vehicle speed and distance
to the vehicle or pedestrian ahead, as well
as driving and roadway conditions, the sys-
tem may help the driver avoid a forward
collision or may help mitigate the conse-
quences if a collision should be unavoid-
able. If the driver is handling the steering
wheel, accelerating or braking, the AEB with
Pedestrian Detection system will function
later or will not function.
The automatic braking will cease under the
following conditions:
• When the steering wheel is turned to
avoid a collision.
• When the accelerator pedal is depressed.
• When there is no longer a vehicle or a pedestrian detected ahead.
If the AEB with Pedestrian Detection sys-
tem has stopped the vehicle, the vehicle
will remain at a standstill for approximately
2 seconds before the brakes are released.
Starting and driving5-121

• Drive at a constant speed. Maintain cruis-ing speeds with a constant accelerator
position or by using cruise control when
appropriate.
• Accelerate slowly and smoothly. Gently press and release the accelerator pedal
for acceleration 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 heating or cooling to help reduce
power consumption.
• Use the air conditioner/heater and close windows to reduce drag when cruising at
a 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 regen-erative brake system. The primary pur-
pose of the regenerative 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) posi-
tion, when the accelerator pedal is re-
leased, the regenerative brake system
provides some deceleration and some
power to the Li-ion battery. The ECO Drive Report appears for approxi-
mately 30 seconds af ter placing the power
switch in the OFF position, driving the ve-
hicle for more than 0.3 miles (500 m), and
pressing the
button on the steering
wheel.
ECO DRIVE REPORT
Starting and driving5-143

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 is on, the power
assist for the steering will cease op-
eration. You will still have control of
the vehicle but the steering will be
harder to operate.
The power steering system is designed to
provide power assistance while driving to
operate the steering wheel with less effort.
When the steering wheel is operated re-
peatedly or continuously while parking or
driving at a very low speed, the power as-
sist for the steering wheel will be reduced.
This is to prevent overheating of the power
steering system and help protect it from
getting damaged. When the power assis-
tance 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 repeating such steering
wheel operations that could cause the
power steering system to overheat.
You may hear a noise when the steering
wheel is operated quickly. However, this is
not a malfunction.
If the power steering warning light
illuminates while the READY to drive indica-
tor light is on, it may indicate the power
steering system is not functioning properly
and may need servicing. Have the power
steering system checked. It is recom-
mended that you visit a NISSAN certified
LEAF dealer for this service. For additional
information, refer to “Power steering warn-
ing light” in the “Instruments and controls”
section of this manual.
The power assist for steering stops operat-
ing 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
systems:
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 hy-
draulic circuits. If one circuit malfunctions,
you will still have braking at two wheels.
Regenerative brake system
The primary purpose of the regenerative
brake system is to provide some power to
help recharge the Li-ion battery and ex-
tend driving range. A secondary benefit is
“engine braking” that operates based on
battery conditions.
In the D (Drive) range, when the accelerator
is released, the regenerative brake system
provides some deceleration and gener-
ates power for the Li-ion battery. Power is
also generated when the brake pedal is
applied.
POWER STEERING SYSTEM
BRAKE SYSTEM
5-146Starting and driving

Wet brakes
When the vehicle is washed or driven
through water, the brakes may get wet. As
a result, the braking distance will be longer
and the vehicle may pull to one side during
braking.
To dry brakes, drive the vehicle at a safe
speed while lightly tapping the brake pedal
to heat up the brakes. Do this until the
brakes return to normal. Avoid driving the
vehicle at high speeds until the brakes
have dried.
Parking brake break-in
Break in the parking brake shoes whenever
the stopping effect of the parking brake is
weakened or whenever the parking brake
shoes and/or drums/rotors are replaced,
in order to assure the best braking perfor-
mance.
This procedure is described in the Genuine
NISSAN Service Manual, and it can be per-
formed by a certified repair facility. It is rec-
ommended that you visit a NISSAN certi-
fied LEAF dealer.
ANTI-LOCK BRAKING SYSTEM (ABS)
WARNING
• The ABS is a sophisticated device, but it cannot prevent accidents re-
sulting from careless or dangerous
driving techniques. It can help main-
tain vehicle control during braking
on slippery surfaces. Remember
that stopping distances on slippery
surfaces will be longer than on nor-
mal surfaces even with ABS. Stop-
ping 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. Ulti-
mately, the driver is responsible for
safety.
• Tire type and condition may also af- fect braking effectiveness.
– When replacing tires, install thespecified size of tires on all four
wheels.
– For additional information, refer to “Wheels and tires” in the “Main-
tenance and do-it-yourself ” sec-
tion of this manual. The ABS controls the brakes so the wheels
do not lock during hard braking or when
braking on slippery surfaces. The system
detects the rotation speed at each wheel
and varies the brake fluid pressure to pre-
vent 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.
Depress the brake pedal with firm steady
pressure, but do not pump the brakes. The
Anti-lock Braking System will operate 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.
5-148Starting and driving

The VDC system uses various sensors to
monitor driver inputs and vehicle motion.
Under certain driving conditions, the VDC
system helps to perform the following
functions.
• Controls brake pressure to reduce wheelslip on one slipping drive wheel so power
is transferred to a drive wheel on the same
axle that is not slipping.
• Controls brake pressure and traction mo- tor output 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
input).
• Oversteer (vehicle tends to spin due to certain road or driving conditions).
The VDC system can help the driver main-
tain control of the vehicle, but it cannot
prevent loss of vehicle control in all driving
situations. When the VDC system operates, the
indicator light in the instrument panel
flashes. When the indicator light 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 system is working properly.
• Adjust your speed and driving according to the road conditions.
For additional information, refer to “Slip in-
dicator light” and “Vehicle Dynamic Control
(VDC) OFF indicator light” in the “Instru-
ments and controls” section of this manual.
If a malfunction occurs in the system, the
indicator light illuminates in the ve-
hicle information display. The VDC system
automatically turns off when this indicator
light is lit. The vehicle information display is used to
turn off the VDC system. The VDC OFF indi-
cator light
illuminates to indicate that
the VDC system is off. When the vehicle
information display is used to turn off the
system, the VDC system still operates to
prevent one drive wheel from slipping by
transferring power to a non-slipping wheel.
The
indicator light flashes if this oc-
curs. All other VDC functions are off and the
indicator light will not flash. The VDC
system is automatically reset to on when
the power switch is placed in the OFF posi-
tion then back to the ON position. For addi-
tional information, refer to “Vehicle infor-
mation display” in the “Instruments and
controls” section of this manual.
The computer has a built-in diagnostic fea-
ture that tests the system each time you
start the EV 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 indica-
tion of a malfunction.
VEHICLE DYNAMIC CONTROL (VDC)
SYSTEM
5-150Starting and driving