NISSAN LEAF 2021 Owner´s Manual

MEMO
8-38Do-it yourself

9 Maintenance and schedules
Maintenance requirements.....................9-2
General maintenance ........................9-2
Scheduled maintenance .....................9-2
Where to go for service .......................9-2
General maintenance ...........................9-2
Explanation of general maintenance
items ........................................9-2
Explanation of scheduled maintenance items . . . 9-5 Explanation of scheduled maintenance
items
........................................9-5
Chassis and Body Maintenance: ..............9-6
Maintenance schedules .........................9-6
Additional Maintenance Items for
severe operating conditions ..................9-6
EV Maintenance schedules
(EM57 electric motor) .........................9-7

Some day-to-day and regular mainte-
nance is essential to maintain your vehicle
good mechanical condition, and its Electric
Vehicle (EV) system performance.
It is the owner's responsibility to make sure
that the scheduled maintenance, and gen-
eral maintenance, is performed.
As the vehicle owner, you are the only one
who can ensure that your vehicle receives
proper maintenance. You are a vital link in
the maintenance chain.
GENERAL MAINTENANCE
General maintenance includes those items
which should be checked during normal
day-to-day operation. They are essential
for proper vehicle operation. It is your re-
sponsibility 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.
SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE
The maintenance items listed in this sec-
tion are required to be serviced at regular
intervals. However under severe driving
conditions, additional or more frequent
maintenance will be required.
WHERE TO GO FOR SERVICE
If maintenance service is required or your
vehicle appears to malfunction, have the
systems checked and serviced. It is recom-
mended that you visit a NISSAN certified
LEAF dealer for this service.
NISSAN technicians are well-trained spe-
cialists and are kept up-to-date with the
latest service information through techni-
cal bulletins, service tips, and training pro-
grams. They are fully qualified to work on
NISSAN vehiclesbeforework begins.
If your vehicle is involved in a collision, it is
recommended that you ask your NISSAN
certified LEAF dealer where the nearest
NISSAN Certified Collision Center is located,
or go to http://collision.nissanusa.com.
You can be confident that a NISSAN certi-
fied LEAF dealer's service department per-
forms the best job to meet the mainte-
nance requirements on your vehicle. During the normal day-to-day operation of
the vehicle, general maintenance should
be performed regularly as prescribed in
this section. If you detect any unusual
sounds, vibrations or smells, be sure to
check for the cause or have a NISSAN cer-
tified LEAF dealer check it promptly. In ad-
dition, it is recommended that you visit a
NISSAN certified LEAF dealer if you think
that repairs are required.
When performing any checks or mainte-
nance work, closely observe the “Mainte-
nance precautions” (P. 8-2).
EXPLANATION OF GENERAL
MAINTENANCE ITEMS
WARNING
Failure to follow the procedures listed
within this section may result in per-
sonal injury.
Additional information on the following
items with“*”isf ound in the “Do-it-
yourself ” section of this manual.
MAINTENANCE REQUIREMENTS GENERAL MAINTENANCE
9-2Maintenance and schedules

Outside the vehicle
The maintenance items listed here should
be performed from time to time, unless
otherwise specified.
Doors and motor hood:
Check that the
doors and motor hood operate properly.
Also ensure that all latches lock securely. Lu-
bricate hinges, latches, latch pins, rollers and
links if necessary. Make sure that the sec-
ondary latch keeps the motor hood from
opening when the primary latch is released.
When driving in areas using road salt or
other corrosive materials, check lubrica-
tion frequently.
Check that the gas stays or struts properly
and securely hold the hood, trunk, or rear
hatch fully open. If the hood, trunk, or rear
hatch is not held open, have the gas stays
or struts replaced.
Lights*: Clean the headlights on a regular
basis. Make sure that the headlights, stop
lights, tail lights, turn signal lights, and other
lights are all operating properly and in-
stalled securely. Also check headlight aim.
Road wheel nuts (lug nuts)*: When check-
ing the tires, make sure no wheel nuts are
missing, and check for any loose wheel
nuts. Tighten if necessary. Tire rotation*:
Rotate tires at the specified
interval shown in the maintenance
schedule.
Tires*: Check the pressure with a gauge
of ten and always prior to long distance
trips. If necessary, adjust the pressure in all
tires, to the pressure specified. Check care-
fully for damage, cuts or excessive wear.
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
transmitter components: Replace the
TPMS transmitter grommet seal, valve core
and cap when the tires are replaced due to
wear or age.
Wheel alignment and balance: If the ve-
hicle pulls to either side while driving on a
straight and level road, or if you detect un-
even or abnormal tire wear, there may be a
need for wheel alignment.
If the steering wheel or seat vibrates at
normal highway speeds, wheel balancing
may be needed.
For additional information regarding tires,
refer to “Important Tire Safety Information”
(US) or “Tire Safety Information” (Canada) in
the Warranty Information Booklet.
Windshield: Clean the windshield on a
regular basis. Check the windshield at least
every six months for cracks or other dam- age. Have a damaged windshield repaired
by a qualified repair facility. It is recom-
mended that you have a damaged wind-
shield repaired by a NISSAN certified LEAF
dealer, or a NISSAN Certified Collision Cen-
ter. To locate a collision center in your area,
refer to http://collision.nissanusa.com.
Windshield wiper blades*:
Check for
cracks or wear if they do not wipe properly.
Inside the vehicle
The maintenance items listed here should
be checked on a regular basis, such as
when performing scheduled maintenance,
cleaning the vehicle, etc.
Accelerator pedal: Check the pedal for
smooth operation and make sure the
pedal does not catch or require uneven
effort. Keep the floor mat away from the
pedal.
Brake pedal: Check the pedal for smooth
operation. If the brake pedal suddenly goes
down further than normal, the pedal feels
spongy or the vehicle seems to take longer
to stop, it is recommended that you visit a
NISSAN certified LEAF dealer immediately.
Keep the floor mat away from the pedal.
Brakes: Check that the brakes do not pull
the vehicle to one side when applied.
Maintenance and schedules9-3

Electric shif t P (Park) position mecha-
nism:On a steep hill check that the vehicle
is held securely while the vehicle is in the P
(Park) position without applying any
brakes.
Parking brake: Check the parking brake
operation regularly. The vehicle should be
securely held on a steep hill with only the
parking brake applied. If the parking brake
cannot keep a vehicle position, it is recom-
mended that you visit a NISSAN certified
LEAF dealer for this service.
Seats: Check seat position controls such
as seat adjusters, seatback recliner, etc., to
ensure they operate smoothly and all
latches lock securely in every position.
Check that the head restraints/headrests
move up and down smoothly and the locks
(if so equipped) hold securely in all latched
positions.
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 webbing 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 all
warning lights and chimes are operating
properly.
Windshield defroster: Check that the air
emits from the defroster outlets properly
and in sufficient quantity when operating
the heater or air conditioner.
Windshield wiper and washer*: Check
that the wipers and washer operate prop-
erly and that the wipers do not streak.
Under the hood and vehicle
The maintenance items listed here should
be checked periodically.
12–volt battery (except for maintenance
free batteries)*: Check the fluid level in
each cell. The fluid should be at the bottom
of the filler opening. Vehicles operated in
high temperatures or under severe condi-
tions require frequent checks of the 12–volt
battery fluid level.
NOTE:
Care should be taken to avoid situations
that can lead to potential battery dis-
charge and potential no-start conditions
such as:
1. Installation or extended use of elec- tronic accessories that consume bat-
tery power when the EV system 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 levels are between the MAX and MIN
lines on the reservoir.
Coolant level*: Check the coolant level
when the high voltage parts are cold. Make
sure that the coolant level is between the
MAX and MIN lines on the reservoir.
Fluid leaks: Check under the vehicle for
water or other fluid leaks af ter the vehicle
has been parked for a while. Water dripping
from the air conditioner af ter use is normal.
If you should notice any leaks, check for
cause and have it corrected immediately.
9-4Maintenance and schedules

Radiator and hoses:Check the front of the
radiator and clean off any dirt, insects,
leaves, etc., that may have accumulated.
Make sure the hoses have no cracks, defor-
mation, rot or loose connections.
Underbody: The underbody is frequently
exposed to corrosive substances such as
those used on icy roads or to control dust. It
is very important to remove these sub-
stances, otherwise rust will form on the
floor pan and frame. At the end of winter,
the underbody should be thoroughly
flushed with plain water, being careful to
clean those areas where mud and dirt may
accumulate. For additional information,
see “Cleaning exterior” (P. 7-2).
Windshield-washer fluid*: Check that
there is an adequate amount of fluid in the
reservoir. The following descriptions are provided to
give you a better understanding of the
scheduled maintenance items that should
be regularly checked or replaced. The
maintenance schedule indicates at which
mileage/time intervals each item requires
service.
In addition to scheduled maintenance,
your vehicle requires that some items be
checked during normal day-to-day opera-
tion. For additional information, see “Gen-
eral maintenance” (P. 9-2).
Items marked with
“*”are recommended
by NISSAN for reliable vehicle operation.
You are not required to perform mainte-
nance on these items in order to maintain
the warranties which come with your
NISSAN. Other maintenance items and in-
tervals are required.
When applicable, additional information
can be found in the “Do-it-yourself ” section
of this manual.
EXPLANATION OF SCHEDULED
MAINTENANCE ITEMS
EV System Charging Port*: Check the
charging port for any signs of contamina-
tion, dust, sand etc. Charging Port Sealing Cap*:
Use only
compressed air with proper eye protection
to clean any contamination from the seal-
ing cap.
EV Battery Usage Report: To maximize
the life of your Li-ion battery, have the EV
Battery Usage Report generated and re-
viewed with you. Review of the EV Battery
Usage Report is required as a condition of
EV battery warranty. Refer to your 2021
LEAF warranty information booklet for de-
tails. Both the 12 month and 24 month in-
spections will be performed by your
NISSAN certified LEAF dealer at no cost to
the vehicle owner.
Coolant: Replace coolant at the interval
specified below. When adding or replacing
coolant, be sure to use only Genuine
NISSAN Long Life Antifreeze/Coolant (Blue)
or equivalent with the proper mixture. (Re-
fer to the Owner’s Manual to determine the
proper mixture for your area.) The recom-
mended service interval of the factory fill
coolant is 125,000 miles (200,000 km) or 15
years, whichever comes first. Subsequent
replacement of Genuine NISSAN Long Life
Antifreeze/Coolant (Blue) should occur ev-
ery 75,000 miles (120,000 km) or 5 years
whichever comes first.
EXPLANATION OF SCHEDULED
MAINTENANCE ITEMS
Maintenance and schedules9-5

NOTE:
Mixing any other type of coolant or the
use of nondistilled water will reduce the
recommended service interval of the
coolant.
CHASSIS AND BODY
MAINTENANCE:
Brake lines and cables:Visually inspect for
proper installation. Check for chafing,
cracks, deterioration, and signs of leaking.
Replace any deteriorated or damaged
parts immediately.
Brake pads and rotors: Check for wear,
deterioration and fluid leaks. Replace any
deteriorated or damaged parts
immediately.
In-cabin microfilter: Replace at specified
intervals. When driving for prolonged peri-
ods in dusty conditions, replace the filter
more frequently.
Steering gear and linkage, axle and sus-
pension parts, drive shaf t boots: Check
for damage, looseness, and leakage of oil
or grease. Under severe driving conditions,
inspect more frequently. Tire rotation:
Rotate tires at the specified
interval shown in the maintenance sched-
ule. When rotating tires, check for damage
and uneven wear. Replace if necessary.
Reduction Gear Oil: Visually inspect for
signs of leakage at specified intervals. To help ensure smooth, safe and economi-
cal driving, NISSAN provides two mainte-
nance schedules that may be used, de-
pending upon the conditions in which you
usually drive. These schedules contain
both distance and time intervals, up to
120,000 miles (192,000 km)/96 months. For
most people, the odometer reading will in-
dicate when service is needed. However, if
you drive very little, your vehicle should be
serviced at the regular time intervals
shown in the schedule.
Af ter 120,000 miles (192,000 km)/96
months, continue maintenance at the
same mileage/time intervals.
ADDITIONAL MAINTENANCE ITEMS
FOR SEVERE OPERATING
CONDITIONS
Additional maintenance items for severe
operating conditions
should be per-
formed on vehicles that are driven under
especially demanding conditions. Addi-
tional maintenance items should be per-
formed if you primarily operate your vehicle
under the following conditions:
• Repeated short trips of less than 5 miles (8 km).
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
9-6Maintenance and schedules

• Repeated short trips of less than 10 miles(16 km) with outside temperatures re-
maining below freezing.
• Operating in hot weather in stop-and-go “rush hour” traffic.
• Extensive idling and/or low speed driving for long distances, such as police, taxi or
door-to-door delivery use.
• Driving in dusty conditions.
• Driving on rough, muddy or salt spread roads.
• Using a car-top carrier.
If your vehicle is mainly operated under the
severe conditions, follow the severe main-
tenance intervals shown in the mainte-
nance schedule.
Maintenance and schedules9-7

EV MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
(EM57 electric motor)
The following shows the maintenance
schedule.
Choose the maintenance schedule
needed based on your vehicle driving
conditions.
Af ter 120,000 miles (192,000 km)/96
months, continue maintenance at the
same mileage/time interval.
7,500 miles/(12,000 km)/6 months
Perform at number of miles, kilometers or
months, whichever comes first.
Standard maintenance:
Inspections:
• Horn, lights, signals, wipers, rear hatch/hood lif t supports
• Battery terminals and cables, battery test
• Tire pressure, treadwear and depth
• Suspension components (shocks, sub- frame, tie rods)
Essential:
• Tire rotation
Severe maintenance:
Inspections:
• Axle & suspension parts
• Brake pads & rotors
• Drive shaf t boots
• Front suspension ball joints
• Steering gear and linkage
• Steering linkage ball joints
15,000 miles/(24,000 km)/
12 months
Perform at number of miles, kilometers or
months, whichever comes first.
Standard maintenance:
Inspections:
• Brake lines & cables
• Brake pads & rotors
• Charging port
• Drive shaf t boots
• EV Battery Usage Report (1) (2)
• Reduction gear oil
• Horn, lights, signals, wipers, rear hatch/ hood lif t supports
• Battery terminals and cables, battery test
• Tire pressure, treadwear and depth
• Suspension components (shocks, sub- frame, tie rods)
Essential:
• Replace in-cabin microfilter
• Tire rotation
9-8Maintenance and schedules

Severe maintenance:
Inspections:
• Axle & suspension parts
• Front suspension ball joints
• Steering gear and linkage
• Steering linkage ball joints
Essential:
• Replace brake fluid
(1) Review of the EV Battery Usage Report is
required as a condition of EV battery war-
ranty. Refer to your 2020 LEAF warranty in-
formation booklet for details. Both the 12
month and 24 month inspections will be
performed by your NISSAN certified LEAF
dealer at no cost to the vehicle owner.
(2) Performed based on the number of ser-
vice months only.22,500 miles/(36,000 km)/
18 months
Perform at number of miles, kilometers or
months, whichever comes first.
Standard maintenance:
Inspections:
• Inspect Intelligent Key battery (1)
• Horn, lights, signals, wipers, rear hatch/hood lif t supports
• Battery terminals and cables, battery test
• Tire pressure, treadwear and depth
• Suspension components (shocks, sub- frame, tie rods)
Essential:
• Tire rotation
Severe maintenance:
Inspections:
• Axle & suspension parts
• Brake pads & rotors
• Drive shaf t boots
• Front suspension ball joints
• Steering gear and linkage
• Steering linkage ball joints
(1) Performed based on the number of ser-
vice months only.
30,000 miles/(48,000 km)/
24 months
Perform at number of miles, kilometers or
months, whichever comes first.
Standard maintenance:
Inspections:
• Axle & suspension parts
• Brake lines & cables
• Brake pads & rotors
• Charging port
• Charging port sealing cap
• Drive shaf t boots
• EV Battery Usage Report (1) (2)
• Front suspension ball joints
• Reduction gear oil
• Steering gear and linkage
• Steering linkage ball joints
• Horn, lights, signals, wipers, rear hatch/ hood lif t supports
• Battery terminals and cables, battery test
• Tire pressure, treadwear and depth
• Suspension components (shocks, sub- frame, tie rods)
Maintenance and schedules9-9