traction control NISSAN LEAF 2023 User Guide

Self-test feature
The Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) in-
cludes electronic sensors, electric pumps,
hydraulic solenoids and a computer. The
computer has a built-in diagnostic feature
that tests the system each time you place
the power switch in the READY to drive po-
sition 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 mal-
function. If the computer senses a mal-
function, it switches the ABS off and illumi-
nates 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 ve-
hicle checked. It is recommended that you
visit a NISSAN certified LEAF dealer for this
service.
Normal operation
The Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) oper-
ates 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 pres-
sure. This action is similar to pumping the
brakes very quickly. You may feel a pulsa-
tion 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 op-
erating properly. However, the pulsation
may indicate that road conditions are haz-
ardous and extra care is required while
driving.
BRAKE ASSIST
When the force applied to the brake pedal
exceeds a certain level, the Brake Assist is
activated generating greater braking force
than a conventional brake booster even
with light pedal force.
WARNING
The Brake Assist is only an aid to assist
braking operation and is not a collision
warning or avoidance device. It is the
drivers responsibility to stay alert, drive
safely and be in control of the vehicle at
all times. 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 wheel
slip 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 motor 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.
VEHICLE DYNAMIC CONTROL (VDC)
SYSTEM
5-164Starting and driving

•If traction motor control related
parts are not NISSAN recommended
or are extremely deteriorated, the
indicator light may illuminate.
• When driving on extremely inclined
surfaces such as higher banked cor-
ners, the VDC system may not oper-
ate properly and the
indicator
light may illuminate. Do not drive on
these types of roads.
• When driving on an unstable surface
such as a turntable, ferry, elevator or
ramp, the
indicator light may
illuminate. This is not a malfunction.
Restart the EV system af ter driving
onto a stable surface.
• If wheels or tires other than the
NISSAN recommended ones are
used, the VDC system may not oper-
ate properly and the
indicator
light may illuminate.
• The VDC system is not a substitute
for winter tires or tire chains on a
snow covered road.
BRAKE FORCE DISTRIBUTION
During braking while driving through turns,
the system optimizes the distribution of
force to each of the four wheels depending
on the radius of the turn.
WARNING
• The VDC system is designed to help
the driver maintain controllability
but does not prevent accidents due
to abrupt steering operation at high
speeds or by careless or dangerous
driving techniques. Reduce vehicle
speed and be especially careful when
driving and cornering on slippery
surfaces and always drive carefully.
• Do not modif y the vehicle’s suspen-
sion. If suspension parts such as
shock absorbers, struts, springs, sta-
bilizer bars, bushings and wheels are
not NISSAN recommended for your
vehicle or are extremely deterio-
rated, the VDC system may not oper-
ate properly. This could adversely af-
fect vehicle handling performance,
and the
indicator light may flash
or both theandindicator
lights may illuminate.
• If brake related parts such as brake
pads, rotors and calipers are not
NISSAN recommended or are ex-
tremely deteriorated, the VDC sys-
tem may not operate properly and
both the
and theindicator
lights may illuminate. •
If EV system control related parts are
not NISSAN recommended or are ex-
tremely deteriorated, both the
andindicator lights may
illuminate.
• When driving on extremely inclined
surfaces such as higher banked cor-
ners, the VDC system may not oper-
ate properly and the
indicator
light may flash or both theandindicator lights may illuminate.
Do not drive on these types of roads.
• When driving on an unstable surface
such as a turntable, ferry, elevator or
ramp, the
indicator light may
flash or both theandindi-
cator lights may illuminate. This is
not a malfunction. Restart the EV
system af ter driving onto a stable
surface.
• If wheels or tires other than the
NISSAN recommended ones are
used, the VDC system may not oper-
ate properly and the
indicator
light may flash or both theandindicator lights may illuminate.
• The VDC system is not a substitute
for winter tires or tire chains on a
snow covered road.
5-166Starting and driving

• The predicted charging time displayedon the meter and navigation system (if
so equipped) increases when the Li-ion
battery warmer (if so equipped)
operates.
• Vehicle range may be substantially re- duced in extremely cold conditions (for
example under -4°F (-20°C)).
• Using the climate control system to heat the cabin when outside tempera-
ture is below 32°F (0°C) uses more elec-
tricity and affects vehicle range more
than when using the heater when the
temperature is above 32°F (0°C).
• Climate control performance is re- duced when using the Climate Ctrl.
Timer or Remote Climate Control while
the Li-ion battery warmer (if so
equipped) operates (for models with
40 kWh battery model). Set only the
charging timer [End Time] when charg-
ing in cold weather. The vehicle auto-
matically determines when to start
charging to fully charge the Li-ion bat-
tery, even if the Li-ion battery warmer
operates. Charging ends before the set
end time if the Li-ion battery is fully
charged.FREEING A FROZEN DOOR LOCK
To prevent a door lock from freezing, apply
deicer through the key hole. If the lock be-
comes frozen, heat the key before inserting
it into the key hole or use the remote key-
less entry key fob.
ANTIFREEZE
In the winter when it is possible that the
outside temperature will drop below 32°F
(0°C), check the antifreeze to ensure proper
winter protection. For additional informa-
tion, see “Cooling system” (P. 8-5).
12-VOLT BATTERY
If the 12-volt battery is not fully charged
during extremely cold weather conditions,
the 12-volt battery fluid may freeze and
damage the 12-volt battery. To maintain
maximum efficiency, the 12-volt battery
should be checked regularly. For additional
information, see “12-volt battery” (P. 8-9).
DRAINING OF COOLANT WATER
If the vehicle is to be lef t outside without
antifreeze, drain the cooling system. Refill
before operating the vehicle. For additional
information, see “Cooling system” (P. 8-5).
TIRE EQUIPMENT
SUMMER tires have a tread designed to
provide superior performance on dry
pavement. However, the performance of
these tires will be substantially reduced in
snowy and icy conditions. If you operate
your vehicle on snowy or icy roads, NISSAN
recommends the use of MUD & SNOW or
ALL SEASON tires on all four wheels. It is
recommended that you visit a NISSAN cer-
tified LEAF dealer for the tire type, size,
speed rating and availability information.
For additional traction on icy roads, stud-
ded tires may be used. However, some U.S.
states and Canadian provinces prohibit
their use. Check local, state and provincial
laws before installing studded tires.
Skid and traction capabilities of studded
snow tires, on wet or dry surfaces, may
be poorer than that of non-studded
snow tires.
Tire chains may be used. For additional in-
formation, see “Tire chains” (P. 8-34).
5-174Starting and driving

SPECIAL WINTER EQUIPMENT
It is recommended that the following items
be carried in the vehicle during winter:
• A scraper and stiff-bristled brush to re-move ice and snow from the windows
and wiper blades.
• A shovel to dig the vehicle out of snow-drif ts.
• Extra windshield-washer fluid to refill the reservoir tank.
DRIVING ON SNOW OR ICE
WARNING
• Wet ice (32°F, 0°C and freezing rain),
very cold snow or ice can be slick and
very hard to drive on. The vehicle will
have much less traction or “grip” un-
der these conditions. Try to avoid
driving on wet ice until the road is
salted or sanded.
• Whatever the conditions, drive with
caution. Accelerate and slow down
with care. If accelerating too fast, the
drive wheels will lose even more
traction. •
Allow more stopping distance under
these conditions. Braking should be
started sooner than on dry
pavement.
• Allow greater following distances on
slippery roads.
• Watch for slippery spots (glare ice).
These may appear on an otherwise
clear road in shaded areas. If a patch
of ice is seen ahead, brake before
reaching it. Try not to brake while on
the ice, and avoid any sudden steer-
ing maneuvers.
• Do not use cruise control on slippery
roads.
FREEING A FROZEN CHARGE PORT
LID
When the charge port is frozen, melt the ice
using a hair dryer.
PARKING BRAKE
CAUTION
• When parking in an area where the
outside temperature is below 32°F
(0°C), the parking brake, if applied,
may freeze in place and may be diffi-
cult to release.
• For safe parking, it is recommended
that you place the vehicle in the P
(Park) position and securely block
the wheels.
Starting and driving5-175

10 Technical and consumer information
Recommended fluids/lubricants and
capacities...................................... 10-2
Air conditioning system refrigerant and
lubricant recommendations ................10-3
Specifications .................................. 10-4
Charging system ............................ 10-4
Motor ....................................... 10-5
Wheels and tires ............................ 10-5
Dimensions and weights ....................10-6
When traveling or registering in another
country ........................................ 10-7
Vehicle identification ........................... 10-7
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
plate ........................................ 10-7
Vehicle identification number
(chassis number) ............................ 10-7
Traction motor serial number ...............10-8
F.M.V.S.S./C.M.V.S.S Certification label .........10-8
Emission control information label ..........10-8
Tire and Loading Information label ..........10-9
Air conditioner specification label ...........10-9
Installing front license plate ...................10-10
Vehicle loading information ....................10-11Terms
....................................... 10-11
Vehicle load capacity ....................... 10-12
Loading tips ................................ 10-13
Measurement of weights ...................10-14
Towing a trailer ................................ 10-14
Flat towing .................................... 10-15
Uniform tire quality grading ...................10-15
Treadwear ................................. 10-15
Traction AA, A, B and C ......................10-15
Temperature A, B and C ....................10-15
Reporting safety defects ......................10-16
Telematics overview (models with Navigation
System) ....................................... 10-17
Telematic Control Unit Gen2K .................10-19
Event Data Recorders (EDR) ...................10-21
Additional data recording
(on vehicles equipped with optional
ProPILOT Assist) ............................ 10-21
Owner's Manual/Service Manual order
inf
ormation ................................... 10-22
Charging information ......................... 10-23
Cold tire pressures ............................ 10-25

TRACTION MOTOR SERIAL
NUMBER
The serial number of the traction motor is
stamped on the traction motor as shown.
F.M.V.S.S./C.M.V.S.S CERTIFICATION
LABEL
The Federal/Canadian Motor Vehicle
Safety Standards (F.M.V.S.S./C.M.V.S.S.) certi-
fication label is affixed as shown. This label
contains valuable vehicle information, such
as: Gross Vehicle Weight Ratings (GVWR),
Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR), month
and year of manufacture, Vehicle Identifi-
cation Number (VIN), etc. Review it carefully.
EMISSION CONTROL
INFORMATION LABEL
The emission control information label is
attached to the underside of the hood as
shown in the illustration.
LTI2419LVT0003XLTI2321
10-8Technical and consumer information

Towing your vehicle with all four wheels on
the ground is sometimes called flat towing.
This method is typically used when towing
a vehicle behind a recreational vehicle,
such as a motor home.
CAUTION
• Failure to follow these guidelines can
result in severe reduction gear
damage.
• DO NOT tow this vehicle with all four
wheels on the ground (flat towing).
• For emergency towing procedures
see “Towing your vehicle” (P. 6-13).
NOTE:
If the Li-ion battery becomes completely
discharged:
• The vehicle is automatically placed in the ON position and it will not be pos-
sible to switch to the READY to drive
position.
• The vehicle is automatically switched to the N (Neutral) position and it will not
be possible to drive the vehicle.
For additional information, see “If the Li-
ion battery becomes completely dis-
charged” (P. 6-12). DOT (Department Of Transportation) Qual-
ity Grades: All passenger car tires must
conform to federal safety requirements in
addition to these grades.
Quality grades can be found where appli-
cable on the tire sidewall between tread
shoulder and maximum section width. For
example:
Treadwear 200 Traction AA Temperature A
TREADWEAR
The treadwear grade is a comparative rat-
ing based on the wear rate of the tire when
tested under controlled conditions on a
specified government test course. For ex-
ample, a tire graded 150 would wear one
and one-half (1 1/2) times as well on the
government course as a tire graded 100.
The relative performance of tires depends
upon actual conditions of their use how-
ever, and may depart significantly from the
norm due to variations in driving habits,
service practices and differences in road
characteristics and climate.
TRACTION AA, A, B AND C
The traction grades, from highest to low-
est, are AA, A, B and C. Those grades repre-
sent the tire’s ability to stop on wet pave-
ment as measured under controlledconditions on specified government test
surfaces of asphalt and concrete. A tire
marked C may have poor traction
performance.
WARNING
The traction grade assigned to this tire
is based on straight-ahead braking
traction tests, and does not include ac-
celeration, cornering, hydroplaning, or
peak traction characteristics.
TEMPERATURE A, B AND C
The temperature grades A (the highest), B,
and C, representing the tire’s resistance to
the generation of heat and its ability to dis-
sipate heat when tested under controlled
conditions on a specified indoor laboratory
test wheel. Sustained high temperature
can cause the material of the tire to degen-
erate and reduce tire life, and excessive
temperature can lead to sudden tire failure.
The grade C corresponds to a level of per-
formance which all passenger car tires
must meet under the Federal Motor Safety
Standard No. 109. Grades B and A represent
higher levels of performance on the labo-
ratory test wheel than the minimum re-
quired by law.
FLAT TOWING UNIFORM TIRE QUALITY GRADING
Technical and consumer information10-15

Vanity mirror................3-24Mirror defroster................2-49Mirrors......................3-24Motor......................10-5Before starting system..........5-13Starting the traction motor.......5-14Motor compartment..............8-4Motor serial number.............10-8Moving Object Detection (MOD)......4-23
N
NISSAN Intelligent Key®..........3-2,3-6NISSAN Intelligent Key® system.......5-10NissanConnectOwner's Manual.......4-2Normal charge................CH-9Home charge...............CH-9Occasional charge............CH-9Public charge...............CH-9
O
Occasional charge..............CH-9Odometer....................2-5Off-road recovery................5-8Oil
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants
...............10-2Outside air temperature...........2-12Outside mirrors................3-25Owner's manual/service manual order
information................. .10-22
P
Parking..................5-18,5-19Parking brake operation.........5-19Parking/parking on hills.........5-159Parking brake.................5-18Parking brake break-in...........5-163Power
Power door locks..............3-5Power outlet................2-64Powerrearwindows............2-71Power steering system.........5-161Power windows..............2-69Rear power windows...........2-71Power economy...............5-158Power meter...................2-7Power outlet................. .2-64Power steering................5-161Power switch...............5-9, 5-11Precautions
Brake precautions............5-161Charging................. .CH-2Cruise control...............5-65High voltage precautions........EV-8Maintenance precautions.........8-2Precautions on booster seats......1-22Precautions on child restraints.....1-22Precautions on seat belt usage.....1-11Precautions on supplemental restraint
system................... .1-44Precautions when starting and
driving.................... .5-4Road accident precautions.......EV-9ProPILOT Assist................5-92
Public charge.................CH-9Push starting..................6-13
Q
Quick charge............CH-35, CH-38
R
Radio
Car phone or CB radio..........4-43Radio frequency remote controlWarning signals...............3-16Rapid air pressure loss............5-8Rear Automatic Braking (RAB).......5-125Rear center seat belt.............1-18Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA).......5-58Rear Door Alert................2-62Rear hatch...................3-19Rear power windows.............2-71Rear window and outside mirror defroster
switch..................... .2-49Rear window wiper and washer
switches....................2-48Rearview mirror................3-24RearView Monitor................4-3Recorders
Event Data................ .10-21Reduction gear fluid..............8-7Registering a vehicle in another
country..................... .10-7Remote charge...............CH-48Remote climate control...........4-41
11-5

Repairing flat tire................6-4Repairing tire..................6-6Reporting safety defects (US only). . . .10-16Road accident precautions.........EV-9Roadside assistance program........6-2Rollover......................5-7Roof-mounted curtain side-impact
supplemental air bag system........1-61
S
Safety
Child safety rear door lock.........3-6Child seat belts...............1-19Reporting safety defects (US only). . .10-16Scene guideAt home af ter driving..........EV-22Before driving your vehicle
(models with navigation system). . .EV-14Charging the Li-ion battery......EV-12Driving the vehicle............EV-18Parking the vehicle............EV-21Starting your vehicle...........EV-17Seat beltChild safety.................1-19Infants....................1-20Injured person................1-15Larger children...............1-20Precautions on seat belt usage.....1-11Pregnant women..............1-15Rear center seat belt............1-18Seat belt cleaning..............7-6Seat belt extenders............1-18
Seat belt maintenance..........1-19Seat belt warning light..........2-18Seat belts...................1-11Seat belts with pretensioners......1-64Shoulder belt height adjustment. . . .1-18Small children................1-20Three-point type..............1-15Seat belt warning light............1-14Seats........................1-2Heated seats................2-58Security system................2-44Security system (NISSAN Vehicle Immobilizer
System), EV system start.......2-46, 5-13Servicing climate control..........4-43Shif tingElectric shif t control system.......5-14Shoulder belt height adjustment......1-18Shoulder belt height adjustment, For front
seats.......................1-18Speedometer................. .2-5Stability control................5-164Standard maintenance............9-7Starting
Before starting system..........5-13Jump starting................6-10Precautions when starting and
driving.................... .5-4Push starting................6-13Starting the traction motor.......5-14Status light, Front passenger
air bag...................1-55, 1-57Steering
Heated steering wheel..........2-60Power steering system.........5-161
Steering assist switch (models with
ProPILOT assist)................2-62Steering wheel.................3-22Stopping the vehicle..............6-5Storage.................... .2-65Stowing golf bags...............2-69Sun visors....................3-23Sunglasses holder..............2-66Supplemental air bag warning labels. . .1-65Supplemental air bag warning
light....................1-66, 2-18Supplemental restraint system
Precautions on supplemental restraint
system
................... .1-44Supplemental Restraint System (SRS). . .1-44Switch
Autolight switch..............2-51ECO switch................ .2-58Fog light switch..............2-57Hazard warning flasher switch......6-2Headlight switch..............2-50Immediate charge switch. . .CH-48, 2-61Instrument brightness control.....2-56Power door lock switch..........3-5Rear window and outside mirror defroster
switch................... .2-49Rear window wiper and washer
switches...................2-48Turn signal switch.............2-56Wiper and washer switch........2-47
11-6

T
Telematic Control Unit Gen2K.......10-19Telematics overview.............10-17TemperatureLi-ion battery temperature gauge. . . .2-7Thef t (NISSAN Vehicle Immobilizer System),
traction motor start..........2-46, 5-13TireFlat tire................... .6-3Low tire pressure warning system. . .5-4Tire and Loading Information
label..................8-28, 10-9Tire chains.................8-34Tire dressing.................7-4Tire pressure................8-29Tire Pressure Monitoring System
(TPMS)................. .5-4, 6-3Tire rotation.................8-35Types of tires................8-33Uniform tire quality grading.......10-15Wheel/tire size...............10-5Wheels and tires..............8-25Tire pressure
Low tire pressure warning light.....2-21Tonneau cover................ .2-68To p
Tether strap child restraints.......1-27Top tether strap child restraint.......1-27TowingFlat towing................ .10-15Tow truck towing..............6-13Trailer towing...............10-14Towing a trailer................10-14
TPMS, Tire Pressure Monitoring System. .5-4Traction motor
Traction motor serial number......10-8Trickle charge................CH-11Turn signal switch...............2-56Type of charge and how to charge the
Li-ion battery................ .CH-5
U
Underbody cleaning..............7-3Uniform tire quality grading........10-15Unplugged status.............CH-48USB/iPod® Charging Ports.........2-64
V
Vanity mirror..................3-24Vehicle
Dimensions and weights.........10-6Loading information...........10-11Security system..............2-44Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC)
system.....................5-164Vehicle identification number (VIN)
plate...................... .10-7Vehicle immobilizer system.........5-13Vehicle information display......2-26,2-27Vehicle security system (NISSAN Vehicle
Immobilizer System), traction motor
start
.......................5-13Vents......................4-28Visors......................3-23
W
Warning
Air bag warning light........1-66, 2-18Hazard warning flasher switch......6-2Indicators for operation.........2-36Low tire pressure warning light.....2-21Seat belt warning light...........1-14Supplemental air bag warning
light.................. .1-66, 2-18Tire Pressure Monitoring System
(TPMS)..................5-4, 6-3Warning lights............2-16,2-19Warning/indicator lights and audible
reminders..................2-14Warning light
Anti-lock braking system (ABS) warning
light
......................2-19BRAKE warning light (red).........2-17BRAKE warning light (yellow).......2-20Seat belt warning light..........2-18Warning lights.................2-14Warning/indicator lights and audible
reminders....................2-14Audible reminders.............2-14Indicator lights...............2-14Warning lights................2-14Washer switchRear window wiper and washer
switches
.................. .2-48Wiper and washer switch........2-47Washing......................7-2Waxing......................7-3Weights (See dimensions and weights). .10-6
11-7