Heat NISSAN LEAF 2023 Service Manual
[x] Cancel search | Manufacturer: NISSAN, Model Year: 2023, Model line: LEAF, Model: NISSAN LEAF 2023Pages: 612, PDF Size: 7.42 MB
Page 482 of 612
• 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.WARNING
• Do not stop or park the vehicle over
flammable materials such as dry
grass, waste paper or rags. They may
ignite and cause a fire.
• Never leave the vehicle in the READY
to drive mode while the vehicle is
unattended.
• Safe parking procedures require that
both the parking brake be applied
and the vehicle placed in the park po-
sition. Failure to do so could cause
the vehicle to move unexpectedly or
roll away and result in an accident.
• Do not leave children unattended in-
side the vehicle. They could unknow-
ingly activate switches or controls or
make the vehicle move. Unattended
children could become involved in
serious accidents.
PARKING/PARKING ON HILLS
Starting and driving5-159
Page 484 of 612
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, see “Power steering warning
light” (P. 2-23).
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
Starting and driving5-161
Page 485 of 612
When you put the shif t lever in the B mode
and take your foot off the accelerator
pedal, more regenerative brake is applied
than in the D (Drive) position. However, dur-
ing high-speed driving you may feel that
regenerative brake provides less decelera-
tion than the engine braking in an ordinary
vehicle. This is normal.
Less deceleration is provided by the regen-
erative brake system when the Li-ion bat-
tery is fully charged. Regenerative brake is
automatically reduced when the Li-ion
battery is fully charged to prevent the Li-ion
battery from becoming overcharged. Re-
generative brake is also automatically re-
duced when the battery temperature is
high/low (indicated by the red/blue zones
on the battery temperature gauge) to pre-
vent Li-ion battery damage.
The brake pedal should be used to slow or
stop the vehicle depending on traffic or
road conditions. The vehicle brakes are not
affected by regenerative brake system
operation.NOTE:
• When applying the regenerativebrakes, you may hear a sound coming
from the regenerative brake system.
This is a normal operating characteris-
tic of an EV.
• If the power switch position is in a po- sition other than ON or READY to drive,
you can stop the vehicle by depressing
the brake pedal. However, greater foot
pressure on the brake pedal will be re-
quired to stop the vehicle, and the
stopping distance will be longer.
• When depressing the brake pedal, the brake pedal feel will not be smooth or
may change when the cooperative re-
generative brake system activates.
However, the electronically controlled
brake system is operating normally
and this does not indicate a
malfunction.
Using the brakes
Avoid resting your foot on the brake pedal
while driving. This will cause overheating of
the brakes, wearing out of the brake pads
and shoes faster, and will reduce driving
range. To help reduce brake wear, and to prevent
the brakes from overheating, reduce speed
and select B mode before going down a
slope or long grade. Overheated brakes
may reduce braking performance and
could result in loss of vehicle control.
WARNING
• While driving on a slippery surface,
be careful when braking or accelerat-
ing. Abrupt braking or accelerating
could cause the wheels to skid, which
could result in an accident.
• If the brake pedal is depressed with
the EV system OFF, you may feel an
increased brake pedal effort and a
decreased pedal stroke. If the BRAKE
warning light does not illuminate
and the brake pedal feels like it has
returned to its normal state af ter the
EV system is started, this indicates
that there is no malfunction and the
vehicle can be operated normally.
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.
5-162Starting and driving
Page 486 of 612
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 rotors are replaced, in order
to assure the best braking performance.
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 resulting
from careless or dangerous driving
techniques. It can help maintain ve-
hicle control during braking on slip-
pery surfaces. Remember that stop-
ping distances on slippery surfaces
will be longer than on normal sur-
faces even with ABS. Stopping dis-
tances 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 ve-
hicle in front of you. Ultimately, the
driver is responsible for safety.
• Tire type and condition may also af-
fect braking effectiveness.
– When replacing tires, install the
specified size of tires on all four
wheels.
– For additional information, see
“Wheels and tires” (P. 8-25). 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
distances.
Starting and driving5-163
Page 497 of 612
• 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
Page 510 of 612
CAUTION
LEAF cannot be used as a booster ve-
hicle because it cannot supply enough
power to start a gasoline engine. How-
ever, a gasoline engine vehicle can be
used to jump start LEAF's 12-volt
battery.
1. If the booster battery is in another ve-hicle
OB, position the two vehicles (OA)
and
OB) to bring their 12-volt batteries
into close proximity to each other.
Do not allow the two vehicles to touch.
2. Apply the parking brake. If the 12-volt battery is discharged, the
power switch cannot be moved from
the OFF position. Connect the jumper
cables to the booster vehicle
OBbe-
fore pushing the power switch.
3. Push the P (Park) position switch to place the vehicle in the P (Park) position. 4. Switch off all unnecessary electrical sys-
tems (headlights, heater, air conditioner,
etc.).
5. Place the power switch in the OFF position.
6. Ensure vent caps are level and tight.
7. Connect jumper cables in the sequence as illustrated (
O1→O2→O3→O4).
LCE2388
In case of emergency6-11
Page 529 of 612
CHECKING COOLANT LEVEL
Check the coolant levelin the reservoir
when the high-voltage parts are cold. If
the coolant level is below the MIN level
OB,
open the reservoir cap and add coolant up
to the MAX level
OA. If the reservoir is empty,
check the coolant level in the coolant res-
ervoir when the high-voltage parts are
cold. If there is insufficient coolant in the
coolant reservoir, fill the coolant reservoir
with coolant up to the reservoir cap open-
ing and also add it to the reservoir up to the
MAX level
OA. Tighten the cap securely af ter adding
coolant.
For additional information on the location
of the coolant reservoir, see “Motor com-
partment check locations” (P. 8-4).
If the cooling system frequently requires
coolant, it is recommended that you visit
a NISSAN certified LEAF dealer.
CHANGING COOLANT
It is recommended that major cooling sys-
tem repairs should be performed by a
NISSAN certified LEAF dealer. The service
procedures can be found in the appropri-
ate NISSAN Service Manual.
Improper servicing can result in reduced
heater performance.
WARNING
• To avoid the danger of being scalded,
never change the coolant when the
motor compartment is hot.
• Never remove the coolant reservoir
cap when the motor compartment is
hot. Serious burns could be caused
by high-pressure fluid escaping from
the radiator. •
Avoid direct skin contact with used
coolant. If skin contact is made, wash
thoroughly with soap or hand
cleaner as soon as possible.
• Keep coolant out of reach of children
and pets.
Coolant must be disposed of properly.
Check your local regulations.
LDI3145
8-6Do-it yourself
Page 533 of 612
• Keep the 12-volt battery surface cleanand dry. Clean the 12-volt battery with a
solution of baking soda and water.
• Make certain the terminal connections are clean and securely tightened.
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
WARNING
• Do not expose the 12-volt battery to
flames or electrical sparks. Hydrogen
gas generated by the 12-volt battery
is explosive. Do not allow 12-volt bat-
tery fluid to contact your skin, eyes,
fabrics or painted surfaces. Af ter
touching a 12-volt battery or 12-volt
battery cap, do not touch or rub your
eyes. Thoroughly wash your hands. If
the acid contacts your eyes, skin or
clothing, immediately flush with wa-
ter for at least 15 minutes and seek
medical attention.
• Do not operate the vehicle if the fluid
in the 12-volt battery is low. Low 12-
volt battery fluid can cause a higher
load on the 12-volt battery which can
generate heat, reduce battery life,
and in some cases lead to an
explosion. •
When working on or near a 12-volt
battery, always wear suitable eye
protection and remove all jewelry.
• 12-volt battery posts, terminals and
related accessories contain lead and
lead compounds. Wash hands af ter
handling.
• Keep the 12-volt battery out of the
reach of children.
8-10Do-it yourself
Page 565 of 612
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
Page 592 of 612
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