wheel NISSAN LEAF 2023 Manual Online

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

When the VDC system operates, theindicator light in the instrument panel
flashes. When the indicator light flashes,
note the following items:
• The road may be slippery or the systemmay 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 indi-
cates that the VDC system is working
properly.
• Adjust your speed and driving according to the road conditions.
For additional information, see “Slip indica-
tor light” (P. 2-24) and “Vehicle Dynamic
Control (VDC) OFF indicator light” (P. 2-24).
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
, along with the AEB with
Pedestrian Detection and RAB warning
lights illuminate to indicate that the VDC,
AEB with Pedestrian Detection, and RAB
systems are off. When the vehicle informa-
tion display is used to turn off the system,
the VDC system still operates to prevent
one drive wheel from slipping by transfer-
ring power to a non-slipping wheel. The
indicator light flashes if this occurs. All
other VDC functions are off and the
indicator light will not flash. The VDC sys-
tem is automatically reset to on when the
power switch is placed in the OFF position
then back to the ON position. For additional
information, see “Vehicle information dis-
play” (P. 2-26).
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.
WARNING
• The VDC system is designed to help
the driver maintain stability 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 driv-
ing and cornering on slippery sur-
faces 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 deteriorated
the VDC system may not operate
properly. This could adversely affect
vehicle handling performance, and
the
indicator light may flash or
theindicator light 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
the
indicator light may
illuminate.
Starting and driving5-165

•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 chassis control is an electric control
module that includes the following
functions:
• Intelligent Trace Control
• Intelligent Ride Control
INTELLIGENT TRACE CONTROL
(I-TC)
This system senses driving based on the
driver’s steering and acceleration/braking
patterns, and controls brake pressure at
individual wheels to aid tracing at corners
and help smooth vehicle response.
The I-TC can be set to on (enabled) or off (dis-
abled) through the vehicle information display
“Settings” page. For additional information, see
“Vehicle information display” (P. 2-26).
When the VDC system is turned off in the
vehicle information display, the I-TC is also
turned off.When the I-TC is operated and the “Chassis
Control” mode is selected in the vehicle in-
formation display, the I-TC graphics are
shown in the vehicle information display.
For additional information, see “Vehicle in-
formation display” (P. 2-26).
If the “Chassis Control System Error: See
Owner’s Manual” warning message ap-
pears in the vehicle information display, it
may indicate that the I-TC is not function-
ing properly. Have the system checked as
soon as possible. It is recommended that
you visit a NISSAN certified LEAF dealer for
this service.
LSD3008
CHASSIS CONTROL
Starting and driving5-167

WARNING
The I-TC may not be effective depend-
ing on the driving condition. Always
drive carefully and attentively.
When the I-TC is operating, you may feel a
pulsation in the brake pedal, hear a noise
and sense slight deceleration. This is nor-
mal and indicates that the I-TC is operating
properly.
Even if the I-TC is turned off, some functions
will remain on to assist the driver (for ex-
ample, avoidance scenes).
ACTIVE RIDE CONTROL (ARC)
This system senses upper body motion
(based on wheel speed information) and
controls motor torque. This will enhance
ride comfort in effort to restrain uncom-
fortable upper body movement when
passing over undulated road surfaces. This
system comes into effect above 25 mph
(40 km/h).
When the VDC system is turned off in the
vehicle information display, the ARC is also
turned off.
WARNING
The ARC may not be effective depend-
ing on the driving condition. Always
drive carefully and attentively.
When the ARC is operating, you may hear a
noise and sense slight deceleration. This is
normal and indicates that the ARC is oper-
ating properly.
If the “Chassis Control System Error: See
Owner’s Manual” warning message ap-
pears in the vehicle information display, it
may indicate that the ARC is not function-
ing properly. Have the system checked as
soon as possible. It is recommended that
you visit a NISSAN certified LEAF dealer for
this service.WARNING
• Never rely solely on the hill start as-
sist system to prevent the vehicle
from moving backward on a hill. Al-
ways drive carefully and attentively.
Depress the brake pedal when the
vehicle is stopped on a steep hill. Be
especially careful when stopped on a
hill on frozen or muddy roads. Failure
to prevent the vehicle from rolling
backwards may result in a loss of
control of the vehicle and possible
serious injury or death.
• The hill start assist system is not de-
signed to hold the vehicle at a stand-
still on a hill. Depress the brake pedal
when the vehicle is stopped on a
steep hill. Failure to do so may cause
the vehicle to roll backwards and
may result in a collision or serious
personal injury.
• The hill start assist may not prevent
the vehicle from rolling backwards
on a hill under all load or road condi-
tions. Always be prepared to depress
the brake pedal to prevent the ve-
hicle from rolling backwards. Failure
to do so may result in a collision or
serious personal injury.
HILL START ASSIST SYSTEM
5-168Starting 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

•When using a wheel without the
TPMS such as the spare tire, the TPMS
will not function and the low tire
pressure warning light will flash for
approximately 1 minute. The light will
remain on af ter 1 minute. Have your
tires replaced and/or TPMS system
reset as soon as possible. It is recom-
mended that you visit a NISSAN cer-
tified LEAF dealer for these services.
• Replacing tires with those not origi-
nally specified by NISSAN could af-
fect the proper operation of the
TPMS.
• The Genuine NISSAN Emergency Tire
Repair Sealant or equivalent can be
used for temporarily repairing a tire.
Do not inject any other tire liquid or
aerosol tire sealant into the tires, as
this may cause a malfunction of tire
pressure sensors. •
NISSAN recommends using only
Genuine NISSAN Emergency Tire
Sealant provided with your vehicle.
Other tire sealants may damage the
valve stem seal which can cause the
tire to lose air pressure. It is recom-
mended that you visit a NISSAN cer-
tified LEAF dealer as soon as possible
af ter using tire repair sealant (for
models equipped with the emer-
gency tire puncture repair kit).
REPAIRING FLAT TIRE
WARNING
• Af ter using Genuine NISSAN Emer-
gency Tire Sealant to repair a minor
tire puncture, do not drive the vehicle
at speeds faster than 50 mph (80
km/h).
• Immediately af ter using the Genuine
NISSAN Emergency Tire Sealant to
repair a minor tire puncture, it is rec-
ommended that you visit a NISSAN
certified LEAF dealer. The Genuine
NISSAN Emergency Tire Sealant can-
not permanently seal a punctured
tire. Continuing operation of the ve-
hicle without a permanent tire repair
can lead to a crash. •
If you used the Genuine NISSAN
Emergency Tire Sealant to repair a
minor tire puncture, it is recom-
mended that you visit a NISSAN cer-
tified LEAF dealer to replace the
TPMS sensor in addition to repairing
or replacing the tire.
• NISSAN recommends using only
Genuine NISSAN Emergency Tire
Sealant provided with your vehicle.
Other tire sealants may damage the
valve stem seal which can cause the
tire to lose air pressure.
This vehicle does not have a spare tire. The
emergency tire puncture repair kit
(Genuine NISSAN Emergency Tire Sealant)
is supplied with the vehicle instead of a
spare tire. It can be used to temporarily
repair minor tire punctures.
If possible, have the vehicle towed to a fa-
cility that can repair or replace the flat tire.
Using the emergency tire puncture repair
kit may cause a malfunction of the tire
pressure sensor and cause the low tire
pressure warning light to illuminate.
6-4In case of emergency

CAUTION
• To avoid the emergency tire puncture
kit being damaged during storage or
use:
– Only use the emergency tire punc-
ture repair kit on your vehicle. Do
not use it on other vehicles.
– Only use the kit to inflate the tires
of your vehicle and to check the
vehicle’s tire pressure.
– Only plug the compressor into a
12-volt DC car power point.
– Keep the kit free of water and dirt.
– Do not disassemble or modif y the
kit.
– Do not drop the kit or allow hard
impacts to the kit.
• Do not use the emergency tire punc-
ture repair kit under the following
conditions. It is recommended that
you visit a NISSAN certified LEAF
dealer or professional road
assistance.
– when the sealant has passed its
expiration date (shown on the la-
bel attached to the bottle) –
when the cut or the puncture is
approximately 0.25 in (6 mm) or
longer
– when the tire sidewall is damaged
– when the vehicle has been driven
with extremely low tire pressure
– when the tire has come off the in-
side or the outside of the wheel
– when the tire wheel is damaged
– when two or more tires are flat
If you have a flat tire, follow the instructions
below.
Stopping the vehicle
1. Safely move the vehicle off the road and away from traffic.
2. Turn on the hazard warning flashers.
3. Park on a level surface and apply the parking brake.
4. Push the P (Park) position switch on the shif t lever to the P (Park) position.
5. Turn off the EV system.
6. Raise the hood to warn other traffic and to signal professional road assistance
personnel that you need assistance. 7. Have all passengers get out of the ve-
hicle and stand in a safe place, away
from traffic and clear of the vehicle.
WARNING
• Make sure the parking brake is se-
curely applied and the vehicle is
placed into the P (Park) position.
• Never repair tires when the vehicle is
on a slope, ice or slippery areas. This
is hazardous.
• Never repair tires if oncoming traffic
is close to your vehicle. Wait for pro-
fessional road assistance.
In case of emergency6-5

1. Take out the speed restriction stickerfrom the air compressor, then put it in a
location where the driver can see it while
driving.
CAUTION
Do not put the speed restriction label on
the steering wheel pad, the speedom-
eter or the warning light locations. 2. Take the hose
O1and the power plugO2
out of the air compressor. Remove the
cap of the bottle holder from the air
compressor.3. Remove the cap from the tire sealant
bottle. Leave the bottle seal intact.
Screw the bottle clockwise into the
bottle holder to pierce the seal of the
bottle.
4. Remove the cap from the tire valve on the flat tire.
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In case of emergency6-7