Nissan Leaf (2019 year). Manual

• Properly position the mats in the

floorwell using the floor mat posi-
tioning hook. For additional infor-
mation, refer to "Floor mat installa-
tion" in this section.

• Make sure the floor mat does not in-

terfere with pedal operation.

• Periodically check the floor mats to

make sure they are properly in-
stalled.

• After cleaning the vehicle interior,

check the floor mats to make sure
they are properly installed.

The use of Genuine NISSAN floor mats can
extend the life of your vehicle carpet and
make it easier to clean the interior. Mats
should be maintained with regular clean-
ing and replaced if they become exces-
sively worn.

Floor mat installation

Your vehicle is equipped with floor mat po-
sitioning hook(s). The number and shape of
the floor mat positioning hooks for each
seating position varies depending on the
vehicle.

When installing Genuine NISSAN floor mats,
follow the installation instructions provided
with the mat and the following:

1. Position the floor mat in the floorwell so

that the floor mat grommet holes are
aligned with the hook(s).

2. Secure the grommet holes into the

hook(s) and ensure that the floor mat is
properly positioned.

3. Make sure the floor mat does not inter-

fere with pedal operation. With the igni-
tion in the OFF position, the selector le-
ver in the P (Park) position fully apply and
release all pedals. The floor mat must
not interfere with pedal operation or
prevent the pedal from returning to its
normal position.

It is recommended that you visit a NISSAN
certified LEAF dealer for details about in-
stalling the floor mats in your vehicle.

The illustration shows the location of floor
mat positioning hooks.

Positioning hooks

7-6

Appearance and care

SEAT BELTS

The seat belts can be cleaned by wiping
them with a sponge dampened in a mild
soap solution. Allow the belts to dry com-
pletely in the shade before using them.

For additional information, refer to “Seat
belts” in the “Safety—Seats, seat belts and
supplemental restraint system” section of
this manual.

WARNING

Do not allow wet seat belts to roll up in
the retractor. NEVER use bleach, dye, or
chemical solvents to clean the seat
belts, since these materials may se-
verely weaken the seat belt webbing.

MOST COMMON FACTORS
CONTRIBUTING TO VEHICLE
CORROSION

• The accumulation of moisture-retaining

dirt and debris in body panel sections,
cavities, and other areas.

• Damage to paint and other protective

coatings caused by gravel and stone
chips or minor traffic accidents.

ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS
INFLUENCE THE RATE OF
CORROSION

Moisture

Accumulation of sand, dirt and water on
the vehicle body underside can accelerate
corrosion. Wet floor coverings will not dry
completely inside the vehicle, and should
be removed for drying to avoid floor panel
corrosion.

Relative humidity

Corrosion will be accelerated in areas of
high relative humidity, especially those ar-
eas where the temperatures stay above
freezing, where atmospheric pollution ex-
ists, or where road salt is used.

Temperature

A temperature increase will accelerate the
rate of corrosion to those parts which are
not well ventilated.

Air pollution

Industrial pollution, the presence of salt in
the air in coastal areas, or heavy road salt
use will accelerate the corrosion process.
Road salt will also accelerate the disinte-
gration of paint surfaces.

PROTECT YOUR VEHICLE FROM
CORROSION

• Wash and wax your vehicle often to keep

the vehicle clean.

• Always check for minor damage to the

paint and repair it as soon as possible.

• Keep drain holes at the bottom of the

doors open to avoid water accumulation.

• Check the underbody for accumulation of

sand, dirt or salt. If present, wash with wa-
ter as soon as possible.

CORROSION PROTECTION

Appearance and care

7-7

CAUTION

• NEVER remove dirt, sand or other

debris from the passenger compart-
ment by washing it out with a hose.
Remove dirt with a vacuum cleaner.

• Never allow water or other liquids to

come in contact with electronic
components inside the vehicle as
this may damage them.

Chemicals used for road surface deicing
are extremely corrosive. They accelerate
corrosion and deterioration of underbody
components such as the brake lines, brake
cables, floor pan and fenders.

In winter, the underbody must be cleaned
periodically.

For additional protection against rust and
corrosion, which may be required in some
areas, it is recommended that you consult
a NISSAN certified LEAF dealer.

7-8

Appearance and care

Your new NISSAN has been designed to
have

minimum

maintenance

require-

ments with long service intervals to save
you both time and money. However, some
day-to-day and regular maintenance is es-
sential to maintain your NISSAN’s fine me-
chanical 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
the proper maintenance care. You are a
vital link in the maintenance chain.

SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE

For your convenience, both required and
optional scheduled maintenance items
are described and listed in your “NISSAN
Service and Maintenance Guide”. You must
refer to that guide to ensure that neces-
sary maintenance is performed on your
NISSAN at regular intervals.

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.

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 in-dealership
information systems. They are completely
qualified to work on NISSAN vehicles be-
fore work begins.

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 — in a
reliable and economical way.

MAINTENANCE REQUIREMENT

8-2

Maintenance and do-it yourself

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 smell, be sure to
check for the cause or have a NISSAN cer-
tified LEAF dealer do it promptly. In addition,
it is recommended that you visit a NISSAN
certified LEAF dealer if you think that re-
pairs are required.

When performing any checks or mainte-
nance work, refer to “Maintenance precau-
tions” in this section.

EXPLANATION OF MAINTENANCE
ITEMS

Additional information on the following
items with “*” is found in this section.

Outside vehicle

The maintenance items listed here should
be performed from time to time, unless
otherwise specified.

Doors and motor hood: Check that all
doors and the motor hood operate prop-
erly. Also ensure that all latches lock se-
curely. Lubricate hinges, latches, latch pins,

rollers and links if necessary. Make sure
that the secondary 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.

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 the aim of the
headlights.

Road wheel nuts (lug nuts)*: When check-
ing the tires, make sure that no wheel nuts
are missing, and check for any loose wheel
nuts. Tighten if necessary.

Tire rotation*: Tires should be rotated ev-
ery 5,000 miles (8,000 km).

Tires*: Check the pressure with a gauge
often 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.

Wiper blades*: Check for cracks or wear if
they do not wipe properly.

Inside vehicle

The maintenance items listed here should
be checked on a regular basis, such as

GENERAL MAINTENANCE

Maintenance and do-it yourself

8-3

when performing scheduled maintenance,
cleaning the vehicle, etc.

Accelerator pedal: Check the pedal for
smooth operation and make sure that 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.

Electric shift 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 the 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.

Seat: Check seat position controls such as
the seat adjusters, seatback recliners, etc.
to ensure that they operate smoothly and
that all latches lock securely in every posi-
tion. Check that the head restraints/
headrests move up and down smoothly
and that 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
that all warning lights and chimes are op-
erating 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 washers operate prop-
erly and that the wipers do not streak.

Under hood and vehicle

The maintenance items listed here should
be checked periodically.

12-volt battery (for serviceable battery)*:

Check the fluid level in each cell. The fluid
should be at the bottom of the filler open-
ing. Vehicles operated in high tempera-
tures or under severe conditions 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.

8-4

Maintenance and do-it yourself

In these cases, the battery may need to
be charged to maintain battery health.

Brake fluid level*: Make sure that the brake
fluid level is between the “MAX” and “MIN”
lines on the reservoir.

Coolant level*: Check the coolant level
when the motor compartment is cold.

Fluid leaks: Check under the vehicle for
water or other fluid leaks after the vehicle
has been parked for a while. Water dripping
from the air conditioner after use is normal.
If you should notice any leaks, check for
cause and have it corrected immediately.

Radiator and hoses: Check the front of the
radiator and clean off any dirt, insects,
leaves, etc., that may have accumulated.
Make sure that the hoses have no cracks,
deformation, 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

thoroughly

flushed with plain water, being careful to
clean those areas where mud and dirt may
accumulate. For additional information, re-
fer to “Cleaning exterior” in the “Appearance
and care” section of this manual.

Windshield-washer fluid*: Check that
there is an adequate amount of fluid in the
reservoir.

When performing any inspection or main-
tenance work on your vehicle, always take
care to prevent serious accidental injury to
yourself or damage to the vehicle. The fol-
lowing are general precautions that should
be closely observed.

WARNING

• The EV system uses high voltage up

to approximately DC 400 volt. The
system can be hot during and after
starting and when the vehicle is shut
off. Be careful of both the high volt-
age and the high temperature. Obey
the labels that are attached to the
vehicle.

• Never disassemble, remove or re-

place high-voltage parts and cables
as well as their connectors. High-
voltage cables are colored orange.

• Disassembling, removing or replac-

ing those parts or cables can cause
severe burns or electric shock that
may result in serious injury or death.
The vehicle high-voltage system has
no user serviceable parts. It is rec-
ommended that you visit a NISSAN
certified LEAF dealer for any neces-
sary maintenance.

MAINTENANCE PRECAUTIONS

Maintenance and do-it yourself

8-5

• Park the vehicle on a level surface,

apply the parking brake securely
and chock the wheels to prevent the
vehicle from moving. Push the P
(Park) position switch on the shift
lever or place the vehicle into the N
(Neutral) position.

• If you must work with the EV (Electric

vehicle) system is turned on, keep
hands, clothing, hair and tools away
from moving fans and any other
moving parts.

• Make sure that the power switch is in

the OFF or LOCK position when per-
forming any part replacement or re-
pairs.

• It is advisable to secure or remove

any loose clothing and remove any
jewelry, such as rings, watches, etc.
before working on your vehicle.

• Always wear eye protection when-

ever you work on your vehicle.

• Never get under the vehicle while it

is supported only by a jack. If it is
necessary to work under the vehicle,
support it with safety stands.

• Keep smoking materials, flames and

sparks away from the 12-volt bat-
tery.

CAUTION

• Do not work under the hood while

the motor compartment is hot. Push
the power switch in the OFF position
and wait until it cools down.

• Avoid direct contact with used cool-

ant. Improperly disposed coolant
and/or other vehicle fluids can dam-
age the environment. Always con-
form to local regulations for the dis-
posal of vehicle fluids.

• Never connect or disconnect the

battery or any transistorized com-
ponent while the power switch is in
the ON position.

• Your vehicle is equipped with an au-

tomatic cooling fan. It may come on
at any time without warning, even if
the power switch is not in the ACC,
ON or READY to drive position. To
avoid injury, always disconnect the
negative 12-volt battery cable be-
fore working near the fan.

• Before performing any electrical

maintenance work on the vehicle
such as the battery, fuses or bulb re-
placement, confirm the following:
– The charge connector is removed

from the vehicle.

– The Climate Ctrl. Timer is not ac-

tive or operating. For additional
information, refer to “Climate Ctrl.
Timer” in the “Monitor, climate, au-
dio, phone and voice recognition
systems” section of this manual.

– The 12-volt battery is not being

charged by the Li-ion battery and
that all charging status indicator
lights are off. For additional infor-
mation, refer to “Charging the 12-
volt battery” in the “EV overview”
section and “Charging status indi-
cator lights” in the “Charging” sec-
tion of this manual.

• The power switch is in the OFF posi-

tion. Place the power switch in the
ON position and then in the OFF po-
sition to prevent the 12-volt battery
automatically being charged by the
Li-ion battery. For additional infor-
mation, refer to “Charging the 12-
volt battery” in the “EV overview”
section of this manual.

The “Maintenance and do-it-yourself ” sec-
tion gives instructions regarding only
those items that are relatively easy for an
owner to perform.

8-6

Maintenance and do-it yourself

1. Fuse/Fusible link holder
2. Brake fluid reservoir
3. 12-volt battery
4. Fuse holder

5. Fuse/Fusible link holder
6. Coolant reservoir cap
7. Windshield-washer fluid reservoir

The cooling system is filled at the factory
with a pre-diluted mixture of 50% Genuine
NISSAN Long Life Antifreeze/Coolant (blue)
and 50% water to provide year-round anti-
freeze and coolant protection. The anti-
freeze solution contains rust and corrosion
inhibitors. Additional cooling system addi-
tives are not necessary.

WARNING

• Never remove the coolant tank cap

when the motor compartment is
hot. Wait until the motor compart-
ment cool down.

• The coolant tank is equipped with a

special type coolant tank cap. To
prevent damage to the motor com-
partment,

use

only

Genuine

NISSAN coolant tank cap.

CAUTION

• Never use any additives in the cool-

ant such as radiator sealer in the
cooling system. This may cause
damage to electrical equipment
such as the motor and inverter.

MOTOR COMPARTMENT CHECK
LOCATIONS

COOLING SYSTEM

8-8

Maintenance and do-it yourself

• When adding or replacing coolant,

be sure to use only a Genuine
NISSAN

Long

Life

Antifreeze/

Coolant (blue) or equivalent. Genu-
ine NISSAN Long Life Antifreeze/
Coolant

(blue)

pre-diluted

provide

antifreeze

protection

−34°F (−37°C) . If additional freeze
protection is needed due to the
weather conditions where you oper-
ate

your

vehicle,

add

Genuine

NISSAN

Long

Life

Antifreeze/

Coolant (blue) concentrate following
the directions on the container. If
and equivalent coolant other than
Genuine

NISSAN

Long

Life

Antifreeze/Coolant (blue) is used,
follow the coolant manufacture's in-
structions to maintain minimum an-
tifreeze protection to −34°F (−37°C).
The use of other types of coolant so-
lutions other than Genuine NISSAN
Long Life Antifreeze/Coolant (blue)
or equivalent may damage the cool-
ing system.

• The life expectancy of the factory-fill

coolant

125,000

miles

(200,000 km) or 15 years. Mixing any
other type of coolant other than
Genuine

NISSAN

Long

Life

Antifreeze/Coolant (blue), including
Genuine

NISSAN

Long

Life

Antifreeze/Coolant (green), or the
use of non-distilled water will re-
duce the life expectancy of the
factory-filled coolant. For additional
information, refer to the NISSAN Ser-
vice and Maintenance Guide.

CHECKING COOLANT LEVEL

Check the coolant level in the reservoir
when the high-voltage parts are cold. If
the coolant level is below the MIN level

䊊

open the reservoir cap and add coolant up
to the MAX level

䊊

. 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

䊊

Maintenance and do-it yourself

8-9

Tighten the cap securely after adding cool-
ant.

For additional information on the location
of the coolant reservoir, refer to “Motor
compartment check locations” in this sec-
tion.

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.

When checking or replacement is required,
it is recommended that you visit a NISSAN
certified LEAF dealer for this service.

CAUTION

• Use only Genuine NISSAN Matic S

ATF. Do not mix with other fluids.

• Using reduction gear fluid other

than Genuine NISSAN Matic S ATF
will cause deterioration in driveabil-
ity and reduction gear durability,
and may damage the reduction
gear, which is not covered by the
NISSAN New Vehicle Limited War-
ranty.

REDUCTION GEAR FLUID

8-10

Maintenance and do-it yourself

For additional brake fluid information, refer
to “Recommended fluids/lubricants and
capacities” in the “Technical and consumer
information” section of this manual.

WARNING

• Use only new fluid from a sealed

container. Old, inferior or contami-
nated fluid may damage the brake
system. The use of improper fluids
can damage the brake system, and
affect the vehicle’s stopping ability.

• Clean the filler cap before removing.
• Brake fluid is poisonous and should

be stored carefully in marked con-
tainers out of the reach of children.

CAUTION

Do not spill the fluid on any painted
surfaces. This will damage the paint. If
fluid is spilled, immediately wash the
surface with water.

Check the fluid level in the reservoir. If the
fluid is below the MIN line

䊊

or the brake

warning light illuminates, add Genuine
NISSAN Super Heavy Duty Brake Fluid or
equivalent DOT 3 fluid up to the MAX line

䊊

If fluid must be added frequently, the sys-
tem should be checked. It is recom-
mended that you visit a NISSAN certified
LEAF dealer for this service.

Except for Canada

To check the fluid level, use your finger to
plug the center hole

䊊

of the cap/tube

assembly, then remove it from the reser-
voir. If there is no fluid in the tube, add fluid.

For Canada

Fill the windshield-washer fluid reservoir
periodically. Add windshield-washer fluid
when the “Low Washer Fluid” message ap-
pears on the vehicle information display.
For additional information, refer to “Vehicle

BRAKE FLUID

WINDSHIELD-WASHER FLUID

Maintenance and do-it yourself

8-11

information display warnings and indica-
tors” in the “Instruments and controls” sec-
tion of this manual.

To fill the windshield-washer fluid reservoir,
lift the cap

䊊

and pour the windshield-

washer fluid into the reservoir opening.

Add a windshield-washer solvent to the
reservoir for better cleaning. In the winter
season, add a windshield-washer anti-
freeze. Follow the manufacturer’s instruc-
tions for the mixture ratio.

Refill the reservoir more frequently when
driving conditions require an increased
amount of windshield-washer fluid.

Recommended fluid:

Genuine NISSAN Windshield-Washer Con-
centrate Cleaner & Antifreeze or equivalent

CAUTION

• Do not substitute antifreeze coolant

for windshield-washer solution. This
may result in damage to the paint.

• Do not fill the windshield-washer

reservoir with windshield-washer
fluid concentrates at full strength.
Some

methyl

alcohol

based

windshield-washer

fluid

concen-

trates may permanently stain the
grille if spilled while filling the
windshield-washer reservoir.

• Pre-mix

windshield-washer

fluid

concentrates

with

water

the

manufacturer’s recommended lev-
els before pouring the fluid into the
windshield-washer reservoir. Do not
use the windshield-washer reser-
voir to mix the windshield-washer
fluid concentrate and water.

• Keep the 12-volt battery surface clean and

dry. Clean the 12-volt battery with a solu-
tion 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

12-VOLT BATTERY

8-12

Maintenance and do-it yourself

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. After
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 after
handling.

• Keep the 12-volt battery out of the

reach of children.

1. Remove the vent caps with a screw-

driver as shown. Use a cloth to protect
the battery case.

2. Check the fluid level in each cell. If it is

necessary to add fluid, add only distilled
water to bring the level up to the bottom
of the filler opening. Do not overfill. Re-
install the vent caps.

Maintenance and do-it yourself

8-13

Nissan Leaf (2019 year). Manual - part 32