2014 Nissan LEAF Roadside Assistance Guide

Foreword

This manual describes roadside assistance operations and important safety related warnings for this vehicle. This vehicle is an electrically driven car equipped with a high voltage battery pack. Failure to follow recommended practices during emergency responses will cause death or serious personal injury. Please read this manual in advance in order to understand the features of this vehicle and to help you deal with roadside assistance operations involving this vehicle. Follow the procedures in order to help assure a safe and successful roadside assistance operation. This manual is periodically updated. If you are not viewing this manual on the Nissan web site, we urge you to go to www.nissanusa.com or www.nissan-techinfo.com to make sure you have the most recent version of this manual.

NISSAN EMERGENCY CONTACT INFORMATION

• Nissan EV Customer Support: 1-877-664-2738 (Hours of operation are Monday-Friday 7am - 7pm, Saturday 8am - 4:30pm Central time zone)
• Nissan Consumer Affairs: 1-800-647-7261 (US) or 1-800-387-0122 (Canada) (Hours of operation are 8am - 5pm (Monday-Friday) Eastern, Central and Pacific time zones)

IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT THIS MANUAL

You may see various symbols in this manual. They have the following meanings:

❗ [DANGER] This symbol is used to inform you of an operation which will result in death or serious personal injury if instructions are not followed. Example: Touching high voltage components without using the appropriate protective equipment will result in electrocution.

⚠️ [WARNING] This symbol is used to inform you of an operation which may cause death or serious personal injury if instructions are not followed.

ℹ️ [CAUTION] This symbol is used to inform you of an operation which may cause personal injury or component damage if instructions are not followed.

Please note that there may be differences between this manual and the vehicle specification due to specification changes.

1. About The Nissan LEAF®

This vehicle uses two types of batteries. One is a 12V battery that is the same as the battery in vehicles powered by internal combustion engines, and the other is the Lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery (high voltage) for the traction motor which propels the vehicle. The Li-ion battery is encased in steel and mounted underneath the vehicle.

The vehicle must be plugged-in in order for the Li-ion battery to be recharged. Additionally, the vehicle system can recharge the Li-ion battery by converting driving force into electricity while the vehicle is decelerating or being driven downhill. This is called regenerative charging. This vehicle is considered to be an environmentally friendly vehicle because it does not emit exhaust gases.

1-1 LEAF Identification

1-1.1 Exterior

The specific exterior identification features are indicated as follows:

• The Nissan logo on the front grille.
• "Zero Emission" badging on the rear.
• "LEAF" badging on the rear.
• Absence of a tailpipe.

Identification from the underside:

• Plastic shields cover the entire underside.
• No exhaust system components are visible underneath.

1-1.2 Interior Component Location

Key interior components referenced in this manual are located as follows:

• READY indicator (green): Located on the instrument cluster.
• Charging indicator lights: Blue LEDs on top of the instrument panel.
• Charge connector lock switch: On the dashboard.
• Power switch: On the dashboard, used to turn the vehicle on/off.
• Hood release: Lever located typically on the driver's side floor.
• Selector lever: For choosing drive modes (e.g., Park, Neutral, Drive).

1-1.3 Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) Layout

The vehicle identification number can be located as follows:

Example VIN : 1N4AZ0CPXEC053500

The LEAF is identified by the 5th alphanumeric character: Z

Z = Electric vehicle

The VIN plate is visible through the windshield. The vehicle certification plate is located on the lower center pillar.

1-1.4 Warning and Indicator Lamp Information

The following warning and indicator lamps are located in the instrument cluster:

*1: When this lamp is ON, the ready lamp will turn OFF.

2. Basic High Voltage Information

2-1 High Voltage-Related and 12V-Related Component Locations and Descriptions

Diagrams show the locations of high voltage and 12V components. High-voltage components are indicated by white numbers on a black background.

2-1.1 Li-ion Battery Pack Specifications

2-2 High Voltage Safety Measures

• Circuit insulation: The high voltage positive (+) and negative (-) circuits are insulated from the metal chassis.
• Reducing the risk of electrocution: The high voltage components and harnesses have insulated cases or orange-colored coverings which provide insulation and easy identification. The high voltage battery case is electrically connected to the vehicle ground. This connection helps protect the vehicle occupants and emergency responders from high voltage electrical shock.
• Identification: The high voltage components are labeled "WARNING" similar to label shown below. All high voltage harnesses are coated in orange.

2-2.1 Warning Label

❗ [DANGER] HIGH VOLTAGE INSIDE

• DO NOT remove these covers and/or connectors.

Multilingual warnings: HOCHSPANNUNGSFÜHRENDE TEILE IM INNEREN (German); NE PAS enlever ces couvercles et connecteurs (French); Alta Voltagem no interior (Portuguese); Alto voltaje en el interior (Spanish).

3. Roadside Assistance Response Steps

⚠️ NEVER assume the LEAF is shut OFF simply because it is quiet.

⚠️ If the vehicle is damaged and you are not sure about the condition of the electric vehicle system, contact first responders immediately. If the vehicle is damaged, the high voltage system should be shut down by first responders while following the procedures in the First Responders Guide and while wearing appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).

⚠️ If the READY indicator or charging indicator are ON, the high voltage system is active.

⚠️ If possible, be sure to verify that the READY indicator on the instrument cluster is OFF and the high voltage system is stopped.

⚠️ Some of the under hood parts get hot and may cause serious burns. Use caution when working on or around these parts.

3-1 Indications the High Voltage System is ON

1. If the READY indicator is ON, the high voltage system is active.
2. The high voltage system is active if any charge indicator is ON (blue LEDs on top of the instrument panel).

Before disconnecting the 12V battery terminal, if necessary, lower the windows, unlock the doors, and open the rear hatch as required. Once 12V battery is disconnected, power controls will not operate.

3-2 Vehicle Immobilization and Stabilization

If possible, immobilize the vehicle by turning the 12V system OFF and stabilize it with a wheel chock(s). Stabilize the vehicle with wooden blocks or by removing air from the tires.

⚠️ Do not stabilize the vehicle with wooden blocks under the Li-ion battery.

⚠️ To avoid electrical shock, do not put wooden blocks or wheel chock(s) under the high voltage components and harnesses as shown following.

Diagrams show the Li-ion battery location and "Do Not Lift Zone" markings.

3-3 Turning OFF the Power Switch

1. Check the READY indicator status. If it is ON, the high voltage system is active.
2. Press the power switch once to turn OFF the high voltage system. Then verify whether the READY indicator is OFF.
3. If possible, keep the Nissan Intelligent Key® at least 5 meters (16 feet) away from the vehicle to prevent accidentally turning ON the EV system while the roadside assistance is in progress.

3-4 Water Submersion

❗ [DANGER] Damage level of submerged vehicle may not be apparent. Handling a submerged vehicle without appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) will result in serious injury or death from electrical shock.

⚠️ [WARNING] The power switch of the submerged vehicle must be turned OFF first, if possible. Then the vehicle must be completely out of the water and drained to avoid electrical shock.

⚠️ If the vehicle is in the water, to avoid electrical shock NEVER touch the high voltage components, harnesses or service plug. PPE must always be worn when touching or working on high voltage components.

Only first responders wearing appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) should shut down the vehicle. After shut down, standard towing/recovery procedures can be used. Refer to 4-3 Towing.

3-5 Vehicle Fire

⚠️ Always utilize full Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and self-contained breathing apparatus during fire fighting operations. Smoke from a LEAF vehicle fire is similar to smoke from a conventional vehicle fire.

⚠️ To avoid personal injury do not access the service plug if the following conditions exist: Smoke is coming from the battery. There is an odor of smoke present.

⚠️ Before removing the service plug, check the following:

• Confirm with a thermal imaging camera that battery surface temperature, viewed from underneath the vehicle, is not more than 15-20 °F above surrounding ambient temperature. If a thermal imaging camera is not available, the service plug may be removed if no smoke is observed for 2 hours.
• Confirm that there is no visible damage to the service plug.

⚠️ Do not store a vehicle inside a structure. Keep the vehicle away from any structures or other vehicles if the high-voltage battery is severely damaged. There is possibility of delayed fire from a severely damaged high-voltage battery.

⚠️ In the case of extinguishing a fire with water, large amounts of water from a fire hydrant (if possible) must be used. DO NOT extinguish fire with a small amount of water.

ℹ️ In the event of a small fire, a Type ABC fire extinguisher may be used for an electrical fire caused by wiring harnesses, electrical components, etc. or oil fire.

In case of vehicle fire, contact fire department immediately and extinguish the fire if possible. If you must walk away from the vehicle, notify an appropriate responder or a rescue person of the fact that the vehicle is an electric car and contains a high voltage system and warn all others.

3-6 Li-ion Battery Damage and Fluid Leaks

⚠️ The Li-ion battery contains electrolyte solution. To avoid exposure to electrolyte solution and serious personal injury, always wear appropriate solvent resistant Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and read the following precautions:

• Electrolyte solution is a skin irritant.
• Electrolyte solution is an eye irritant – If contact with eyes, rinse with plenty of water and see a doctor immediately.
• If electrolyte leak occurs, wear appropriate solvent resistant PPE and use a dry cloth to clean up the spilled electrolyte. Be sure to adequately ventilate the area.
• Electrolyte solution is highly flammable
• Electrolyte liquid or fumes that have come into contact with water vapors in the air will create an oxidized substance. This substance may irritate skin and eyes. In these cases, rinse with plenty of water and see a doctor immediately.
• Electrolyte fumes (when inhaled) can cause respiratory irritation and acute intoxication. Move to fresh air and wash mouth with water. See a doctor immediately.

In cases of battery case breach or electrolyte leakage, contact the fire department immediately. If you must walk away from the vehicle, notify an appropriate responder of the fact that the vehicle is an electric car and contains a high voltage system and warn all others.

Li-ion Battery Electrolyte Solution Characteristics:

• Clear in color
• Sweet odor
• Similar viscosity to water
• Since the Li-ion battery is made up of many small sealed battery modules, electrolyte solution leakage should be minimal.

Other fluids in the vehicle are the same as those in a conventional internal combustion vehicle.

4. Roadside Assistance

4-1 Jump Starting

To start the EV system with a booster battery, the instructions and precautions below must be followed.

⚠️ If done incorrectly, jump starting can lead to a 12V battery explosion, resulting in severe personal injury or death. It could also damage your vehicle.

Discharged 12V battery may cause the following issues:

• The instrument cluster cannot be displayed while the power switch is turned ON.
• The start-up sound is not audible. (The electric car system cannot start.)
• The Li-ion battery cannot be charged.
• The vehicle cannot be shifted out of PARK normally.

⚠️ To avoid electrical shock, the high voltage Li-ion battery CANNOT be jump started.

⚠️ Explosive hydrogen gas is always present in the vicinity of the 12V battery. Keep all sparks and flames away from the 12V battery. Make sure the vent tube is correctly installed.

⚠️ Do not allow battery fluid to come into contact with eyes, skin, clothing or painted surfaces. Battery fluid is a corrosive sulfuric acid solution that can cause severe burns. If the fluid comes into contact with anything, immediately flush the contacted area with water.

⚠️ The booster battery must be rated at 12 volts. Use of an improperly rated battery can damage the vehicle.

⚠️ Whenever working on or near a 12V battery, always wear suitable eye protectors (for example, goggles or industrial safety spectacles) and remove rings, metal bands, or any other jewelry. Do not lean over the 12V battery when jump starting.

⚠️ Do not attempt to jump start a frozen battery. It could explode and cause serious injury.

⚠️ LEAF is equipped with an automatic cooling fan. It could come on at any time. Keep hands and other objects away from it.

⚠️ Always follow the jump starting instructions below. Failure to do so could result in damage to the charging system and cause personal injury.

ℹ️ Do not use LEAF to jump start another vehicle.

ℹ️ Do not attempt to perform a jump start on the 12V battery at the same time that the Li-ion battery is being charged. Doing so may damage the vehicle or charging equipment and could cause an injury.

4-1.1 Jump Starting Procedures

Diagram shows vehicles A and B positioned for jump starting, with cable connection points labeled 1, 2, 3, 4.

1. If the booster battery is in another vehicle (B), position the two vehicles (A and B) to bring their 12V batteries into close proximity to each other. DO NOT allow the two vehicles to touch.
2. Apply the parking brake.
3. Push the P (Park) position switch to place the vehicle in the P (Park) position.
4. Switch off all unnecessary electrical systems (headlights, heater, air conditioner, etc.).
5. Place the power switch in the OFF position (if possible). If the 12V battery is discharged, the power switch cannot be moved from the OFF position. Connect the jumper cables to the booster vehicle (B) before pushing the power switch.
6. Remove the vent caps on the 12V battery (if so equipped). Cover the battery with a firmly wrung out moist cloth to reduce the hazard of an explosion.
7. Connect jumper cables in the sequence as illustrated (1 → 2 → 3 → 4).

ℹ️ Always connect positive (+) to positive (+) and negative (-) to body ground (for example, as illustrated), not to the 12V battery.

ℹ️ Make sure the jumper cables do not touch moving parts in the motor compartment and that the cable clamps do not contact any other metal.

8. Start the engine of the booster vehicle (B).
9. While the booster vehicle (B) engine is running, turn the power switch ON while pressing the brake pedal in order to place the LEAF in READY mode.

ℹ️ If the system does not start right away, push the power switch to the OFF position and wait at least 10 seconds before trying again.

10. After starting the EV system, carefully disconnect the negative cable and then the positive cable (4 → 3 → 2 → 1). Keep the EV system on for over twenty (20) minutes to charge the 12V battery.
11. Replace the vent caps (if so equipped). Be sure to properly dispose of the cloth used to cover the vent holes because it may be contaminated with corrosive acid.
12. If necessary, connect the vehicle to a charging station or EVSE (Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment) to charge the Li-ion battery. The vehicle cannot be driven unless the Li-ion battery is charged.

If it is not possible to turn the LEAF system ON by following this procedure, contact a NISSAN certified LEAF dealer immediately.

4-2 P (Park) Position Release Procedure

If you need to release the vehicle from the P (Park) position, proceed as follows. When power switch is turned OFF or 12V battery is low, LEAF automatically shifts to P position. This procedure requires two (2) people.

1. To start the EV system with a booster battery, refer to 4-1 Jump Starting.
2. Turn power switch ON by pushing the power switch 2 times without pressing brake pedal.
3. Confirm parking brake is applied.
4. Close all doors and press and hold the brake pedal.
5. Place the selector lever in the N (Neutral) position.
6. Remove the following 2 fuses: F/L 40A PBW MTR (under hood fuse and relay box); METER 1 10A (in the cabin fuse box). Diagrams show fuse box locations and fuse removal.
7. Release the parking brake.
8. Turn the power switch OFF.
9. Release brake pedal.

⚠️ To avoid possible personal injury or vehicle damage, use wheel chocks or take appropriate steps to prevent the vehicle from rolling freely.

Be sure to firmly position wheel chocks when P (Park) position is manually released.

4-2.1 Reset Procedure

1. Install the 2 fuses removed previously.
2. Turn the power switch ON and wait 5 seconds without pressing the brake pedal. Ensure selector lever is in the N (neutral) position.
3. If 12V battery is low voltage, please charge with battery charger.
4. Turn the power switch OFF and wait 5 seconds.

4-3 Towing

4-3.1 Vehicle Specifications

4-3.2 Towing Guidelines

NISSAN strongly recommends that LEAF be towed with the driving (front) wheels off the ground or that the vehicle be placed on a flatbed truck.

ℹ️ Never tow with the front wheels on the ground or four (4) wheels on the ground (forward or backward), as this may cause serious and expensive damage to the motor.

ℹ️ Never tow 4WD models with any of the wheels on the ground, as this may cause serious and expensive damage to the powertrain.

ℹ️ Safety chains or cables must be attached only to the vehicle recovery hook or main structural members of the vehicle. Otherwise, the vehicle body will be damaged.

ℹ️ Do not use the vehicle tie down hook to free a vehicle stuck in sand, snow, mud, etc.

ℹ️ Never tow a vehicle using the vehicle tie down hook or recovery hook.

ℹ️ Always pull the cable straight out from the front of the vehicle. Never pull on the vehicle at an angle.

ℹ️ Pulling devices should be routed so they do not touch any part of the suspension, steering, brake, high voltage or cooling systems.

ℹ️ Pulling devices such as ropes or canvas straps are not recommended for use in vehicle towing or recovery.

Diagrams illustrate correct and incorrect towing methods, including flatbed towing and using a tow truck with front wheels lifted. Turn the power switch OFF when towing.

It is also permissible to transport the LEAF facing rearward on a flatbed.

If the vehicle cannot be placed in Neutral, a P (Park) release procedure may be required. Refer to 4-2 P (Park) Position Release Procedure.

4-3.3 Use of Vehicle Equipped Hooks for Recovery Operations

Front:

1. Using a suitable tool wrapped with a protective cloth, remove the recovery hook cover from the bumper.
2. Securely install the recovery hook as illustrated. The recovery hook is located in the tool kit in the left side of the cargo area.
3. ⚠️ Failure to securely install the recovery hook may result in serious personal injury or death and/or vehicle damage.
4. Attach the winch cable securely to the recovery hook.
5. ⚠️ Failure to securely attach the winch cable to the recovery hook may result in serious personal injury or death and/or vehicle damage.
6. Make sure the winch cable remains fully connected to the recovery hook and does not interfere with surrounding area, take up the slack from the cable.

Diagrams show the recovery hook installation and winch cable attachment.

4-4 Storing The Vehicle

⚠️ The service plug must be removed to shut down the high-voltage system for storage. Do not store a vehicle inside a structure. Keep the vehicle away from any structures or other vehicles if the li-ion battery is severely damaged. There is possibility of delayed fire from a severely damaged li-ion battery.

5-1 Danger Sign Example

If the LEAF needs to be stored or left unattended, the high voltage system must be shut down by removing the service plug (refer to 5-3 Removing the Service Plug), and a sign put on the vehicle indicating it is an electric vehicle with high voltage dangers. The example sign reads: "DANGER: HIGH VOLTAGE REPAIR IN PROGRESS. DO NOT TOUCH!" with space for "Person in charge."

5-2 Preparation Items

A table lists preparation items, specifications, and purposes:

5-2.1 Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Protective Wear Control

Perform an inspection of the Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) items before beginning work. Do not use any damaged PPE items.

5-2.2 Daily Inspection

This inspection is performed before and after use. The worker who will be using the items should perform the inspection and check for deterioration and damage.

• Insulated rubber gloves should be inspected for scratches, holes and tears. (Visual check and air leakage test)
• Insulated safety boots should be inspected for holes, damage, nails, metal pieces, wear or other problems on the soles. (Visual check)
• Insulated rubber sheet should be inspected for tears. (Visual check)

5-2.3 Insulated Tools

When performing work at locations where high voltage is applied (such as terminals), use insulated tools meeting 1,000V/300A specifications.

5-3 Removing the Service Plug

❗ [DANGER] Do not remove the service plug without always wearing appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to help protect the responder from serious injury or death by electrical shock.

❗ [DANGER] Immediately cover the service plug socket with insulated tape. The Li-ion battery retains high voltage power even when the service plug is removed. To avoid electric shock, NEVER touch the terminals inside the socket.

⚠️ [WARNING] To avoid unintended reinstallation and risk of electrical shock and severe personal injury or death, the service plug should be securely stored away from the vehicle while the vehicle is in storage.

1. Check the READY indicator status. If it is ON, the high voltage system is active.
2. Place the selector lever in the Park (P) position.
3. Press the power switch once to turn OFF the high voltage system. Then verify whether the READY indicator is OFF.
4. Insert a suitable tool (1) under the RH rear corner of the access trim cover located on the floor behind the center console. Pry up (2) and remove. Diagrams show trim removal.
5. Remove the 10 mm access cover bolts (1) and remove the cover (2). Diagrams show cover removal.
6. Remove the service plug using the following steps: (1) pull up and release the green lever, (2) press the locking tab to release and rotate fully upward, (3) pull the service plug completely out of its socket. Diagrams illustrate these steps.
7. Wait at least ten (10) minutes for complete discharge of the high voltage capacitor after the service plug has been removed.
8. Open the hood.
9. Disconnect the negative (-) 12V battery cable (1). Insulate the negative (-) battery cable terminal with insulated tape. Diagram shows battery cable disconnection.

The vehicle is now ready for storage.