NISSAN LEAF First Responder's Guide 2013

® 
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2013 LEAF

First Responder’s Guide

1

Foreword

This manual describes first response operations and 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 incidents involving this vehicle. Follow the procedures in order to help assure a safe and successful
first response 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:

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.

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

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.

2

Table of Contents

FOREWORD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

NISSAN EMERGENCY CONTACT INFORMATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT THIS MANUAL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

1. ABOUT THE NISSAN LEAF® . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

1-1 LEAF IDENTIFICATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

1-1.1. EXTERIOR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

1-1.2. INTERIOR COMPONENT LOCATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

1-2 VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER (VIN) LAYOUT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

1-3 WARNING AND INDICATOR LAMP INFORMATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

2. BASIC HIGH VOLTAGE SYSTEM AND 12V SYSTEM INFORMATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

2-1 HIGH VOLTAGE-RELATED AND 12V-RELATED COMPONENT LOCATIONS AND

DESCRIPTIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

2-1.1. LI-ION BATTERY PACK SPECIFICATIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

2-2 HIGH VOLTAGE SAFETY MEASURES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

2-2.1. WARNING LABEL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

2-3 HIGH VOLTAGE CIRCUIT SHUT-OFF SYSTEM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

2-4 PREVENTING ELECTRICAL SHOCK . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

2-5 EMERGENCY MEDICAL EQUIPMENT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

3. EMERGENCY RESPONSE STEPS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

3-1 PREPARATION ITEMS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

3-1.1. PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT (PPE) PROTECTIVE WEAR CONTROL . . . . . 13

3-1.2. DAILY INSPECTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

3-1.3. INSULATED TOOLS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

3-2 VEHICLE IMMOBILIZATION AND STABILIZATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

3-3 HOW TO HANDLE A DAMAGED VEHICLE AT AN ACCIDENT SCENE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

3-3.1. HIGH VOLTAGE SYSTEM SHUT-DOWN PROCEDURES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

3-3.2. WATER SUBMERSION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

3-3.3. VEHICLE FIRE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

3-3.4. CUTTING THE VEHICLE BODY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

3-3.5. LI-ION BATTERY DAMAGE AND FLUID LEAKS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31

3-3.6. ACCESSING THE OCCUPANTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31

3-4 STORING THE VEHICLE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33

4. EMERGENCY QUICK REFERENCE GUIDE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34

3

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.

4

1-1 LEAF Identification

1-1.1 Exterior

The specific exterior identification features are indicated as follows:

LEAF identification from underside:

1. Plastic shields cover entire underside.

2. No exhaust system components.

No tail pipe

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5

1-1.2 Interior Component Location

Interior components referenced in this manual are as follows:

Charging indicator lights

READY indicator (green)

Charge connector
lock switch

Hood release

Power switch

Selector lever

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6

1-2 Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) Layout

The vehicle identification number can be located as follows:

Example VIN : 1N4A Z0CPZDC055126

The LEAF is identified by the 5thalphanumeric character: Z

Z = Electric vehicle

1

2

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1. VIN plate (visible through windshield) 2. Vehicle certification plate (lower center pillar)

1-3 Warning and Indicator Lamp Information

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

Lamp Name Icon Description

READY Indicator This lamp is on when the EV system is powered up and the

vehicle is ready to drive.

EV System Warning Lamp *1 • Malfunction has occurred in the EV system and/or

• Emergency shut-off system has been activated. The shut­off system activates in the following conditions:

– Front and side collisions in which the air bags are

deployed.
– Certain rear collisions.
– Certain EV system malfunctions.

Master Warning Lamp (RED) This lamp is on when another red warning lamp is displayed in

the instrument cluster or a warning is displayed on the dot
matrix LCD.

Master Warning Lamp
(YELLOW)

This lamp is on when:

• Li-ion battery is getting low on charge.

• A yellow warning lamp is displayed in the instrument cluster
or a message is displayed on the dot matrix LCD.

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

7

2. Basic High Voltage System and 12V System Information

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

Descriptions

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1

2

3 4

5

Underside View Shown

6

7

8

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NOTE:

Components with white number in black background are high voltage components.

No. Component Location Description

a Charge port Under hood Connecting port for EVSE (Electric Vehicle

Supply Equipment). Two ports are available:
Normal charge and quick charge (if so
equipped).

b High voltage

cables

Under hood and
undercarriage

Orange-colored power cables carry high volt­age current between each of the high voltage
components.

c Traction Motor Under hood Converts three-phase AC power to drive

power (torque) which propels the vehicle.

Inverter Under hood Converts the DC power stored in the Li-ion

battery to three-phase AC power and controls
motor torque (revolution) by regulating the
motor current.

Electric air condi-

Under hood Air conditioner compressor

tioner compressor
Power Distribution

Module (PDM)

• On Board Charger

• DC/DC Converter

• High voltage
junction box (J/B)

Under hood

The PDM includes an On Board Charger, DC/DC
converter and high voltage junction box (J/B).

The On Board Charger converts single-phase AC
power from a home power outlet to DC power and
increases the voltage in order to charge the Li-ion
battery.
The DC/DC converter reduces the voltage of the Li-ion
battery to provide power to the 12V battery in order to
operate the vehicle’s electric components (headlights,
audio system, etc.).
The J/B provides electric power from the Li-ion battery
to all high voltage parts of the vehicle.

d 12V Battery Under hood A lead-acid battery that supplies power to the low

voltage devices.

e Cabin heater Interior (This unit is

installed behind the

This is the electric heat source for the cabin
heater. It heats the interior of the vehicle.

instrument panel)

f Li-ion (Lithium ion)

battery

g High voltage battery

service disconnect

h Brake power supply

backup unit

Undercarriage Stores and outputs DC power (Maximum voltage

398.4V) needed to propel the vehicle.

Rear seat floor Isolates the battery from the rest of the high volt-

age electrical system.

Cargo area (This unit
is installed behind a
trim panel to prevent

Power supply backup unit for the brake system. It
supplies power to the brake system if a malfunc­tion occurs in the 12V battery.

access)

9

2-1.1 Li-ion Battery Pack Specifications

Li-ion battery voltage

(240V - 398.4V usable range)

360V nominal

Number of Li-ion battery modules in the pack 48
Li-ion battery dimensions 60.91 x 46.77 x 10.39 in. (1547 x 1188 x 264 mm)
Li-ion battery weight 606 lbs (275 kg)

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

10

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2-3 High Voltage Circuit Shut-Off System

The high voltage can be shut off by the following methods:

Service plug Positioned in the center area of the Li-ion battery, this shuts off output high

voltage when manually removed.

System main relay Controlled by the power switch, this relay, which is controlled by the 12V

system, shuts off the high voltage from the Li-ion battery.

Emergency shut-off sys­tem

Charging connector Some of the high voltage components are activated during charging. Remove

In the case of a collision (front and side collisions in which the air bags are
deployed, certain rear collisions) or certain system malfunctions this system
may shut off the high voltage from the Li-ion battery.

the charging connector to deactivate these components.

2-4 Preventing Electrical Shock

1. If it is necessary to touch any of the high voltage harnesses or components, you must always
wear appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) (refer to 3-1 Preparation Items) and shut
off

the high voltage system by referring to 3-3.1 High Voltage System Shut-Down Procedures.

2. To avoid the risk of electrocution, do not touch the inside of the Li-ion battery unless appropriate
PPE is worn even after shutting off the high voltage system. The Li-ion battery maintains charge
even though the high voltage system is shut down.

3. Cover any damaged high voltage components with insulated tape.

2-5 Emergency Medical Equipment

The high voltage system should not interfere with emergency medical equipment which must be used in or
near the vehicle at an accident scene.

11

3. Emergency Response Steps

• Failure to properly shut down the high voltage electrical system before the
Emergency Response Procedures are performed will result in serious injury or death
from electrical shock. To prevent serious injury or death, DO NOT touch high voltage
harnesses or components without always wearing appropriate Personal Protective
Equipment (PPE).

• If it is necessary to touch any of the high voltage harnesses or components you
must always wear appropriate PPE to avoid electrical shock. Shut down the high
voltage system by following the steps outlined in 3-3.1 High Voltage System Shut-

Down Procedures. Wait at least ten (10) minutes for complete discharge of the high

voltage capacitor after the high voltage system has been shut down.

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

•

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 Preparation Items

Preparation Items Specification Purpose

Personal Protective Equip­ment (PPE):
Insulated gloves

Insulated shoes

Safety shield

Wrenches

Up to 1,000V

–

–

Size:10mm

For protection from high voltage elec­trical shock

To remove the service plug access
cover bolts.

To remove the 12V battery terminal bolt.

12

Preparation Items Specification Purpose

Solvent resistant protection
gloves

Solvent resistant protection
shoes

–

–

Absorbent pad The same pad used for internal

combustion engine fluids can be

To utilize in the event of a Li-ion bat­tery electrolytic solution leak.

To absorb any Li-ion battery electro­lytic solution leakage.

used.

Standard fire fighting equip­ment

Standard fire fighting equipment
Depending on type of fire (vehicle

To extinguish a fire.

or battery) use standard fire
fighting equipment (water or
extinguisher).

To cover any damaged harnesses to

Insulated tape Insulating

protect from and prevent electrical
shock. Tape should cover all bare or
damaged wire.

3-1.1 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.

3-1.2 Daily Inspection

This inspection is performed before and after use. The responder 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)

3-1.3 Insulated Tools

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

13

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 cribbing, by removing air from the tires, or utilize the Lift Airbag Equipment for
rescue.

• Do not stabilize the vehicle with cribbing under the Li-ion battery.

• To avoid electrical shock, do not put the Lift Airbag Equipment for rescue and wheel
chock(s) under the high voltage components and harnesses as shown following.

=

Li-ion battery

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3-3 How to Handle a Damaged Vehicle at an Accident Scene

NOTE:

If any air bags have deployed in the following 3 situations, the high-voltage (HV) system has
been automatically shut off at the time of deployment.

The Nissan LEAF high-voltage system incorporates capacitors which are energized whenever the high­voltage system is on. If the high-voltage system is shut down (either through one of the built-in automatic
mechanisms or manually through one of the procedures explained in this FRG), the capacitors will begin to
gradually discharge. After 5 minutes, the voltage level will have dropped below 60V, and complete
discharge requires approximately 10 minutes after high-voltage system shut down. It is within
this period of time that responders must be most cautious.

When arriving to an incident involving a Nissan LEAF, the vehicle should be approached with caution and
inspected for the level of damage. In addition to overall vehicle condition (location and severity of body
damage, air bag deployment, etc.), the high-voltage system should be assessed specifically. The locations
of the high-voltage component parts are illustrated in this FRG. Refer to 2-1 High Voltage-Related and 12V-

Related Component Locations and Descriptions

always be worn when approaching a vehicle of unknown condition, as described in this FRG.

Situation 1) High voltage system intact, occupants can be accessed without extrication tools

. Appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) must

The HV system can be shut down by following the procedures in this guide, while wearing appropriate PPE.
After HV system shut down, occupant assistance can begin immediately, and no wait period is necessary.

Situation 2) High voltage system intact, occupants cannot be accessed without extrication tools

The HV system can be shut down by following the procedure in this guide, while wearing appropriate PPE.
After HV system shut down, absolute care must be taken not to cut through or damage any HV system
wiring, battery or components within ten (10) minutes of HV system shut down, but occupant
assistance operations using extrication equipment can begin immediately. The locations of the HV
components are illustrated in this guide.

Situation 3) High-voltage (HV) system damaged

If there is any evidence that the HV system has been compromised (such as arcing/sparking, orange wiring
harnesses cut or damaged, HV component casings damaged, etc.), the responder may still be at risk of
high voltage exposure. The vehicle must be approached with extreme caution prior to initiating any system
shut down procedures or rendering assistance to occupants. Appropriate PPE must always be worn as
described in this guide, and the ten (10) minute wait time must be observed after HV system shut
down in order to ensure the system is de-energized.

In rare situations where vehicle damage is very severe, HV system shut down procedures as described in
this guide may not work. In these instances extreme caution and appropriate risk management must be
followed to prevent shock or electrocution to the responder or occupant.

3-3.1 High Voltage System Shut-Down Procedures

Once the high voltage battery is properly discharged, any of the following procedures can shut down and
isolate the high voltage system. The first response operation should only begin after shutting down the high
voltage system. If the vehicle is heavily damaged, for example the Li-ion battery is deformed, broken or
cracked, appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) must always be used and the Li-ion battery and
high voltage components must not be touched.

15

• Failure to properly shut down the high voltage system before the Emergency
Response Procedures are performed will result in serious injury or death from
electrical shock. To prevent serious injury or death, DO NOT touch high voltage
harnesses or components without always wearing appropriate Personal Protective
Equipment (PPE).

• When contact with high voltage components or high voltage harnesses is
unavoidable, or when there is risk of such contact, you must always wear appropriate
PPE.

• If the charge connector is connected to the vehicle, remove it. Refer to Removing the

Charge Connector.

• The vehicle contains parts that contain powerful magnets. If a person who is wearing
a pacemaker or other medical device is close to these parts, the medical device may be
affected by the magnets. Such persons must not perform work on the vehicle.

• Be sure to verify that the READY

indicator is off and the high voltage system is

stopped.

• After the high voltage system is shut down, please wait at least ten (10) minutes for
complete discharge of the high voltage capacitor. While waiting, do not operate any vehicle
functions.

NOTE:

The high voltage full discharge takes ten (10) minutes, but after five (5) minutes the voltage
has dropped below 60V.

• After shutting down the high voltage system and removing the 12V battery negative (-)
terminal, wait at least three (3) minutes to discharge the air bag capacitor. Even though the
12V battery negative (-) is disconnected, the Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) air bag
maintains voltage at least three (3) minutes. During this time, there is a possibility of
sudden SRS air bag inflation due to harness short circuit or damage and it may cause
serious injuries.

• Always shut down the high voltage system before disconnecting the 12V battery. Not doing
so may result in serious injury or death from electrical shock.

• The 12V system will remain active even after the 12V battery negative (-) terminal is
removed while the high voltage system is active. The high voltage system is active during
any of the following conditions:

– charging indicator is turned ON
– READY indicator is turned ON

Refer to 1-1.2 Interior Component Location for location of these indicators. This is because
DC/DC

converter will not shut down and power will be supplied to the 12V system and

high voltage system continuously.

16

Removing the Charge Connector

NOTE:
Use the illustration to identify the type of charge connector and follow the appropriate
procedure.

Typical Quick Charge Connector

Trickle and Normal Charge Connector

1. Quick Charge Connector (If So Equipped)

NOTE:
The quick charger must be OFF to release the charge connector lock.

Release the quick connector lock and pull to remove. Refer to the quick charger label or
instructions.

2. Trickle and Normal Charge Connectors
a. Press the charge connector release button on the charge connector and pull to remove.

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NOTE:
If the charge connector cannot be removed, the electric lock is engaged. Follow
the next steps to disengage.

b. To disengage the electric charge connector lock,

place the charge connector lock switch in the
UNLOCK mode (center level position).

AUTO

LOCK

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17

c. The charge connector can be unlocked by

pushing the charge connector unlock button on
the Nissan Intelligent Key® for more than 1
second. The charge connector will temporarily
unlock for 30 seconds.

d. Press the charge connector release button and

pull the charge connector to remove it.

3. If the Trickle or Normal Charge Connector Cannot Unlock
a. Place power switch in OFF position.

NISSAN

HOLD

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b. Open the hood.

c. Using the jack rod from the tool set located in the

cargo area (or suitable tool), insert into the screw
located through the access hole near the front
of the hood lock.

d. Rotate screw clockwise to release the charge

connector lock.

e. Press the charge connector release button and

pull the charge connector to remove it.

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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).

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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.

Powering Down the High Voltage System

The high voltage system can be shut down with any 1 of the following procedures:

• Turn OFF the power switch and disconnect the 12V battery. Refer to

Primary Procedure.

• Remove the fuses for the high voltage control system and disconnect the 12V battery. Refer to

Alternate Procedure 1 (Remove Fuses).

• Remove the service plug and disconnect the 12V battery. Refer to Alternate Procedure 2 (Remove

Service Plug).

Primary Procedure

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. If possible, keep the Nissan Intelligent Key® at least 5
meters (16 feet) away from the vehicle.

NOTE:

This step is not necessary if the 12V system is
already disabled.

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HOLD

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5. Open the hood.

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6. Disconnect the negative (-) 12V battery cable (1).
Insulate the negative (-) battery cable terminal with
insulated tape.

1

NOTE:

: Arrow in illustration depicts vehicle front

direction.

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7. Wait at least ten (10) minutes for complete discharge of the high voltage capacitor after
the power switch has been turned OFF.

8. Perform the first response action.

Alternate Procedure 1 (Remove Fuses)

1. Open the hood.

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2. Press and expand the pawls (A) on the sides of the fuse box and remove the fuse box (1) from its
housing.

A

1

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NOTE:

: Arrow in illustration depicts vehicle front direction.

NOTE:

There is no separate fuse box cover. The bottom of the fuse box is also its cover.

3. Remove the following fuses:

a. F/S1 RLY Fuse (F24 F/S1 RLY 15A)
b. VCM Fuse (F3 VCM 20A)

F3 VCM 20A
(Yellow)

F24 F/S1 RLY 15A
(Blue)

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21

4. Remove the fuse box cover and remove the 20A VCM fuse.

20A VCM (Yellow)

NOTE:

: Arrow in illustration depicts vehicle front direction.

5. If you cannot identify the above fuses, remove all fuses in the fuse boxes.

6. Disconnect the negative (-) 12V battery cable (1).
Insulate the negative (-) battery cable terminal with
insulated tape.

NOTE:

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1

: Arrow in illustration depicts vehicle front

direction.

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7. Wait at least ten (10) minutes for complete discharge of the high voltage capacitor after
the fuses are pulled.

8. Perform the first response action.

To avoid unintended reinstallation and risk of electrical shock and severe personal
injury or death, the rescuer should carry the fuses on his/her person and cover the fuse box
with insulated tape.

22

Alternate Procedure 2 (Remove Service Plug)

• 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.

• 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, DO NOT touch the terminals inside the socket.

To avoid unintended reinstallation and risk of electrical shock and severe personal injury
or death, the rescuer should carry the service plug on his/her person while work is in
progress.

1. 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.

NOTE:

: Arrow in illustration depicts vehicle front

direction.

2. Remove the 10 mm access cover bolts (1) and remove
the cover (2).

NOTE:

: Arrow in illustration depicts vehicle front

direction.

2

1

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1

2

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3. 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.

Pull up

and

remove

1 2 3

Rotate

Push to

Pull up

release

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4. Wait at least ten (10) minutes for complete discharge of the high voltage capacitor after
the service plug has been removed.

5. Open the hood.

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6. Disconnect the negative (-) 12V battery cable (1).
Insulate the negative (-) battery cable terminal with
insulated tape.

NOTE:

: Arrow in illustration depicts vehicle front

direction.

1

24

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7. Perform the first response action.

3-3.2 Water Submersion

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.

• 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.

Always wear appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and remove/drain

•
water before removing the service plug when working on a vehicle after a fire or
submersion to avoid electrical shock.

• If the vehicle is in the water, to avoid electrical shock do not touch the high voltage
components, harnesses or service plug.

3-3.3 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.

• 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.

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.

Fire attack should follow standard fire fighting practices.
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.
During overhaul operations (late stage fire suppression process to examine for remaining sources of heat),

make sure the battery is fully cooled to avoid fire re-ignition. The battery could reignite if it is placed near fire.
To avoid possible electrical shock and serious personal injury, do not breach the Li-ion battery case.

25

3-3.4 Cutting the Vehicle Body

• Do not cut into high voltage related areas to avoid severe personal injury or death.

• Do not cut into the Li-ion battery to avoid severe personal injury or death.

•

When removing parts, DO NOT touch the high voltage parts or the insides of the

exposed orange-colored high voltage cables to avoid severe personal injury or death.

• Do not cut air bag parts to avoid unintended deployment of the air bags and the risk of
severe personal injury or death.

If at least ten (10) minutes have passed since the rescuer shut down the high voltage system (refer to

3-3.1 High Voltage System Shut-Down Procedures), then the rescuer can cut the vehicle except for the

Li-ion battery.

If the rescuer cannot wait the full ten (10) minutes or shut down the high voltage system,
absolute care must be taken to avoid cutting HV parts and appropriate Personal Protective
Equipment (PPE) must always be worn. DO NOT cut the Li-ion battery due to possible
electrocution risk and electrolyte solution leakage.

26

SRS Air Bag System Components Location

Avoid cutting air bag system parts. However, the vehicle can be cut (except inflators) under the following
conditions:

• The front, side and curtain air bags have deployed.

• At least three (3) minutes have passed after the 12V battery negative (-) cable has been
disconnected and the high voltage system has been shut down.

= Inflators (Peel back plastic trim parts prior to cutting
operations to confirm exact inflator location.)

= Sensors

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27

1 2 3 4 5

1

6 7

8 9 10

1. Crash zone sensor 2. Supplemental front-impact air
bag modules

4. Roof-mounted curtain side-

impact supplemental air bag
inflators

7. Lap outer pretensioner (driver

5. Roof-mounted curtain side­impact supplemental air bag
modules

8. Seat belt with pretensioner 9. Rear satellite sensors (located

side only)

10. Air bag control unit (ACU)

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3. Front seat-mounted side-impact
supplemental air bag modules

6. Front door satellite sensors

in lower B-pillar)

28

Emergency Contact:

Nissan EV Customer Support: 1-877-664-2738

(Monday-Friday 7am-7pm, Saturday 8am-4:30pm Central Time) or

Nissan Consumer Affairs: 1-800-647-7261 (US) or

1-800-387-0122 (Canada) (Monday-Friday 8am-5pm Eastern, Central and Pacific Time Zones)

Vehicle Cut Sheet

Key

High voltage
component or
harness
(Harness can be cut
only after the high
voltage system
shutdown procedure
has been completed.)

NEVER CUT- Li-ion
battery

12V Battery

DANGER

Never cut electrical

components/batteries

for any reason. Death or serious

personal injury will result.

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12V battery

High voltage components:
Inverter, Power Delivery
Module (DC-DC converter
and On Board Charger),
Traction motor and
Reduction gear

12V battery

Under

side View Shown

High voltage Li-ion batteryHigh voltage harness

29

Nissan North America, Version 1, January 2013

High Strength Steel Locations

= High strength steel
=

30

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3-3.5 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.

If electrolyte solution leakage, or damage such as any problem with the Li-ion battery casing are observed,
first responders should attempt to neutralize the battery by applying a large volume of water to the battery
pack while wearing appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). The neutralization process helps
stabilize the thermal condition of the battery pack but does not discharge the battery.

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.

NOTE:

Other fluids in the vehicle (such as washer fluid, brake fluid, coolant, etc.) are the same as
those in a conventional internal combustion vehicle.

3-3.6 Accessing the Occupants

1. Remove windows
a. Perform window removal the same as a normal vehicle.

2. Remove doors
a. The doors are removable with hand tools or basic rescue tools such as electrical/hydraulic

rescue tools. It may be easier to remove the doors by cutting door hinges.

31

3. Adjust steering wheel and front seat position (if necessary)
a. Steering wheel can be adjusted up/down by

pushing the lock lever down (1), moving the
steering wheel (2) and pulling the lock lever up (3)
to lock the steering wheel in place.

3

1

b. Front seat can be adjusted forward/backward manually by pulling up and holding lever (1)

and tilted forward/backward manually by pulling up and holding lever (2).

2

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1

4. Remove front seat head restraint (if necessary).

The front seat head restraint can be removed by
pressing the lock knob and pulling it up.

2

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32

5. Unfasten the seat belt.

Seat belt can be unfastened by pressing the release
button. If seat belt cannot be unfastened, cut it with
a belt cutter.

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3-4 Storing The Vehicle

For vehicle storage information, refer to Roadside Assistance Guide or Dismantling Guide located at

www.nissanusa.com or www.nissan-techinfo.com.

33

4. Emergency Quick Reference Guide

The following is for emergency quick reference only. It does not replace the detailed safety information and
procedures in this manual.

34

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© 2013 NISSAN NORTH AMERICA, INC.

All rights reserved.
This document may not be altered without the written permission of NISSAN NORTH AMERICA, INC.
Pub. No. FR3E-1ZE0U0