Nissan Leaf 2018-2025 (ZE1) Owner's Manual : Warning/Indicator lights (yellow)

ABS warning light icon or ABS system text-based warning light Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) warning light

When you place the power switch in the ON or "READY to drive" position, the Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) warning light will illuminate briefly and then extinguish. This serves as a standard system self-check to confirm that the ABS is fully operational.

Should the ABS warning light remain illuminated while the power switch is in the "READY to drive" position, or if it activates while you are driving your Nissan Leaf, it indicates a potential fault in the system. Please have the vehicle inspected by a professional; it is recommended to visit a NISSAN certified LEAF dealer for this service.

If an ABS malfunction is detected, the anti-lock function will be automatically disabled. While your Nissan Leaf's brake system will continue to provide normal braking capabilities, the anti-lock assistance will be unavailable, requiring conventional braking techniques.

VSP OFF system warning icon Approaching Vehicle Sound for Pedestrians (VSP) system OFF warning light

The Approaching Vehicle Sound for Pedestrians (VSP) system OFF warning light is situated on your instrument panel to keep you informed of the system's status.

This light activates to signal that a malfunction has been detected within the VSP system.

If the VSP system OFF warning light illuminates while the power switch is in the ON or "READY to drive" position, it suggests that the pedestrian alert system is not functioning correctly. To ensure the safety features of your Nissan Leaf are working as intended, please have the system checked by a NISSAN certified LEAF dealer.

AEB system warning light icon Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) with Pedestrian Detection system warning light

This light illuminates when the power switch is initially placed in the ON position and will automatically turn off once the EV system has successfully started.

The indicator will also illuminate if you have manually set the AEB with Pedestrian Detection system to the OFF position through the vehicle information display settings.

If this light illuminates while the AEB with Pedestrian Detection system is confirmed to be switched ON, it may indicate that the system is currently unavailable due to environmental or technical conditions.

Yellow brake system warning icon or Yellow brake system warning text icon Brake system warning light

This warning light is responsible for monitoring both the cooperative regenerative braking system and the electronically driven intelligent brake system in your Nissan Leaf.

Upon placing the power switch into the ON or "READY to drive" position, the light will remain lit for approximately 2 to 3 seconds. If it illuminates at any other time, it may signify that the cooperative regenerative brake or the intelligent brake system is experiencing a technical issue. You should have the system evaluated at a NISSAN certified LEAF dealer.

If the red BRAKE warning light also illuminates alongside this yellow light, stop your vehicle immediately and seek professional assistance at a NISSAN certified LEAF dealer.

WARNING

  • Operating the brake pedal when the power switch is not in the ON or "READY to drive" position, or when brake fluid levels are critically low, can significantly increase your stopping distance. You may find that braking requires much greater pedal effort and extended pedal travel than usual.
  • If the brake fluid level is observed to be below the minimum (MIN) mark on the reservoir, do not operate your Nissan Leaf until the brake system has been inspected and serviced by a NISSAN certified LEAF dealer.
  • The cooperative regenerative brake system may not be functioning correctly if this warning light remains lit while the "READY to drive" indicator is active. If you feel it is safe, drive cautiously to the nearest service station for repairs; otherwise, have your vehicle towed, as operating the vehicle with compromised braking performance is dangerous.

Yellow Electric Vehicle EV system warning icon Electric Vehicle (EV) system warning light

This warning light serves as a critical indicator that a malfunction has been detected within the core electrical systems of your Nissan Leaf. If this light activates, it is essential to have the vehicle evaluated promptly. We recommend scheduling a comprehensive inspection at your nearest NISSAN certified LEAF dealer to address potential issues with the following components:

  • Traction motor and inverter system assembly
  • Charge port or on-board charging unit
  • High-voltage Li-ion battery system
  • Battery cooling and thermal management systems
  • Electric shift control system
  • Status of the emergency shut-off system, indicating it may have been triggered

Electronic parking brake system warning icon or Electronic parking brake system text-based warning Electronic parking brake system warning light (if so equipped)

This indicator provides real-time monitoring of the electronic parking brake system within your Nissan Leaf. When the power switch is cycled to the ON position, the light will illuminate briefly for a few seconds to perform an automated system self-check. Should the warning light activate at any other time during operation, it may signify that the electronic parking brake system is not functioning according to design. Please have the system inspected immediately by visiting a NISSAN certified LEAF dealer to ensure your vehicle remains properly secured.

Front passenger air bag status indicator icon Front passenger air bag status light

Located prominently in the center of the instrument panel, the front passenger air bag status light indicates whether the passenger-side front and knee air bag systems are currently enabled or disabled. The status of these air bags is dynamically managed based on the weight and positioning of the occupant on the front passenger seat.

Low tire pressure warning light icon, horseshoe with exclamation mark Low tire pressure warning light

Your Nissan Leaf is equipped with an advanced Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) designed to continuously track the inflation level of all four tires, providing you with an essential layer of safety and efficiency.

This warning light is designed to alert you if tire pressure drops below safe operational levels or if the TPMS itself encounters a technical failure.

Upon setting the power switch to the ON position, the light will illuminate for approximately one second as a functional test before turning off, confirming that the monitoring system is ready.

Low tire pressure warning

If you are operating your Nissan Leaf and the tire pressure in one or more tires falls below the required threshold, the warning light will illuminate to draw your attention.

Concurrently, a "Tire Pressure Low- Add Air" notification will appear on your primary vehicle information display to guide you.

When this light is active, you should locate a safe area to pull over and verify the tire pressure using a reliable gauge. Adjust all tires to the recommended COLD tire pressure values as specified on the Tire and Loading Information label located in the vehicle. Please note that the warning light will not reset the instant air is added; you must drive the vehicle at speeds exceeding 16 mph (25 km/h) for the TPMS sensors to recalibrate and automatically extinguish the light.

The "Tire Pressure Low- Add Air" alert will reappear every time you cycle the power switch to ON until the tire pressures have been correctly restored.

TPMS malfunction

If a fault occurs within the TPMS itself, the low tire pressure warning light will flash for roughly 60 seconds after the power switch is placed in the ON position, and then remain steadily illuminated. In this instance, please have the system diagnosed by a NISSAN certified LEAF dealer. Note that the "Tire Pressure Low- Add Air" message will not be triggered if the system is experiencing a technical malfunction rather than a pressure-related issue.

WARNING

  • TPMS sensors utilize radio wave technology, which could potentially interfere with sensitive electronic medical devices. If you utilize a pacemaker or similar medical equipment, please consult the device manufacturer regarding potential interference before operating the vehicle.
  • If the warning light fails to illuminate during the initial system check when the power switch is first turned ON, the system may be compromised. It is recommended that you have the vehicle inspected at a NISSAN certified LEAF dealer as soon as possible.
  • Should the warning light illuminate while you are in motion, avoid any aggressive steering or sudden, high-force braking. Safely decelerate, pull off the roadway to a secure location, and come to a complete stop as soon as it is safe to do so.
  • Driving with under-inflated tires in your Nissan Leaf can lead to permanent structural damage to the tires and significantly increases the risk of sudden tire failure.

    Maintaining proper pressure is critical for vehicle safety. Operating the vehicle with compromised tire pressure may result in serious damage, accidents, or even life-threatening injury. Regularly inspect the pressure of all four tires. Adjust each to the recommended COLD tire pressure specified on the "Tire and Loading Information" label to extinguish the low tire pressure warning light. Should the indicator persist after adjustment, a tire may be punctured or the TPMS may require diagnostic attention. If you encounter a flat tire, replace it promptly.

    If all tires are verified as properly inflated and the warning remains active, have your Nissan Leaf inspected by a professional; it is recommended to visit a NISSAN certified LEAF dealer for this service.

  • When utilizing a wheel that lacks a TPMS sensor, such as an emergency spare tire, the system will be unable to function correctly. You will notice the low tire pressure warning light flashing for approximately one minute upon startup before remaining solid. Please consult a NISSAN certified LEAF dealer as soon as possible to arrange for proper tire replacement or system recalibration.
  • Replacing your factory-fitted tires with versions not specifically approved by NISSAN may interfere with the intended operation and accuracy of the TPMS.

CAUTION

  • The TPMS is a monitoring aid and not a substitute for diligent, manual tire pressure checks. Ensure you check your tire pressure levels regularly.
  • The TPMS may not operate or report accurately if your Nissan Leaf is being driven at speeds below 16 mph (25 km/h).
  • Always ensure that the correct size and type of tires are properly installed across all four wheels.

Master yellow warning light icon Master warning light

The master warning system in your Nissan Leaf uses two distinct colors—yellow and red—to signal status. These lights illuminate as a central hub for various system warnings, indicator alerts, or when priority information messages are generated on the vehicle information display.

This indicator activates specifically when a yellow-level warning light is triggered or when a text-based alert appears on the Nissan Leaf's information screen, signaling that your attention is required.

Power limitation indicator icon showing a turtle inside a circle Power limitation indicator light

When the power limitation indicator light is illuminated, the system has intentionally reduced the output provided to the traction motor of your Nissan Leaf. You will notice that the vehicle becomes significantly less responsive when you press the accelerator pedal while this light is active.

Whenever this indicator appears, a corresponding warning message will also be shown within the vehicle information display. Please follow the instructions provided on the display to manage the vehicle's state effectively.

This light may illuminate under the following operational conditions:

  • The charge level of the Li-ion battery is critically low.
  • The temperature of the Li-ion battery is extremely low (approximately −4ºF / −20ºC).
  • The temperature of the EV system components (including the motor, inverter, cooling system, or Li-ion battery) is high.
  • A technical malfunction has been detected within the EV system.

If the indicator is lit due to a low battery charge, please charge your Nissan Leaf as soon as possible.

If the battery is cold due to harsh ambient conditions, moving the vehicle to a warmer environment can help. You may also find that charging the Li-ion battery assists in naturally raising its internal temperature.

If the light illuminates because the EV system has become hot—for instance, after continuous, strenuous hill climbing—either reduce your speed to allow the system to cool or stop the vehicle in a safe location.

If this indicator persists and does not turn off under normal conditions, have the system checked; it is recommended that you visit a NISSAN certified LEAF dealer for professional service.

The indicator light activates if a component within the Nissan Leaf EV system encounters a malfunction. If the indicator illuminates under conditions other than those previously described, or if it remains active after the vehicle has started, it suggests a potential system fault that requires professional attention.

Please have the system inspected by a qualified technician; it is highly recommended that you visit a NISSAN certified LEAF dealer to perform the necessary diagnostics and repairs.

WARNING

Operating your Nissan Leaf in power limitation mode can result in significantly reduced power output and lower vehicle speeds. Because your reduced speed may be considerably slower than the flow of surrounding traffic, the risk of a collision is increased. Drive with heightened awareness and caution. If you find that the vehicle is unable to maintain a speed consistent with safe driving conditions, please pull over to the side of the road in a secure, designated area.

If the system is limiting power due to low energy, please charge the Li-ion battery as soon as possible. If the limitation is due to high temperatures, allowing the Li-ion battery to cool down will help restore full performance.

NOTE:

To optimize your charging efficiency and maintain the Li-ion battery at a more stable, lower temperature, consider the following habits:

  • Charge the Nissan Leaf more frequently in smaller, incremental amounts, and
  • Keep the battery at a higher state of charge whenever feasible.

Power steering warning light icon featuring a steering wheel and exclamation mark Power steering warning light

When you transition the power switch to the ON position, the electric power steering warning light will illuminate as part of the system's self-check, then extinguish once the Nissan Leaf is placed in the "READY to drive" position, signaling that the steering system is fully operational.

If this warning light illuminates while the "READY to drive" indicator is ON, it suggests the electric power steering system is not functioning correctly and requires immediate servicing. We recommend having the system checked by a professional at a NISSAN certified LEAF dealer.

Note that if this light activates while you are driving, the power-assist feature will cease operation. While you will retain full mechanical control of the vehicle, you will notice that significantly greater steering effort is required to maneuver the steering wheel, particularly during sharp turns or at low speeds.

Rear Automatic Braking RAB system warning icon Rear Automatic Braking (RAB) warning light

This warning light illuminates when the power switch is in the ON position and will turn off automatically after the EV system is successfully started.

The indicator will also illuminate if you have manually disabled the Rear Automatic Braking system via the vehicle information display settings.

If the light illuminates while the RAB system is set to ON, it may indicate that the system is currently unavailable due to environmental or sensor-related conditions.

Slip indicator light icon showing a car with wavy tire tracks Slip indicator light

This indicator will blink whenever the Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) system or the traction control system is actively engaging, which serves to alert you that the Nissan Leaf is reaching the limits of its available traction. This is a common occurrence on wet, icy, or otherwise slippery road surfaces.

You may feel the vehicle pulse or hear the system operating; this is a normal function of the traction management system. The light will continue to blink for a few seconds even after the VDC system ceases to limit wheel spin.

The indicator light also activates briefly when you first place the power switch in the ON position.

Under normal conditions, the light should extinguish after approximately 2 seconds. If the light fails to illuminate during this initial phase, have the system inspected by a NISSAN certified LEAF dealer to ensure the traction control features are fully functional.

VDC OFF indicator light icon Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) OFF indicator light

This light illuminates specifically when you have manually turned off the Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) system using the vehicle information display. It serves as a constant reminder that the VDC stability system is currently not operating.

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