2013 Nissan Leaf Owner's Manual - Page 302

POWER STEERING SYSTEM WARNING • If the READY to drive indicator light is OFF while driving, the power assist for the steering will not work. Steering will be harder to operate. • When the power steering warning light illuminates while the READY to drive indicator light ON, the power assist for the steering will cease operation. You will still have control of the vehicle but the steering will be harder to operate. The power steering system is designed to provide power assistance while driving to operate the steering wheel with less effort. When the steering wheel is operated repeatedly or continuously while parking or driving at a very low speed, the power assist for the steering wheel will be reduced. This is to prevent overheating of the power steering system and help protect it from getting damaged. While the power assistance is reduced, steering wheel operation will become harder. When the temperature of the power steering system goes down, the power assistance level will return to normal. Avoid repeating such steering wheel operations that could cause the power steering system to overheat. You may hear a noise when the steering wheel is operated quickly. However, this is not a malfunction. If the power steering warning light illuminates while the READY to drive indicator light is ON, it may indicate the power steering system is not functioning properly and may need servicing. Have the power steering system checked by a NISSAN certified LEAF dealer. (See ЉPower steering warning lightЉ in the ЉInstruments and controlsЉ section.) The power assist for steering stops operating when both the power steering warning light and READY to drive indicator light are illuminated. You will still have control of the vehicle. However, greater steering effort is needed, especially in sharp turns and at low speeds. BRAKE SYSTEM BRAKE PRECAUTIONS This vehicle is equipped with two braking systems: 1. Hydraulic brake system 2. Regenerative brake system Hydraulic brake system The hydraulic brake system is similar to the brakes used on conventional vehicles. The brake system has two separate hydraulic circuits. If one circuit malfunctions, you will still have braking at two wheels. Regenerative brake system The primary purpose of regenerative brake system is to provide some power to help recharge the Li-ion battery and extend driving range. A secondary benefit is "engine braking" that operates based on battery conditions. In the D (Drive) range, when the accelerator is released, the regenerative brake system provides some deceleration and generates power for the Li-ion battery. Power is also generated when the brake pedal is applied. When you put the shift lever in the ECO position and take your foot off the accelerator pedal, more Starting and driving 5-19