These instructions apply to the Nissan Leaf Mk1 (ZE0) 2011-2017.
For other models, please choose your vehicle here.
The Nissan Leaf (ZE0, 2011–2017) has a conventional 12-volt auxiliary battery in the engine bay, separate from the high-voltage drive battery. It powers the computers, lights and locks, and it is the one you disconnect for electrical work — never the high-voltage system. Here is how to do it safely and what to relearn afterwards.
Safety First — 12 Volt Only
Only ever work on the 12-volt battery under the hood. Never touch the orange high-voltage cables, the Li-ion battery or the service plug — the EV system runs at around 400 volts and has no owner-serviceable parts. Do not pull the high-voltage service plug to “reset” the car; that is a workshop procedure and can leave stored faults or immobilise the vehicle. Everything in this guide concerns the small 12-volt battery only.
Disconnecting and Reconnecting
- Power switch OFF, doors closed, all loads off.
- Loosen and lift off the negative (−) terminal first, and move the cable clear of the post.
- If removing the battery, take off the positive (+) terminal next.
- Refit in reverse: positive (+) first, then negative (−) last.
- Tighten both clamps and check neither turns on its post.
What to Relearn Afterwards
- Power windows: the one-touch auto function may need reinitialising.
- Clock and audio: reset the time and re-enter presets; the GPS date/time re-syncs on its own.
- Immobiliser: the security indicator resumes flashing; the Intelligent Key still works as before.
- Charging timers and settings: check your charge-timer and climate-timer settings, which can reset after a power loss.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why negative first? With the earth (−) lead off, a tool slipping on the positive side cannot short against the body.
Will this reset the battery state of charge or range? No — the drive-battery management is separate. The 12-volt disconnect does not fix range or charging faults.
My 12-volt battery keeps going flat — is that normal? The Leaf recharges the 12-volt battery from the main pack only at set times; a battery that repeatedly dies needs testing, like any 12-volt battery.
Can I disconnect the big orange battery myself? No — the high-voltage system is dealer-only. Never disturb the orange cables or the service plug.
If a dashboard warning stays on after reconnecting, our sister site autodtcs.com can help you look up the code.
Independent guide — not affiliated with Nissan. Always follow your official service manual and safety precautions. Read our full disclaimer.