Nissan LEAF 2023 Owners Manual
9.26.1.4. Electronic stability programme (ESP) system
The Electronic Stability Programme (ESP) system uses various sensors to monitor driver inputs and vehicle motion. Under certain driving conditions, the ESP system performs the following functions.
Controls brake pressure to reduce wheel slip on a slipping driven wheel so power is transferred to the other driven wheel on the same axle that is not slipping.
Controls brake pressure and traction motor output to reduce drive wheel slip based on vehicle speed (traction control function).
Controls brake pressure at individual wheels and traction motor output to help the driver maintain control of the vehicle in the following conditions:
Understeer (vehicle tends to not follow the steered path despite increased steering input)
Oversteer (vehicle tends to spin due to certain road or driving conditions)
The ESP system can help the driver to maintain control of the vehicle, but it cannot prevent loss of vehicle control in all driving situations.
When the ESP system operates, the 
warning in the instrument panel flashes. When the warning flashes, note the following items.
The road may be slippery or the system may determine some action is required to help keep the vehicle on the steered path.
You may feel a pulsation in the brake pedal and hear a noise or vibration from under the bonnet. This is normal and indicates that the ESP system is working properly.
Adjust your speed and driving style to the road conditions.
For details, see
and .If a malfunction occurs in the system, the warning illuminates in the lower display. The ESP system automatically turns off when this warning light is illuminated.
The Vehicle Information Display is used to turn off the ESP system. The ESP off indicator 
illuminates to indicate that the ESP system is off. When the ESP is turned off, the ESP system still operates to prevent one drive wheel from slipping by transferring power to a drive wheel that is not slipping. The warning flashes if this occurs. All other ESP functions are off and the ${2} warning will not flash. The ESP System is automatically reset to on when the power switch is placed in the OFF position and afterwards returned to the ON position.
The computer has a built-in diagnostic feature that tests the system each time you place the power switch in the READY to drive position and move the vehicle forward or in reverse at a slow speed. When the self-test occurs, you may hear a “clunk” noise and/or feel a pulsation in the brake pedal. This is normal and is not an indication of a malfunction.
The ESP system is designed to help the driver maintain the driving stability but does not prevent accidents caused to abrupt steering operation at high speeds, or by careless, or dangerous driving techniques. Reduce vehicle speed and be especially careful when driving and cornering on slippery surfaces and always drive carefully.
Do not modify the vehicle’s suspension. If suspension parts such as shock absorbers, struts, springs, stabiliser bars, bushings and wheels are not NISSAN recommended parts for your vehicle or are extremely deteriorated the ESP system may not operate properly. This could adversely affect vehicle handling performance, and the
warning may flash or ${1} warning may illuminate.The ESP system was designed by NISSAN to work with brake related parts recommended by NISSAN. Accordingly, to ensure proper operation of the ESP system, NISSAN recommends the use of those brake related parts that are recommended by NISSAN. In addition, such parts should be replaced if extremely deteriorated to ensure proper operation of the ESP system.
If traction motor control related parts are not NISSAN recommended or are extremely deteriorated, the
warning may illuminate.When driving on extremely inclined surfaces such as higher banked corners, the ESP system may not operate properly and the
warning may illuminate. Do not drive on these types of roads.When driving on an unstable surface such as a turntable, ferry, elevator or ramp, the
warning may illuminate. This is not a malfunction. Restart the electric vehicle system after driving onto a stable surface.The ESP system was designed by NISSAN to work with wheels or tyres recommended by NISSAN. Accordingly, to ensure proper operation of the ESP system, NISSAN recommends the use of wheels or tyres that are recommended by NISSAN.
The ESP system is not a substitute for winter tyres or snow chains on a snow covered road.