2013 Leaf SV Need to replace the drive battery

My Nissan Leaf Forum

Help Support My Nissan Leaf Forum:

This site may earn a commission from merchant affiliate links, including eBay, Amazon, and others.

Joe_Pilot

Member
Joined
Aug 4, 2024
Messages
12
So,
I bought a new to me 2013 Leaf SL at a government auciton. It did not have keys when I bought it, so No infomation was really known. I programmed keys for the car and I was delighted to see 11,000 original miles. I also saw 11 of the 12 SOH bars on the dash. I had to replace the 12v battery, tires, wipers, etc. All in I had 4500 into the car. I thought I won the lottery. I was only getting 20 miles to a charge and I started to get concerned. I bought leaf spy and found out the real SOH was less than 50%. Someone had re-programmed the car to show full SOH.

So, here I sit. Do I buy a replacement drive battery or throw 5000.00 away?

I have a lead on 3 insurance cars.
1: A 23 SV 60,000 miles. Totaled due to hail
2. A 25 SV Plus 8000 miles front end damaged
3. A 25 S 1000 miles front end damaged

I will have to go to the yard and check whatever one I decide on to make sure the batteries are not damaged.
So.
A, What issues will I have?
B. What equipment do I need? (CAN Bus adapter/BMS/BMS re-programming tool)
C. What battery? 60Kwh/40Kwh - Do I look for a 30?

I am not sure if I want to put a lot of money into this car. What would you do?
Thanks!!

P.S. I have no issues with doing the work myself. I am comfortable with high voltage and the mechanical aspect of this job. I am also aware of the suspension updates that will be required. So, this is just a question of battery replacement. Labor will be mine and I have access to what I need shop-wise to complete this job.
 
You are correct it is a straight nuts and bolts job. Since you are considering replacing the whole pack as a unit, no need for HV tools.
Ideally a lift and a concrete floor are the way to go. put the car on a lift, unbolt most of the attachments, and dis connect the harness (after pulling the E disconnect between the seats)
lower the car and battery down to a roll around cart that can support the battery, remove the remaining bolts and lift the car off the battery.
Battery capacity is a personal choice. The higher Leaf+ batteries are in demand, and add weight.
30's are known to have weak cells, 40's are hit and miss, so do some don't.
Can Buss CAN bridge will be required regardless.
 
You are correct it is a straight nuts and bolts job. Since you are considering replacing the whole pack as a unit, no need for HV tools.
Ideally a lift and a concrete floor are the way to go. put the car on a lift, unbolt most of the attachments, and dis connect the harness (after pulling the E disconnect between the seats)
lower the car and battery down to a roll around cart that can support the battery, remove the remaining bolts and lift the car off the battery.
Battery capacity is a personal choice. The higher Leaf+ batteries are in demand, and add weight.
30's are known to have weak cells, 40's are hit and miss, so do some don't.
Can Buss CAN bridge will be required regardless.
Thank you for the reply!

So If I go with the 60/62 Kwh pack, I will only need a CAN bridge? I was trying to follow those threads, I thought there was an issue with a 24Kwh car reading a 60/62Kwh pack?
 
Thank you for the reply!

So If I go with the 60/62 Kwh pack, I will only need a CAN bridge? I was trying to follow those threads, I thought there was an issue with a 24Kwh car reading a 60/62Kwh pack?
62 kWh pack is thicker. So, there will be some problems fitting it w/o some mechanical mods.

And, it's also heavier, so people have had to make some suspension mods to help/accommodate that.
 
62 kWh pack is thicker. So, there will be some problems fitting it w/o some mechanical mods.

And, it's also heavier, so people have had to make some suspension mods to help/accommodate that.
I am willing to weld new mounts or modify the existing, if that is required.
Ive heard Prius springs. I was going to see if the 2025 springs would fit on my 2013. I was wondinering if air shocks or air bags would work? I really appreciate the responses.
 
TBH, I don't know all the details, esp. re: suspension mods.

was a video about installing a 62 kWh pack in a gen 1 Leaf.

was an earlier one.
 
I am willing to weld new mounts or modify the existing, if that is required.
Ive heard Prius springs. I was going to see if the 2025 springs would fit on my 2013. I was wondinering if air shocks or air bags would work? I really appreciate the responses.
Note that your Leaf has a 3.5 kw rectifier inverter but the later models have a 6.6 kw rectifier inverter so if you put in a 60 KWH battery it's maximum charge rate will only be 3.3 kw.
 
So,
I bought a new to me 2013 Leaf SL at a government auciton. It did not have keys when I bought it, so No infomation was really known. I programmed keys for the car and I was delighted to see 11,000 original miles. I also saw 11 of the 12 SOH bars on the dash. I had to replace the 12v battery, tires, wipers, etc. All in I had 4500 into the car. I thought I won the lottery. I was only getting 20 miles to a charge and I started to get concerned. I bought leaf spy and found out the real SOH was less than 50%. Someone had re-programmed the car to show full SOH.

So, here I sit. Do I buy a replacement drive battery or throw 5000.00 away?

I have a lead on 3 insurance cars.
1: A 23 SV 60,000 miles. Totaled due to hail
2. A 25 SV Plus 8000 miles front end damaged
3. A 25 S 1000 miles front end damaged

I will have to go to the yard and check whatever one I decide on to make sure the batteries are not damaged.
So.
A, What issues will I have?
B. What equipment do I need? (CAN Bus adapter/BMS/BMS re-programming tool)
C. What battery? 60Kwh/40Kwh - Do I look for a 30?

I am not sure if I want to put a lot of money into this car. What would you do?
Thanks!!

P.S. I have no issues with doing the work myself. I am comfortable with high voltage and the mechanical aspect of this job. I am also aware of the suspension updates that will be required. So, this is just a question of battery replacement. Labor will be mine and I have access to what I need shop-wise to complete this job.
Hi Joe! Where are you located? What's your budget for a battery? I may be selling my 2013 Leaf with a good, 62 watt battery, because it needs a couple parts that are discontinued and I'm not able to figure out getting them myself. Have thought that the battery could be removed and installed in another car. I'm in Monterey Bay California.
 
Back
Top