My 2019 Leaf had the “can’t shift out of Park” problem twice along with several episodes of warning lights and a depleted 12V battery. Rather than the 12V battery charging algorithm that is blamed often on this forum, it apparently was a wiring harness problem. I’ll update if the fix doesn’t work out. A summary follows:
• I had a few intermittent AEB and LDW warning lights in rainy, foggy weather (Western Washington in the winter).
• In the middle of a 2.5 hour drive in rain, I got the “Warning: T/M Vehicle System Malfunction Visit dealer” and master warning light. After 20 Hrs charging on 110V and rain ended, the warning lights were off. I was due for the first annual check-up and asked the Nissan dealer service rep to look at this issue and they came back saying there was no stored DTC and thus nothing they could do.
• A couple weeks later, had more AEB and LDW warning lights on my commute and left it parked in the rain all day, just above freezing. That night, the 12V battery appeared to be depleted (automatic door lock didn’t work, cabin light extremely dim, Leaf wouldn’t start). After getting a jump, everything worked, though I did get the “Warning: T/M Vehicle System Malfunction Visit dealer” on my way home.
• After researching this forum, I bought a BatteryMinder Plus 1510 and started monitoring the 12V system with a volt meter and Leaf Spy Pro.
• The morning after using the BatteryMinder for the first time, I got the “can’t shift out of Park” problem with “Warning: When Parked Apply Parking Brake”. I didn’t have time to deal with getting a tow out my garage in Park that morning. I took the BatteryMinder off and took alternate transportation. Returning that evening, the Leaf worked as if nothing had happened.
• Based on the Dealer previously not doing anything and this forum blaming the 12V charging algorithm, I continued driving the Leaf, monitoring voltage, and using BatteryMinder. When either 1) charging the traction battery, 2) Leaf is on, or 3) using BatteryMinder, I measured the same 14.4V or 13.4V, corresponding to absorption charging or float charging. With the Leaf off for more than 15 minutes, I got a healthy 12.5 V to 12.7V. So the 2019 Leaf 12V charging algorithm seemed fine. (Significantly better than old ICE charging with one voltage level while driving only.)
• The next near freezing rainy day, it was parked outside and late that night I got the “can’t shift out of Park” problem with “Warning: When Parked Apply Parking Brake”, AEB, and LDW lights. Nissan Roadside Assistance said response time would be a couple of hours. The 12V system voltage was 13.4V with the Leaf on, 12.5 with the Leaf off. I disconnected the 12V battery and everything worked after reconnecting, though I did get another “Warning: T/M Vehicle System Malfunction Visit dealer” on my way home.
• Next day, I drove to the dealer and there was no warning lights. The dealer replaced 24012-5SA1C HARNESS-ENGINE ROOM https://www.nissanpartsdeal.com/parts/nissan-harness-engine-room~24012-5sa1c.html. They also replaced connector E54 per Service Bulletin NTB19-054 (https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/tsbs/2019/MC-10163705-9999.pdf, https://www.carcomplaints.com/Nissan/Leaf/2019/tsbs/tsb-ntb19-054.shtml). It had P189A (Motor “A” Circuit Low) stored in DTC memory and terminals 1 and 2 of E54 were loose.
o NTB19-054 only says to replace the connector, so the Leaf technician may have seen other issues or have other reports to take the much more drastic step of replacing the $800 harness that took 3 full days of labor to install.
o It was all covered by warranty, so the only cost was having to drive a Versa ICE loaner for 13 days.
o Because the NTB19-054 issue leaves you stranded and difficult to get a tow while stuck in park (unless you know the trick and have the tools to disconnect/reconnect the battery), I think Nissan should upgrade it to a recall.
