2012 MITSUBISHI iMiEV brakes

Features and controls
3-73
3 Wa r n i n g l i g h t s
N00520300147
Brake warning light (brake warning buzzer)
N00520400500
This light comes on when the electric motor switch is turned to
the “ON” position, and goes off after a few seconds.
The light will illuminate under the following conditions:

When the parking brake has been engaged.

When the brake fluid level in the reservoir falls to a low
level.

When there is a fault in the brake vacuum pressure sys-
tem.

When the brake force distribution function is not operat-
ing correctly.
Before driving your vehicle, release the parking brake and
make certain that the brake warning light has gone out.
Brake warning buzzer
Vacuum pressure is used to help reduce brake pedal effort. If
this vacuum pressure becomes insufficient, a buzzer will sound
to alert the driver that the effort required to apply the brakes
may increase. If the buzzer should continue to sound, park your
vehicle in a safe place and contact a certified i-MiEV dealer.NOTE
When the brake pedal has been repeatedly depressed over
a short period of time, the brake warning light may illumi-
nate and the brake warning buzzer may sound because the
vacuum pressure is temporarily low. It is normal if the
light goes out and the buzzer stops sounding after a few
seconds.
NOTE
At times, you may hear the brake electric vacuum pump
for the power brakes operating when the ready indicator
illuminates or the brake pedal is depressed.
This sound is normal and does not indicate a problem.
CAUTION
!
If any of the following situations occur, stop the
vehicle in a safe location, avoiding any sudden brake
application, and contact a certified i-MiEV dealer.
• The brake warning light does not illuminate when
the parking brake is applied or does not turn off
when the parking brake is released.
• The brake warning light illuminates while the
parking brake is not applied.
• The brake warning buzzer does not turn off.
BK0140800US.book 73 ページ ２０１１年９月２９日　木曜日　午後３時２８分

Driving safety
4-5
4 Vehicle preparation before driving
N00629000698
For a safer and more enjoyable trip, always observe the follow-
ing: Seat belts and seats
Before starting the vehicle, make certain that you and all
passengers are seated and wearing their seat belts properly
(with children in the rear seat, in appropriate restraints),
and that all the doors and the rear hatch are locked.

Move the driver’s seat as far backward as possible, while
still keeping good visibility, and good control of the steer-
ing wheel, brakes, accelerator, and controls. Check the
instrument panel indicators for any possible problem.

Move the front passenger seat as far back as possible.

Make sure that infants and small children are properly
restrained in accordance with all laws and regulations.DefrostersCheck these by selecting the defroster mode, and set the blower
switch on high. You should be able to feel the air blowing
against the windshield.
(Refer to “Defrosting or defogging the windshield and door
windows” on page 5-15.)
BK0140800US.book 5 ページ ２０１１年９月２９日　木曜日　午後３時２８分

4-8 Driving safety
4Braking
N00629500518
All the parts of the brake system are critical to safety. Have the
vehicle serviced by a certified i-MiEV dealer at regular inter-
vals according to the “WARRANTY AND MAINTENANCE
MANUAL”.When brakes are wetCheck the brake system while driving at a low speed immedi-
ately after starting, especially when the brakes are wet, to con-
firm they work normally.
A film of water can be formed on the brake discs and prevent
normal braking after driving in heavy rain or through large
puddles, or after the vehicle is washed. If this occurs, dry the
brakes out by driving slowly while lightly depressing the brake
pedal.When driving in cold weatherOn snowy roads, ice can form on the braking system, making
the brakes less effective. While driving in such conditions, pay
close attention to preceding and following vehicles and to the
condition of the road surface. From time to time, lightly
depress the brake pedal and check how effective the brakes are.When driving downhillIt is important to take advantage of the regenerative braking by
shifting to “B” (BRAKE) position while driving on steep
downhill roads in order to prevent the brakes from overheating.
Parking
N00629600317
Parking on a hillWhen parking on a hill, set the parking brake, and turn the
front wheels toward the curb on a downhill, or away from the
curb on an uphill.
If necessary, apply chocks to wheels.NOTE
On a slope, be sure to apply the parking brake before
moving the selector lever to the “P” (PARK) position. If
you move the selector lever to the “P” (PARK) position
before applying the parking brake, it may be difficult to
disengage the selector lever from the “P” (PARK) position
when next you drive the vehicle, requiring application of a
strong force to the selector lever to move from the “P”
(PARK) position.
BK0140800US.book 8 ページ ２０１１年９月２９日　木曜日　午後３時２８分

4-10 Driving safety
4

Curb weight: the weight of a motor vehicle with standard
equipment including the maximum capacity of oil, and
coolant.

Accessory weight: the combined weight (in excess of
those standard items which may be replaced) of automatic
transmission, power steering, power brakes, power win-
dows, power seats, radio, and heater, to the extent that
these items are available as factory- installed equipment
(whether installed or not).

Vehicle capacity weight: the rated cargo and luggage load
plus 150 lbs (68 kg)* times the vehicle’s designated seat-
ing capacity.

Production options weight: the combined weight of those
installed regular production options weighing over 5 lbs
(2.3 kg) in excess of those standard items which they
replace, not previously considered in curb weight or
accessory weight, including heavy duty brakes, ride level-
ers, roof rack, heavy duty battery, and special trim.

Normal occupant weight: 150 lbs (68 kg)* times the num-
ber of specified occupants. (In your vehicle the number is
2)

Occupant distribution: distribution of occupants in a vehi-
cle as specified. (In your vehicle the distribution is 2 in
front seat)
Tire and loading information placard
N00630100370
The tire and loading information placard is located on the
driver’s door sill.
*: 150 lbs (68 kg) is the weight of one person as defined by
U.S.A. and Canadian regulations.
BK0140800US.book 10 ページ ２０１１年９月２９日　木曜日　午後３時２８分

6-2 For emergencies
6If the vehicle breaks down
N00836300220
If your vehicle breaks down on the road, move to the shoulder
and turn on the hazard warning flashers. If there is no shoulder,
or the shoulder is not safe, drive in the right lane slowly, with
the hazard lights flashing, until you come to a safe stopping
place. Keep the flashers flashing.
If the ready indicator light goes out while driving, the brakes
and steering will continue to work, but without power assist, so
more effort will be required for braking and steering. Stop the
vehicle on the shoulder of the road and turn on the hazard
warning flashers.
Jump-starting
N00836400739
If the electric motor unit cannot be energized because the 12V
starter battery is weak or dead, you can start it with the battery
from another vehicle using jumper cables. NOTE
Do not use jumper cables if they have damage or corro-
sion.
1. Take off any metal jewelry such as watch bands or brace-
lets that might make an accidental electrical contact.
WA R N I N G
!
To reduce the risk of igniting flammable gas that
may be emitted from the 12V starter battery, care-
fully read this section before jump-starting the vehi-
cle.
Do not try to start the electric motor unit by pushing
or towing the vehicle. This can cause an accident
resulting in serious injury or death and can damage
the vehicle.
CAUTION
!
Do not attempt jump starting the 12V starter bat-
tery while the main drive lithium-ion battery is
being charged. Doing so could damage the vehicle or
charging equipment.
BK0140800US.book 2 ページ ２０１１年９月２９日　木曜日　午後３時２８分

For emergencies
6-7
6
As your vehicle has anti-lock brakesIf you drive your vehicle with a low battery charge, after the
electric motor unit has been started by using jumper cables, it
can cause the anti-lock braking system warning light to illumi-
nate. This is only due to the low battery voltage. It is not a
problem with the brake system. If this happens, fully charge the
12V starter battery and ensure the charging system is operating
properly.
Tire repair kit
N00836600366
This vehicle is equipped with a tire repair kit which can be
used to repair a minor puncture in tread area caused by a nail,
screw or similar object. A spare tire is not provided with this
vehicle.
WA R N I N G
!
The tire repair kit may not permanently seal a punc-
tured tire.
Using the tire repair kit may damage the wheel
and/or the tire inflation pressure sensor for the tire.
The vehicle must promptly be inspected and
repaired by a certified i-MiEV dealer after using the
tire repair kit.
Use only the Mitsubishi genuine tire repair kit. Seal-
ant in other repair kits may not sufficiently seal the
tire puncture.
BK0140800US.book 7 ページ ２０１１年９月２９日　木曜日　午後３時２８分

For emergencies
6-23
6
On snowy or icy roads
When driving on a road covered with snow or ice, use
snow tires. Tire chains cannot be used on your vehicle.
There may be state or local regulations about using snow
tires. Always check the regulations in your local area
before using them. Refer to the section entitled “Snow
tires” on page 7-24 and “Tire chains” on page 7-24.

Drive slowly. Do not make sudden starts or stops, sharp
turns, or slam on the brakes.

Allow extra distance between your vehicle and the vehicle
in front of you, and avoid sudden braking.

If a skid occurs when the accelerator pedal is depressed,
take your foot off the pedal. Steer gently in the direction
of the skid.

Your vehicle is equipped with an anti-lock braking system
(ABS), hold the brake pedal down firmly and keep it
depressed. Do not pump the brake pedal which will result
in reduced braking performance.

After parking on snowy or icy road, it may be difficult to
move your vehicle due to freeze-up of the brake. Depress
the accelerator pedal little by little to move the vehicle
after confirming safety of the vehicle.
On a bumpy or rutted road
Drive as slow as possible when driving on bumpy or rut-
ted roads or over potholes etc.
CAUTION
!
Do not depress the accelerator pedal rapidly. The
vehicle could start moving when it breaks free from
the ice, possibly resulting in an accident.
CAUTION
!
Driving on bumpy, rutted roads or over potholes can
damage the tires and wheels.
Wheels with low-profiles tires or under-inflated tires
are especially at risk for damage.
The vehicle’s body, bumper, muffler and other parts
may be damaged if the vehicle is:
• driven over a step (for example, at the entrance or
exit of a parking lot);
• parked too closely against a curb or parking block,
or by the side of a road with curbstones;
• driven on a steep slope.
BK0140800US.book 23 ページ ２０１１年９月２９日　木曜日　午後３時２８分

Vehicle care and maintenance
7-27
7 General maintenance
N00941500289
The next pages list the maintenance service recommended by
Mitsubishi Motors Corporation. In addition to the general
maintenance that needs to be performed at the times listed,
there are other parts which do not usually need regular mainte-
nance.
But, if any of these parts stops working properly, your vehicle
performance could suffer. Have these items checked if you
notice a problem with them.
See a certified i-MiEV dealer for assistance, if you have any
questions.Disc brake pads, rear drum brake linings and
rear wheel cylinders
N00941600033
Good brakes are essential to safe driving. Check the brake pads
and brake linings for wear and check the rear wheel cylinders
for leaks. For good braking performance, replace the brake
pads with the same type pads as the originals.Brake hoses
N00941700047
Brake hoses and tubing should be checked for:

Severe surface cracking, scuffing or worn spots. If the
fabric casing of the hose is showing through any cracks or
worn spots in the rubber hose cover, the hose should be
replaced. The brakes can fail if the hose wears through.

Improper installation may cause twisting, or wheel, tire or
chassis interference.
Ball joint, steering linkage seals and drive shaft
boots
N00941800077
Check the following parts for damage and grease leaks:

Ball joint boots of the front suspension and steering link-
age

Bellows on both ends of the drive shaftHood lock release mechanism and safety catch
N00942500114
The hood lock release mechanism and hood safety catch should
be checked, cleaned, and oiled when needed for easy move-
ment and to stop rust and wear. Use Multipurpose Grease
NLGI Grade 2 sparingly for all sliding parts of the hood latch
and release lever. Work the grease into the hood lock mecha-
nism until all the movable surfaces are covered.
Also, put a light coat of the same grease on the safety catch
wherever moving parts touch.
BK0140800US.book 27 ページ ２０１１年９月２９日　木曜日　午後３時２８分