2012 MITSUBISHI iMiEV Owners Manual

3-36 Features and controls
3
“N” NEUTRALUse this position only when the vehicle is stationary for an
extended length of time while driving, such as in a traffic jam.“D” DRIVEUse this position for normal driving.
“ECO” ECO MODEUse this position when you desire to limit power consumption
and/or when moderate regenerative braking is required.“B” REGENERATIVE BRAKE MODEUse this position when strong regenerative braking is required,
such as on a steep downhill.NOTE
When the main drive lithium-ion battery level is full or
nearly full, or the main drive lithium-ion battery tempera-
ture is low, the regenerative braking force may be reduced
and stronger effort may be required to operate the brakes.
WA R N I N G
!
Never move the selector lever to the “N” (NEU-
TRAL) position while the vehicle is in motion. You
will lose regenerative braking. In addition, a serious
accident could occur if the selector lever were inad-
vertently moved into the “P” (PARK) position or
“R” (REVERSE) position.
CAUTION
!
To avoid transmission damage, never shift into the
“D” (DRIVE) position from the “R” (REVERSE)
position while the vehicle is in motion.
WA R N I N G
!
While driving on a slippery road, do not use the “B”
position. Abruptly releasing the accelerator pedal
can apply strong regenerative braking causing the
vehicle to skid which could result in an accident.
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Features and controls
3-37
3
Operation of the transmission
N00514500359
Waiting
N00515000087
For short waiting periods, such as at traffic signals the vehicle
can be left in selector lever position and held stationary with
the service brake.
For longer waiting periods with the electric motor unit running,
place the selector lever in the “N” (NEUTRAL) position and
apply the parking brake, while holding the vehicle stationary
with the service brake.
Parking
N00515100075
To park the vehicle, first bring it to a complete stop, fully
engage the parking brake, and then move the selector lever to
the “P” (PARK) position.
If you are going to leave the vehicle unattended, always switch
off the electric motor unit and carry the key.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.
CAUTION
!
Before selecting a position with the electric motor
unit running and the vehicle stationary, fully
depress the brake pedal to prevent the vehicle from
creeping.
The vehicle will begin to move as soon as the trans-
mission is engaged, the brakes should only be
released when you are ready to drive away.
Depress the brake pedal with the right foot at all
times.
Using the left foot could cause driver movement
delay in case of an emergency.
Operating the accelerator pedal while the other foot
is resting on the brake pedal will affect braking effi-
ciency and may cause premature wear of brake
pads.
CAUTION
!
Never hold the vehicle stationary on a hill with the
accelerator. Always apply the parking brake and/or
service brake.
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3-38 Features and controls
3Acoustic vehicle alerting system (AVAS)
N00571900028
While driving at low speeds, such as in parking lots, the acous-
tic vehicle alerting system (AVAS) alerts people who may not
hear your vehicle approaching.
The system sounds when the vehicle speed is approximately 22
mph (35 km/h) or less.
The acoustic vehicle alerting system (AVAS) will operate
under the following conditions:

When the vehicle speed is approximately 2 mph (3 km/h)
or less and the brake pedal is not depressed.

When the vehicle speed is approximately 2-22 mph (3-35
km/h).
The system will not operate under the following conditions:

When the vehicle speed is approximately 2 mph (3 km/h)
or less and the brake pedal is depressed.

When the vehicle speed is approximately 22 mph (35
km/h) or more.

When the selector lever is in the “P” (PARK) position.Under normal conditions, the indicator light in the instrument
cluster illuminates when the electric motor switch is turned to
the “ON” position and goes off a few seconds later. Always
confirm the indicator light goes off before driving.
NOTE
If the indicator light blinks, turn the electric motor switch
back to the “LOCK” position and again turn the switch to
the “ON” position.
It is not a malfunction if the indicator light goes off. If the
indicator light blinks again, however, have the vehicle
inspected at a certified i-MiEV dealer as soon as possible.
WA R N I N G
!
Always pay special attention to pedestrians. Even if
the acoustic vehicle alerting system (AVAS) sounds,
pedestrians may not notice your vehicle.
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Features and controls
3-39
3 Service brake
N00517500305
Brake pedalOveruse of the brake can cause poor brake response and pre-
mature wear of the brake pads.
Power brakes
N00517600410
Your vehicle is equipped with power brakes for more braking
force with reduced brake pedal effort.
Your brakes are designed to operate at full capacity, even if the
power assist is lost.
If the power assist is lost, the effort needed to press the brake
pedal is greater.
If you should lose the power assist for some reason, the brakes
will still work.
If the power brake unit or either of the two brake hydraulic sys-
tems stop working properly, the rest of the brake system will
still work, but the vehicle will not slow down as quickly.
You will know this has happened if you find you need to
depress the brake pedal down further, or harder when slowing
down or stopping, or if the brake warning light comes on.
WA R N I N G
!
Do not leave any objects near the brake pedal or let
a floor mat slide under it; doing so could prevent the
full pedal stroke that would be necessary in an emer-
gency. Make sure that the pedal can be operated
freely at all times. Make sure the floor mat is
securely held in place.
CAUTION
!
It is important not to drive the vehicle with your foot
resting on the brake pedal when braking is not
required. This practice can result in very high brake
temperatures, premature pad wear, and possible
damage to the brakes.
WA R N I N G
!
Never turn off the electric motor switch while driv-
ing. Doing so will result in a loss of power assist for
the brakes and steering, increasing the effort
required to steer and brake the vehicle.
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3-40 Features and controls
3
Brake pad wear alarm
N00532500162
The disc brakes have an alarm that makes a metallic squeal
when the brake pads have worn down enough to need service.
If you hear this sound, have the brake pads replaced at a certi-
fied i-MiEV dealer.
Brake assist system
N00567300063
The brake assist system is a device assisting drivers who can-
not depress the brake pedal firmly such as in emergency stop
situations and provides greater braking force.
If the brake pedal is depressed suddenly, the brakes will be
applied with more force than usual.
WA R N I N G
!
Driving with worn brake pads will make it harder to
stop, and can cause an accident.
CAUTION
!
The brake assist system is not a device designed to
exercise braking force greater than its capacity.
Make sure to always keep a sufficient distance
between vehicles in front of you without relying too
much on the brake assist system.
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Features and controls
3-41
3
NOTE
Once the brake assist system is operational, it maintains
great braking force even if the brake pedal is lightly
released.
To stop its operation, completely remove your foot from
the brake pedal.

The brake assist system may become operational when the
brake pedal is fully depressed even if it has not been
depressed suddenly.

When the brake assist system is in use while driving, you
may feel as if the depressed brake pedal is soft, the pedal
moves in small motions in conjunction with the operation
noise, or the vehicle body and the steering wheel vibrate.
This occurs when the brake assist system is operating nor-
mally and does not indicate faulty operation. Continue to
depress the brake pedal.

You may hear an operation noise when the brake pedal is
depressed suddenly while stationary. This does not indi-
cate a malfunction and the brake assist system is operating
normally.
Anti-lock braking system
N00517900325
The anti-lock braking system helps prevent the wheels from
locking up when braking. This helps you keep control of your
vehicle and its direction. Driving hints
When using the anti-lock brakes (sudden braking), steer-
ing is slightly different from normal driving conditions.
Use the steering wheel carefully.

Always keep a safe distance from the vehicle in front of
you. Even if your vehicle is equipped with the anti-lock
braking system, leave a greater braking distance when:
• Driving on gravel or snow-covered roads.
• Driving on uneven road surfaces.

Operation of anti-lock braking system is not restricted to
situations where brakes are applied suddenly. This system
may also prevent the wheels from locking when you drive
over manholes, steel roadwork plates, road markings, or
any uneven road surface.

When the anti-lock braking system is in use, you may feel
the brake pedal vibrating and hear a unique sound. You
may also feel as if the pedal resists being pressed.
In this situation, simply hold the brake pedal down
firmly. Do not pump the brake, which will result in
reduced braking performance.
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3-42 Features and controls
3

An operation noise may be emitted from under the hood in
the following situations. The sound is associated with
checking the operations of the anti-lock braking system.
At this time, you may feel a shock from the brake pedal if
you depress it. These do not indicate a malfunction.
• When the electric motor switch is set to the “ON” posi-
tion.
• When the vehicle is driven for a while after the electric
motor is turned on.

The ABS can be used after the vehicle has reached a speed
over approximately 6 mph (10 km/h). It stops working
when the vehicle slows below approximately 3 mph (5
km/h).
Anti-lock braking system warning light
N00531600661
This light comes on in the event of a malfunction in the anti-
lock braking system. It will also come on as a self-check for a
few seconds when the electric motor switch is turned to the
“ON” position. Always make sure that the light goes out before
beginning to drive.
CAUTION
!
The anti-lock braking system cannot prevent acci-
dents. It is your responsibility to take safety precau-
tions and to drive carefully.
Be sure to use the specified type and size of tire on
all four wheels. Otherwise, the ABS may not work
properly.
Do not install any aftermarket limited slip differen-
tial (LSD) on your vehicle. The ABS may stop func-
tioning properly.
CAUTION
!
If the anti-lock braking system warning light comes
on and stays on after starting the electric motor unit
or while driving, it means that the anti-lock braking
system is not working and that only the standard
brake system is available. (The standard brake sys-
tem will still work properly.) If this happens, take
your vehicle to a certified i-MiEV dealer as soon as
possible.
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Features and controls
3-43
3
If the warning light illuminates while driving
N00531700590
If only the ABS warning light illuminateAvoid hard braking and high-speed driving. Stop the vehicle in
a safe place, put the selector lever to the “P” (PARK) position
and turn off the electric motor unit.
Restart the electric motor unit and check to see whether the
light goes out after a few minutes driving; if it then remains off
during driving, there is no problem.
However, if the warning light does not disappear, or if it comes
on again when the vehicle is driven, we recommend you to
have the vehicle checked.If the ABS warning light and brake warning light illu-
minate at the same timeThe ABS and brake force distribution function may not work,
so hard braking could make the vehicle unstable.
Avoid hard braking and high-speed driving. Stop the vehicle in
a safe place and we recommend you to have the vehicle
checked.NOTE
The warning light may be illuminated when the electric
motor unit is started while the 12V starter battery voltage
is low, but this is not an ABS malfunction.
When the main drive lithium-ion battery is charged, the
12V starter battery is charged at the same time, and the
warning light will go out.
If the warning light does not go out or illuminates from
time to time even after the battery is charged, take your
vehicle to a certified i-MiEV dealer and have the system
checked as soon as possible.
After driving on snow or icy roads, remove any snow and
ice which may have been left around the wheels. On vehi-
cles that have an anti-lock braking system, be careful not
to damage the wheel speed sensors (A) or the cables
located at each wheel.
Front
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