2012 MITSUBISHI iMiEV steering

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.
BK0140800US.book 39 ページ ２０１１年９月２９日　木曜日　午後３時２８分

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.
BK0140800US.book 41 ページ ２０１１年９月２９日　木曜日　午後３時２８分

3-44 Features and controls
3Electric power steering system (EPS)
N00568400045
The electric power steering system (EPS) operates while the
electric motor unit is running.
The EPS uses an electric motor to assist the turning of the
steering wheel.
The EPS has mechanical steering capability in case the power
assist is lost. If the power assist is lost for some reason, you
will still be able to steer your vehicle. If the power assist is lost,
you will notice it takes much more effort to steer and that there
is much more “free play” in the steering wheel. If this happens,
take your vehicle to a certified i-MiEV dealer.NOTE
During repeated full-lock turning of the steering wheel
(for example, while you are maneuvering the vehicle into
a parking space), a protection function may be activated to
prevent overheating of the power steering system. This
function will make the steering wheel gradually harder to
turn. In this event, limit your turning of the steering wheel
for a while. When the system has cooled down, the steer-
ing effort will return to normal.
Rear
WA R N I N G
!
Do not turn the key from the ON position while the
vehicle is moving. Stopping the electric motor unit
would make the steering wheel extremely hard to
turn, possibly resulting in an accident.
BK0140800US.book 44 ページ ２０１１年９月２９日　木曜日　午後３時２８分

Features and controls
3-45
3

If you turn the steering wheel while the vehicle is station-
ary with the headlights on, the headlights may become
dim. This behavior is not abnormal. The headlights will
return to their original brightness after a short while.Electric power steering system warning light
N00574400011
If there is a malfunction in the system, the warning light will
come on.
Under normal conditions, the warning light comes on when the
electric motor switch is turned to the “ON” position and goes
off a few seconds later.
If the warning light appears while driving
N00574500012
1. Stop the vehicle in a safe place, put the selector lever to
the “P” (PARK) position and turn off the electric motor
unit.
2. Restart the electric motor unit to check whether the warn-
ing light goes out; if it then remains off, there is no prob-
lem.
If the warning light does not go out, or it appears again
while driving, we recommend you to have your vehicle
inspected.
CAUTION
!
If the warning light appears during driving, it may
become harder to turn the steering wheel.
BK0140800US.book 45 ページ ２０１１年９月２９日　木曜日　午後３時２８分

3-46 Features and controls
3Active stability control (ASC)
N00559100163
The active stability control (ASC) takes overall control of the
anti-lock braking system, traction control function and skid
control function to help maintain the vehicle’s control. Also
refer to the following pages on the anti-lock braking system,
traction control function and skid control function.
Anti-lock braking system (ABS) → P. 3 - 4 1
Traction control function → P. 3 - 4 6
Skid control function → P. 3 - 4 7
NOTE
An operation noise may be emitted from under the hood in
the following situations. The sound is associated with
checking the operations of the ASC. 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 unit is turned on.

When the ASC is activated, you may feel a vibration in
the vehicle body or hear a whining sound from under the
hood.
This indicates that the system is operating normally. It
does not indicate a malfunction.

When the anti-lock braking system warning light is illu-
minated, the ASC is not active.Traction control function
N00559200050
On slippery surfaces, the traction control function prevents the
drive wheels from spinning excessively, thus helping the vehi-
cle to start moving from a stopped condition. It also provides
sufficient driving force and steering performance as the vehicle
turns while pressing the acceleration pedal.
CAUTION
!
Do not over-rely on the ASC. Even the ASC cannot
prevent the natural laws of physics from acting on
the vehicle. This system, like any other system, has
limits and cannot help you to maintain traction and
control of the vehicle in all circumstances. Reckless
driving can lead to accidents. It is the driver’s
responsibility to drive carefully. This means taking
into account the traffic, road and environmental
conditions.
Be sure to use the specified type and size of tire on
all four wheels. Otherwise, the ASC may not work
properly.
Do not install any aftermarket limited slip differen-
tial (LSD) on your vehicle. The ASC may stop func-
tioning properly.
CAUTION
!
When driving a vehicle on a snowy or icy road, be
sure to install snow tires and drive the vehicle at
moderate speeds.
BK0140800US.book 46 ページ ２０１１年９月２９日　木曜日　午後３時２８分

Features and controls
3-47
3
Skid control function
N00546800049
The skid control function is designed to help the driver main-
tain control of the vehicle on slippery roads or during rapid
steering maneuvers. It works by controlling the electric motor
unit output and the brake on each wheel.NOTE
The skid control function operates at speeds of about 9
mph (15 km/h) or higher.
ASC OFF switch
N00559400238
The ASC is automatically activated when the electric motor
switch is turned to the “ON” position. You can deactivate the
system by pressing down the ASC OFF switch for 3 seconds or
longer.
When the ASC is deactivated, the indicator will be illumi-
nated. To reactivate the ASC, momentarily press the ASC OFF
switch; the indicator is turned off.
CAUTION
!
For safety reasons, the ASC OFF switch should be
operated when your vehicle is stopped.
Be sure to keep the ASC on while driving in normal
circumstances.
BK0140800US.book 47 ページ ２０１１年９月２９日　木曜日　午後３時２８分

3-52 Features and controls
3
Under-inflation also reduces alternative fuel efficiency and tire
tread life, and may affect the vehicle’s handling and stopping
ability.
Please note that the TPMS is not a substitute for proper tire
maintenance, and it is the driver’s responsibility to maintain
correct tire pressure, even if under-inflation has not reached the
level to trigger illumination of the TPMS low tire pressure tell-
tale.
Your vehicle has also been equipped with a TPMS malfunction
indicator to indicate when the system is not operating properly.
The TPMS malfunction indicator is combined with the low tire
pressure telltale.
When the system detects a malfunction, the telltale will flash
for approximately one minute and then remain continuously
illuminated. This sequence will continue upon subsequent
vehicle start-ups as long as the malfunction exists.
When the malfunction indicator is illuminated, the system may
not be able to detect or signal low tire pressure as intended.
TPMS malfunctions may occur for a variety of reasons, includ-
ing the installation of replacement or alternate tires or wheels
on the vehicle that prevent the TPMS from functioning prop-
erly. Always check the TPMS malfunction telltale after replac-
ing one or more tires or wheels on your vehicle to ensure that
the replacement or alternate tires and wheels allow the TPMS
to continue to function properly.
If the warning light illuminates while driving
N00532800484
1. If the low tire pressure monitoring system warning light
illuminates, avoid hard braking, sharp steering maneuvers
and high speeds. You should stop and adjust the tires to
the proper inflation pressure as soon as possible. Refer to
“Tires” on page 7-18.NOTE
When inspecting or adjusting the tire pressure, to avoid
breakage, do not apply excessive force to the valve stem.

After inspecting or adjusting the tire pressure, always
reinstall the valve cap on the valve stem.
Without the valve cap, dirt or moisture could get into the
valve, resulting in damage to the tire inflation pressure
sensor.

Do not use metal valve caps, which may cause a metal
reaction, resulting in corrosion and damage of the tire
inflation pressure sensors.

Once adjustments have been made, the warning light will
go off after a few minutes of driving.
2. If the tire pressure monitoring system warning light
remains illuminated after you have been driving for about
20 minutes after you adjust the tire inflation pressure, one
or more of the tires may have a puncture. Inspect the tire
and if it has a puncture, have it repaired by a certified i-
MiEV dealer as soon as possible.
BK0140800US.book 52 ページ ２０１１年９月２９日　木曜日　午後３時２８分

Features and controls
3-53
3
NOTE
To avoid the risk of damage to the tire inflation pressure
sensors, have any punctured tire repaired by a certified i-
MiEV dealer. If the tire repair is not done by a certified i-
MiEV dealer, it is not covered by your warranty.

Do not use an aerosol puncture-repair spray on any tire.
Such a spray could damage the tire inflation pressure sen-
sors.

Using the tire repair kit may damage the tire inflation
pressure sensor. The vehicle must promptly be inspected
and repaired by a certified i-MiEV dealer after using the
tire repair kit.The tire pressure monitoring system may not work normally in
the following circumstances:

A wireless facility or device using the same frequency is
near the vehicle.

Snow or ice is stuck inside the fenders and/or on the
wheels.

The tire inflation pressure sensors’ battery is exhausted.

Wheels other than Mitsubishi Motors genuine wheels are
being used.

Wheels that are not fitted with tire inflation pressure sen-
sors are being used.

Wheels whose ID codes are not memorized by the vehicle
are used.

A window tint that affects the radio wave signals is
installed.
NOTE
Tire inflation pressures vary with the ambient tempera-
ture. If the vehicle is subjected to large variations in ambi-
ent temperature, the tire inflation pressures may be under-
inflated (causing the warning light to come on) when the
ambient temperature is relatively low. If the warning light
comes on, adjust the tire inflation pressure.
WA R N I N G
!
If the tire pressure monitoring system warning light
illuminates while you are driving, avoid hard brak-
ing, sharp steering maneuvers and high speeds.
Driving with an under-inflated tire adversely affects
vehicle performance and can result in an accident.
CAUTION
!
The tire pressure monitoring system warning light
may not illuminate immediately in the event of a tire
blowout or rapid leak.
BK0140800US.book 53 ページ ２０１１年９月２９日　木曜日　午後３時２８分