2012 MITSUBISHI iMiEV coolant level

Driving safety
4-7
4 Driving during cold weather
N00629400403

Check the 12V starter battery, including terminals and
cables. During extremely cold weather, the 12V starter
battery will not be as strong and its power level may drop.
Before driving the vehicle, check to see if the headlights
are as bright as normal. Charge or replace the 12V starter
battery if necessary. During extreme cold weather, it is
possible that a very low 12V starter battery could freeze.
Check the antifreeze.
If there is not enough coolant because of a leak, add high-
quality ethylene glycol antifreeze and water. Use Dia
Queen Super Long Life Coolant Premium or an equiva-
lent. The recommended blend is about 50 % water and 50
% anti-freeze. Use a higher concentration (not over 60 %)
when the outside temperature is -31 °F (-35 °C) or lower.
When the electric motor unit is working very hard (for
example, during mountain driving and/or when the out-
side temperature is high), use a 50 % concentration. This
blend will provide adequate protection from corrosion and
boiling.
WA R N I N G
!
The 12V starter battery gives off explosive hydrogen
gas. Any spark or flame can cause the 12V starter
battery to explode, which could cause serious injury
or death.
Always wear protective clothes and a face mask
when working with your 12V starter battery, or let a
skilled mechanic do it.
WA R N I N G
!
Never open the coolant reservoir cap while it is hot.
You could be seriously burned.
BK0140800US.book 7 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

Vehicle care and maintenance
7-7
7 Coolant/Hot water heater fluid
N00937800539
To check the coolant levelCoolant1. Open the liftgate.
1- Windshield washer fluid reservoir
2- 12V starter battery
3- Hot water heater reservoir
4- Brake fluid reservoir
5- Coolant reservoirElectric motor unit room
WA R N I N G
!
Before checking the coolant level, make sure the
electric motor switch is in the “Lock” position to
avoid the risk of an electrical shock that can result in
serious injury or death.
The room under the hood and the electric motor
unit room (located under the luggage room carpet)
can be very hot after driving. Wait until they have
cooled down.
BK0140800US.book 7 ページ ２０１１年９月２９日　木曜日　午後３時２８分

Vehicle care and maintenance
7-9
7
4. Check the coolant level in the reservoir (D).
While the motor is cold, the coolant level must always be
between the “F (FULL)” and the “L (LOW)” marks. If
necessary, add coolant. Refer to “To add coolant” on page
7-10.
5. Reinstall the electric motor unit room lid and the luggage
room floor carpet by following the removal procedures in
reverse.
Hot water heater fluidThe reservoir (A) is located under the hood.
The coolant level in this reservoir should be kept between the
“F (FULL)” and the “L (LOW)” marks when measured while
the electric motor is cold. If necessary, add coolant. Refer to
“To add coolant” on page 7-10.
WA R N I N G
!
Never touch components inside the electric motor
unit room except the reservoir (D).
FULL
LOW
FULL
LOW
BK0140800US.book 9 ページ ２０１１年９月２９日　木曜日　午後３時２８分

7-10 Vehicle care and maintenance
7
To add coolant
N00955900011
Mitsubishi Genuine Coolant provides excellent protection
against corrosion and rust formation on all metals, including
aluminum.
If you need to add coolant often, the cooling system should be
pressure-tested for leaks. Take your vehicle to a certified i-
MiEV dealer for testing.
Reservoir cap
N00955800010
The reservoir cap (E) must be tightly sealed to prevent losing
coolant which may result in electric motor or nearby parts of
the room under the hood damage. Only use a Genuine
Mitsubishi Parts reservoir cap, or an approved equivalent.
Use “Dia Queen Super Long Life Coolant Premium” or an
equivalent*.
*: similar high quality ethylene glycol based non-silicate, non-
amine, non-nitrate and non-borate coolant with long life
hybrid organic acid technology
CAUTION
!
Do not use alcohol or methanol antifreeze or any
coolants that contain them. Using the wrong anti-
freeze can corrode aluminum parts.
The required concentration of anti-freeze differs
depending on the expected ambient temperature.
Above -31 °F (-35 °C): 50 % concentration of anti-
freeze
Below -31 °F (-35 °C): 60 % concentration of anti-
freeze
You can check the concentration level with a gauge
from an automotive supply store, or a certified i-
MiEV dealer or service station can check it for you.
Do not use water to adjust the concentration of cool-
ant.

Do not top off the tank with plain water only. Water
by itself boils at a lower temperature and does not
stop rust or freezing. If the water freezes, it will
damage your cooling system. Do not use tap water. It
can cause corrosion and rust.
WA R N I N G
!
Wait for the electric motor to cool down before
opening the reservoir cap. Otherwise hot steam or
boiling coolant could spray up from the reservoir
and scald you.
CAUTION
!
BK0140800US.book 10 ページ ２０１１年９月２９日　木曜日　午後３時２８分

Vehicle care and maintenance
7-11
7
Points to remember
N00955700019

Do not overfill the reservoir.

Your vehicle uses a special reservoir cap that stays sealed
and keeps the pressure in the reservoir below the allow-
able pressure. If you need to change the cap, use the exact
same kind.

Check the coolant freeze point in the radiator with the
proper gauge, and only when it is safe. If you add anti-
freeze, the contents of the reservoir must be protected
against freezing.

Keep the front of the radiator and condenser clean.
Wa s h e r f l u i d
N00938600303
The windshield washer fluid reservoir is under the hood.
Check the washer fluid level at regular intervals and add
washer fluid to reservoir if necessary.
Open the reservoir cap and check the fluid level.During cold weatherWhen freezing weather is anticipated, flush out the water in the
reservoir by operating the pump. Fill the reservoir with
windshield antifreeze (not radiator antifreeze), and operate the
system for a few seconds to flush out the residual water.
FULL
1/2
BK0140800US.book 11 ページ ２０１１年９月２９日　木曜日　午後３時２８分

Alphabetical index
3
Specifications 9-8
Electric motor switch 3-30
Electric motor unit warning light 3-75
Electric power steering system (EPS) 3-44
Electric rear window defogger switch 3-89
Electronic immobilizer (Anti-theft starting system) 3-3
Energy level gauge 3-69
Energy usage indicator 3-60
EV charging cable 1-28
F
Floor mat 4-3
Fluid
Brake fluid 7-12
,9-10
Coolant 7-7
,9-10
Hot water heater fluid 7-7
,9-10
Washer fluid 7-11
,9-10
Fluid capacities and lubricants 9-10
Front fog lights
Bulb capacity 7-36
Indicator 3-72
Replacement 7-40
Switch 3-83
Front seats 2-3
Front side-marker lights
Bulb capacity 7-36
Replacement 7-38
Front turn signal lights
Bulb capacity 7-36Replacement 7-40
Fuses 7-29
Fusible links 7-28
G
Gauges 3-58
General maintenance 7-27
General vehicle data 9-6
Genuine parts 1-9
Glove compartment 3-129
H
Hazard warning flasher switch 3-83
Hazard warning lights 3-72
Head restraints 2-10
Headlights
Bulb capacity 7-36
Dimmer 3-81
Headlight flasher 3-81
Reminder buzzer 3-80
Switch 3-76
Heat
Cautions and actions to deal with intense heat 1-10
High beam indicator 3-72
High-mounted stop light
Bulb capacity 7-36
Replacement 7-45
High-Voltage components 1-41
Hood 7-4
BK0140800US.book 3 ページ ２０１１年９月２９日　木曜日　午後３時２８分