2012 MITSUBISHI iMiEV service

Quick index
5
The electric motor unit does not
start.
The lights do not come on.
The lights are dim.
The horn does not honk.
The horn sound is weak.
Cannot charge the main drive lith-
ium-ion battery.Have the 12V starter battery checked. Recharge or replace as needed.P. 6 - 2 ,
7-13
The vehicle is stuck in sand, mud,
or snow.Rock your vehicle back and forth to free it. P.6-22
WA R N I N G
!
When attempting to rock your vehicle out of a stuck position, be sure that no one is near the vehicle. The rocking
motion may cause the vehicle to suddenly lurch forward or backward, possibly injuring bystanders.
Avoid spinning the wheels. Prolonged efforts to free a stuck vehicle may result in transmission failure.
If the vehicle remains stuck after several rocking attempts, have a towing service pull the vehicle out.
Problem
Do this
Ref. Page
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General information/Charging
1-3
1
Regenerative braking
N01205600013
It is equivalent to engine braking of a gasoline or diesel pow-
ered vehicle. When you take your foot off the accelerator pedal
during driving, motion energy is converted into electric energy
using the motor as a power generator.
During this conversion, braking force is generated and con-
verted electric energy is used to charge the main drive lithium-
ion battery. The generative braking force can be adjusted using
the selector lever.
Set the selector lever to “B” (REGENERATIVE BRAKE
MODE) or “ECO” (ECO MODE) position for increased regen-
erative braking as follows:

“B”: Strong regenerative braking (For downhill driving)

“ECO”: Moderate regenerative braking (For economical
driving or gentle downhill driving)NOTE
If a problem occurs in the electric motor unit, or if the
ABS and/or the ASC have been activated, the regenera-
tive braking will be restricted. The service brakes will still
operate.

Keep the brake pedal depressed until you are ready
to drive. When the vehicle is in the “D” (DRIVE),
“ECO” (ECO MODE), “B” (REGENERATIVE
BRAKE MODE) or “R” (REVERSE) position, if
you release the brake pedal and even if you do not
depress accelerator, the vehicle will creep and may
move slowly.
WA R N I N G
!
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1-4 General information/Charging
1
Main drive lithium-ion battery
N01200300015
NOTE
It is recommended that your vehicle be stored at tempera-
tures below 77 °F (25 °C) to help maximize the life of the
main drive lithium-ion battery.Decrease of battery capacity
N01205500012

The capacity of the lithium-ion battery used as the main
drive lithium-ion battery on your i-MiEV, like other com-
monly used lithium ion batteries, will decrease according
to time and usage. This type of decrease in battery capac-
ity is normal, and is not indicative of any defect or failure
in your main drive lithium-ion battery. As the main drive
lithium-ion battery capacity decreases, the initial cruising
range of the vehicle will similarly decrease.
WA R N I N G
!
The main drive lithium-ion battery is a sealed high
voltage battery and has no user serviceable parts.
• To avoid severe burns and/or electrical shock that
may result in serious injury or death, never
attempt to detach the main drive lithium-ion bat-
tery from the vehicle or try to disassemble it.
• Never attempt to dispose or recycle the main drive
lithium-ion battery by yourself. Consult with a
certified i-MiEV dealer, when the main drive lith-
ium-ion battery is disposed or recycled.
• Never attempt to use the main drive lithium-ion
battery for any other purpose.CAUTION
!
To help prevent damage to the main drive lithium-
ion battery, follow the instructions described below.
Failure to do so can result in damage to the main
drive lithium-ion battery that will not be covered by
the main drive lithium-ion battery warranty.
• Do not leave your vehicle with the energy level
gauge (Refer to “Energy level gauge” on page 3-
69) showing 0 bars.
• Repeatedly performing quick charging can reduce
battery capacity. Regular charging is recom-
mended unless quick charging is necessary.

Do not store your vehicle at ambient temperatures
above 131 °F (55 °C) for over 24 hours, or below
-13 °F (-25 °C) for over 7 days. The temperatures
may damage the main drive lithium-ion battery.
CAUTION
!
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General information/Charging
1-5
1

Mitsubishi Motors estimates that after 5 years, the capac-
ity of the main drive lithium-ion battery provided with
your vehicle will be approximately 80% of the original
capacity. After 10 years, the capacity should be approxi-
mately 70% of the original capacity. These are only esti-
mates, and the actual capacity of your vehicle battery over
time will depend on a variety of factors including how
your vehicle is used, stored and charged. Factors that can
adversely affect battery capacity over time include fre-
quent driving using aggressive acceleration/deceleration,
repeated frequent use of the quick charger, and opera-
tion/storage in extreme temperature environments.

The main drive lithium-ion battery has a limited service
life, and when its charging capacity falls, owners should
bring their vehicle to a certified i-MiEV dealer for inspec-
tion and possible battery replacement.

For details regarding the warranty coverage for the main
drive lithium-ion battery, refer to the Warranty and Main-
tenance Manual.NOTE
To help maintain the capacity of the main drive lithium-
ion battery, the following are recommended:
• Fully charge the vehicle by regular charging every 2
weeks.
• Do not repeat charging when the main drive lithium-ion
battery is at or near full charge.
Cruising range
N01200400016
The distance you can drive the vehicle (cruising range)
depends on a number of factors including available charge,
weather, temperature, usage, battery age, topography, and driv-
ing style. When the main drive lithium-ion battery is new, the
estimated cruising range with a fully charged main drive lith-
ium-ion battery is 62 miles (100 km) based on the EPA labora-
tory test commonly called the combined range. Your actual
range can vary, either initially or as the battery ages and with
use over time.
As the main drive lithium-ion battery capacity decreases, the
cruising range of the vehicle will similarly decrease. Refer to
“Decrease of battery capacity” on page 1-4.NOTE
Since cooling or heating consumes power from the main
drive lithium-ion battery, operation of these functions will
reduce the cruising range.

Put the selector lever in the “B” (REGENERATIVE
BRAKE MODE) or “Eco” (ECO MODE) position
according to the road condition. Using appropriate regen-
erative braking can help increase the cruising range. Refer
to “Regenerative braking” on page 1-3.
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General information/Charging
1-41
1 High-Voltage components
N01205700014
High voltage components and wiring cables are located as
shown in the figure below.
WA R N I N G
!
The EV (Electric Vehicle) system uses high voltage
up to DC 330 volt. The system can be hot during and
after starting and when the vehicle is shut off. Be
careful of both the high voltage and the high temper-
ature. Follow the warning labels that are attached to
the vehicle.
Never disassemble, remove or replace high-voltage
parts, cables or connectors. Failure to follow this
instruction can result in severe burns or electric
shock causing serious injury or death. High-voltage
cables are colored orange. The vehicle high voltage
system has no user serviceable parts. Take your
vehicle to a Certified i-MiEV dealer for any neces-
sary maintenance.
1- Regular charge port
2- MCU
3- Main drive lithium-ion battery
4- Heater
5- Air conditioner compressor
6- High voltage connector
7- Service plug
8- Electric motor (Electric motor unit)
9- On board charger/DC-DC converter
10- Quick charge port
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1-42 General information/Charging
1
In case of a collision
N01205800015
In case of a collision, follow the instructions described below
to avoid severe burns and electrical shock that may result in
serious injury or death.
WA R N I N G
!
If your vehicle is drivable, pull your vehicle off the
road in a safe place, move the selector lever to the P
(PARK) position, apply the parking brake and turn
the electric motor switch to the lock position.
Never touch high-voltage wiring, connectors, and
other high-voltage parts, such as inverter unit and
main drive lithium-ion battery. An electric shock
may occur if exposed electric wires are visible when
viewed from inside or outside of your vehicle. For
their locations, see “High-voltage components” on
page 1-41.
If the vehicle receives a strong impact to the floor
while driving, stop the vehicle in a safe place and
check the floor.
Leaks or damage to the main drive lithium-ion bat-
tery may result in a fire. If you discover them, con-
tact emergency services immediately. Since the fluid
leak may be lithium manganite from the Lithium-
ion battery, never touch a fluid leak inside or outside
the vehicle. If the fluid contacts your skin or eyes,
wash it off immediately with a large amount of
water and receive immediate medical attention to
help avoid serious injury.

If a fire occurs in this vehicle, leave the vehicle as
soon as possible. Only use a type ABC, BC or C fire
extinguisher that is meant for use on electrical fires.
Using water or the incorrect fire extinguisher can
result in serious injury or death from electrical
shock.
If your vehicle needs to be towed, transport the vehi-
cle on a flatbed truck or tow the vehicle either with
all wheels or the rear wheels (drive wheels) off the
ground. If the rear wheels are on the ground when
towing, this may cause damage to the electric
motors. Also this may cause a fire, if wiring in the
electric motor unit room becomes damaged. Refer to
“Towing” on page 6-19.
If you are not able to safely assess the vehicle due to
vehicle damage, do not touch the vehicle. Leave the
vehicle and contact emergency services. Advise
emergency responders that this is an electric vehicle.
In the event of an accident that requires body repair
and painting, the vehicle should be delivered to a
Certified i-MiEV dealer to have the main drive lith-
ium-ion battery and high voltage parts such as the
inverter, including the wiring harness, removed
prior to painting. The main drive lithium-ion bat-
tery when exposed to heat in the paint booth will
experience battery capacity loss.
A damaged main drive lithium-ion battery can also
pose safety risks to untrained mechanics and repair
personnel.
WA R N I N G
!
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1-44 General information/Charging
1
NOTE
The MiEV Remote system uses radio waves. The MiEV
Remote can operate within approximately 328 feet (100
m) from the vehicle.
In the following environments or situations, the MiEV
Remote may not transmit and receive radio waves cor-
rectly. As a result, the remote may not operate properly.
• When the vehicle and the MiEV Remote are separated
by a concrete wall.
• When there is a metal wall between the vehicle and the
MiEV Remote.
• When the vehicle is surrounded by other tall vehicles.
• When the vehicle and/or the MiEV Remote is near a
facility emitting strong radio waves, such as a television
tower, a transformer substation, a broadcasting station or
an airport.
• When other electrical equipment such as computers or
cell-phones are placed near the MiEV Remote.
• When the MiEV Remote touches something metallic, or
is covered by a metal object.
• When batteries for the MiEV Remote are weak.
WA R N I N G
!
Individuals who use implantable pacemakers or
implantable cardiovascular-defibrillators should
keep away from the external and internal transmit-
ters. The electromagnetic waves used in the MiEV
Remote System may affect the operation of implant-
able pacemakers and implantable cardiovascular-
defibrillators.
Individuals using other electro-medical apparatus
besides implantable pacemakers and implantable
cardiovascular-defibrillators should check with the
manufacturer of the apparatus to confirm the effect
of the electromagnetic waves used by the MiEV
Remote System. The electromagnetic waves may
affect the operations of the electro-medical appara-
tus.
Never use the MiEV Remote near medical equip-
ment. Electromagnetic waves could adversely affect
the medical equipment.
Keep the MiEV Remote in the place where children
will not touch or play with the remote.
When bringing the MiEV Remote on flights, do not
press any switches on the MiEV Remote while on the
plane. If a switch is pressed on the plane, the MiEV
Remote emits electromagnetic waves which like cell
phones and other wireless devices, could interfere
with systems on the airplane.
When carrying the MiEV Remote in a bag, be care-
ful that no switches on the MiEV Remote can be
pressed by mistake.
CAUTION
!
Never disassemble or modify the MiEV Remote. No
user serviceable parts are inside except batteries.
Disassembling or modifying the MiEV Remote or
removing a label from the MiEV Remote may vio-
late regulations.
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Seat and restraint systems
2-57
2
The side airbag and curtain airbag ARE NOT
DESIGNED TO DEPLOY when …The side airbag and curtain airbag are not designed to deploy in
situations where they cannot provide protection to the occu-
pants. Some typical situations are shown in the illustrations.
Because the side airbags and curtain airbags do not protect the
occupants in all types of collisions, be sure to always wear your
seat belts properly.
SRS servicing
N00408500715
Head-on collision
Rear end collision
WA R N I N G
!
Any maintenance performed on or near the compo-
nents of the SRS should be performed only by a cer-
tified i-MiEV dealer. Do not permit anyone else to
do any service, inspection, maintenance or repair on
any SRS components or wiring. Similarly, no part of
the SRS should ever be handled, removed or dis-
posed by anyone except a certified i-MiEV dealer.
Improper work methods on the SRS components or
wiring could result in an accidental airbag deploy-
ment or could make the SRS inoperable. Either of
these situations could result in serious injury or
death.
Do not modify your steering wheel or any other SRS
component or related vehicle part. For example,
replacement of the steering wheel, or modifications
to the front bumper or body structure can adversely
affect SRS performance and may lead to injury.
If your vehicle has received any damage, you should
have the SRS inspected by a certified i-MiEV dealer
to make sure it is in proper working order.
Do not modify your front seats, center pillar or cen-
ter console. Such modifications can adversely affect
SRS performance and may lead to injury.
Also, if you discover any tear or open seam in the
seat fabric near the side airbag, have the seat
inspected by a certified i-MiEV dealer.
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