2012 MITSUBISHI iMiEV tire type

1-2 General information/Charging
1Familiarizing yourself with i-MiEV
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i-MiEV is a pure electric vehicle. Some of the vehicle systems
operate differently from and have different characteristics than
ordinary vehicles equipped with an internal combustion
engine. For this reason, it is very important to read carefully
this entire owner’s manual.Main features
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i-MiEV is powered only by electricity. This vehicle does
not emit exhaust gases, such as carbon dioxide and nitro-
gen oxide.

The i-MiEV uses electricity stored in the lithium ion bat-
tery. The lithium-ion battery is called the main drive lith-
ium-ion battery. This vehicle does not have an internal
combustion engine and does not require gasoline or diesel
fuel.

The main drive lithium-ion battery must be charged with
electricity to drive the vehicle. As the vehicle operates, the
main drive lithium-ion battery gradually discharges. If the
main drive lithium-ion battery becomes completely dis-
charged, the vehicle will not operate until it is re-charged.
The charging process can take up to 23 hours as described
more precisely in this manual.

This vehicle uses two types of batteries. One is 12V
starter battery that is the same type of the battery used in
ordinary vehicles. It is called the 12V starter battery. The
other battery which propels the vehicle is called the main
drive lithium-ion battery.

The 12V starter battery provides power to the vehicle sys-
tems and features such as the audio system, supplemental
restraint systems, headlights and windshield wiper.
The main drive lithium-ion battery provides power to the
electric motor that propels the vehicle and charges the
12V starter battery.

Through a process called regenerative braking, the main
drive lithium-ion battery is automatically charged, while
the vehicle is decelerating or being driven downhill.
NOTE
If the 12V starter battery is discharge, the electric motor
unit cannot be started. And also the main drive lithium-ion
battery cannot be charged.
WA R N I N G
!
Pay special attention to pedestrians. Because there is
no engine noise, pedestrians may not know the vehi-
cle is approaching and may step into the path of
vehicle travel. Refer to “Approaching vehicle audi-
ble system (AVAS)” on page 3-38.
When leaving the vehicle, always turn off the elec-
tric motor switch. Refer to “Electric motor switch”
on page 3-30.
When parking, to avoid unintended vehicle move-
ment, always move the selector lever to “P” (PARK)
position and apply the parking brake because the
vehicle can move when the ready indicator light is
ON. When the ready indicator light is ON, do not
leave the selector lever in a position other than the
“P” (PARK) position. For the ready indicator, refer
to “Indicator and warning light package” on page 3-
71.
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2-22 Seat and restraint systems
2
The seat belt pre-tensioner system includes the following com-
ponents:
The airbag control unit monitors the readiness of the electronic
parts of the system whenever the electric motor switch is in the
“ON” or “START” position. These include all of the items
listed above and all related wiring.
The pre-tensioner seat belt system will operate only when the
electric motor switch is in the “ON” or “START” position.When the seat belt pre-tensioners activate, some smoke is
released and a loud noise will be heard. The smoke is not harm-
ful, but care should be taken not to intentionally inhale it, as it
may cause some temporary irritation to people with respiratory
problems.
The pre-tensioners activate in the event of a moderate-to-
severe front or side impact, even if the seat belt is not being
worn. The seat belt pre-tensioners may not activate in certain
frontal collisions, even though the vehicle may appear to be
severely damaged. Such non-activation does not mean some-
thing is wrong with the seat belt pre-tensioner system, but
rather that the collision forces were not severe enough or not of
the type to activate the system.
SRS warning light
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This warning light tells you if there is a problem involving the
SRS airbags and/or the pre-tensioner seat belts. Refer to “SRS
warning light” on page 2-44.
1- SRS warning light
2- Front impact sensors
3- Seat belt pre-tensioners
4- Airbag control unit
WA R N I N G
!
The seat belt pre-tensioner system is designed to
work only once. After the seat belt pre-tensioners
have been activated, they will not work again. They
must promptly be replaced and the entire seat belt
pre-tensioner system inspected by a certified i-MiEV
dealer.
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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
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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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3-46 Features and controls
3Active stability control (ASC)
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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
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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.
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For emergencies
6-19
6
20. After driving for 10 minutes or 3 miles (5 km) again,
check the tire pressure using the air pressure gauge on the
compressor. (Refer to “Tire inflation pressures” on page
7-21.) If the tire pressure has apparently not dropped, the
emergency repair procedure is complete. Before driving,
make sure that the compressor is stowed and the seat
cushion is properly secured. You must still not exceed a
speed of 50 mph (80 km/h). Observe local speed limits.NOTE
If the tire pressure has dropped below the specified level
when you check it at the end of the repair procedure, do
not drive the vehicle any further. Contact a certified i-
MiEV dealer.

In cold conditions (when the ambient temperature is 32 °F
{0 °C} or lower), the time and driving distance necessary
until completion of the repair can become longer than in
warmer conditions, and the tire pressure may drop below
the specified level even after you have inflated the tire the
second time and subsequently driven the vehicle. If this
happens, inflate the tire to the specified pressure once
more, drive for about 10 minutes or 3 miles (5 km), then
check the tire pressure again. If the tire pressure has again
dropped below the specified level, stop driving the vehicle
and contact a certified i-MiEV dealer.

Please give the empty sealant bottle to a certified i-MiEV
dealer or dispose of the sealant bottle according to regula-
tions for the disposal of chemical waste.
To w i n g
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If your vehicle needs to be towedIf you need to tow your vehicle, contact a certified i-MiEV
dealer or a commercial tow truck service.
Transport the vehicle on a flatbed truck or tow the vehicle
either with all wheels or the rear wheels (drive wheels) off the
ground.Flat bed type
Dolly type
Towing with rear wheels off the ground
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7-18 Vehicle care and maintenance
7Tires
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It is important to familiarize yourself with the following terms:

Cold tire pressure:
• The measured pressure after the vehicle has been parked
for at least three hours,
or
• The measured pressure when the vehicle is driven less
than 1 mile (1.6 km) after having been parked for three
hours.

Maximum inflation pressure: the maximum permissible
cold tire inflation pressure for this tire.

Recommended inflation pressure: the inflation pressure
for optimum tire performance.
Intended outboard sidewall:
• The sidewall that contains a whitewall, bears white let-
tering or bears manufacturer, brand, and/or model name
molding that is higher or deeper than the same molding
on the other sidewall of the tire,
or
• The outward facing sidewall of an asymmetrical tire that
has a particular side that must always face outward
when mounted on a vehicle.

Passenger car tire: a tire intended for use on passenger
cars, multipurpose passenger vehicles, and trucks, that
have a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 10,000
pounds or less.

Light truck (LT) tire: a tire designated by its manufacturer
as primarily intended for use on lightweight trucks or mul-
tipurpose passenger vehicles.

Tread: portion of a tire that comes into contact with the
road.

Tread rib: a tread section running circumferentially
around a tire.

Tread separation: pulling away of the tread from the tire
carcass.

Carcass: the tire structure, except tread and sidewall rub-
ber which, when inflated, bears the load.

Sidewall: portion of a tire between the tread and bead.

Section width: the linear distance between the exteriors of
the sidewalls of an inflated tire, excluding elevations due
to labeling, decoration, or protective bands.

Bead: the part of the tire that is made of steel wires,
wrapped or reinforced by ply cords and that is shaped to
fit the rim.

Ply: a layer of rubber-coated parallel cords.
WA R N I N G
!
Driving with tires that are worn, damaged or
improperly inflated is dangerous.
These type tire conditions will adversely affect vehi-
cle performance.
These type tire conditions can also cause a tread sep-
aration or blowout which may result in an accident
causing serious injury or death.
Tires degrade over time with age even when they are
not being used. It is recommended that tires over 6
years generally be replaced even if damage is not
obvious.
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Vehicle care and maintenance
7-23
7
Replacing tires and wheels
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Tire maintenance
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The following maintenance steps are recommended:

Check tire pressures regularly.

Have regular maintenance done on the wheel balance and
front and rear suspension alignment.
Tread wear indicators
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Tread wear indicators are built into the original equipment tires
on your vehicle to help you know when your tires should be
replaced. Many states have laws requiring that you replace
your tires at this point.
These indicators are molded into the bottom of the tread
grooves and will appear when the tire tread is worn down to
1/16 inch (1.6 mm).
When the bands appear next to one another in two or more
places, replace your tires. NOTE
Tire wear indicators can have different marks and loca-
tions depending on the tire manufacturer.
CAUTION
!
Avoid using different size tires and wheels from the
ones listed, and avoid the combined use of different
types of tires and wheels. Using different size or type
tires and wheels may affect driving safety.
Refer to “Tires and wheels” on page 9-9.
Even if a wheel has the same rim size and offset as
the specified type of wheel, its shape may prevent it
from being fitted correctly. Consult a certified
i-MiEV dealer before using wheels that you have.
Only Mitsubishi Motors genuine wheels should be
used, because your vehicle is equipped with a tire
pressure monitoring system.
Use of another type of wheel risks air leaks and
sensor damage, as it will not be possible to install the
tire pressure sensor properly.
1- Location of the tread wear indicator
2- Tread wear indicator
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7-24 Vehicle care and maintenance
7
Tire rotation
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Because the front and rear tires and wheels are not the same
size, do not rotate the front and rear tires.
Snow tires
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In some areas of the country, snow tires are required for winter
driving. If snow tires are required in your area, you must
choose snow tires of the same size and type as the original tires
provided with your vehicle. Snow tires should also be installed
on all four wheels. Otherwise your safety and vehicle handling
can be reduced.
Even where laws may permit it, snow tires should not be oper-
ated at sustained speeds over 75 mph (120 km/h).Tire chains
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WA R N I N G
!
Rotating tires would compromise the stability and
drivability of the vehicle and could lead to a serious
accident.
CAUTION
!
If flange nuts are used on your vehicle, change to
tapered nuts when using snow tires with steel
wheels.
Only Mitsubishi Motors genuine wheels should be
used, because your vehicle is equipped with a tire
pressure monitoring system.
Use of another type of wheel risks air leaks and
sensor damage, as it will not be possible to install the
tire pressure sensor properly.
CAUTION
!
Tire chains cannot be used on your vehicle. The
clearance between the chains and the body is not
sufficient to allow proper clearance, and the vehicle
body might be damaged.
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