2012 MITSUBISHI iMiEV traction control

2-14 Seat and restraint systems
2
Seat belt instructions
N00406200457
All seats are equipped with a seat belt which uses one com-
bined lap-and-shoulder belt with an emergency locking retrac-
tor.
This system is designed to provide both comfort and safety. It
permits full extension and automatic retraction of the belts dur-
ing normal vehicle operation. A sensing device inside the belt
retractor is designed to lock the retractor in the event of a sud-
den change in the vehicle’s motion.NOTE
For instructions on installing a child restraint system using
a seat belt, refer to “Installing a child restraint system
using the seat belt” on page 2-31.1. Occupants should always sit back in their seats with their
backs against the upright seatback. To reduce the risk of
serious injury or death during deployment of the airbag,
adjust the driver’s seat as far back as possible while main-
taining a position that still enables you to fully apply the
pedals, easily control the steering wheel, and safely oper-
ate the vehicle. The front passenger seat should also be
moved as far back as possible. Refer to “Supplemental
Restraint System (SRS) - airbag” on page 2-35. Also refer
to “To adjust the seat forward or backward” on page 2-5.
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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.
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3-48 Features and controls
3
NOTE
Using the ASC OFF switch turns off both the skid control
function and the traction control function.

When moving out of mud, sand or fresh snow, pressing
the accelerator pedal may not allow the electric motor
speed to increase. In such situations, temporarily deacti-
vate the ASC, using the ASC OFF switch.

If you continue to press the ASC OFF switch after the
ASC is turned off, the “mistaken operation protection
function” will activate and the ASC will turn back on.
ASC indicator, ASC OFF indicator
N00546900053
The indicators should illuminate when the electric motor
switch is turned to the “ON” position, and should turn off after
a few seconds.
If the indicator stays on or does not illuminate when the elec-
tric motor switch is turned to the “ON” position, have the vehi-
cle inspected by a certified i-MiEV dealer as soon as possible.
indicator blinks when the ASC is operating.
indicator is illuminated when the ASC is deactivated.
CAUTION
!
When indicator blinks, the ASC is operating,
which means that the road is slippery or that your
vehicle’s wheels are beginning to slip. If this hap-
pens, drive slower.
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Vehicle care and maintenance
7-21
7
Treadwear, Traction and Temperature GradesTreadwear
The treadwear grade is a comparative rating based on the wear
rate of the tire when tested under controlled conditions on a
specified government test course. For example, a tire graded
150 would wear one and one-half (1
1/2) times as well on the
government course as a tire graded 100. The relative perfor-
mance of tires depends upon the actual conditions of their use,
however, and may depart significantly from the norm due to
variations in driving habits, service practices and differences in
road characteristics and climate.
Traction
The traction grades, from highest to lowest, are AA, A, B and
C. Those grades represent the tire’s ability to stop on wet pave-
ment as measured under controlled conditions on specified
government test surfaces of asphalt and concrete. A tire
marked C may have poor traction performance.
Temperature
The temperature grades are A (the highest), B and C, represent-
ing the tire’s resistance to the generation of heat and its ability
to dissipate heat when tested under controlled conditions on a
specified indoor laboratory test wheel. Sustained high tempera-
ture can cause the material of the tire to degenerate and reduce
tire life, and excessive temperature can lead to sudden tire fail-
ure. The grade C corresponds to a level of performance which
all passenger car tires must meet under the Federal Motor Vehi-
cle Safety Standard No. 109. Grades B and A represent higher
levels of performance on the laboratory test wheel than the
minimum required by law.
Tire inflation pressures
N00939300860
Proper tire inflation pressure is essential for the safe and satis-
factory operation of your vehicle. The wrong tire pressure will
cause problems in three major areas:

Safety
Too little pressure increases flexing in the tire and can
cause tire failure. Too much pressure can cause a tire to
lose its ability to cushion shock. Objects on the road and
potholes could then cause tire damage that may result in
tire failure.

Economy
The wrong tire pressure can cause uneven wear patterns in
the tire tread. These abnormal wear patterns will reduce
the tread life, and the tire will have to be replaced sooner.
Too little pressure also makes it harder for the tire to roll,
and this uses up more power.

Ride comfort and vehicle stability
The superior riding experience built into your vehicle
partly depends on the correct tire pressure. Too much
pressure gives an uncomfortable and jarring ride. Too lit-
tle pressure feels as if your vehicle is slow to respond.
Unequal tire pressures can make steering your vehicle
uneven and unpredictable.
The correct tire pressure for your vehicle is listed on the plac-
ard attached to the sill of the driver’s door.
(Refer to “Tire and loading information placard” on page 9-4.)
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8-2 Customer assistance/Reporting Safety Defects
8Consumer information (For vehicles sold in
U.S.A.)
N01047100171
This information is provided in compliance with the require-
ments of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration,
Department of Transportation. It provides the purchasers
and/or prospective purchasers with information on reporting
safety defects. Uniform tire quality gradingDOT quality grades - All passenger vehicle tires must conform
to Federal Safety Requirements in addition to these grades. The
specific grade rating in each grade category is shown on the
side wall of the tires on your vehicle. Treadwear The treadwear grade is a comparative rating based on the wear
rate of the tire when tested under controlled conditions on a
specified government test course. For example, a tire graded
150 would wear one and one-half (1
1/2) times as well on the
government course as a tire graded 100. The relative perfor-
mance of tires depends upon the actual conditions of their use,
however, and may depart significantly from the norm due to
variations in driving habits, service practices and differences in
road characteristics and climate.
Traction AA, A, B, C The traction grades, from highest to lowest, are AA, A, B and
C. Those grades represent the tire’s ability to stop on wet pave-
ment as measured under controlled conditions on specified
government test surfaces of asphalt and concrete. A tire
marked C may have poor traction performance.
Temperature A, B, CThe temperature grades are A (the highest), B and C, represent-
ing the tire’s resistance to the generation of heat and its ability
to dissipate heat when tested under controlled conditions on a
specified indoor laboratory test wheel. Sustained high tempera-
ture can cause the material of the tire to degenerate and reduce
tire life, and excessive temperature can lead to sudden tire fail-
ure. The grade C corresponds to a level of performance which
all passenger car tires must meet under the Federal Motor Vehi-
cle Safety Standard No. 109. Grades B and A represent higher
levels of performance on the laboratory test wheel than the
minimum required by law.
WA R N I N G
!
The traction grade assigned to this tire is based on
straight-ahead braking traction tests, and does not
include acceleration, cornering, hydroplaning, or
peak traction characteristics.
WA R N I N G
!
The temperature grade for this tire is established for
a tire that is properly inflated and not overloaded.
Excessive speed, underinflation, or excessive load-
ing, either separately or in combination, can cause
heat buildup and possible tire failure.
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Alphabetical index
1
A
Accessory (installation) 1-7
Acoustic vehicle alerting system (AVAS) 3-38
Active stability control 3-46
ASC indicator 3-48
ASC OFF indicator 3-48
ASC OFF switch 3-47
Skid control function 3-47
Traction control function 3-46
Air conditioning 5-6
Important air conditioning operating tips 5-17
Air purifier 5-18
Aluminum wheels 7-55
Antenna 5-40
Anti-lock braking system 3-41
Warning light 3-42
,3-43
ASC 3-46
ASC indicator 3-48
ASC OFF indicator 3-48
ASC OFF switch 3-47
Assist grip 3-131
Audio
AM/FM electronically tuned radio with CD player 5-18
Error codes 5-37
Handling of compact discs 5-38
Steering wheel audio remote control switch 5-34
B
Back up lights
Bulb capacity 7-36
Replacement 7-42
Ball joint, steering linkage seals and drive shaft boots 7-27
Battery
Disconnection and connection 7-16
During cold weather 7-15
Main drive lithium-ion battery 1-4
12V starter battery charging system warning light 3-74
Bluetooth
® 2.0 interface 3-91
Brake
Anti-lock braking system 3-41
Braking 4-8
Fluid 7-12,9-10
Hose 7-27
Parking brake 3-25
Parking brake lever stroke 7-25
Pedal 3-39
Pedal free play 7-25
Power brakes 3-39
Service brake 3-39
Warning light 3-73
Brake assist system 3-40
Break-in recommendations 3-2
Bulb capacity 7-36
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Alphabetical index
6Force limiter 2-23
Front passenger seat belt warning light 2-18
Maintenance and inspection 2-34
Pre-tensioner 2-21
Seat belt extender 2-20
Seat belt instructions 2-14
Seat belt use during pregnancy 2-21
Service brake 3-39
Service precautions 7-2
Service reminder 3-61
,3-63
Skid control function 3-47
Snow tires 7-24
Speedometer 3-59
Steering
Wheel lock 3-32
Stop lights
Bulb capacity 7-36
Replacement 7-42
Storage spaces 3-128
Sun visors 3-122
Supplemental Restraint System 2-35
How the Supplement Restraint System works 2-39
Servicing 2-57
Warning light 2-44
T
Tail lights
Bulb capacity 7-36
Replacement 7-42Theft-alarm system 3-18
Tire
Quality grading 8-2
Tire pressure monitoring system 3-49
Tire repair kit 6-7
Tires 7-18
Inflation pressure 7-21
Maintenance 7-23
Replacing tires and wheels 7-23
Rotation 7-24
Size (tire and wheel) 9-9
Snow tires 7-24
Tire and loading information placard 4-10
,9-4
Tire chains 7-24
Tread wear indicators 7-23
Towing 6-19
Traction control function 3-46
Trailer towing 4-14
Transmission 3-33
Selector lever operation 3-33
Selector lever position indicator 3-34
Selector lever positions 3-35
Trip odometer 3-61
,3-63
Turn signal lights
Indicators 3-72
Lever 3-82
U
USB input terminal 3-117
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