2012 MITSUBISHI iMiEV warning

Overview
Instruments and controls (Instrument panel)
N00100201462
Supplemental restraint system (SRS) -
airbag (for front passenger’s seat) P.2-35
Side vents P.5-2
Cup holder P.3-130Glove compartment P.3-
129
Selector lever
P.3-33Parking brake lever P.3-25Cup holder P.3-130
Quick charging lid opener (if so equipped)
P.1-3312 V power outlet P.3-123Electric rear window defogger switch P.3-89 Heated seat switch
P. 2 - 7Air conditioning
P. 5 - 6Hazard warning flasher
switch P.3-83
Center vents P.5-2
Hood release lever
P. 7 - 4
Card holder P.3-129 Audio (if so equipped) P.5-18
Mitsubishi Multi-Communication System (if so equipped)
Refer to the separate “Mitsubishi Multi-Communication
System owner’s manual”
USB input terminal
(if so equipped)
P. 3 - 1 1 7
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Quick index
1
If this warning light comes on or flashes while you’re driving...
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NOTE
These warning lights will come on for a few seconds for a bulb check when the electric motor switch is first turned to “ON”.
Warning light
Do this
Ref. page
12V starter battery charging system warning
light
Park your vehicle in a safe place and turn off the electric motor unit.
Contact a certified i-MiEV dealer for assistance.P. 3 - 7 4
or
Brake warning light
If this light comes on while driving, check to see that the parking
brake is fully released.

If this light stays on after releasing the parking brake, stop and check
the brake fluid level.

If the brake fluid level is correct, there may be a system malfunction.
Avoid hard braking and high speeds, and contact a certified i-MiEV
dealer for assistance.P. 3 - 7 3
Electric motor unit warning light
Park your vehicle in a safe place and contact a certified i-MiEV
dealer for assistance.P. 3 - 7 5
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2 Quick index
Anti-lock braking system warning light
When this light comes on, the anti-lock braking system is not func-
tioning and only the ordinary braking system is functioning.

Park your vehicle in a safe place and stop the electric motor unit.
Test the system as described on page 3-43.

If the light does not go out after the test, or if it comes on again, we
recommend that you have the system checked at a certified i-MiEV
dealer as soon as possible.P. 3 - 4 2 ,
3-43
SRS warning light
It is not necessary to stop the vehicle immediately, but we recommend
that you have the airbag and the pre-tensioner seat belt system
checked at a certified i-MiEV dealer as soon as possible.P. 2 - 2 2 ,
2-44
Electric power steering system (EPS) warning
light
If this light comes on while driving, it may become harder to turn the
steering wheel.

Park your vehicle in a safe place and stop the electric motor unit.
Test the system as described on page 3-45.

If the light does not go out after the test, or if it comes on again, we
recommend that you have the system checked at a certified i-MiEV
dealer as soon as possible.P.3-45
Power down warning light
If this light comes on while driving, avoid sudden acceleration and
sudden starting.

When the remaining power in the main drive lithium-ion battery is
low, recharge the main drive lithium-ion battery as soon as possible.P.3-75
Warning light
Do this
Ref. page
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Quick index
3
Selector lever position indicator in the instru-
ment cluster flashes slowly
Have the transmission checked at a certified i-MiEV dealer as soon as
possible.P. 3 - 3 4
and
ASC indicator and ASC OFF indicator
Park your vehicle in a safe place and turn off the electric motor unit.
Restart the electric motor unit and check to see if the indicator comes
on again.

If the indicator does not go out, or if it comes on again, have your
vehicle inspected at a certified i-MiEV dealer as soon as possible.

When this indicator comes on, the active stability control is not func-
tioning and normal operation of the vehicle will not be affected.P. 3 - 4 8
Tire pressure monitoring system warning light
If the warning light comes on, you should stop and adjust the tires to
the proper inflation pressure as soon as possible.
(See “Tire inflation pressures” on page 7-21.)
Once adjustments have been made, the warning light will go off after
a few minutes of driving.

If the warning light blinks for approximately 1 minute and then
remains continuously illuminated, the system is not operating prop-
erly. If the system returns to normal, the warning light will go off. If
the warning light does not go off, have the vehicle inspected at a cer-
tified i-MiEV dealer.P.3-50, 3-52
Warning light
Do this
Ref. page
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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
N01200200014

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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General information/Charging
1-7
1 Modifications to and racing of your vehicle
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This vehicle should not be modified with non-Mitsubishi
Motors genuine parts. Mitsubishi Motors designs and manufac-
tures high quality vehicles with an emphasis on safety and
durability. Modifications using non-Mitsubishi Motors genuine
parts may affect the performance, safety and/or durability of
your vehicle, and may violate applicable state and/or federal
regulations.
DAMAGE OR PERFORMANCE PROBLEMS RESULT-
ING FROM MODIFICATIONS TO OR RACING OF
YOUR VEHICLE ARE NOT COVERED UNDER WAR-
RANTY.
Examples of modifications to your vehicle that can cause dam-
age or performance problems include the following:

Failure to use Mitsubishi Motors genuine parts

Failure to use required fluids (refer to “Refill capacities”
on page 9-10)

Failure to use proper size tires and wheels

Modification of the suspension, electric motor, drive train,
batteries (main drive lithium-ion battery and 12V starter
battery), charging systems or electrical wiring systems

Modification of any onboard computer/control module,
including reprogramming, or replacing/adding chips to
any onboard computer/control module
Review the Warranty and Maintenance Manual for further
details regarding warranty coverage.
Installation of accessories
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The installation of accessories, optional parts, etc., should
only be carried out within the limits prescribed by law in
the driving area and in accordance with the guidelines and
warnings contained within the documents accompanying
this vehicle.
Only Mitsubishi Motors approved accessories should be
fitted to your vehicle.

Improper installation of electrical parts could cause fire.
Refer to the “Modification/alterations to the electrical sys-
tems” section within this owner’s manual.

Tires and wheels which do not meet specifications must
not be used.
Refer to the “Specifications” section for information
regarding wheel and tire sizes.
CAUTION
!
Before any electrical or electronic accessories are
installed, consult a certified i-MiEV dealer.
WA R N I N G
!
If you choose to use a cellular phone while driving,
you must not allow that usage to distract you in the
safe operation of your vehicle. Anything, including
cellular phone usage, that distracts you from the
safe operation of your vehicle increases your risk of
an accident.
Refer to and follow all local laws in your area
regarding cellular phone usage while driving.
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1-10 General information/Charging
1Cautions and actions to deal with intense heat
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When the vehicle is driven in a high ambient temperature, its air-conditioner performance can be insufficient. Also, using the
air conditioner will reduce the vehicle’s cruising range.

When the ambient temperature is approximately 104 °F (40 °C) or higher, the phenomena described below may occur. Please
take the described actions.

Even if the ambient temperature is approximately 104 °F (40 °C) or lower, the phenomena described below may occur. Please
take the described actions.Approx. ambi-
ent temperature
Phenomena
Corrective action
Approx. 104 °F
(40 °C) or higherStartup and driving •
•During quick charging (if so equipped), repeated high-
speed driving, or repeated uphill driving, the power down
warning light* comes on and the motor output is restricted
to protect the main drive lithium-ion battery or motor
(electric motor unit).
Regenerative braking performance may decrease. When
braking, depress the brake pedal more strongly.• Stop the vehicle in a safe
place for a while, avoid quick
charging (if so equipped), and
wait for the power down
warning light* to go off.
Charging and bat-
tery• During quick charging (if so equipped), charging times get
longer.
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General information/Charging
1-11
1
NOTE
*: Refer to “Power down warning light” on page 3-75. Illumination of the power down warning light does not indicate a mal-
function.Approx.113 °F
(45 °C) or higherStartup and driving •
•During quick charging (if so equipped), repeated high-
speed driving, or repeated uphill driving, the power down
warning light* comes on and the motor output is restricted
to protect the main drive lithium-ion battery and/or motor
(electric motor unit).
Regenerative braking performance may decrease. When
braking, depress the brake pedal more strongly.• Stop the vehicle in a safe
place for a while, avoid quick
charging (if so equipped), and
wait for the power down
warning light* to go off.
• If you continue driving after the power down warning
light* comes on, the vehicle may stop after you have
driven a few miles/kilometres.
Charging and bat-
tery•
•The EV charging cable (regular charging cable) cannot be
used.
During quick charging (if so equipped), charging times get
longer.• Park in a safe, well-ventilated
and shady place.
• The main drive lithium-ion battery capacity is decreased
more quickly, and the cruising range is decreased.Approx. 140 °F
(60 °C) or higherStartup and driving • The power down warning light* comes on, and the vehicle
may stop.• Park in a safe, well-ventilated
and shady place, avoid quick
charging (if so equipped), and
wait for the power down
warning light* to go off.
Charging and bat-
tery•
•The EV charging cable (regular charging cable) cannot be
used.
Quick charging (if so equipped) may become impossible.• Park in a safe, well-ventilated
and shady place.Approx. ambi-
ent temperature
Phenomena
Corrective action
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