2013 MITSUBISHI iMiEV brake light

Familiarizing yourself with
i-MiEV E00202600016
This
section describes features that the i-MiEV has
as an electric vehicle and gives precautions that
you should observe. It is important. Please read it
carefully.
Main features E00202700059
l Energy
required for driving is only electrici-
ty and fuel supply is not required.
l The traction battery and electric motor unit
are mounted outside the passenger compart-
ment. In this way, passenger space is ob-
tained for riding of four adults.
l With the high performance motor, noise and
vibration during driving are greatly limited
and powerful acceleration can also be ob-
tained.
l With regenerative braking, the traction bat-
tery is automatically charged when the accel-
erator is released.
l The vehicle can be charged from general pow-
er outlets (rated AC 220-240 V).
l Charge with the quick charger for i-MiEV is
also available.
l The creeping behaviour occurs in i-MiEV
like a vehicle with automatic transmission. WARNING
l Always
pay special attention to pedes-
trians.
Even if the Acoustic Vehicle Alerting Sys-
tem (AVAS) sounds, pedestrians may not
notice your vehicle. Refer to “Acoustic Ve-
hicle Alerting System (AVAS)” on page
5-12.
Regenerative braking
It is equivalent to engine braking of an engine vehi-
cle.
If you step off the accelerator pedal during driv-
ing, motion energy is converted into electric energy
using the motor as a power generator.
In this conversion, braking force is generated and
converted electric energy is charged in the traction
battery.
Regenerative braking is stronger in the order of the
selector lever position of “C” (COMFORT), “D”
(DRIVE), “B” (BRAKE).
Put the selector lever to the “B” (BRAKE) or “C”
(COMFORT) position according to the driving con-
dition.
“B”: Strong regenerative braking (For downhill)
“C”: Weak regenerative braking (For long cruising)
NOTE
l If a problem occurs in the electric motor unit,
or if the ABS and/or the ASC have been acti-
vated, the regenerative braking will be restric-
ted. The foot brake will still operate. Traction battery
E00202800050 WARNING
l A
sealed lithium ion high voltage battery
is adopted for i-MiEV. If the lithium ion
battery is improperly disposed of, there is
a risk of severe burns and electrical
shock that may result in serious injury or
death and there is also a risk of environ-
mental damage.
l Never attempt to use the traction battery
for any other purpose.
l It
is the battery to operate the motor (electric
motor unit) and the air conditioning.
In addition to the traction battery, i-MiEV
has the auxiliary battery to operate lamps, wip-
ers, etc.
l Compact, light-weight lithium ion battery
with high energy density is used for the trac-
tion battery.
l The lithium ion battery has the following char-
acteristics. Please read this carefully and
treat the battery paying attention to the fol-
lowing: General information
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Energy usage indicator
E00529600014
The
consumption power of the electric motor unit
and the air conditioning, and charged power of elec-
tric energy generated from the regenerative brake
are indicated.
When the ready indicator illuminates, the indicat-
ing needle moves to the standard position (A) and
moves to the left or right according to the use con-
ditions of the vehicle.

[When the indicating needle moves to the right of
the standard position]
Indicates consumption power of the electric motor
unit and the air conditioning.
The more the needle moves to the right, the more
electrical power is being consumed.

[When the indicating needle moves to the left of
the standard position]
Indicates charged power of electric energy gener-
ated from regenerative braking.
The more the needle moves to the left, the more
electric energy is charged. Odometer/Tripmeter/Meter illumina-
tion control/Service reminder/Cruis-
ing range indicator
E00500601214
With
the electric motor switch in the “ON” posi-
tion, the odometer, tripmeter, meter illumination
control, service reminder and cruising range indica-
tor are displayed. To change the display
E00530700015
The
display is changed every time the reset button
(A) is pressed lightly (less than 1 second). 1- Odometer
2-
Tripmeter 3-
Tripmeter 4- Meter illumination control
5- Service

reminder (Drive distance remaining
until next inspection)
6- Service reminder (Number of months remain- ing until next inspection)
7- Cruising range indicator
NOTE l The cruising range indicator is indicated
when the electric motor switch is in the
“ON” position. Instruments and controls
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NOTE
l Apply
sufficient force to the parking brake
lever to hold the vehicle stationary after the
foot brake is released.
l If the parking brake does not hold the vehicle
stationary after the foot brake is released,
have your vehicle checked immediately.
To release the parking brake 1- Firmly
depress and hold the brake pedal,
then pull the lever up slightly.
2- Push the button at the end of hand grip.
3- Lower the lever fully. CAUTION
l
Before
driving, be sure that the parking
brake is fully released and the brake warn-
ing lamp is off.
If a vehicle is driven without releasing the
parking brake, the brake will be overhea-
ted, resulting in ineffective braking and
possible brake failure. CAUTION
l
If
the brake warning lamp does not extin-
guish when the parking brake is fully re-
leased, the brake system may be malfunc-
tioning.
Have your vehicle checked immediately.
For details, refer to “Brake warning
lamp” on page 4-09. Parking
E00600601534
To

park the vehicle, fully engage the parking
brake, and then move the selector lever to the “P”
(PARK) position.
Parking on a hill
To prevent the vehicle from rolling, follow these
procedures:
Parking on a downhill slope
Turn the front wheels towards the kerb and move
the vehicle forward until the kerb side wheel gently
touches the kerb.
Apply the parking brake and place the selector lev-
er into the “P” (PARK) position.
If necessary, apply chocks to the wheels.
Parking on an uphill slope
Turn the front wheels away from the kerb and
move the vehicle back until the kerb side wheel gen-
tly touches the kerb.
Apply the parking brake and place the selector lev-
er into the “P” (PARK) position.
If necessary, apply chocks to the wheels.
NOTE
l Be sure to apply the parking brake before
moving the selector lever to the “P” (PARK)
position. If you move the selector lever to
the “P” (PARK) position before applying the
parking brake, it may be difficult to disen-
gage the selector lever from the “P” (PARK)
position when you next drive the vehicle, re-
quiring application of a strong force to the se-
lector lever to move it from the “P” (PARK)
position. Starting and driving
5-04
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CAUTION
l
If the ready indicator goes out while driv-
ing, the brake servomechanism will cease
to function and braking efficiency will de-
teriorate. Also, the power steering system
may not operate, the steering wheel feels
heavy when turning it.
l When the ready indicator has turned off,
turn the electric motor switch to the
“LOCK” position.
Leaving the electric motor switch in the
“ON” or “ACC” position and using elec-
trical devices such as the audio system for
a long time could cause the auxiliary bat-
tery to go flat and prevent the electric mo-
tor unit from being started. Steering wheel lock
E00601500692
To lock
Remove the key at the “LOCK” position.
Turn the steering wheel until it is locked.
To unlock
Turn

the key to the “ACC” position while moving
the steering wheel slightly right and left. CAUTION
l
Remove the key when leaving the vehicle.
In some countries, it is prohibited to leave
the key in the vehicle when parked. Starting the electric motor unit
E00629300012 CAUTION
l
Never
attempt to start the electric motor
unit by pushing or pulling the vehicle.
The starting procedure is as follows: 1. Insert
the key in the electric motor switch
and fasten the seat belt.
2. Make sure the parking brake is applied.
3. Depress and hold the brake pedal.
4. Make sure the selector lever is in the “P” (PARK) position. NOTE
l The

electric motor unit will not start unless
the selector lever is in the “P” (PARK) posi-
tion. Starting and driving
5-08
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Inspection and maintenance
following rough road operation E00606700383
After
operating the vehicle in rough road condi-
tions, be sure to perform the following inspection
and maintenance procedures:
l Check that the vehicle has not been damaged
by rocks, gravel, etc.
l Carefully wash the vehicle with water.
Drive the vehicle slowly while lightly depress-
ing the brake pedal in order to dry out the
brakes. If the brakes still do not function prop-
erly, we recommend you to have the brakes
checked as soon as possible.
l Remove the insects, dried grass, etc. clog-
ging the radiator core.
l Check the inside of the vehicle. If water en-
try is found, dry the carpet etc.
l Inspect the headlamps, If the headlamp bulb
is flooded with water, we recommend you to
have it drained. Acoustic Vehicle Alerting System
(AVAS) E00631600038
The
Acoustic Vehicle Alerting System (AVAS) is
a device that uses sound to alert pedestrians of the
presence of the vehicle. The system operates when
the vehicle speed is about 35 km/h (22 mph) or less.
The sound starts when the AVAS is operated in the
following conditions.
l When the vehicle speed is about 3 km/h
(2 mph) or less and the brake pedal is not de-
pressed.
l When the vehicle speed is about 3 km/h
(2 mph) to 35 km/h (22 mph).

The sound does not start in the following cases. l When the vehicle speed is about 3 km/h
(2 mph) or less and the brake pedal is de-
pressed.
l When the vehicle speed is about 35 km/h
(22 mph) or more.
l When the selector lever is in the “P” (PARK)
position.
l When the indication lamp (A) in the AVAS
OFF switch illuminates. Under normal conditions, the indication lamp (A) il-
luminates
when the electric motor switch is turned
to the “ON” position and goes off a few seconds later. WARNING
l Even
if the Acoustic Vehicle Alerting Sys-
tem (AVAS) sounds, pay special attention
to pedestrians.
Pedestrians may not notice the oncoming
vehicle, which may cause an accident re-
sulting in serious personal injury or death. Starting and driving
5-12
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Braking
E00607001869
All
the parts of the brake system are critical to safe-
ty. We recommend you to have the vehicle
checked at regular intervals according to the serv-
ice booklet. CAUTION
l
Avoid
driving habits that cause heavy
braking and never “ride” the brakes by
resting your foot on the brake pedal
while driving.
It causes brake overheating and fading.
Brake system
The
service brake is divided into two brake cir-
cuits. And your vehicle is equipped with power
brakes. If one brake circuit fails, the other is availa-
ble to stop the vehicle. If you should lose the pow-
er assist for some reason, the brakes will still work.
In these situations, even if the brake pedal moves
down to the very end of its possible stroke or re-
sists being depressed, keep depressing the brake ped-
al down harder and further than usual; stop driving
as soon as possible and have the brake system re-
paired. WARNING
l Do
not turn off the electric motor unit
while your vehicle is in motion. If you
turn off the electric motor unit while driv-
ing, the power assistance for the braking
system will stop working and your brakes
will not work effectively. This could lead
to a crash and serious injury. WARNING
l If
the power assist is lost or if either
brake hydraulic system stops working
properly, have your vehicle checked im-
mediately.
Warning lamp
The
brake warning lamp illuminates to indicate a
fault in the braking system. Refer to “Brake warn-
ing lamp” on page 4-09.
When brakes are wet
Check the brake system while driving at a low
speed immediately after starting, especially when
the brakes are wet, to confirm they work normally.
A film of water can be formed on the brake discs
or brake drums and prevent normal braking after
driving in heavy rain or through large puddles, or
after the vehicle is washed. If this occurs, dry the
brakes out by driving slowly while lightly depress-
ing the brake pedal.
When driving downhill
It is important to take advantage of regenerative
braking by shifting to the “B” (BRAKE) position
while driving on steep downhill roads in order to
prevent the brakes from overheating. WARNING
l Do
not leave any objects near the brake
pedal or let a floor mat slide under it; do-
ing so could prevent the full pedal stroke
that would be necessary in an emergency.
Make sure that the pedal can be operated
freely at all times. Make sure the floor
mat is securely held in place.
Brake pad and linings l Avoid hard braking situations.
New

brakes need to be broken-in by moder-
ate use for the first 200 km (125 miles).
l The disc brakes are provided with a warning
device which emits a shrieking metallic
sound while braking if the brake pads have
reached their wear limit. If you hear this
sound, have the brake pads replaced immedi-
ately. WARNING
l Driving
with worn brake pads will make
it harder to stop, and can cause an acci-
dent. Starting and driving
5-14
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Brake assist system
E00627000174
The brake assist system is a device assisting drivers
who
cannot depress the brake pedal firmly when it
is necessary to do so (such as in emergency stop sit-
uations) and provides greater braking force.

If the brake pedal is depressed suddenly, the brakes
will be applied with more force than usual. CAUTION
l
The
brake assist system is not a device de-
signed to exercise braking force greater
than its capacity. Make sure to always
keep a sufficient distance between vehi-
cles in front of you without relying too
much on the brake assist system.
NOTE l Once

the brake assist system is operational,
it maintains great braking force even if the
brake pedal is lightly released.
To stop its operation, completely remove
your foot from the brake pedal.
l The brake assist system may become opera-
tional when the brake pedal is fully de-
pressed even if it has not been depressed sud-
denly. l
When
the brake assist system is in use, you
may feel as if the depressed brake pedal is
soft, the pedal moves in small motions in con-
junction with the sound of the ABS opera-
tion, or the vehicle body and the steering
wheel vibrate. This occurs when the brake as-
sist system is operating normally and does
not indicate faulty operation. Continue to
firmly depress the brake pedal.
l You may hear an operation noise when the
brake pedal is depressed suddenly while sta-
tionary. This does not indicate a malfunction
and the brake assist system is operating nor-
mally. Anti-lock brake system (ABS)
E00607101394
The
anti-lock brake system (ABS) helps prevent
the wheels from locking during braking. This helps
maintain vehicle drivability and steering wheel han-
dling.
Driving hints
l Always keep a safe distance from the vehicle
in front of you. Even if your vehicle is equip-
ped with ABS, leave a greater braking dis-
tance when:
• Driving on gravel or snow-covered roads.
• Driving with tyre chains installed.
• Driving on uneven road surfaces.
l Operation of ABS is not restricted to situa-
tions where brakes are applied suddenly.
This system may also prevent the wheels
from locking when you drive over manholes,
steel roadwork plates, road markings, or any
uneven road surface.
l When the ABS is activated, you may feel the
brake pedal pulsation and the vibrations of
the vehicle body and steering wheel. It may
also feel as if the pedal resists being pressed.
In this situation, simply hold the brake ped-
al down firmly. Do not pump the brake,
which will result in reduced braking per-
formance.
l An operation noise may be emitted from the
bonnet room in the following situations. The
sound is associated with checking the opera-
tions of the anti-lock brake system.
At this time, you may feel a shock from the
brake pedal if you depress it. These do not in-
dicate a malfunction.
• When the electric motor switch is turnedto the “ON” position. Starting and driving
5-15 5
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NOTE
l Using
any part other than the designated tow-
ing hook (A) could result in damage to the ve-
hicle body.
l Using a wire rope or metal chain can result
in damage to the vehicle body. It is best to
use a non-metallic rope. If you use a wire
rope or metal chain, wrap it with cloth at any
point where it touches the vehicle body.
l Take care that the tow rope is kept as horizon-
tal as possible. An angled tow rope can dam-
age the vehicle body.
2. Start the electric motor unit. CAUTION
l
If
the vehicle is towed with the electric mo-
tor switch in the “ON” position without
starting the electric motor unit, the auxili-
ary battery may be flat during towing. In
this case, the brake performance may be
very poor. Steering is also very heavy.
l Do not leave the electric motor switch in
the “LOCK” position. The steering wheel
will lock, causing loss of control.
3. Place
the selector lever in the “N” (NEU- TRAL) position.
4. Turn on the hazard warning lamps if required by law. (Follow the local driving laws and
regulations.)
5. During towing make sure that close contact is maintained between the drivers of both ve-
hicles, and that the vehicles travel at low
speed. CAUTION
l
The
person in the vehicle being towed
must pay attention to the brake lamps of
the towing vehicle and make sure the
rope never becomes slack.
l Avoid sudden braking, sudden accelera-
tion and sharp turning; such operation
could cause damage to the towing hooks
or the tow rope.
People in the vicinity could be injured as
a result.
l When towing or being towed down a long
slope, the brakes may overheat reducing
the effectiveness. In this situation, have
your vehicle transported by a tow truck.
l When the vehicle is to be towed by anoth-
er vehicle with all wheels on the ground,
make sure that the towing speed and dis-
tance given below are never exceeded,
causing damage to the transmission.

Towing speed: 30 km/h (19 mph)
Towing distance: 30 km (19 miles)

For the towing speed and the towing dis-
tance, follow the local driving laws and
regulations.
Towing another vehicle
Your
vehicle cannot be used to tow another vehicle. Operation under adverse driving
conditions E00801702717
On a flooded road l Do

not drive on a flooded road. If you drive
on a flooded road, not only the electric motor
unit stops but also a failure like electric leak-
age or short circuit may occur.
If you inevitably had to run on a flooded
road and the vehicle was exposed to water,
be sure to have your vehicle inspected by a
MITSUBISHI MOTORS Authorized Service
Point.
l If there is water on the brakes after driving
through puddles or washing the vehicle, re-
sulting in temporarily ineffective brakes. In
such cases, lightly depress the brake pedal to
see if the brakes operate properly. If they do
not, lightly depress the pedal several times
while driving in order to dry the brake pads.
l When driving in rain or on a road with many
puddles a layer of water may form between
the tyres and the road surface.
This reduces a tyre’s frictional resistance on
the road, resulting in loss of steering stability
and braking capability.

To cope with this, observe the following items:
(a) Drive your vehicle at slow speed.
(b) Do not drive on worn tyres.
(c) Always maintain the specified tyre inflation pressures.For emergencies
7-12
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