
Active stability control (ASC) Features and controls 5-29
5
N00559200089
On slippery surfaces, the traction control function prevents the drive wheels from spin- ning excessively, thus helping the vehicle to start moving from a stopped condition. It alsoprovides sufficient driving force and steering performance as the vehicle turns while press- ing the acceleration pedal.
N00546800049
The skid control function is designed to help the driver maintain control of the vehicle on slippery roads or during rapid steeringmaneuvers. It works by controlling the elec- tric motor unit output and the brake on each wheel.
N00559401277
The ASC is automatically activated when theelectric motor switch is turned to the “ON” position. You can deacti
vate the system by
pressing down the ASC OFF switch for 3 sec-onds or longer. When the ASC is deacti
vated, the indica-
tor will be illuminated. To reactivate the
ASC, momentarily
press the ASC OFF
switch; the indicator is turned off.
NOTE
An operation noise may be emitted from under the hood in the fo
llowing 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 malfunc-tion. • When the electric motor switch is set to the “ON” position. • When the vehicle is driven for a while after the electric motor unit is turned on.
When the ASC is acti
vated, you may feel a
vibration in the vehicle body or hear a whin- ing sound from under the hood. This indicates that the system is operatingnormally. It does not i
ndicate a malfunction.
When the anti-lock braking system warning light is illuminated, the ASC is not active.
Traction control function
CAUTION When driving a vehicle on a snowy or icy road, be sure to install snow tires and drivethe vehicle at moderate speeds.
Skid control function
NOTE
The skid control func
tion operates at speeds
of about 9 mph (15 km/h) or higher.
ASC OFF switch
CAUTION For safety reasons, the ASC OFF switch should be operated when your vehicle isstopped. Be sure to keep the ASC on while driving in normal circumstances.NOTE
Using the ASC OFF swit
ch turns off both the
skid control function a
nd the traction control
function. When moving out of mud, sand or fresh snow, pressing the ac
celerator pedal may not
allow the electric motor speed to increase. Insuch situations, temporarily deactivate the ASC, using the ASC OFF switch.
BK0209800US.book 29 ページ 2014年1月14日 火曜日 午前9時26分

Tire pressure monitoring system 5-32 Features and controls
5
Driving on a significantly under-inflated tire causes the tire to overheat and can lead to tirefailure. Under-inflation also re
duces alternative fuel
efficiency and tire tread life, and may affectthe vehicle’s handling and stopping ability. Please note that the TP
MS is not a substitute
for proper tire mainte
nance, and it is the
driver’s responsibility to maintain correct tire pressure, even if under-inflation has not reached the level to tri
gger illumination of the
TPMS low tire pressure telltale. Your vehicle has also been equipped with a TPMS malfunction indicator to indicate whenthe system is not operating properly. The TPMS malfunction indicator is combined with the low tire pressure telltale.When the system detects a malfunction, the telltale will flash for
approximately one min-
ute and then remain continuously illuminated.This sequence will continue upon subsequent vehicle start-ups as
long as the malfunction
exists.When the malfunction indicator is illumi- nated, the system may not
be able to detect or
signal low tire pressure as intended.TPMS malfunctions may
occur for a variety
of reasons, including the installation of replacement or alternate tires or wheels on thevehicle that prevent the TPMS from function- ing properly. Always check the TPMS mal- function telltale after replacing one or more
tires or wheels on your vehicle to ensure that the replacement or alternate tires and wheelsallow the TPMS to continue to function prop- erly.
N00532800484
1. If the low tire pressure monitoring system warning light illumi
nates, avoid hard
braking, sharp steering maneuvers and high speeds. You should stop and adjustthe tires to the proper inflation pressure as soon as possible. Refer to “Tires” on page 9-10.
2. If the tire pressure monitoring system warning light remains illuminated afteryou have been driving for about 20 min- utes after you adjust the tire inflation pres- sure, one or more of
the tires may have a
puncture. Inspect the tire and if it has a puncture, have it repaired by a certified i- MiEV dealer as soon as possible.
If the warning light illuminates while driving
NOTE
When inspecting or adjusting the tire pres- sure, to avoid breakage, do not apply exces-sive force to the valve stem. After inspecting or adju
sting the tire pres-
sure, always reinstall the valve cap on the valve stem. Without the valve cap, dirt or moisture couldget into the valve, resulting in damage to the tire inflation pressure sensor. Do not use metal valve caps, which may cause a metal reaction, resulting in corrosion and damage of the tire
inflation pressure sen-
sors. Once adjustments have
been made, the warn-
ing light will go off after a few minutes of driving.
WA R N I N G If the tire pressure monitoring system warning light illumi
nates while you are
driving, avoid hard br
aking, sharp steer-
ing maneuvers and high speeds. Drivingwith an under-inflated tire adversely affects vehicle performance and can result in an accident.CAUTION The tire pressure monitoring system warning light may not illuminate
immediately in the
event of a tire blowout or rapid leak.NOTE
To avoid the risk of damage to the tire infla- tion pressure sensors, have any punctured tire repaired by a cert
ified i-MiEV dealer. If
the tire repair is not done by a certified i- MiEV dealer, it is not
covered by your war-
ranty.
BK0209800US.book 32 ページ 2014年1月14日 火曜日 午前9時26分

Turn signal lever 5-46 Features and controls
5
and license plate lights) will stay on and will not turn off automatically.
N00549800213
If the driver’s door is opened with the key removed from the electric motor switch while the lights are on, the buzzer will sound toremind you to turn off the lights. The lights and buzzer will turn off automati- cally.Or you can turn the combination headlights and dimmer switch to the “OFF” position to stop the buzzer.
N00549900155
To change the headlights from high beam tolow beam and vice vers
a, pull the turn signal
lever to fully toward you (1). Switch the
headlights to low beam
as a courtesy when-
ever there are oncoming vehicles, or whenthere is traffic moving ahead of you. An illu- minated blue light in
the instrument cluster
indicates when the headlights are on highbeam.
N00550000198
You can flash the high beams by pulling thelever gently toward you (2). The lights willgo back to normal when you let go. While the high beam is on, you will see a blue light on the instrument panel.
N00522600506
When changing lanes, or to making a gradual turn, hold the lever in the “lane change” posi- tion (1). It will return
to the neutral position
when you let go. Use the full position (2) when making a normal turn. The lever will return to the neutral position when the turn iscomplete. There may be times when the lever does not return to the neutral position. This usually happens when the steering wheel isturned only slightly. You can easily return the lever by hand. Also, when you move the lever to (1) slightlythen release it, the turn signal lights and indi- cator in the instrument cluster will flash three times.
NOTE
If the driver’s door is opened and the key is removed, the headlight
reminder
buzzer will
sound. If the key is still
in the electric motor
switch the key remind
er buzzer will sound
intermittently. The buzzer stops when the driver’s door is closed.
Headlight reminder buzzer Dimmer (high/low beam change)
Headlight flasher
NOTE
You can flash the high beams by pulling the lever toward you, even if the combination headlights and dimmer switch is off.
If you turn the lights off with the headlights set to high-beam illumin
ation, the headlights
are automatically returned to their low-beamsetting when the combination headlights and dimmer switch is next turned to the “ ” position.
Turn signal lever
NOTE
BK0209800US.book 46 ページ 2014年1月14日 火曜日 午前9時26分

Electric rear window defogger switch 5-50 Features and controls
5
N00523700399
The electric rear window defogger can be used when the ready indicator is illuminated. The indicator light (A) will come on whenyou press the electric rear window defogger switch. Electric current will flow through the heating wires on the rear window to helpclear away moisture or frost. After about 20 minutes
of operation, the sys-
tem will shut off automatically. To switch the defogge
r OFF before 20 min-
utes have passed, press
the switch again. The
indicator light will go out and the defogger will turn off. If you need the defogger for more than 20 minutes, press the switch again. This will add 20 more minutes.
N00523800172
To honk the horn, press around the “ ” mark on the steering wheel.
NOTE
Do not use the wipers when the windshield is dry. This could scratch the glass and wear thewiper blades prematurely. Before using the wipers in cold weather, check to be sure that the wiper blades are notfrozen to the windshield. Using the wipers while the blades are frozen could cause the wiper motor to burn out. If the wipers are left on the glass out of the parked position and th
ey become blocked by
ice or other deposits on the glass, the motor may still burn out even
if the wiper switch is
OFF. If deposits form on the windshield,park your vehicle in a safe place, turn off the electric motor switch,
and clean the glass so
that the wipers can operate smoothly. Avoid using the washer for more than 20 sec- onds at a time. Do not
operate the washer
when the fluid reservoir is empty or the pump may fail. During cold weather, add a recommended washer solution that will not freeze in the washer reservoir. Otherwise the washer maynot work or may be damaged. Replace the wiper blades when they are worn. Use the proper size replacement blades. If you have ques
tions, ask a certified
i-MiEV dealer.
Electric rear window defog- ger switch
CAUTION The rear window defogge
r is not designed to
melt snow. Remove any snow manuallybefore using the rear window defogger. Use the rear window defogger only after the ready indicator is illuminated. Be sure to turnthe defogger switch off
immediately after the
window is clear to save on 12V starter bat- tery power. Do not place stickers
, tape, or other items
that are attached with
adhesive over the grid
wires on the rear window. When cleaning the insi
de rear window, use a
soft cloth and wipe
lightly over the grid
wires.NOTE
If your vehicle is equipped with heated mir- rors, mist can also be removed from the out-side rearview mirrors
when the rear window
defogger switch is pressed. (Refer to “Heated mirror”
on page 5-18.)
Horn switch
BK0209800US.book 50 ページ 2014年1月14日 火曜日 午前9時26分

Safe driving techniques 6-4 Driving safety
6
Move the driver’s seat as far backward as possible, while still
keeping good visibil-
ity, and good control of the steering wheel, brakes, accele
rator, and controls.
Check the instrument panel indicators forany possible problem. Move the front passe
nger seat as far back
as possible. Make sure that infa
nts and small children
are properly restrained in accordance with all laws and regulations.
Check these by selecti
ng the defroster mode,
and set the blower swit
ch on high. You should
be able to feel the air blowing against the windshield. (Refer to “Defrosting or defogging the wind- shield and door windows” on page 7-9.) Check all the tires for heavy tread wear or uneven wear patterns.
Look for stones, nails,
glass, or other objects
stuck in the tread. Look
for any tread cuts or sidewall cracks. Check the wheel nuts for tightness, and the tires for proper pressures. Replace your tires beforethey are heavily worn out.
As your vehicle is equi
pped with a tire pres-
sure monitoring system, there is a risk ofdamage to the tire inflation pressure sensors when the tire is replaced on the rim. Tire replacement should, th
erefore, be performed
only by a certified i-MiEV dealer. Have someone watch while you turn all the exterior lights on and off. Also check the turn signal indicators and
high-beam indicators on
the instrument panel. Check the ground under the vehicle after parking overnight, for wa
ter, oil, or other
leaks. Make sure all the fluid levels are cor- rect.
N00629200124
Even this vehicle’s safety equipment, andyour safest driving, cannot guarantee that youcan avoid an accident or injury. However, if you give extra attention to the following areas, you can better protect yourself andyour passengers:
Drive defensively. Be aware of traffic, road and weather conditions. Leave plentyof stopping distance between your vehicle and the vehicle ahead. Before changing lanes, check your mir- rors and use your turn signal light. While driving, watch the behavior of other drivers, bicyc
lists, and pedestrians.
Always obey applicable
laws and regula-
tions. Be a polite and alert driver. Always leave room for unexpected events, such as sudden braking.
Defrosters Tires
Lights Fluid leaks Safe driving techniques
BK0209800US.book 4 ページ 2014年1月14日 火曜日 午前9時26分

Parking 6-6 Driving safety
6
effective use of the re
generative brake and
prevent the service brake from overheating.If the brake pedal is continuously or fre- quently depressed on downhill roads, the ser- vice brake could overheat and the brakeperformance will be reduced.
N00629600317
When parking on a hill, set the parking brake, and turn the front wheels toward the curb on a downhill, or away from the curb on an uphill.If necessary, apply
chocks to wheels.
Never leave the electric motor unit running while you take a short sleep/rest.
Your front bumper can be damaged if you scrape it over curbs or parking stop blocks. Be careful when traveling up or down steep slopes where your bumper can scrape theroad. Always remove the key from the electric motor switch and lock all doors and the lift- gate when leaving
the vehicle unattended.
Always try to park your vehicle in a well litarea. More effort could be required to turn the steering wheel. Refer to “Electric power steering system(EPS)” on page 5-27.
NOTE
When the main drive lithium-ion battery level is full or nearly full, or the main drivelithium-ion battery temperature is too high or too low, the regenerative braking force may be reduced. Refer to “Regenerative braking”on page 3-3. If the red needle in the energy usage indica- tor does not move to the left of the neutral point (A) while the accelerator pedal is released, the regenera
tive brake will not
work. Refer to “Ener
gy usage indicator” on
page 5-35. In the such case, before approach- ing a long downhill road, reduce speed toprevent the service brake from overheating.
Parking Parking on a hill
NOTE
On a slope, be sure to apply the parking brake before moving the selector lever to the“P” (PARK) position. If you move the selec- tor lever to the “P” (PARK) position before applying the parking br
ake, it may be diffi-
cult to disengage the
selector lever from the
“P” (PARK) position when next you drive the vehicle, requiring a
pplication of a strong
force to the selector lever to move from the “P” (PARK) position.
Parking with the electric motor unit running
WA R N I N G Leaving the electric motor unit running when you are not alert risks injury ordeath from accidental
ly moving the selec-
tor lever.
Where you park When leaving the vehicle Do not keep the steering wheel fully turned for a long time
BK0209800US.book 6 ページ 2014年1月14日 火曜日 午前9時26分

Tire repair kit 8-10 For emergencies
8
15. Check and adjust the tire pressure with
reference to the air pressure gauge on thecompressor. If you overinflate the tire, release air by loosening the hose’s end fit- ting.If there is a gap between the tire and wheel because the ti
re has moved inward
from the wheel rim, press the tire treadtowards the wheel to close the gap before running the compressor. (With no gaps, the tire pressure will rise.)
16. Turn OFF the compressor switch, then
pull the power cord plug out of the 12 Vpower outlet.
17. Affix the speed restriction sticker (T) to
the three-diamond mark on the steering wheel.
WA R N I N G Do not place your hand or fingers between the tire and wheel while inflating the tire.Your hand or fingers may become caughtbetween the tire and wheel.CAUTION The supplied compressor is designed only for inflation of your vehicle tires. The compressor is designed to run on a vehi- cle’s 12 V power supply. Do not connect it to any other power source. The compressor is not waterproof. If you use it in rain, make sure
water does not get on it.
Any sand or dust sucked into the compressor could make the compressor break down. Donot place the compressor directly on any sandy or dusty surface when using it. Do not disassemble or modify the compres- sor. Also, do not subject the air pressure gauge to shock. It could malfunction.
CAUTION The surface of the compressor will get hot while the compressor is running. Do not keep the compressor running continuouslyfor more than 10 minutes. After using the compressor, wait for the compressor to cool before using it again. If the compressor becomes sluggish or hot while operating, it is
overheating. Immedi-
ately place the switch in the OFF position and let the compressor c
ool down for at least
30 minutes.NOTE
If the tire pressure does not rise to the speci- fied level within 10 minutes, the tire may beso severely damaged that
the tire sealant can-
not be used to effect
the emergency repair.
Do not drive the vehicl
e. Please contact a
certified i-MiEV dealer.
NOTE
At this point the puncture hole is not sealed yet. Air will leak
through the puncture hole
until the emergency repa
ir procedure is com-
pleted (through step 19 or step 20 of theseinstructions).CAUTION Do not affix the sticke
r anywhere except the
specified position on th
e pad of the steering
wheel. Affixing the sticker in an incorrect position could prevent the SRS airbag fromdeploying properly.
BK0209800US.book 10 ページ 2014年1月14日 火曜日 午前9時26分

Operation under adverse driving conditions
For emergencies 8-13
8
If a wheel gets stuck in
a ditch, do not try to
tow the vehicle. Please contact a certifie
d i-MiEV dealer or a
commercial tow truck service for assistance.There may be local re
gulations concerning
towing in your area. Obey the regulations in the area where you are driving your vehicle.
Place the selector lever in the “N” (NEU- TRAL) position. Turn the electric motorswitch to the “ACC” position and secure the steering wheel in a st
raight-ahead position
with a rope or tie-down strap. Never place theelectric motor switch in the “LOCK” or “ON” position when towing.
N00837200747
If your vehicle becomes stuck in snow, sand, or mud, it can often be moved by a rocking motion. Rock your vehicle back and forth to free it.Do not spin the wheels. Constant efforts to free a stuck vehicle can cause transmission failure.If your vehicle is still
stuck after several rock-
ing attempts, call for a commercial tow truck service.
Never tow another ve
hicle using your i-
MiEV
Towing the vehicle by a tow truck
WA R N I N G Never get under your vehicle after it has been lifted by a tow truck. Never ride in a vehicl
e that is being towed.
CAUTION
Towing with rear wheels off the ground
CAUTION If the transmission or the steering system has a problem or damage,
transport the vehicle
on a flatbed truck or to
w the vehicle with the
all wheels off the ground. If the electric motor switch is in the “ON” position, the Active St
ability Control (ASC)
system may operate, resu
lting in an accident.
Make sure the electric motor switch is in the “ACC” position before towing.
Operation under adverse driving conditions If your vehicle becomes stuck in sand, mud or snow
WA R N I N G When trying to rock
your vehicle out of a
stuck position, make sure that there are no people nearby. The rocking motion canmake your vehicle suddenly lurch forward or backward, and inju
re any bystanders.
BK0209800US.book 13 ページ 2014年1月14日 火曜日 午前9時26分