MITSUBISHI iMiEV 2012 1.G Owners Manual

7-8 Vehicle care and maintenance
7
2. Peel off the Velcro fastener (A) to remove the luggage
room floor carpet (B).NOTE
A heat insulating material is attached to the luggage room
floor carpet. To remove the luggage floor carpet, grasp
and lift up both the carpet fabric and the heat insulating
material.3. Turn the 4 screws on the front and rear of the electric
motor unit room lid (C) counterclockwise to loosen and
remove them, and then remove the electric motor unit
room lid (C).
NOTE
When laying the electric motor unit room lid on the
ground, leave the underside of the lid with the rubber sur-
face facing up. If the underside is facing downward debris
and other foreign material could get on the rubber surface
and prevent proper reinstallation of the electric motor unit
room lid.
BK0140800US.book 8 ページ ２０１１年９月２９日　木曜日　午後３時２８分

Vehicle care and maintenance
7-9
7
4. Check the coolant level in the reservoir (D).
While the motor is cold, the coolant level must always be
between the “F (FULL)” and the “L (LOW)” marks. If
necessary, add coolant. Refer to “To add coolant” on page
7-10.
5. Reinstall the electric motor unit room lid and the luggage
room floor carpet by following the removal procedures in
reverse.
Hot water heater fluidThe reservoir (A) is located under the hood.
The coolant level in this reservoir should be kept between the
“F (FULL)” and the “L (LOW)” marks when measured while
the electric motor is cold. If necessary, add coolant. Refer to
“To add coolant” on page 7-10.
WA R N I N G
!
Never touch components inside the electric motor
unit room except the reservoir (D).
FULL
LOW
FULL
LOW
BK0140800US.book 9 ページ ２０１１年９月２９日　木曜日　午後３時２８分

7-10 Vehicle care and maintenance
7
To add coolant
N00955900011
Mitsubishi Genuine Coolant provides excellent protection
against corrosion and rust formation on all metals, including
aluminum.
If you need to add coolant often, the cooling system should be
pressure-tested for leaks. Take your vehicle to a certified i-
MiEV dealer for testing.
Reservoir cap
N00955800010
The reservoir cap (E) must be tightly sealed to prevent losing
coolant which may result in electric motor or nearby parts of
the room under the hood damage. Only use a Genuine
Mitsubishi Parts reservoir cap, or an approved equivalent.
Use “Dia Queen Super Long Life Coolant Premium” or an
equivalent*.
*: similar high quality ethylene glycol based non-silicate, non-
amine, non-nitrate and non-borate coolant with long life
hybrid organic acid technology
CAUTION
!
Do not use alcohol or methanol antifreeze or any
coolants that contain them. Using the wrong anti-
freeze can corrode aluminum parts.
The required concentration of anti-freeze differs
depending on the expected ambient temperature.
Above -31 °F (-35 °C): 50 % concentration of anti-
freeze
Below -31 °F (-35 °C): 60 % concentration of anti-
freeze
You can check the concentration level with a gauge
from an automotive supply store, or a certified i-
MiEV dealer or service station can check it for you.
Do not use water to adjust the concentration of cool-
ant.

Do not top off the tank with plain water only. Water
by itself boils at a lower temperature and does not
stop rust or freezing. If the water freezes, it will
damage your cooling system. Do not use tap water. It
can cause corrosion and rust.
WA R N I N G
!
Wait for the electric motor to cool down before
opening the reservoir cap. Otherwise hot steam or
boiling coolant could spray up from the reservoir
and scald you.
CAUTION
!
BK0140800US.book 10 ページ ２０１１年９月２９日　木曜日　午後３時２８分

Vehicle care and maintenance
7-11
7
Points to remember
N00955700019

Do not overfill the reservoir.

Your vehicle uses a special reservoir cap that stays sealed
and keeps the pressure in the reservoir below the allow-
able pressure. If you need to change the cap, use the exact
same kind.

Check the coolant freeze point in the radiator with the
proper gauge, and only when it is safe. If you add anti-
freeze, the contents of the reservoir must be protected
against freezing.

Keep the front of the radiator and condenser clean.
Wa s h e r f l u i d
N00938600303
The windshield washer fluid reservoir is under the hood.
Check the washer fluid level at regular intervals and add
washer fluid to reservoir if necessary.
Open the reservoir cap and check the fluid level.During cold weatherWhen freezing weather is anticipated, flush out the water in the
reservoir by operating the pump. Fill the reservoir with
windshield antifreeze (not radiator antifreeze), and operate the
system for a few seconds to flush out the residual water.
FULL
1/2
BK0140800US.book 11 ページ ２０１１年９月２９日　木曜日　午後３時２８分

7-12 Vehicle care and maintenance
7Brake fluid
N00938700261
To check the fluid levelThe brake fluid level must be between the “MAX” and “MIN”
marks on the reservoir.
The brake fluid level falls slightly with wear of the brake pads,
but this does not indicate any abnormality.
The brake fluid in the master cylinder should be checked when
doing other work under the hood. The brake system should also
be checked for leaks at the same time.
If the brake fluid level falls markedly in a short length of time,
it indicates a leak in the brake system.
If this occurs, have the vehicle checked by a certified i-MiEV
dealer.
Fluid typeUse the recommended brake fluid conforming to DOT 3 or
DOT 4. The reservoir cap must be tightly sealed to keep dirt
and water out.
CAUTION
!
Do not let any petroleum-based fluid touch, mix
with, or get into the brake fluid. This will damage
the seals.
Be careful when handling brake fluid. It can damage
painted surfaces.
Use only the listed brake fluid. Different brands of
brake fluid have different additives, and these can
cause a chemical reaction. Do not mix brands of
brake fluid.
Keep the reservoir tank cap closed to keep the brake
fluid from evaporating.
BK0140800US.book 12 ページ ２０１１年９月２９日　木曜日　午後３時２８分

Vehicle care and maintenance
7-13
7 12V starter battery
N00939100914
The condition of the 12V starter battery is very important to
keep the vehicle’s electrical system working properly. Check
the 12V starter battery regularly. Removing and installing the 12V starter battery
upper cover
N00901300054
To r e m o v e1. Turn the plastic nut (A) counterclockwise, and then
remove the 12V starter battery upper cover (B).NOTE
Be careful not to lose the removed plastic nut.
To i n s t a l l1. Install the 12V starter battery upper cover (B) onto the
12V starter battery, and then push the plastic nut (A) in the
direction shown by the arrows to secure the cover.
BK0140800US.book 13 ページ ２０１１年９月２９日　木曜日　午後３時２８分

7-14 Vehicle care and maintenance
7
NOTE
Be sure to install the plastic nut in the correct direction.Checking 12V starter battery electrolyte level
N00901500056
Before checking the 12V starter battery electrolyte level,
remove the 12V starter battery’s upper cover.
The electrolyte level must be between the limits shown on the
outside of the 12V starter battery. Fill it with distilled water as
needed. The inside of the 12V starter battery is divided into
several compartments. Take the cap off of each compartment
and fill to the mark.
Do not fill above the top line because a spill during driving
could cause damage.
CAUTION
!
Be sure to install the 12V starter battery upper
cover. Otherwise, the battery electrolyte may spill
and cause a malfunction.
When installing the 12V starter battery upper cover
and plastic nut do not touch the cooling fan or other
moving parts under the hood.
Be especially careful that the cables, your clothing
or hair, etc., do not get caught in the cooling fan or
other moving parts.
WA R N I N G
!
If the 12V starter battery goes flat, be sure to check
the 12V starter battery electrolyte level before con-
necting booster cables.
After checking the 12V starter battery electrolyte
level, make sure the caps are fitted securely.
If any of the caps cannot be re-secured to the 12V
starter battery, replace the 12V starter battery.
BK0140800US.book 14 ページ ２０１１年９月２９日　木曜日　午後３時２８分

Vehicle care and maintenance
7-15
7
During cold weather
N00901600057
The 12V starter battery is weaker in cold temperatures. This
has to do with its chemical and physical properties and is why a
very cold 12V starter battery, especially one with a low charge,
will have a hard time starting your vehicle.
It is recommended that you have your 12V starter battery and
charging system checked by a certified i-MiEV dealer before
the start of cold weather. If necessary, have it charged. This
will guarantee more reliable starting, and longer 12V starter
battery life.

Electrolyte (battery acid) is made of corrosive
diluted sulfuric acid. If it spills on nearby parts, it
can crack, stain, or discolor them. And if gets on
your skin or in your eyes, it can cause burns or
blindness. Please observe the following handling
instructions:
• If electrolyte gets on plastic parts or other nearby
parts, wipe it off with a soft cloth or chamois
soaked in a solution of water and neutral detergent
then immediately rinse the affected parts with
plenty of water.
• If electrolyte gets on your hands or clothes, rinse
thoroughly with water. If electrolyte gets in your
eyes, flush them with water immediately and get
immediate medical attention.WA R N I N G
!
BK0140800US.book 15 ページ ２０１１年９月２９日　木曜日　午後３時２８分

7-16 Vehicle care and maintenance
7
Disconnection and connection
N00901700058
To disconnect the 12V starter battery cable, stop the electric
motor. Disconnect the negative (-) terminal first, then the posi-
tive (+) terminal. To reconnect the 12V starter battery, first
connect the positive (+) terminal and then the negative (-) ter-
minal, before starting the vehicle. NOTE
Remove the 12V starter battery upper cover before dis-
connecting the terminal of 12V starter battery. Refer to
“Removing and installing the 12V starter battery upper
cover” on page 7-13.

Open the terminal cover (A) before disconnecting or con-
necting the positive (+) terminal of the 12V starter battery.
Loosen the nut (B), and then disconnect the 12V starter
battery cable from the positive (+) terminal.
WA R N I N G
!
Never disconnect the 12V starter battery while the
electric motor unit is running, or you could damage
the vehicle’s electrical parts.
Never short-circuit the 12V starter battery. This
could cause it to overheat and be damaged.
Keep sparks, cigarettes, and flames away from the
12V starter battery because the 12V starter battery
could explode.
When installing the 12V starter battery, start con-
nection with the positive (+) terminal. If connection
is started from the negative (-) terminal, sparks will
occur if the positive (+) terminal touches any other
parts, and this may cause the 12V starter battery to
explode.
BK0140800US.book 16 ページ ２０１１年９月２９日　木曜日　午後３時２８分

Vehicle care and maintenance
7-17
7
NOTE
Before cleaning the 12V starter battery, tighten all the
filler port caps to keep dirt and moisture out.

Check each 12V starter battery terminal for corrosion. If
necessary, clean the terminals with a solution of baking
soda and water. Grease the posts and clamps after clean-
ing or tightening them.

Check to see that the 12V starter battery is securely
installed and cannot be moved. Also check each terminal
for tightness.

If you will not be driving your vehicle for a long period of
time, remove the 12V starter battery and store it in a place
where the 12V starter battery fluid will not freeze. Mem-
ory data for settings made by the user may be erased when
the 12V starter battery is removed. If this happens, reset
the settings again using the relevant procedures. The 12V
starter battery only should be stored with a full charge.
WA R N I N G
!
Open doors and windows in any closed space where
you may be charging or working with the 12V
starter battery.
Always wear protective clothing and goggles when
working with the 12V starter battery, or have a
skilled automobile technician do it.
If you are quick-charging your 12V starter battery,
first disconnect the 12V starter battery cables.
In order to prevent a short circuit, be sure to discon-
nect the negative (-) terminal first, and reconnect it
last.
If the electrolyte level is very low, have the 12V
starter battery checked at a certified i-MiEV dealer.
12V starter battery terminals and related accesso-
ries contain lead and lead compounds. Wash hands
after handling.
CAUTION
!
When replacing the 12V starter battery, remove the
connected positive (+) and negative (-) terminals
after turning the electric motor switch to the
“LOCK” position and waiting at least 1 minute. If
the 12V starter battery terminal is removed just
after the electric motor switch is turned to the
“LOCK” position, this may cause damage to compo-
nents of the electric motor unit.
BK0140800US.book 17 ページ ２０１１年９月２９日　木曜日　午後３時２８分