battery MITSUBISHI iMiEV 2012 1.G Owners Manual

Vehicle care and maintenance
7-3
7
Have you purchased the Mitsubishi Motors Diamond Care Pro-
tection Plan? The Plan supplements your new vehicle warran-
ties. See a certified i-MiEV dealer for details.
WA R N I N G
!
When servicing the vehicle, make sure that the elec-
tric motor switch is in the “LOCK” position and the
charging cable is disconnected. Failure to do so
could result in an electric shock.
When checking or servicing under the hood or the
coolant reserve tank, be sure the electric motor unit
is stopped and it has had a chance to cool down.
If you need to work under the hood with the electric
motor unit on, be careful that your clothing, hair,
etc. does not get caught in the fan or other moving
parts.
The fan can turn on automatically even if the elec-
tric motor unit is not running. Turn the electric
motor switch to the “LOCK” position to be safe
while you are working under the hood.
Do not smoke or allow open flames around the 12V
starter battery.
Be extremely careful when working around the 12V
starter battery. It contains poisonous and corrosive
sulfuric acid.
Handling your vehicle’s parts and materials in the
wrong way can injure you. Ask a certified i-MiEV
dealer if you have questions.
CAUTION
!
The components inside the electric motor unit room
may be very hot to the touch.
Make sure all components have sufficiently cooled
before beginning an inspection.
These components are affixed with a label indicating
precautions for handling. Follow the instructions on
the label.
When replacing the 12V starter battery, remove the
positive (+) and negative (-) terminals after turning
the electric motor switch to the “LOCK” position
and waiting at least 2 minutes. 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 electric components.
If the electric motor unit warning light illuminates,
do not replace the 12V starter battery. Contact a
certified i-MiEV dealer.
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Vehicle care and maintenance
7-7
7 Coolant/Hot water heater fluid
N00937800539
To check the coolant levelCoolant1. Open the liftgate.
1- Windshield washer fluid reservoir
2- 12V starter battery
3- Hot water heater reservoir
4- Brake fluid reservoir
5- Coolant reservoirElectric motor unit room
WA R N I N G
!
Before checking the coolant level, make sure the
electric motor switch is in the “Lock” position to
avoid the risk of an electrical shock that can result in
serious injury or death.
The room under the hood and the electric motor
unit room (located under the luggage room carpet)
can be very hot after driving. Wait until they have
cooled down.
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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.
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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.
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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
!
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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.
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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.
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Vehicle care and maintenance
7-31
7
*: Fusible link

Some fuses may not be installed on your vehicle, depend-
ing on the vehicle model or specifications.

The table above shows the main equipment corresponding
to each fuse.
No.
Symbol
Electrical system
Capacity
1 Tail light (left) 7.5 A
2Cigarette lighter/
12 V power outlet15 A
3 — — —
4Starter 7.5 A
5 Audio amplifier 20 A
6— — —
7 Tail light (right) 7.5 A
8 Outside rearview mirrors 7.5 A
9Control unit
(Electric motor unit)7.5 A
10 Control unit 7.5 A
11 Rear fog light 10 A
12 Door lock 15 A
13 Interior lights (Dome lights) 10 A
14 Rear window wiper 15 A
15 Gauges 7.5 A
16 Relay 7.5 A
17 Heated seat 20 A
18 Option 10 A
19Heated door outside rearview
mirrors7.5 A
20 Windshield wiper 20 A
21 Back-up lights 7.5 A
22 Defogger 30 A
23 Heater 30 A
24 12V starter battery 30 A*
25 Radio 10 A
26 Electronic controlled unit 15 A
27 — Electronic controlled unit 7.5 ANo.
Symbol
Electrical system
Capacity
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7-32 Vehicle care and maintenance
7
Under the hood fuse location table
*: Fusible link

Some fuses may not be installed on your vehicle, depend-
ing on the vehicle model or specifications.

The table above shows the main equipment corresponding
to each fuse.
No.
Symbol
Electrical system
Capacity
1— — —
2 12V starter battery 30 A*
3 Electric motor switch 40 A*
4 Radiator fan motor 40 A*
5 Power window control 40 A*
6 Brake electric vacuum pump 30 A*
7 Electric motor unit control 15 A
8 Stop lights (Brake lights) 15 A
9 Front fog lights 15 A
10Wa t e r p u m p
(Electric motor unit)15 A
11 Charge 10 A
12 Hazard warning flasher 10 A
13 Horn 10 A
14 Daytime running lights 10 A
15Main drive lithium-ion bat-
tery fan motor15 A
16Wa t e r p u m p
(Air conditioning)10 A
17 Headlight (low beam) (right) 20 A
18 Headlight (low beam) (left) 20 A
19 Headlight (high beam) (right) 10 A
20 Headlight (high beam) (left) 10 ANo.
Symbol
Electrical system
Capacity
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7-52 Vehicle care and maintenance
7Cleaning the outside of your vehicle
N00945700061
To protect your vehicle’s finish, wash it often and thoroughly.
If desired, you may wax your vehicle using a nonabrasive auto-
mobile wax. Foreign material
N00945800046
Industrial pollution, road tar, bird droppings, tree sap, insect
remains, sea water and other foreign matters can damage the
finish on your vehicle.
Generally, the longer any foreign material stays on the finish,
the worse the damage. Wash your vehicle as soon as possible
whenever the finish gets soiled.Wa s h i n g
N00945900627
Chemicals contained in the dirt and dust picked up from air,
rain, snow or road surfaces can damage the paint and body of
your vehicle if left on.
Frequent washing and waxing is the best way to protect your
vehicle from this damage.
Do not wash the vehicle in direct sunlight. Park the vehicle in
the shade and spray it with water to remove dust. Next, using
plenty of clean water and a car washing mitt or sponge, wash
the vehicle from top to bottom.
Use a mild car washing soap if necessary. Rinse thoroughly
and wipe dry with a chamois or soft cloth. After washing the
vehicle, carefully clean the joints and flanges of the doors,
hood, etc., where dirt is likely to remain.
WA R N I N G
!
Do not wash the vehicle while charging the main
drive lithium-ion battery.
Doing so could cause a fire or an electric shock.
Before washing the vehicle, make sure that the
charging lid and the inner lid are completely closed.
If the lid is open, the charging unit is exposed to
water, resulting in a fire or an electric shock.
Do not pour water inside the electric motor unit
room. Doing so could cause a fire or an electric
shock.
CAUTION
!
When washing the vehicle, turn the electric motor
switch to the “LOCK” position.
Do not use a high pressure washing machine to clean
the underneath of the vehicle.
Doing so might cause the electric motor unit prob-
lem or malfunction.
When washing the underside of your vehicle or the
wheels, wear a pair of gloves to protect your hands.
Never spray or splash water on the electrical parts
in under the hood. This may damage them. Be care-
ful also when washing the underbody. Do not spray
water up under the hood.
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