maintenance MITSUBISHI iMiEV 2012 1.G User Guide

Features and controls
3-65
3
Resetting the service reminder
With the electric motor switch in the “LOCK” position or the
“ACC” position, it is possible to reset the spanner mark (A)
and “------” indication (B).
When they have been reset, the driving distance or number of
months remaining until the next periodic inspection are shown
and the spanner mark (A) is no longer shown every time the
electric motor switch is turned from the “LOCK” position or
the “ACC” position to the “ON” position.1. Push the reset button (D) to view the driving distance or
number of months remaining until the next periodic
inspection.
2. Give the reset button (D) a long push (at least 2 seconds)
to make the spanner mark (A) start flashing. (If you do not
touch the reset button for about 10 seconds while the
spanner mark is flashing, the display will revert to its orig-
inal indication.)
3. Give the reset button (D) a gentle push while the spanner
mark is flashing. The “------” indication (B) will change to
“cLEAr” (C).
4. The driving distance or number of months remaining until
the next periodic inspection will be shown.
NOTE
It is not possible to reset the “------” indication (B) with
the electric motor switch in the “ON” position.

When a certain distance has been driven and a certain
period has elapsed after appearance of the “------” indica-
tion (B), the indication is automatically reset and the num-
ber of months until the next periodic inspection is shown.

If you accidentally reset the display, consult a certified
i-MiEV dealer for assistance.
CAUTION
!
The customer is responsible for making sure that
regular inspections and maintenance are performed.
Inspections and maintenance must be performed to
prevent accidents and malfunctions.
BK0140800US.book 65 ページ ２０１１年９月２９日　木曜日　午後３時２８分

4-2 Driving safety
4Economical driving
N00628500029
For economical driving, there are some technical requirements
that have to be met. In order to achieve longer life of the vehi-
cle and the most economical operation, we recommend you to
have the vehicle checked at regular intervals according to the
“WARRANTY AND MAINTENANCE MANUAL”.Starting and accelerationAvoid driving with the accelerator pedal fully depressed, such
as for unnecessarily sudden starts, acceleration and decelera-
tion. Smoothly depress the accelerator pedal.
Observe the speed limit and keep the speed as constant as pos-
sible while driving.IdlingParking for a long period with the ready indicator illuminated
will shorten the cruising range.SpeedAt higher the vehicle speed the more main drive lithium-ion
battery is consumed. Avoid driving at full speed. Even a slight
release of the accelerator pedal will save a significant amount
of main drive lithium-ion battery charge.Tire inflation pressureCheck the tire inflation pressures at regular intervals Low tire
inflation pressure increases road resistance. In addition, low
tire pressures adversely affect tire wear and driving stability.Cargo loadsDo not drive with unnecessary articles in the luggage compart-
ment.
Air conditioningToo much cooling/heating can affect the cruising range, so
maintain an appropriate temperature to extend the cruising
range.
BK0140800US.book 2 ページ ２０１１年９月２９日　木曜日　午後３時２８分

4-8 Driving safety
4Braking
N00629500518
All the parts of the brake system are critical to safety. Have the
vehicle serviced by a certified i-MiEV dealer at regular inter-
vals according to the “WARRANTY AND MAINTENANCE
MANUAL”.When brakes are wetCheck the brake system while driving at a low speed immedi-
ately after starting, especially when the brakes are wet, to con-
firm they work normally.
A film of water can be formed on the brake discs 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 depressing the brake
pedal.When driving in cold weatherOn snowy roads, ice can form on the braking system, making
the brakes less effective. While driving in such conditions, pay
close attention to preceding and following vehicles and to the
condition of the road surface. From time to time, lightly
depress the brake pedal and check how effective the brakes are.When driving downhillIt is important to take advantage of the regenerative braking by
shifting to “B” (BRAKE) position while driving on steep
downhill roads in order to prevent the brakes from overheating.
Parking
N00629600317
Parking on a hillWhen 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.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 selector lever to the “P” (PARK) position
before applying the parking brake, it may be difficult to
disengage the selector lever from the “P” (PARK) position
when next you drive the vehicle, requiring application of a
strong force to the selector lever to move from the “P”
(PARK) position.
BK0140800US.book 8 ページ ２０１１年９月２９日　木曜日　午後３時２８分

7
Vehicle care and maintenance
Service precautions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7- 2
Hood. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7- 4
View under the hood and
electric motor unit room . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7- 6
Coolant/Hot water heater fluid. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7- 7
Washer fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7- 11
Brake fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7- 12
12V starter battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7- 13
Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7- 18
Brake pedal free play . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7- 25
Parking brake lever stroke . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7- 25
Wiper blades . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7- 26
General maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7- 27
For cold and snowy weather . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7- 28
Fusible links . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7- 28
Fuses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7- 29
Replacement of light bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7- 35
Vehicle care precautions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7- 49
Cleaning the inside of your vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . .7- 50
Cleaning the outside of your vehicle . . . . . . . . . . .7- 52
BK0140800US.book 1 ページ ２０１１年９月２９日　木曜日　午後３時２８分

7-2 Vehicle care and maintenance
7Service precautions
N00937300361
Taking regular care of your vehicle helps preserve its value and
appearance as long as possible.
This vehicle is an electric vehicle and is equipped with many
high-voltage components. Refer to “High-voltage compo-
nents” on page 1-41.
You can do some of the maintenance work described in this
manual by yourself, but the rest must be performed only by a
certified i-MiEV dealer.
If you discover a malfunction or other problem, have it cor-
rected by a certified i-MiEV dealer.
Also follow the instructions and take note of the precautions
for each procedure.High voltage components and wiring cables are located as
shown in the figure below.
WA R N I N G
!
Never touch, remove or disassemble the high- volt-
age components including high- voltage wires col-
ored orange and their connectors. Doing so can
result in a fire, property damage, electrocution and
serious injury or death.
These components are affixed with a label indicating
precautions for handling. Follow the instructions on
the label. Take your vehicle to a certified i-MiEV
dealer for any necessary maintenance.
1- Regular charge port
2- MCU
3- Main drive lithium-ion battery
4- Heater
5- Air conditioner compressor
6- High voltage connector
7- Service plug
8- Electric motor (Electric motor unit)
9- On board charger/DC-DC converter
10- Quick charge port
BK0140800US.book 2 ページ ２０１１年９月２９日　木曜日　午後３時２８分

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.
BK0140800US.book 3 ページ ２０１１年９月２９日　木曜日　午後３時２８分

7-4 Vehicle care and maintenance
7Hood
N00937500549
To openUse the hood release lever (located under the instrument panel
near the passenger’s door) to unlock the hood.
Pull the lever toward you to release the hood latch.Release the safety lever (A) and lift the hood.
NOTE
To prevent damage to the hood and wipers, make sure the
wipers are at resting position when you open the hood.
WA R N I N G
!
Never use the release lever to unlatch the hood while
the vehicle is in motion.
Do not drive your vehicle unless the hood is locked.
BK0140800US.book 4 ページ ２０１１年９月２９日　木曜日　午後３時２８分

Vehicle care and maintenance
7-5
7
Support the hood by inserting the support prop (B) into its slot
on the underside of the hood arm.
To closeMake sure the hood is securely locked by softly lifting the cen-
tre of the hood.
Slowly lower the hood about 12 inches (30 cm), then let it drop
from its own weight.
CAUTION
!
Always insert the support prop into the hole spe-
cially made for it. Propping the hood at any other
place could cause the prop to slip out and lead to an
accident.
The hood prop can fall out if the hood is lifted by a
strong wind.
CAUTION
!
Be careful not to trap your hands or fingers when
closing the hood.
Make sure the hood is firmly closed before driving.
If you drive without the hood completely closed, it
could open up while driving.
BK0140800US.book 5 ページ ２０１１年９月２９日　木曜日　午後３時２８分

7-6 Vehicle care and maintenance
7
NOTE
If this does not close the hood properly, drop it again from
a slightly higher position.

Do not push down strongly on the hood. Depending on
how strongly or where you push down, you could create a
dent in the hood.
View under the hood and electric motor unit
room
N00937600696
Under the hood
BK0140800US.book 6 ページ ２０１１年９月２９日　木曜日　午後３時２８分

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.
BK0140800US.book 7 ページ ２０１１年９月２９日　木曜日　午後３時２８分