battery MITSUBISHI iMiEV 2012 1.G Owners Manual

Overview
Under the hood/Electric motor unit room
N00100800025
On board charger/DC-DC converter
P. 7 - 2
Inverter P.1-42Brake electric vacuum pump
P.3-73 Coolant reservoir
P. 7 - 7 Windshield washer fluid reservoir
P. 7 - 1 1
12V starter battery
P. 7 - 1 3
Hot water heater reservoir
P. 7 - 7
Brake fluid reservoir
P.7-12 Under the hood Electric motor unit room
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Overview
Outside (Front)
N00100601336
Power window P.3-22
Windshield wipers P.3-84
Hood P.7-4
Front fog lights (if so equipped) P.3-83, 7-36,
7-40
Daytime running lights (if so equipped)
P.3-76, 7-36, 7-40
Headlights P.3-76, 7-36
Parking lights P.3-76, 7-36Front side-marker lights
P.3-76, 7-36, 7-38 Outside rearview mirrors P.3-28
Quick charging lid
(if so equipped) P.1-33
Main drive lithium-ion battery P.7-2
Front turn signal lights P.3-82, 7-36, 7-40
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Quick index
1
If this warning light comes on or flashes while you’re driving...
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NOTE
These warning lights will come on for a few seconds for a bulb check when the electric motor switch is first turned to “ON”.
Warning light
Do this
Ref. page
12V starter battery charging system warning
light
Park your vehicle in a safe place and turn off the electric motor unit.
Contact a certified i-MiEV dealer for assistance.P. 3 - 7 4
or
Brake warning light
If this light comes on while driving, check to see that the parking
brake is fully released.

If this light stays on after releasing the parking brake, stop and check
the brake fluid level.

If the brake fluid level is correct, there may be a system malfunction.
Avoid hard braking and high speeds, and contact a certified i-MiEV
dealer for assistance.P. 3 - 7 3
Electric motor unit warning light
Park your vehicle in a safe place and contact a certified i-MiEV
dealer for assistance.P. 3 - 7 5
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2 Quick index
Anti-lock braking system warning light
When this light comes on, the anti-lock braking system is not func-
tioning and only the ordinary braking system is functioning.

Park your vehicle in a safe place and stop the electric motor unit.
Test the system as described on page 3-43.

If the light does not go out after the test, or if it comes on again, we
recommend that you have the system checked at a certified i-MiEV
dealer as soon as possible.P. 3 - 4 2 ,
3-43
SRS warning light
It is not necessary to stop the vehicle immediately, but we recommend
that you have the airbag and the pre-tensioner seat belt system
checked at a certified i-MiEV dealer as soon as possible.P. 2 - 2 2 ,
2-44
Electric power steering system (EPS) warning
light
If this light comes on while driving, it may become harder to turn the
steering wheel.

Park your vehicle in a safe place and stop the electric motor unit.
Test the system as described on page 3-45.

If the light does not go out after the test, or if it comes on again, we
recommend that you have the system checked at a certified i-MiEV
dealer as soon as possible.P.3-45
Power down warning light
If this light comes on while driving, avoid sudden acceleration and
sudden starting.

When the remaining power in the main drive lithium-ion battery is
low, recharge the main drive lithium-ion battery as soon as possible.P.3-75
Warning light
Do this
Ref. page
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Quick index
5
The electric motor unit does not
start.
The lights do not come on.
The lights are dim.
The horn does not honk.
The horn sound is weak.
Cannot charge the main drive lith-
ium-ion battery.Have the 12V starter battery checked. Recharge or replace as needed.P. 6 - 2 ,
7-13
The vehicle is stuck in sand, mud,
or snow.Rock your vehicle back and forth to free it. P.6-22
WA R N I N G
!
When attempting to rock your vehicle out of a stuck position, be sure that no one is near the vehicle. The rocking
motion may cause the vehicle to suddenly lurch forward or backward, possibly injuring bystanders.
Avoid spinning the wheels. Prolonged efforts to free a stuck vehicle may result in transmission failure.
If the vehicle remains stuck after several rocking attempts, have a towing service pull the vehicle out.
Problem
Do this
Ref. Page
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1
General information/Charging
Familiarizing yourself with i-MiEV . . . . . . . . . . .1- 2
Modifications to and racing of your vehicle . . . . .1- 7
Mitsubishi Motors genuine parts . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1- 9
California Perchlorate Materials Requirements . . .1- 9
Cautions and actions to deal with intense heat . . .1- 10
Cautions and actions to deal with intense cold . . .1- 12
Charging . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1- 15
Precautions during Charging the Main Drive
Lithium-ion Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1- 18
Regular charging (charging method with
rated AC 120 V outlet) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1- 20
EV charging cable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1- 28
Regular charging (using 240V Electric Vehicle
Supply Equipment) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1- 32
Quick charging (charging method with
quick charger) (if so equipped). . . . . . . . . . . . . .1- 33
Charging troubleshooting guide. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1- 38
High-Voltage components . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1- 41
MiEV Remote System (if so equipped) . . . . . . . . .1- 43
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1-2 General information/Charging
1Familiarizing yourself with i-MiEV
N01200100013
i-MiEV is a pure electric vehicle. Some of the vehicle systems
operate differently from and have different characteristics than
ordinary vehicles equipped with an internal combustion
engine. For this reason, it is very important to read carefully
this entire owner’s manual.Main features
N01200200014

i-MiEV is powered only by electricity. This vehicle does
not emit exhaust gases, such as carbon dioxide and nitro-
gen oxide.

The i-MiEV uses electricity stored in the lithium ion bat-
tery. The lithium-ion battery is called the main drive lith-
ium-ion battery. This vehicle does not have an internal
combustion engine and does not require gasoline or diesel
fuel.

The main drive lithium-ion battery must be charged with
electricity to drive the vehicle. As the vehicle operates, the
main drive lithium-ion battery gradually discharges. If the
main drive lithium-ion battery becomes completely dis-
charged, the vehicle will not operate until it is re-charged.
The charging process can take up to 23 hours as described
more precisely in this manual.

This vehicle uses two types of batteries. One is 12V
starter battery that is the same type of the battery used in
ordinary vehicles. It is called the 12V starter battery. The
other battery which propels the vehicle is called the main
drive lithium-ion battery.

The 12V starter battery provides power to the vehicle sys-
tems and features such as the audio system, supplemental
restraint systems, headlights and windshield wiper.
The main drive lithium-ion battery provides power to the
electric motor that propels the vehicle and charges the
12V starter battery.

Through a process called regenerative braking, the main
drive lithium-ion battery is automatically charged, while
the vehicle is decelerating or being driven downhill.
NOTE
If the 12V starter battery is discharge, the electric motor
unit cannot be started. And also the main drive lithium-ion
battery cannot be charged.
WA R N I N G
!
Pay special attention to pedestrians. Because there is
no engine noise, pedestrians may not know the vehi-
cle is approaching and may step into the path of
vehicle travel. Refer to “Approaching vehicle audi-
ble system (AVAS)” on page 3-38.
When leaving the vehicle, always turn off the elec-
tric motor switch. Refer to “Electric motor switch”
on page 3-30.
When parking, to avoid unintended vehicle move-
ment, always move the selector lever to “P” (PARK)
position and apply the parking brake because the
vehicle can move when the ready indicator light is
ON. When the ready indicator light is ON, do not
leave the selector lever in a position other than the
“P” (PARK) position. For the ready indicator, refer
to “Indicator and warning light package” on page 3-
71.
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General information/Charging
1-3
1
Regenerative braking
N01205600013
It is equivalent to engine braking of a gasoline or diesel pow-
ered vehicle. When you take your foot off the accelerator pedal
during driving, motion energy is converted into electric energy
using the motor as a power generator.
During this conversion, braking force is generated and con-
verted electric energy is used to charge the main drive lithium-
ion battery. The generative braking force can be adjusted using
the selector lever.
Set the selector lever to “B” (REGENERATIVE BRAKE
MODE) or “ECO” (ECO MODE) position for increased regen-
erative braking as follows:

“B”: Strong regenerative braking (For downhill driving)

“ECO”: Moderate regenerative braking (For economical
driving or gentle downhill driving)NOTE
If a problem occurs in the electric motor unit, or if the
ABS and/or the ASC have been activated, the regenera-
tive braking will be restricted. The service brakes will still
operate.

Keep the brake pedal depressed until you are ready
to drive. When the vehicle is in the “D” (DRIVE),
“ECO” (ECO MODE), “B” (REGENERATIVE
BRAKE MODE) or “R” (REVERSE) position, if
you release the brake pedal and even if you do not
depress accelerator, the vehicle will creep and may
move slowly.
WA R N I N G
!
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1-4 General information/Charging
1
Main drive lithium-ion battery
N01200300015
NOTE
It is recommended that your vehicle be stored at tempera-
tures below 77 °F (25 °C) to help maximize the life of the
main drive lithium-ion battery.Decrease of battery capacity
N01205500012

The capacity of the lithium-ion battery used as the main
drive lithium-ion battery on your i-MiEV, like other com-
monly used lithium ion batteries, will decrease according
to time and usage. This type of decrease in battery capac-
ity is normal, and is not indicative of any defect or failure
in your main drive lithium-ion battery. As the main drive
lithium-ion battery capacity decreases, the initial cruising
range of the vehicle will similarly decrease.
WA R N I N G
!
The main drive lithium-ion battery is a sealed high
voltage battery and has no user serviceable parts.
• To avoid severe burns and/or electrical shock that
may result in serious injury or death, never
attempt to detach the main drive lithium-ion bat-
tery from the vehicle or try to disassemble it.
• Never attempt to dispose or recycle the main drive
lithium-ion battery by yourself. Consult with a
certified i-MiEV dealer, when the main drive lith-
ium-ion battery is disposed or recycled.
• Never attempt to use the main drive lithium-ion
battery for any other purpose.CAUTION
!
To help prevent damage to the main drive lithium-
ion battery, follow the instructions described below.
Failure to do so can result in damage to the main
drive lithium-ion battery that will not be covered by
the main drive lithium-ion battery warranty.
• Do not leave your vehicle with the energy level
gauge (Refer to “Energy level gauge” on page 3-
69) showing 0 bars.
• Repeatedly performing quick charging can reduce
battery capacity. Regular charging is recom-
mended unless quick charging is necessary.

Do not store your vehicle at ambient temperatures
above 131 °F (55 °C) for over 24 hours, or below
-13 °F (-25 °C) for over 7 days. The temperatures
may damage the main drive lithium-ion battery.
CAUTION
!
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General information/Charging
1-5
1

Mitsubishi Motors estimates that after 5 years, the capac-
ity of the main drive lithium-ion battery provided with
your vehicle will be approximately 80% of the original
capacity. After 10 years, the capacity should be approxi-
mately 70% of the original capacity. These are only esti-
mates, and the actual capacity of your vehicle battery over
time will depend on a variety of factors including how
your vehicle is used, stored and charged. Factors that can
adversely affect battery capacity over time include fre-
quent driving using aggressive acceleration/deceleration,
repeated frequent use of the quick charger, and opera-
tion/storage in extreme temperature environments.

The main drive lithium-ion battery has a limited service
life, and when its charging capacity falls, owners should
bring their vehicle to a certified i-MiEV dealer for inspec-
tion and possible battery replacement.

For details regarding the warranty coverage for the main
drive lithium-ion battery, refer to the Warranty and Main-
tenance Manual.NOTE
To help maintain the capacity of the main drive lithium-
ion battery, the following are recommended:
• Fully charge the vehicle by regular charging every 2
weeks.
• Do not repeat charging when the main drive lithium-ion
battery is at or near full charge.
Cruising range
N01200400016
The distance you can drive the vehicle (cruising range)
depends on a number of factors including available charge,
weather, temperature, usage, battery age, topography, and driv-
ing style. When the main drive lithium-ion battery is new, the
estimated cruising range with a fully charged main drive lith-
ium-ion battery is 62 miles (100 km) based on the EPA labora-
tory test commonly called the combined range. Your actual
range can vary, either initially or as the battery ages and with
use over time.
As the main drive lithium-ion battery capacity decreases, the
cruising range of the vehicle will similarly decrease. Refer to
“Decrease of battery capacity” on page 1-4.NOTE
Since cooling or heating consumes power from the main
drive lithium-ion battery, operation of these functions will
reduce the cruising range.

Put the selector lever in the “B” (REGENERATIVE
BRAKE MODE) or “Eco” (ECO MODE) position
according to the road condition. Using appropriate regen-
erative braking can help increase the cruising range. Refer
to “Regenerative braking” on page 1-3.
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