oil MITSUBISHI iMiEV 2012 1.G Owners Manual

4-6 Driving safety
4
TiresCheck all the tires for heavy tread wear or uneven wear pat-
terns. 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 before they are heavily worn out.
As your vehicle is equipped with a tire pressure monitoring
system, there is a risk of damage to the tire inflation pressure
sensors when the tire is replaced on the rim. Tire replacement
should, therefore, be performed only by a certified i-MiEV
dealer.LightsHave 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. Fluid leaksCheck the ground under the vehicle after parking overnight, for
water, oil, or other leaks. Make sure all the fluid levels are cor-
rect.
Safe driving techniques
N00629200124
Even this vehicle’s safety equipment, and your safest driving,
cannot guarantee that you can avoid an accident or injury.
However, if you give extra attention to the following areas, you
can better protect yourself and your passengers:

Drive defensively. Be aware of traffic, road and weather
conditions. Leave plenty of stopping distance between
your vehicle and the vehicle ahead.

Before changing lanes, check your mirrors and use your
turn signal light.

While driving, watch the behavior of other drivers, bicy-
clists, and pedestrians.

Always obey applicable laws and regulations. Be a polite
and alert driver. Always leave room for unexpected
events, such as sudden braking.
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Driving safety
4-7
4 Driving during cold weather
N00629400403

Check the 12V starter battery, including terminals and
cables. During extremely cold weather, the 12V starter
battery will not be as strong and its power level may drop.
Before driving the vehicle, check to see if the headlights
are as bright as normal. Charge or replace the 12V starter
battery if necessary. During extreme cold weather, it is
possible that a very low 12V starter battery could freeze.
Check the antifreeze.
If there is not enough coolant because of a leak, add high-
quality ethylene glycol antifreeze and water. Use Dia
Queen Super Long Life Coolant Premium or an equiva-
lent. The recommended blend is about 50 % water and 50
% anti-freeze. Use a higher concentration (not over 60 %)
when the outside temperature is -31 °F (-35 °C) or lower.
When the electric motor unit is working very hard (for
example, during mountain driving and/or when the out-
side temperature is high), use a 50 % concentration. This
blend will provide adequate protection from corrosion and
boiling.
WA R N I N G
!
The 12V starter battery gives off explosive hydrogen
gas. Any spark or flame can cause the 12V starter
battery to explode, which could cause serious injury
or death.
Always wear protective clothes and a face mask
when working with your 12V starter battery, or let a
skilled mechanic do it.
WA R N I N G
!
Never open the coolant reservoir cap while it is hot.
You could be seriously burned.
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4-10 Driving safety
4

Curb weight: the weight of a motor vehicle with standard
equipment including the maximum capacity of oil, and
coolant.

Accessory weight: the combined weight (in excess of
those standard items which may be replaced) of automatic
transmission, power steering, power brakes, power win-
dows, power seats, radio, and heater, to the extent that
these items are available as factory- installed equipment
(whether installed or not).

Vehicle capacity weight: the rated cargo and luggage load
plus 150 lbs (68 kg)* times the vehicle’s designated seat-
ing capacity.

Production options weight: the combined weight of those
installed regular production options weighing over 5 lbs
(2.3 kg) in excess of those standard items which they
replace, not previously considered in curb weight or
accessory weight, including heavy duty brakes, ride level-
ers, roof rack, heavy duty battery, and special trim.

Normal occupant weight: 150 lbs (68 kg)* times the num-
ber of specified occupants. (In your vehicle the number is
2)

Occupant distribution: distribution of occupants in a vehi-
cle as specified. (In your vehicle the distribution is 2 in
front seat)
Tire and loading information placard
N00630100370
The tire and loading information placard is located on the
driver’s door sill.
*: 150 lbs (68 kg) is the weight of one person as defined by
U.S.A. and Canadian regulations.
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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
!
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Vehicle care and maintenance
7-27
7 General maintenance
N00941500289
The next pages list the maintenance service recommended by
Mitsubishi Motors Corporation. In addition to the general
maintenance that needs to be performed at the times listed,
there are other parts which do not usually need regular mainte-
nance.
But, if any of these parts stops working properly, your vehicle
performance could suffer. Have these items checked if you
notice a problem with them.
See a certified i-MiEV dealer for assistance, if you have any
questions.Disc brake pads, rear drum brake linings and
rear wheel cylinders
N00941600033
Good brakes are essential to safe driving. Check the brake pads
and brake linings for wear and check the rear wheel cylinders
for leaks. For good braking performance, replace the brake
pads with the same type pads as the originals.Brake hoses
N00941700047
Brake hoses and tubing should be checked for:

Severe surface cracking, scuffing or worn spots. If the
fabric casing of the hose is showing through any cracks or
worn spots in the rubber hose cover, the hose should be
replaced. The brakes can fail if the hose wears through.

Improper installation may cause twisting, or wheel, tire or
chassis interference.
Ball joint, steering linkage seals and drive shaft
boots
N00941800077
Check the following parts for damage and grease leaks:

Ball joint boots of the front suspension and steering link-
age

Bellows on both ends of the drive shaftHood lock release mechanism and safety catch
N00942500114
The hood lock release mechanism and hood safety catch should
be checked, cleaned, and oiled when needed for easy move-
ment and to stop rust and wear. Use Multipurpose Grease
NLGI Grade 2 sparingly for all sliding parts of the hood latch
and release lever. Work the grease into the hood lock mecha-
nism until all the movable surfaces are covered.
Also, put a light coat of the same grease on the safety catch
wherever moving parts touch.
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Vehicle care and maintenance
7-35
7 Replacement of light bulbs
N00942900336
Before replacing a bulb, be sure the light is off. Do not touch
the glass part of the new bulb with your bare fingers; the oil
from your skin will stay on the glass and dim or destroy the
bulb when it gets hot.NOTE
If you are unsure of how to carry out the work as required,
it is recommended that these procedures be carried out by
a certified i-MiEV dealer.

Be careful not to scratch the vehicle body when removing
a light and lens.

When it rains, or when the vehicle has been washed, the
inside of the lens sometimes becomes temporarily foggy.
This is the same phenomenon as when window glass mists
up on a humid day, and does not indicate a functional
problem.
When the light is switched on, the heat will remove the
fog. However, if water collects inside the light, please
have it checked by a certified i-MiEV dealer.
CAUTION
!
Never use a fuse with a capacity greater than the one
listed or any substitute, such as wire, foil etc. This
would cause the circuit wiring to heat up and could
cause a fire.
If the replacement fuse blows again after a short
time, have the electrical system checked by a certi-
fied i-MiEV dealer to find and correct the cause.
CAUTION
!
Bulbs are extremely hot immediately after being
turned off.
When replacing a bulb, wait for it to cool sufficiently
before touching it. You could otherwise be burned.
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Vehicle care and maintenance
7-41
7
4. Remove the bulb as follows.
[Front turn signal light]
Pull the bulb out of the socket.
[Front fog light and daytime running light]
While holding down the tab (F), pull out the bulb assem-
bly (G).5. To install the bulb, perform the removal steps in reverse.Front fog light
Daytime running light Front turn signal light
CAUTION
!
Handle halogen light bulb with care. The gas inside
a halogen light bulb is highly pressurized, so drop-
ping, knocking, or scratching a halogen light bulb
can cause it to shatter.
Never hold the halogen light bulb with a bare hand,
dirty glove, etc.
The oil from your hand could cause the bulb to
break the next time the fog lights are used.
If the glass surface is dirty, clean it with alcohol and
let it dry completely before installing the bulb.
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Vehicle care and maintenance
7-51
7
NOTE
Do not use cleaners, conditioners, and protectants contain-
ing silicones or wax.
Such products, when applied to the instrument panels or
other parts, may cause reflections on the windshield and
obscure vision.
Also, if such products get on the switches of the electrical
accessories, it may lead to failure of these accessories.Upholstery
N00945500144
1. To maintain the value of your new vehicle, maintain the
upholstery carefully and keep the interior clean.
Use a vacuum cleaner and brush to clean the seats. If
stained, vinyl and synthetic leather should be cleaned with
an appropriate cleaner. Cloth fabrics can be cleaned with
either upholstery cleaner or a mild soap and water solu-
tion.
2. Clean the carpeting with a vacuum cleaner and remove
any stains with carpet cleaner. Oil and grease can be
removed by lightly dabbing with a clean white cloth and
spot remover. NOTE
If fuzzing is difficult to remove from the seat upholstery,
draw a suitable defuzzing brush over the surface in one
direction.Genuine leather
(if so equipped)
N00945600275
1. To clean, lightly wipe the leather with a soft cloth soaked
in a mild soap and water solution.2. To rinse, dip the cloth in fresh water, wring it out well, and
wipe off all the soap.
3. To preserve and protect, use a leather protecting agent on
the genuine leather surface.
NOTE
If genuine leather is wet with water, wipe it with a dry,
soft cloth. If left damp, mildew may grow.

The genuine leather surface can be damaged if brushed
with a nylon or synthetic fiber brush.

Organic solvents such as benzine, kerosene, alcohol, gaso-
line, acid or alkaline solvents can discolor the genuine
leather surface and should not be used.

The genuine leather surface may harden and shrink if it is
exposed to the direct sunlight for long hours. When your
vehicle is parked, place it in the shade as much as possi-
ble.
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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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Vehicle care and maintenance
7-55
7
Cleaning plastic parts
N00946300211
Use a sponge or chamois to clean these parts.
If a vehicle wax sticks to a gray or black rough surface of the
bumper, molding or lights, the surface may appear white in
color. In this case, wipe it off using lukewarm water and a soft
cloth or chamois. Chrome parts
N00946400065
To prevent spots and corrosion of chrome parts, wash with
water, dry thoroughly, and apply a nonabrasive automotive
wax. If the chrome is severely damaged or pitted, use a com-
mercially available chrome polish.
Aluminum wheels (if so equipped)
N00946500196
1. Remove dirt using a wet sponge.
2. Use a mild detergent on any dirt that cannot be removed
easily with water.
Rinse off the detergent after washing the wheel.
3. Dry the wheel thoroughly using a chamois leather or a soft
cloth.Window glass
N00946600067
The window glass can usually be cleaned using only a sponge
and water. Glass cleaner can be used to remove wax, oil,
grease, dead insects, etc. After washing the glass, wipe it dry
with a clean, dry, soft cloth.
CAUTION
!
Do not use a scrubbing brush or other rough scrub-
ber as these may damage the plastic surface.
Do not use wax containing compounds (polishing
powder) which may damage the plastic surface.
Do not let the plastic parts get soiled with gasoline,
oil, brake fluids, greases, paint thinner, and sulfuric
acid (battery electrolyte). These fluids, etc., may
crack, stain or discolor the plastic parts.
If any of these get on the plastic parts, wipe them up
with a soft cloth or chamois and a mild solution of
soap and water. Then rinse them immediately with
water.
CAUTION
!
Do not use a brush or other hard implement on the
wheels.
Doing so could scratch the wheels.
Do not use any cleaner that contains an abrasive
substance or is acidic or alkaline. Doing so could
cause the coating on the wheels to peel or become
discolored or stained.
Do not directly apply hot water using a steam
cleaner or by any other means.
Contact with seawater or road salt used for de-icing
can cause corrosion. Rinse off such substances as
soon as possible.
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