open hood MITSUBISHI iMiEV 2012 1.G Owners Manual

Overview
Instruments and controls (Instrument panel)
N00100201462
Supplemental restraint system (SRS) -
airbag (for front passenger’s seat) P.2-35
Side vents P.5-2
Cup holder P.3-130Glove compartment P.3-
129
Selector lever
P.3-33Parking brake lever P.3-25Cup holder P.3-130
Quick charging lid opener (if so equipped)
P.1-3312 V power outlet P.3-123Electric rear window defogger switch P.3-89 Heated seat switch
P. 2 - 7Air conditioning
P. 5 - 6Hazard warning flasher
switch P.3-83
Center vents P.5-2
Hood release lever
P. 7 - 4
Card holder P.3-129 Audio (if so equipped) P.5-18
Mitsubishi Multi-Communication System (if so equipped)
Refer to the separate “Mitsubishi Multi-Communication
System owner’s manual”
USB input terminal
(if so equipped)
P. 3 - 1 1 7
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1-18 General information/Charging
1Precautions during Charging the Main
Drive Lithium-ion Battery
N01202600012
WA R N I N G
!
Improper charging can result in a fire, property
damage, and serious injury or death.
Read the instructions described below carefully and
follow them. Also read and follow the instructions
for “Regular charging (charging method with rated
AC 120V outlet)” on page 1-20, Regular charging
(using 240V Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment) on
page 1-32 and “Quick charging (charging method
with quick charger)” on page 1-33 before using the
charging device.
• Never connect or disconnect the charge connector
or plug with wet hands.
• Make sure there is no water or foreign materials in
the charge port, charge connector or plug, and
that they are not damaged or affected by rust or
corrosion. If any of these conditions are noticeable,
do not charge the main drive lithium-ion battery.
• Never touch the metal contacts of the charge port,
charge connector or plug.
• Never charge the main drive lithium-ion battery or
touch the vehicle when there is lightning. A light-
ning strike may back feed into the charger causing
damage and possible personal injury or death.
• Never disassemble or modify the charge port or
charging cable.
• If you notice unusual odor or smoke coming from
the vehicle, charging cable or plug, or if the charg-
ing cable or plug becomes hot to the touch, stop
charging immediately.

Individuals using an electro-medical apparatus such
as implantable pacemakers and implantable cardio-
vascular-defibrillators should check with the manu-
facturer of the apparatus to confirm the effect of the
electromagnetic waves from charging. The electro-
magnetic waves may affect the operations of the
electro-medical apparatus.
If you have an implantable cardiac pacemaker or an
implantable cardiovascular defibrillator, while the
main drive lithium-ion battery is charging:
• Do not stay inside the vehicle.
• Do not go inside the vehicle, for example to remove
or place an item in the passenger compartment.
• Do not open the rear hatch, for example to remove
or place an item in the cargo area.
Charging may affect the operation of electric med-
ical devices and result in serious personal injury or
death.

Keep away from the cooling fan under the hood dur-
ing charging. During charging, the cooling fan may
automatically be operated even if the electric motor
switch is in the “LOCK” position.
WA R N I N G
!
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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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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.
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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.
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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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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
7-11
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
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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
7-53
7
During cold weather Salt and other chemicals spread on winter roads in some geo-
graphical areas can have a detrimental effect on the vehicle
underbody. You should flush the underbody with a high pres-
sure hose every time you wash the outside of your vehicle.
Take special care to remove mud or other debris which could
trap and hold salt and moisture.After washing your vehicle, wipe off all waterdrops from the
rubber parts around the doors to prevent the doors from freez-
ing.
NOTE
When the door is frozen, opening it by force may tear off
or crack the rubber gasket installed around the door. Pour
warm water to melt the ice. Be sure to thoroughly wipe off
the water after opening the door. To prevent freezing of
the weatherstripping on the doors, hood, etc., treat with
silicone lubricant.Waxing
N00946000247
Wax your vehicle once or twice a year, or when water does not
bead up on the paint.
Use a soft cloth to put a small amount of wax on the painted
surfaces. After the wax has dried, polish with a dry soft cloth.
Do not wax your vehicle in direct sunlight.
You should wax when the painted surfaces are cool.

Avoid automatic car washers that use rotating
brushes. These brushes may scratch the paint sur-
face and make it dull.
Scratches are more noticeable on darker colored
vehicles.
Some hot water washing equipment uses high pres-
sure and heat to clean your vehicle. This heated
water may damage your vehicle’s resin parts. It can
flood the interior of the vehicle. Therefore, be sure
of the following:
• Keep the washing nozzle at least 28 inches (70 cm)
away from the vehicle body.
• When washing around the door glass, hold the
nozzle at a distance of more than 28 inches (70 cm)
and at right angles to the glass surface.

Make sure to do the following when using an auto-
matic car wash, with help from either this manual or
the car wash operator, to avoid damaging your vehi-
cle:
• Fold the outside mirrors.
• Remove the antenna.
• Tape the wiper arm assembly.CAUTION
!
CAUTION
!
Waxes containing high abrasive compounds should
not be used. These waxes remove rust and stain
effectively from the paintwork, but are harmful to
the finish on the paint and the plate, because they
also remove clearcoat.
They are also harmful to other glossy surfaces such
as the grille, trim, moldings, etc.
Do not use gasoline, kerosene, benzine or paint thin-
ners to remove road tar or other dirt from the vehi-
cle surface.
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