2000 MITSUBISHI CARISMA check engine

FOR EMERGENCIES
8–13
Front
N25A200a
Towing with a rope
1. For vehicles with automatic transmis-
sion check the automatic transmis-
sion fluid level. (Refer to “Automatic
transmission fluid” on page 9–4.)
If the fluid level is low, transport the ve-
hicle with all wheels off the ground.
CAUTION
If the vehicle is out of automatic trans-
mission fluid, the transmission could
be damaged.
2. The towing hooks (A) are located as
shown in the illustrations. Attach the
tow rope to the towing hooks.
Rear
N25A057a
NOTE
(1) Using any part other than the desig-
nated towing hooks (A) could result in
damage to vehicle body.
(2) Use care that the towing rope is kept as
horizontal as possible.
An angled towing rope can damage the
vehicle body.
(3) Never attempt to tow out a ditched ve-
hicle because the towing rope cannot
be kept horizontal.
3. Turn the ignition switch to the “ACC” or
“ON” position to unlock the steering
wheel.
CAUTION
(1) As the engine is not running, the
brake booster and power steer-
ing pump do not operate. This
means higher brake depression
force and higher steering effort
are required. Therefore vehicle
operation is more difficult than
usual.
(2) Do not leave the key in the
“LOCK” position. If the key is re-
moved while driving, the steering
will be locked causing loss of
control.
4. Turn on the hazard warning lamps.
5. Move the gearshift lever (manual
transmission) or the selector lever (au-
tomatic transmission) to Neutral or the
“N” position.
6. During towing make sure that close
contact is maintained between the
drivers of both vehicles, and that the
vehicles travel at low speed. Avoid
abrupt starting or stopping which
might subject the vehicles to shock.

FOR EMERGENCIES
8–17
Petrol-powered vehicles
N26A034a
4. Check the coolant level in the reserve
tank. If there is none, make sure that
the engine has cooled down before re-
moving the radiator cap, because hot
steam or boiling water otherwise will
gush from the filler port and may scald
you.
5. Add coolant to the radiator and/or re-
serve tank if necessary (refer to the
“Maintenance” section).
CAUTION
Adding cold water rapidly when the
engine is hot could cause the cylinder
head and/or block to crack, add the
water a little at a time while running
the engine.
Diesel-powered vehicles
N26A160a
6. Examine the radiator hoses for cool-
ant leakage and the fan belts for
looseness or damage.
If there is anything wrong with the
cooling system or fan belt, have the
problem corrected at an authorized
MITSUBISHI dealer.
Emergency startingEN38A-Fe
If the engine cannot be started because the
battery is weak or dead, the battery from
another vehicle can be used with jumper
cables to start the engine.
WARNING
To start the engine by use of jumper
cables from another vehicle, perform
the correct procedures according to
the instruction manual. Incorrect pro-
cedures could result in a fire or ex-
plosion or damage to the vehicles.
1. Get the vehicles close enough so the
jumper cables can reach, but be sure
the vehicles are not touching each
other. If they are, it could cause a
ground connection you do not want.
The vehicle will not start, and the bad
grounding could damage the electri-
cal systems.

FOR EMERGENCIES
8–18
CAUTION
Check the other vehicle. It must have
a 12-volt battery.
If the other system isn’t 12-volt, short-
ing can damage both vehicles.
2. You could be injured if the vehicles roll.
Set the parking brake firmly on each
vehicle. Put an automatic trans-
mission in “P” (PARK) or a manual
transmission in “N” (Neutral). Turn off
the ignition switch.
WARNING
Tu r n o f f t h e ignition on both vehicles
beforehand. Use care to make sure
that the cables or your clothes do not
get caught by the fan or drive belt.
Personal injury could result.
NOTE
Turn off all lamps, heater and other electrical
loads. This will avoid sparks and help save
both batteries.
3. Make sure battery electrolyte is at the
proper level.
Refer to “Battery” on page 9–7.
WARNING
If electrolyte fluid is not visible, or ap-
pears to be frozen, do not attempt
jump starting!
A battery might rupture or explode if
the temperature is below the freezing
point or if it is not filled to the proper
level.
Petrol-powered vehicles (1300 models)
N28A195a
4. Connect one end of one jumper cable
to the positive (+) terminal of the dis-
charged battery, and the other end to
the positive (+) terminal of the booster
battery.
5. Connect one end of the other jumper
cable to the negative (-) terminal of the
booster battery, and the other end to
the engine block of the vehicle with the
discharged battery at the point farthest
from the battery.
NOTE
Remove the cover before connecting the
jumper cable to the positive terminal of the
battery.

FOR EMERGENCIES
8–19
Petrol-powered vehicles (1600 models)
N28A196a
WARNING
(1) Be sure to observe the connect-
ing sequence of 1
2
3
4.
(2) Make sure that the connection 4
is made to the appointed position
(shown in the illustration). If the
connection is made directly to the
negative side of the battery, the
flammable gases generated from
the battery might catch fire and
explode.
(3) When connecting the jumper
cable, do not connect the positive
(+) cable to the negative (-) ter-
minal. Otherwise sparks may
cause explosion of the battery.
Petrol-powered vehicles (1800 models)
N28A197a
WARNING
(4) When connecting the jumper
cable to the (-) terminal especially
in the 1800 models, do not touch
other parts with your hands, as
the engine compartment is hot
and burns could result.
Diesel-powered vehicles
N28A198a
CAUTION
(1) Use care not to get the jumper
cable caught in the cooling fan or
other rotating part in the engine
compartment.
(2) Use the proper cables suitable for
the battery size.
Otherwise heat damage to the
cables could result.
(3) Check the jumper cables for dam-
age and corrosion before use.
6. Start the engine in the vehicle which
has the booster battery, let the engine
idle a few minutes, then start the en-
gine in the vehicle with the discharged
battery.

FOR EMERGENCIES
8–21
N07A017a
Bleeding the fuel system
(diesel-powered vehicles
only)
EN07A-Ma
The fuel system should be bled to remove air
as described below if the fuel supply is ex-
hausted during travel.
1. Undo the four clips on the air cleaner
and push the cover (B) aside.
N07A018a
2. Press the pump (A) against the brack-
et (C) with your fingers until the pump
becomes stiff. Then pump several
times more to pressurize the system.
3. Finally, start the engine and check for
leakage of fuel.
If in doubt, consult your nearest autho-
rized MITSUBISHI dealer.
CAUTION
(1) Do not smoke or have any other
open flame near the vehicle while
bleeding the fuel system.
(2) Be sure to carefully clean away
any spilt fuel which could ignite
and cause a fire.
N07B023a
Removal of water from the
fuel filter (diesel-powered
vehicles only)
EN07B-Oa
When water has accumulated in the fuel
filter, remove the water as described below.
1. Place a drainage tray under the filter.
2. Connect a hose to the drain plug (A)
and let it hang down into the tray.
3. Loosen the drain plug (A) a few turns
and tighten the drain plug when clean
fuel comes through.
4. Bleed the air (Refer to “Bleeding the
fuel system” on page 8–21).

MAINTENANCE
9–2
EM01A -Fh
Adequate care of your vehicle at regular in-
tervals serves to preserve the value and ap-
pearance as long as possible.
Some maintenance items can be carried out
by the owner (do it yourself), while others
should be carried out by an authorized MIT-
SUBISHI dealer (periodic inspection and
maintenance). This section describes only
those items which can be carried out by the
owner. In the event a malfunction or other
problem is discovered, have it corrected by
an authorized MITSUBISHI dealer. This sec-
tion contains information on inspection main-
tenance procedures that you can do your-
self, if you wish to do so. Follow the
instructions and cautions for each of the va-
rious procedures.
WARNING
(1)When checking or servicing the in-
side of the engine compartment,
make sure the engine is switched
off and has had a chance to cool
down.
(2)If it is necessary to do work in the
engine compartment with the en-
gine running, be especially careful
that your clothing, hair, etc., does
not become caught by the fan,
drive belts or other moving parts.
WARNING
(3) The fan may turn on automati-
cally even if the engine is not run-
ning; turn the ignition key tothe
“LOCK” position and remove the
key to ensure safety while you
work in the engine compartment.
(4) Do not smoke, cause sparks or
allow open flames around fuel or
battery. The fumes are flammable.
(5) Be extremely cautious when
working around the battery. It
contains poisonous and corros-
ive sulphuric acid.
(6) Do not get under your vehicle
with just the body jack support-
ing it. Always use automotive
jack stands.
(7) Improper handling of compo-
nents and materials used in the
vehicle can endanger your per-
sonal safety.
Consult an authorized MITSUBI-
SHI dealer for necessary informa-
tion.
Petrol-powered vehicles (1300 models)
M03A088a
Engine oil
EM03A–Id
The engine oil used has a significant effect
on the engine’s performance, service life and
startability. Be sure to use oil of the recom-
mended quality and appropriate viscosity.
All engines consume a certain amount of oil
during normal operation (See note below).
Therefore, it is important to check the oil at
regular intervals or before starting a long
journey.

MAINTENANCE
9–3
Petrol-powered vehicles (1600, 1800 models)
M03A027a
This check must be carried out with the ve-
hicle on a flat level surface with the engine at
normal operating temperature, but NOT run-
ning. If the engine has been running, wait for
a few minutes to allow the engine oil to return
to the oil pan to ensure an accurate
measurement.
Remove the dipstick and wipe it with a clean
cloth, re - insert the dipstick as far as it will go.
Remove the dipstick and check the oil level.
This should always be within the range as
indicated.
If the oil level is below the specified limit, re-
move the filler cap and add oil. Then recheck
the level. When satisfied that the level is cor-
rect, refit the oil filler cap making sure that it
is securely fitted.
Diesel-powered vehicle
M03A090a
Use only the recommended oils with an API
or ACEA classification as specified in this
manual.
NOTE
(1)Engine oil consumption is greatly in-
fluenced by payload, engine speed,
etc. It may reach 1.0 lit./1,000 km de-
pending on style of driving.
(2) The engine oil will deteriorate rapidly if
the vehicle is subjected to severe condi-
tions (for example, repeated operation
on rough roads, in mountainous re-
gions, on roads with many uphill and
downhill gradients, or over short dis-
tances). Consequently, the oil will re-
quire earlier replacement.
(3) For handling of used engine oils, refer to
page
1–11.
Petrol-powered vehicles
M03B037a
Selection of engine oil
(petrol-powered vehicle)
EM03B-Of
(1) Select engine oil of the proper SAE vis-
cosity number according to the atmos-
pheric temperature.
For 0W-30, 5W-30, 0W-40 and 5W-40
viscosity grade, use only ACEA A3
classification.
(2) Use engine oil conforming to the follow-
ing classification:

ACEA classification:
“For service A1, A2 or A3”

API classification:
“FOR SERVICE SG” or higher
NOTE
Use of additives is not recommended since
they may reduce the effectiveness of addi-
tives already included in the engine oil. It
may result in failure of the mechanical as-
sembly.

MAINTENANCE
9–4
Type 1
M03B029a
Selection of engine oil
(diesel-powered vehicles)
EM03BAKe
(1) Select engine oil of the proper SAE vis-
cosity number according to the atmos-
pheric temperature.
(2) Use engine oil conforming to the follow-
ing classification:
Ty p e 1 :ACEA classification:
“For service B2-96 or B3-96”
Ty p e 2 :API classification:
“For service CF”
NOTE
Use of additives is not recommended
since they may reduce the effectiveness of
additives already included in the engine
oil. It may result in failure of the mechani-
cally assembly.
Type 2
M03B030aM05A069a
Automatic transmission fluid*EM05AAH
The proper amount of automatic trans-
mission fluid is essential to the life and oper-
ation of the automatic transmission. Either in-
sufficient fluid or excessive fluid could cause
transmission trouble. The transmission fluid
filler port cap is equipped with a dipstick. Use
the following procedure to check the fluid
level.
1. Check the fluid level after the vehicle
has been driven enough to warm up
the transmission fluid.
2. Park the vehicle on a flat, level surface
and apply the parking brake.