2000 MITSUBISHI CARISMA battery

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
9–7
BatteryEM37A–Pd
The condition of the battery is very important
for quick starting of the engine and proper
functioning of the vehicle’s electrical system.
Regular inspection and care are especially
important in cold weather.
NOTE
(1) After replacing the battery, the electronic
control system data for the engine, auto-
matic transmission, etc., will be erased.
As a result, the engine speed may be-
come unstable and shift shocks may
occur.
If the engine speed become unstable,
initial engine adjustments will need to be
performed.
Refer to the section “What to do if the
engine speed becomes unstable after
the battery is replaced:” on page 8–22.
Shift shocks will become smoother after
several changes in speed.
(2) Memory data for settings made by the
user may be erased when the battery is
replaced. If this happens, establish the
settings again using the relevant pro-
cedures.
M37B003a
Checking battery electrolyte level
The electrolyte level must be between the
“max” and “min” marks stamped on the out-
side of the battery. Replenish with distilled
water as necessary.
The inside of the battery is divided into sev-
eral compartments; remove the cap from
each compartment and fill to the “max” mark.
Do not over -replenish beyond the “max”
mark because spillage during driving could
cause damage.
Check the electrolyte level at least once
every four weeks, depending on the operat-
ing conditions.
If the battery is not used, it will discharge by
itself with time. Check it once every four
weeks and charge with low current as
necessary.
During cold weather
The capacity of the battery is reduced at low
temperatures. This is an inevitable result of
its chemical and physical properties. This is
why a very cold battery, particularly one that
is not fully charged, will only deliver a fraction
of the starter current which is normally avail-
able.
It is recommended that you have the battery
checked by an authorized MITSUBISHI
dealer before the start of cold weather and,
if necessary, have it charged.
This not only ensures reliable starting, but a
battery which is kept fully charged also has
a longer life.
Disconnection and connection
To disconnect the battery cable, stop the en-
gine, first disconnect the negative (–) ter-
minal and then the positive (+) terminal.
When connecting the battery, first connect
the positive (+) terminal and then the nega-
tive (–) terminal.

MAINTENANCE
9–8
WARNING
(1) Keep sparks, cigarettes, and
flames away from the battery be-
cause the battery could explode.
(2) The battery electrolyte is extremely
caustic. Do not allow it to come in
contact with your eyes, skin, cloth-
ing, or the painted surfaces of the
vehicle. Spilled electrolyte should
be flushed immediately with ample
amounts of water.
Irritation to eyes or skin from con-
tact with electrolyte requires im-
mediate medical attention.
(3) Ventilate when charging or using
the battery in an enclosed space.
CAUTION
(1) Never disconnect the battery with
the ignition switch in the “ON”
position; doing so could damage
the vehicle’s electrical compo-
nents.
(2) Never short - circuit the battery;
doing so could cause it to over-
heat and damage it.
CAUTION
(3) Always wear protective eye
goggles when working near the
battery.
(4) If the battery is to be
quick -charged, first disconnect
the battery cables.
(5) In order to prevent a short circuit,
be sure to disconnect the nega-
tive (–) terminal first.
(6) Keep it out of the reach of
children.
NOTE
(1) Keep the terminals clean. After the bat-
tery is connected, apply terminal protec-
tion grease. To clean the terminals, use
lukewarm water.
(2) Check to see if the battery is securely in-
stalled and cannot be moved during
travel. Also check each terminal for
tightness.
(3) When the vehicle is to be left unused for
a long period of time, remove the battery
and store it in a place where the battery
fluid will not freeze. The battery should
be stored only in a fully charged condi-
tion.
M08A009a
Brake fluidEM08A-Oh
Check the brake fluid level in the reservoir.
The brake fluid level must be between the
“MAX” and “MIN” marks on the reservoir.
The fluid level falls slightly with wear of the
brake pads, but this does not indicate any
abnormality.
If the brake fluid level falls markedly in a short
length of time, it indicates leaks from the
brake system.
If this occurs, have the vehicle checked by
an authorized MITSUBISHI dealer.

SPECIFICATIONS
10–11
Electrical systemEP01GMDb
ItemPetrol-powered vehicleDiesel-powered vehicleItem130016001800 (GDI)1900
Voltage12V
BatteryTypeLHD562165663857217Batteryyp(DIN)RHD5553057217
Alternator capacity90A100A125A
NGKBKR6E-11IZFR6B
Spark plugDENSOK20PR-U11–Spark plugCHAMPIONRC8YC4––
BOSCHFR7DCU–
Tyres and wheelsEP01HMD
Ty r eWheel
SizeSizeOffset
175/65R15 84S*
175/65R15 84T*15x5J
15x5 1/2J
15x6J
195/55R15 85H*15x5 1/2J44 or 46 mm195/55R15 85H
195/55R15 85V*15x5 1/2J
15x6J44 or 46 mm195/55R15 85V*15x6J
195/60R15 88H
195/60R15 88V15x5 1/2J
15x6J
*: Snow tyre (M+S): It is also called winter tyres and designed for traction in mud and snow.

10–18
Accessory boxes 6–47. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Additional equipment
(For regions where snow is encountered) 9–19
Anti–lock brake system (ABS)* 5–28. . . . . . . . .
Armrest* 3–9. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Ashtray 6–46. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Audio system anti-theft feature 6–26. . . . . . . . . .
Auto–speed (cruise) control* 5–36. . . . . . . . . . . .
Automatic air conditioning* 6–36. . . . . . . . . . . . .
Automatic transmission fluid* 9–4. . . . . . . . . . .
Automatic transmission INVECS–II 4A/T,
Sports Mode 4A/T
(Intelligent & Innovative Vehicle Electronic
Control System II) 5–16. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Battery 9–7. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Bleeding the fuel system
(diesel-powered vehicles only) 8–21. . . . . . . .
Bonnet 2–8. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Boot lid (or tailgate) 2–10. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brake fluid 9–8. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brake pedal free play 9–17. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Braking 5–27. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Capacities 10–16. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cargo net* 6–51. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Catalytic converter 5–5. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Central door locks 2–7. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Changing a fuse 8–25. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Changing gears 5–16. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Chassis number 10–2. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Child restraint 3–15. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
“Child-protection” rear doors 2–6. . . . . . . . . . . .
Cigarette lighter 6–45. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cleaning the inside of your vehicle 7–2. . . . . . .
Cleaning the outside of your vehicle 7–3. . . . . .
Clutch fluid* 9–10. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Clutch pedal free play* 9–17. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Combination headlamps, dipper and turn
signal switch 4–12. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Digital clock 4–26. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Dimensions 10–5. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Doors 2–4. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Driving and alcohol 1–11. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Economical driving 5–6. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Electric remote–controlled outside rear–view
mirrors* 5–32. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Electric window control* 2–12. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Electrical system 10–11. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Electronic immobilizer
(Anti-theft starting system) 2–2. . . . . . . . . . .
Emergency starting 8–17. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine 10–9. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine coolant 9–5. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine number 10–2. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine oil 9–2. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine overheating 8–15. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Exterior and interior lamp operation 9–16. . . . . .
Filling the fuel tank 5–3. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Front fog lamp switch* 4–20. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuel consumption 10–13. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuel gauge 4–4. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuel selection 5–3. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuel, engine coolant, oil and exhaust gas
leakage 9–16. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuses 8–22. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Genuine parts 1–10. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Hazard warning flasher switch 4–18. . . . . . . . . .
Head restraints 3–7. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Headlamp levelling switch 4–13. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Headlamp washer switch* 4–17. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Heated seats* 3–10. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Heater/Manual air conditioning* 6–30. . . . . . . . .
Hinges and latches lubrication 9–18. . . . . . . . . .
Horn switch 4–22. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
If a tyre is punctured 8–9. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
If the vehicle breaks down 8–2. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Ignition switch 5–9. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Indication and warning lamps 4–6. . . . . . . . . . .
Inside rear-view mirror 5–31. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Installation of accessories 1–8. . . . . . . . . . . . . . Installation position for first–aid kit 6–50. . . . . . .
Instruments 4–2. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Jacking up the vehicle 8–4. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Keyless entry system* 2–5. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Keys 2–2. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Manual remote-controlled outside rear-view
mirrors* 5–32. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Manual transmission 5–14. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Manual window control* 2–11. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Meter, gauge and indication/ warning lamp
operation 9–16. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Modification / alterations to the electric or fuel
systems 1–9. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Multi centre display 4–24. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Notes regarding diesel fuel 10–17. . . . . . . . . . . . .
Odometer/Tripmeter 4–3. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Operation of the automatic transmission
INVECS-II 5–23. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Operation under adverse driving conditions 8–2
Other specifications 10–12. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Outside rear-view mirror 5–31. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Parking 5–26. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Parking brake 5–25. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Parking brake lever stroke 9–17. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Performance 10–5. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Power steering fluid 9–9. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Power steering system 5–31. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Pregnant women restraint 3–21. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rear fog lamp switch 4–21. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rear seat 3–5. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rear shelf panel
(Hatchback) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
NO TAG
Rear window demister switch 4–19. . . . . . . . . . .

10–19
Rear window wiper and
washer switch (Hatchback) 4–16. . . . . . . . . . .
Removal of water from the fuel filter
(diesel-powered vehicles only) 8–21. . . . . . . .
Replacement of lamp bulbs 8–26. . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rheostat
(meter illumination control) 4–21. . . . . . . . . . .
Roof antenna 6–29. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Roof carrier precaution 1–9. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Roof drip moulding 1–9. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Room lamps 4–22. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Running-in recommendations 5–2. . . . . . . . . . .
Safe driving techniques 1–11. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Seat adjustment 3–2. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Seat belt inspection 3–21. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Seat belts 3–11. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Snow tyres 9–14. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Spare wheel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
NO TAG
Speedometer 4–2. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
SRS servicing 3–37. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Starting 5–12. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Steering wheel height adjustment 5–30. . . . . . . .
Sun visors 6–44. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Sunglasses pocket 6–48. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Sunroof* 2–14. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Supplemental restraint system (SRS) - air
bag 3–22. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Ta chometer 4–4. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tools 8–3. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tools and jack 8–3. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Towing 8–12. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Traction control (TCL)* 5–34. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Trailer towing 5–7. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Transmission 10–10. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tyre chains 9–15. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tyre inflation pressure 9–12. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tyre rotation 9–13. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tyres and wheels 10–11. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
UKW/MW/LW electronic tuning radio with
CD player* 6–15. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . UKW/MW/LW electronic tuning radio with
tape player* 6–2. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Used engine oils safety instructions 1–11. . . . . .
Vanity mirror 6–45. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Vehicle information code plate 10–3. . . . . . . . . .
Ventilation slots 9–19. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Ventilators 6–29. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Washer fluid 9–10. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Water temperature gauge 4–5. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Weatherstripping 9–19. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Weights (Sedan) 10–6. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Weights 10–7. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Weights (Hatchback) 10–8. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Weights 10–9. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
What to do if the engine speed becomes
unstable after the battery is replaced: 8–22. .
Wheel condition 9–11. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Wheel covers* 8–8. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Windscreen wiper and washer switch 4–15. . . .
Wiper blades 9–18. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .