2000 MITSUBISHI CARISMA warning

INSTRUMENTS AND CONTROLS
4–9
Charge warning lamp - redED54A–Ra
This lamp illuminates when the ignition key is turned
“ON”, and goes off after the engine has started.
CAUTION
If it illuminates while the engine is running,
there is a problem in the charging system. In
this case, immediately park your vehicle in a
safe place and contact your nearest author-
ized MITSUBISHI dealer.

Abnormality in the charging system

Broken alternator belt
Check engine indication lamp - amberED85AAKa
This lamp is a part of an onboard diagnostic system
which monitors the emissions, engine and automatic
transmission control systems.
If a problem is detected in one of these systems, this
lamp illuminates or flashes. Although your vehicle will
usually be drivable and not need towing, have the sys-
tem checked as soon as possible at an authorized
MITSUBISHI dealer.
This lamp will also illuminate for a few seconds when
the ignition key is turned to the “ON” position. If it does
not go off after a few seconds, take the vehicle to an
authorized MITSUBISHI dealer.
CAUTION
(1) Prolonged driving with this lamp on may
cause further damage to the emission
control system. It could also affect fuel
economy and drivability.
(2) If the lamp does not illuminate when the
ignition key is turned to the “ON” posi-
tion, have the system checked at an auth-
orized MITSUBISHI dealer.

INSTRUMENTS AND CONTROLS
4–10
CAUTION
(3) If the lamp illuminates or flashes while the
engine is running, avoid driving at high
speeds and have the system checked at
an authorized MITSUBISHI dealer.
During vehicle operation with the lamp il-
luminated or flashing, the vehicle may not
accelerate when you depress the acceler-
ator pedal.
When the vehicle is stationary with the
lamp illuminated or flashing, you must de-
press the brake pedal more firmly than
usual since the engine idling speed is
higher than usual and the vehicle with an
automatic transmission has a stronger
tendency to creep forward.
NOTE
The engine electronic control module accommodat-
ing the onboard diagnostic system has various fault
data (especially about the exhaust emission) stored.
This data will be erased if a battery cable is discon-
nected, which will make rapid diagnosis difficult. Do
not disconnect a battery cable when the check engine
indication lamp is ON.
Oil pressure warning lamp - redED25A-Ai
This lamp illuminates when the ignition key is turned
“ON”, and goes off after the engine has started. If it il-
luminates while the engine is running, the oil pressure
is too low.
If the warning lamp illuminates while the engine is run-
ning, turn the engine off and contact your nearest
authorized MITSUBISHI dealer for inspection.
CAUTION
(1) If this lamp illuminates when the engine
oil level is not low, contact your nearest
authorized MITSUBISHI dealer for inspec-
tion.
(2) This warning lamp does not indicate the
amount of oil in the crankcase. This must
be determined by checking the oil level on
the dipstick, while the engine is switched
off.
(3) If you continue driving with low engine oil
level or with this warning lamp illumi-
nated, engine seizure may occur.
NOTE
The oil pressure warning lamp should not be treated
as an indication of the engine’s oil level. The oil level
must be checked using the dipstick.

INSTRUMENTS AND CONTROLS
4–11
Diesel preheat indication lamp - amber
(diesel-powered vehicles)
ED58A-Ja
The indication lamp illuminates when the ignition
switch is in the “ON” position. As the glow plug be-
comes hot, the lamp goes out and the engine can
be started.
Overheating warning lamp - red
(diesel-powered vehicles)
ED67A-Ba
If the warning lamp illuminates while the engine is run-
ning, it is possible that the engine is overheated.
Immediately park your vehicle in a safe place and
make the necessary corrections. (Refer to “Engine
overheating on page 8–15.)
While driving, care should always be taken to maintain
the normal operating temperature.

INSTRUMENTS AND CONTROLS
4–18
Precautions to observe when using
wipers and washers
EE13C-L
(1) If the moving wipers become blocked by
ice or other deposits on the glass, the
motor may burn out even if the wiper
switch is turned to OFF. If obstruction
occurs, park your vehicle in a safe
place, turn off the ignition and clean the
deposits from the glass so that the
wipers operate smoothly.
(2) Do not use the wipers when the glass is
dry. They may scratch the glass surface
or the blades may prematurely wear
out.
(3) Before using the wipers in cold weather,
check that the wiper blades are not
frozen onto the glass. The motor may
burn out if the wipers are used with the
blades frozen onto the glass.
(4) Avoid using the washer continuously for
more than 20 seconds. Do not operate
the washer when the fluid reservoir is
empty.
Otherwise, pump failure will occur.
(5) Periodically check the level of washer
fluid in the reservoir and refill if required.
During cold weather, add a recom-
mended washer solution that will not
freeze in the washer reservoir. Failure to
do so could result in loss of washer
function and frost damage to the system
components.(6) If the washer is used in cold weather, the
washer fluid sprayed against the glass
may freeze resulting in poor visibility.
Heat the glass with the defroster or de-
mister before using the washer.
E16A049a
Hazard warning flasher switchEE16A-Dd
Use the hazard warning flasher switch when
the vehicle has to be parked on the road for
any emergency.
The hazard warning flashers can always be
operated, regardless of the position of the
ignition key.
Push the switch to turn on the hazard warn-
ing flashers; push the switch again to turn
them off.
When this switch is operated, all turn - signal
lamps flash continuously, as do the turn - sig-
nal indication lamps in the instrument cluster.

STARTING AND DRIVING
5–3
Fuel selectionEC20AMFe
Recommended
fuel
Petrol-powered vehicles
Unleaded petrol
octane rating (DIN 51607)
95 RON or higher (Super)
Diesel-powered vehicles
Cetane rating (DIN 51601)
45 or higher
NOTE
The petrol-powered vehicles have the oc-
tane number automatic change device so
that you can use unleaded normal petrol 91
RON as an emergency measure in case un-
leaded premium petrol 95 RON or higher is
not available on journey, etc. In such a case,
you don’t need to adjust the engine specially.
In case of using unleaded normal petrol 91
RON, the engine performance will suffer a
little degradation.
Filling the fuel tankEC20DMA
WARNING
Gasoline is highly flammable and ex-
plosive.
Yo u could be burned or seriously in-
jured when handling it. When refuel-
ing your vehicle, always turn the en-
gine off and keep away from flames,
sparks, and smoking materials. Al-
ways handle fuel in well–ventilated
outdoor areas.
Fuel tank capacity
60 litres
LHD
C20A131a
Refueling
1. Before filling with fuel, stop the engine.
2. The fuel tank filler is located on the left
side of your vehicle.
The fuel tank filler door can be opened
from inside the vehicle with the fuel
tank filler door release lever located
beside the driver’s seat.

STARTING AND DRIVING
5–5
5. When the gun stops automatically, re-
move the gun half the way in the tank
port. After the second automatic stop,
do not fill with fuel any more.
CAUTION
To avoid fuel spillage and overfilling,
do not ”top–off” the fuel tank.
6. To close, turn the fuel tank filler tube
cap slowly clockwise until you hear
clicking sounds, then gently push the
fuel tank filler door closed.
CAUTION
If you need replace the fuel tank filler
tube cap, use only the cap specified
for your model vehicle.
C18A001a
Catalytic converterEC18A-Jc
For ordinary use, there are no particular pre-
cautions except that of using unleaded pet-
rol.
The exhaust gas scavenging device with
catalytic converter is extremely efficient for
the reduction of noxious gases. The catalytic
converter is installed in the exhaust system.
It is important to keep the engine properly
tuned to ensure proper catalyst operation
and prevent possible catalyst damage.
CAUTION
Damage to the catalytic converter can
result if your vehicle is not kept in
proper operating condition. In the
event of an engine malfunction par-
ticularly involving engine misfire or
other apparent loss of performance
have your vehicle serviced promptly.
Continued operation of your vehicle
with a severe overheated condition
may result in possible damage to the
converter and vehicle.
WARNING
(1) As with any vehicle, do not park
or operate this vehicle in areas
where combustible materials
such as dry grass or leaves can
come into contact with a hot ex-
haust since a fire could occur.
(2) Undercoating paint should not be
applied to the catalytic converter.

STARTING AND DRIVING
5–12
StartingEI02FAIh
Tips for starting
(1) Do not operate the starter motor con-
tinuously for anything longer than 10
seconds; doing so could run down the
battery. If the engine does not start, turn
the ignition switch back to “LOCK”, wait
a few seconds, and then try again.
Trying repeatedly with the starter mo-
tor still turning will damage the starter
mechanism.
(2) If the engine cannot be started because
the battery is weak or dead, refer to the
“Emergency starting” section for instruc-
tions on starting the engine.
(3) The engine is well warmed up if the
coolant temperature gauge needle
starts to move (the engine speed de-
creases). Extended warming - up oper-
ation will result in excessive fuel con-
sumption.
WARNING
Never run the engine in a closed or
poorly ventilated area any longer than
is needed to move your vehicle in or
out of the area. Carbon monoxide
gases are odourless and can be fatal.
CAUTION
(1) Never attempt to start the engine
by pushing or pulling the vehicle.
Especially in the automatic trans-
mission since the structure is dif-
ferent from a manual transmis-
sion, it is not possible to start the
engine by using this technique.
Never attempt this or it could
damage the automatic transmis-
sion.
(2) Do not run the engine at high rpm
or drive the vehicle at high speed
until the engine has a chance to
warm up.
(3) Release the ignition key as soon
as the engine starts to avoid dam-
aging the starter motor.
(4) If your vehicle is equipped with a
turbocharger, do not stop the en-
gine immediately after operating
the vehicle at high speeds. Allow
the engine to idle for approxi-
mately 60 seconds or more to
give the turbocharger a chance to
cool down.
NOTE
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 become un-
stable and shift shocks may occur.
If the engine speed becomes unstable, initial
engine adjustments will need to be per-
formed.
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 sev-
eral changes in speed.

STARTING AND DRIVING
5–13
I27A036a
Starting the engine
(Petrol-powered vehicles)
This vehicle is equipped with an electroni-
cally controlled fuel injection system which
is automatically controlled. When starting
the engine, do not depress the accelerator
pedal.
Normal conditions
The starting procedure is as follows :
1. Insert the ignition key and fasten the
seat belt.
2. Apply the parking brake.
3. Depress and hold the brake pedal.
4. Place the gearshift lever (manual
transmission) in the “N” (Neutral) or
the selector lever (automatic trans-
mission) in the “P” (PARK) position.
5. Fully depress the clutch pedal (man-
ual transmission).
6. After turning the ignition key to the
“ON” position, make certain that all
warning lamps are functioning proper-
ly before starting the engine.
7. Turn the ignition key to the “START”
position without depressing the accel-
erator pedal, and release it when the
engine starts.
NOTE
A ticking noise may be heard after starting
the engine. This is not an abnormal condi-
tion. The noise will disappear after a short
time of engine running.
If the ticking noise continues after the engine
is warmed up, have your vehicle checked at
an authorized MITSUBISHI dealer.
Flooded engine
If the engine has become flooded during
starting, first operate the starter for 5 to 6 sec-
onds while fully depressing the accelerator
pedal, then start the engine without depres-
sing the accelerator pedal.
At extreme cold ambient
temperature
If the engine won’t start, depress the accel-
erator pedal about halfway while cranking
the engine. Once the engine starts, re-
lease the accelerator pedal.
CAUTION
When starting the engine, make sure
that you press on the brake pedal. At
extreme cold ambient temperature,
move your foot to the brake pedal im-
mediately after the engine has
started.