2000 MITSUBISHI CARISMA warning

FOR EMERGENCIES
8–20
CAUTION
Keep the engine of the vehicle giving
assistance running.
7. After the engine is started, disconnect
the cables in the reverse order.
WARNING
(1) Charging the battery while it is in-
stalled in the vehicle might cause
the battery to catch fire and ex-
plode. Or damage to the vehicle
could result. If it has to be
charged in that condition for un-
avoidable reasons, disconnect
the vehicle side negative (-) ter-
minal connected to the battery.
(2) Keep sparks, cigarettes and
flames away from the battery be-
cause the battery may produce
an explosion.
(3) Use adequate ventilation when
charging or using the battery in
an enclosed space.
(4) Remove all the caps before
charging the battery.
WARNING
(5) Electrolyte is corrosive diluted
sulphuric acid.
If electrolyte (battery acid) comes
into contact with your hands,
eyes, clothes and the painted sur-
face of your vehicle, it should be
thoroughly flushed with water. If
electrolyte gets in your eyes,
flush them with water immediate-
ly and thoroughly, and get prompt
medical attention.
CAUTION
(1) Do not attempt to start the engine
by pulling or pushing the vehicle.
It could damage your vehicle.
(2) Always wear protective eye
goggles when working near the
battery.
(3) Keep the battery out of the reach
of children.
NOTE
On a vehicle with an anti-lock brake system,
if the vehicle is put in motion without fully
charging the battery it might cause the loss
of the smooth engine operation and the anti-
lock brake warning lamp to illuminate.
Refer to “Anti-lock brake system (ABS)” on
page 5–28.

FOR EMERGENCIES
8–24

Some fuses may not be installed on
your vehicle, depending on the vehicle
model or specifications.

The table above shows the main equip-
ment corresponding to each fuse.
N29B070a
Engine compartment
NOSym-
bolNameCapacity
1Alternator*1Fuse*2100 A*1120 A*2
2Fuse40A
3Ignition switch40 A
4Anti-lock brake system50 A
5Rear window demister40 A
6Lamp40 A
7Radiator fan30 A*140 A*2
8Electric window control30 A
9Fuel heat*220 A
NOSym-
bolNameCapacity
10Air conditioning conden-
ser fan25 A*130 A*2
11Room lamps10 A
12Central door locks15 A
13Radio10 A
14Electronic controlled
injection20 A
15Hazard warning lamps10 A
16Stop lamps15 A
17Front fog lamps15 A
18Ta i l l a m p (right)10 A
19Ta i l l a m p (left)10 A
20Headlight high beam10 A
21–Heater*230 A
22–Heater*230 A
23–––
*1: Petrol-powered vehicles only
*2: Diesel-powered vehicles only

Maintenance
Engine oil 9–2. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Automatic transmission fluid* 9–4. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine coolant 9–5. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Battery 9–7. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brake fluid 9–8. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Power steering fluid 9–9. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Clutch fluid* 9–10. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Washer fluid 9–10. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Wheel condition 9–11. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tyre inflation pressure 9–12. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tyre rotation 9–13. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Snow tyres 9–14. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tyre chains 9–15. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuel, engine coolant, oil and exhaust gas
leakage 9–16. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Exterior and interior lamp operation 9–16. . . . . . . .
Meter, gauge and indication/ warning lamp
operation 9–16. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Clutch pedal free play* 9–17. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brake pedal free play 9–17. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Parking brake lever stroke 9–17. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Hinges and latches lubrication 9–18. . . . . . . . . . . . .
Wiper blades 9–18. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Ventilation slots 9–19. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Weatherstripping 9–19. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Additional equipment
(For regions where snow is encountered) 9–19. . .

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
9–5
3. With the engine idling and the brake
pedal fully depressed, move the trans-
mission selector lever through all the
positions from the ”P” (PARK) to ”L”
(LOW) (with INVECS–II 4A/T), the ”P”
(PARK) to ”D” (DRIVE) (with INVECS–
II Sports Mode 4A/T), stopping mo-
mentarily at each position.
4. Move the selector lever to the ”N”
(NEUTRAL) or ”P” (PARK) position.
5. Remove the dipstick and wipe it with a
clean lint–free cloth.
6. Reinsert the dipstick as far as it goes.
7. Remove the dipstick and read the oil
level. The fluid level should always be
between the two marks on the dip-
stick.
8. Use only the following transmission
fluid to ensure optimum transmission
performance: ”DIA QUEEN ATF SP
III”.
WARNING
Do not spill the fluid onto a hot ex-
haust manifold during topping up or
inspection, or a fire may occur.
Petrol–powered vehicles
N26A034a
Engine coolantEM36ALY
A translucent coolant reserve tank is located
in the engine compartment. The coolant
level in this tank should be kept between the
two marks on the reserve tank when
measured while the engine is cold. The cool-
ing system is a closed system and normally
the loss of coolant should be very slight. A
noticeable drop in the coolant level could
indicate leakage. If this occurs, have the sys-
tem checked at an authorized MITSUBISHI
dealer as soon as possible.
If the level should drop below the ”LOW”
level on the reserve tank, open the lid and
add coolant.
Also, if the reserve tank is completely empty,
remove the radiator cap and add coolant
until the level reaches the filler neck.
Diesel–powered vehicles
N26A160a
NOTE
On diesel–powered vehicles, the radiator
has no filler port. Supply coolant from the filler
port in the reserve tank.
WARNING
Do not open the reserve tank lid or
radiator cap while the engine is hot.
The coolant system is under pressure
and any hot coolant escaping could
cause severe burns.

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.

MAINTENANCE
9–9
Use brake fluid conforming to DOT3 or
DOT4. The brake fluid is hygroscopic. Too
much moisture in the brake fluid will adverse-
ly affect the brake system, reducing the
brake performance.
In addition, the brake fluid reservoir is
equipped with a special cap to prevent the
entrance of air, and this cap should not be re-
moved.
The brake fluid level is monitored by a float.
When the brake fluid level falls below the
“MIN” mark, the brake fluid warning lamp
lights up.
WARNING
(1) Take care in handling brake fluid as
it is harmful to the eyes and may
also cause damage to painted sur-
faces. If fluid is spilt, wipe it up as
soon as possible.
(2) Use only the specified brake fluid.
Also, the additives in different
brands may result in a chemical re-
action when mixed together, so
avoid mixing different brands if
possible.
(3)Normally, keep the reservoir tank
cap closed to prevent the brake
fluid from deteriorating.
Petrol-powered vehicles
M09A029a
Power steering fluidEM09A-Oa
Check the fluid level in the reservoir while the
engine is idling.
Unscrew the reservoir cap; the level in this
tank should be kept between the “MAX” and
“MIN” lines.
Use “ATF DEXRON II”.
Diesel-powered vehicles
M09A030a

MAINTENANCE
9–10
Petrol-powered vehicle
M10A005a
Clutch fluid*EM10A-J
Petrol-powered vehicle
To check the clutch fluidThe clutch fluid in the master cylinder
should be checked when performing other
underhood services. In addition, the sys-
tem should be checked for leakage at the
same time.
Check to make certain that the clutch fluid
level is always between the “MAX” and
“MIN” level markings on the fluid reservoir
and refill the fluid, if necessary.
A rapid fluid loss indicates a leak in the
clutch system which should be inspected
by your authorized MITSUBISHI dealer
and repaired immediately.
To replace the fluidRecommended brake fluid conforming to
DOT 3 or DOT 4 should be used.
The reservoir cap must be fully tightened to
avoid contamination from foreign matter or
moisture.
DO NOT ALLOW PETROLEUM-BASED
FLUID TO CONTACT, MIX WITH, OR
OTHERWISE CONTAMINATE THE
BRAKE FLUID. SEAL DAMAGE WILL RE-
SULT.
WARNING
Take care in handling brake fluid as it
is harmful to the eyes and may also
cause damage to painted surfaces.
When the fluid is spilt, wipe it up im-
mediately.
Diesel–powered vehicle
The reservoir for the clutch fluid also serves
as the reservoir for the brake fluid. Refer to
the paragraph on the “Brake fluid”.
M31A019a
Washer fluidEM31AAO
Check the washer fluid level in the container.
If the level is low, replenish as required.
NOTE
The washer fluid container serves the wind-
screen, rear window, and headlamps (if so
equipped).
During cold weather
To ensure proper operation of the washers at
low temperatures, use a fluid containing an
anti–freezing agent.