2004 MITSUBISHI L200 Owner's Manual (in English)

MAINTENANCE
This check must be carried out with the
vehicle on a flat level surface with the en-
gine at normal operating temperature, but
NOT running. If the engine has been run-
ning, 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,
remove the filler cap located on the rocker
cover and add oil. Then recheck the level.
When satisfied that the level is correct,
refit the oil filler cap making sure that it is
securely fitted.Selection of engine oil
(petrol-powered vehicle)
EM03B-Oe
(1) Select engine oil of the proper SAE
viscosity number according to the
atmospheric temperature.
For 0W-30, 5W-30 and 5W-40 viscos-
ity grade, use only ACEA A3 classifi-
cation.
(2) Use engine oil conforming to the fol-
lowing 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 additives already included in the engine
oil. It may result in failure of the mechani-
cal assembly. Use only the recommended oils with an
ACEA or API classification as specified in
this manual.
NOTE
(1) Engine oil consumption is greatly
influenced by payload, engine speed,
etc. It may reach 1.0 lit./1,000 km
depending on style of driving.
(2) The engine oil will deteriorate rapidly
if the vehicle is subjected to severe
conditions (for example, repeated op-
eration on rough roads, in mountain-
ous regions, on roads with many up-
hill and downhill gradients, or over
short distances). Consequently, the
oil will require earlier replacement.
(3) For handling of used engine oils, refer
to page 1-16.
9-3
M03A037
2400 model
M03B031
Petrol-powered vehicles
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MAINTENANCE
Selection of engine oil
(diesel-powered vehicle)
EM03BAO
(1) Select engine oil of the proper SAE
viscosity number according to the
atmospheric temperature.
2) Use engine oil conforming to the fol-
lowing classification:
• ACEA classification:
“For service B1, B2, B3 or B4”
• API classification:
“For service CD” or higher
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-
cal assembly.
Automatic transmission
fluid*
EM05A-Hh
The proper amount of automatic transmis-
sion fluid is essential to the life and opera-
tion of the automatic transmission. Either
insufficient fluid or excessive fluid could
cause transmission faults. The transmis-
sionfluid 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 sur-
face and apply the parking brake.
3. With the engine idling and the brake
pedal fully depressed, move the
transmission selector lever through all
the positions from the “P” (PARK) to
“L” (LOW), stopping momentarily 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 be-
tween the two marks on the dipstick.
8. Use only the following transmission
fluid to ensure optimum transmission
performance:
“ATF DEXRON II”
WARNINGDo not spill the fluid onto a hot ex-
haust manifold during topping up or
inspection, or a fire may occur.
9-4
M05A024M03B017
-40 -30 -20 -10 0 10 20 30 40 50 °C
SAE 5W – 30SAE 10W – 30
SAE 30
SAE 20W – 40
SAE 15W – 40
Diesel-powered vehicles
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Engine coolantEM36A-Gg
A translucent coolant reserve tank is lo-
cated in the engine compartment. The
coolant level in this tank should be kept
between the “LOW” and “FULL” marks
when measured while the engine is cold.
The cooling 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 system 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.
MAINTENANCE
CAUTION(1) Do not use alcohol or methanol
anti-freeze or any engine
coolants mixed with alcohol or
methanol anti-freeze. The use of
an improper anti-freeze can
cause the corrosion of the alu-
minium components.
(2) For effective anti-corrosion and
anti-freeze performance, keep
the anti-freeze concentration
within the range of 30 to 60%.
Concentrations exceeding 60%
will result in a reduction of both
the anti-freeze and cooling per-
formance thus adversely affect-
ing the engine.
(3) Do not top up with water only.
Water by itself reduces the rust-
protective and anti-freeze qual-
ities of the coolant and has a
lower boiling point. It can also
cause damage to the cooling
system if it should freeze. Do not
use tapwater, or it causes the
corrosion and rust formation.
CAUTIONDo not open the radiator cap while
the engine is hot. The coolant sys-
tem is under pressure and any hot
coolant escaping could cause se-
vere burns.
Anti-freeze
The engine coolant contains an ethylene
glycol anti-corrosion agent. The cylinder
head and water pump housing are cast
aluminium alloy, and periodic changing of
the engine coolant is necessary to prevent
corrosion of these parts.
Use MITSUBISHI Genuine Coolant or an
equivalent.
MITSUBISHI Genuine Coolant has excel-
lent protection against corrosion and rust
formation of all metals including alu-
minium and can avoid clogs in the radia-
tor, heater, cylinder head, engine block,
etc.
Because of the necessity of this anti-
corrosion agent, the coolant must not be
replaced with plain water even in summer.
The required concentration of anti-freeze
differs depending on the expected
ambient temperature.
9-5
M36A003
Ambient
temperature
(minimum) °C-15-20-25-30-35-50
Anti-freeze
concentration %303540455060
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MAINTENANCE
During cold weather
If the temperatures in your area drop
below freezing, there is the danger that
the coolant in the engine or radiator could
freeze and cause severe damage to the
engine and/or radiator. Add a sufficient
amount of anti-freeze to the coolant to
prevent it from freezing.
The engine coolant mixture used at the
factory provides protection against freez-
ing for temperatures as low as approxim-
ately –30°C. The concentration should be
checked before the start of cold weather
and anti-freeze added to the system if
necessary.BatteryEM37APD
The condition of the battery is very impor-
tant for quick starting of the engine and
proper functioning of the vehicle’s elec-
trical system. Regular inspection and care
are especially important in cold weather.
NOTE
(1) After replacing the battery, the elec-
tronic control system data for the en-
gine, automatic transmission, etc., will
be erased.
As a result, the engine speed may be-
come unstable and shift shocks may
occur.
If the engine speed becomes unsta-
ble, 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 8-30.
Shift shocks will become smoother af-
ter 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
procedures.
Checking battery electrolyte level
Type 1
The electrolyte level must be between the
specified limit marks stamped on the out-
side of the battery. Replenish with distilled
water as necessary.
The inside of the battery is divided into
several compartments; remove the cap
from each compartment and fill to the up-
per mark. Do not over-replenish beyond
the upper mark because spillage during
driving could cause damage.
Check the electrolyte level at least once
every four weeks, depending on the oper-
ating 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.
9-6
M37A002
Type 1
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MAINTENANCE
Type 2
The condition of the battery is very impor-
tant for quick starting of the engine and
proper functioning of the vehicle’s elec-
trical system. Check the condition at regu-
lar intervals and care the battery if neces-
sary.
To determine the battery charge, check
the battery test indicator (1) on top of the
battery.
If the test indicator is seen blue which
looked into it from above, the battery is
okay. If white, the battery requires
charging.
The electrolyte level must be between the
upper line and lower line on the outside of
the battery. Replenish with distilled water
as necessary.
The inside of the battery is divided into
several compartments; remove the cap
from each compartment and fill to the
upper line.
WARNING(1) Keep sparks, cigarettes and
flames away from the battery be-
cause the battery could explode.
(2) The battery electrolyte is ex-
tremely caustic. Do not allow it
to come in contact with your
eyes, skin, clothing, or the
painted surfaces of the vehicle.
Spilled electrolyte should be
flushed immediately with ample
amounts of water.
Irritation to eyes or skin from
contact with electrolyte requires
immediate medical attention.
(3) Ventilate when charging or us-
ing the battery in an enclosed
space.
CAUTION(1) Never disconnect the battery
with the ignition switch “ON”;
doing so could damage the vehi-
cle’s electrical components.
(2) Never short-circuit the battery;
doing so could cause it to over-
heat and damage it.
(3) Always wear protective eye
goggles when working near the
battery.
Do not fill beyond the upper line because
spillage during driving could cause dam-
age.
During cold weather
The capacity of the battery is reduced at
low temperatures. This is an inevitable re-
sult of its chemical and physical proper-
ties. This is why a very cold battery, partic-
ularly one that is not fully charged anyway,
will only deliver a fraction of the starter
current which is normally available.
It is recommended that you have the bat-
tery checked by an authorized MIT-
SUBISHI 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
engine, first disconnect the negative (–)
terminal and then the positive (+) terminal.
When connecting the battery, first connect
the positive (+) terminal and then the neg-
ative (–) terminal.
9-7
M37B008
1Type 2
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MAINTENANCE
CAUTION(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
negative (–) terminal first.
(6) Keep it out of the reach of
children.
NOTE
(1) Keep the terminals clean. After the
battery is connected, apply terminal
protection grease. To clean the ter-
minals, use lukewarm water.
(2) Check to see if the battery is securely
installed 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 condition.
Brake fluidEM08A-X
Check the brake fluid level in the reservoir.
The brake fluid level must be between the
specified limit. 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.
Use brake fluid conforming to DOT 3 or
DOT 4. The brake fluid is hygroscopic.
Too much moisture in the brake fluid will
adversely affect the brake system, reduc-
ing 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
removed.
On a vehicle with a brake fluid warning
lamp, the brake fluid level is monitored by
a float. When the brake fluid level falls
below the lower line, the brake fluid warn-
ing 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 surfaces.
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
reaction 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.
9-8
M08A028
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MAINTENANCE
Power steering fluid*EM09A-Jd
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 III or DEXRON II”.To replace the fluid
Recommended 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
RESULT.
WARNINGTake care in handling brake fluid as
it is harmful to the eyes and may
also cause damage to painted sur-
faces. Wipe up any spills immedi-
ately.
Clutch fluid*EM10A-Eg
To check the clutch fluid
The 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.
9-9
M10A004M09A005
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MAINTENANCE
Washer fluidEM31A-Rd
Check the washer fluid level in the con-
tainer.
If the level is low, replenish the container
with washer fluid.
NOTE
The washer fluid container serves the
windscreen and headlamps*
*: Option
During cold weather
To ensure proper operation of the wash-
ers at low temperatures, use a fluid con-
taining an anti-freezing agent.Be sure that the wheel nuts are tightened
correctly. Refer to the section of this man-
ual entitled “For emergencies” for informa-
tion concerning replacement of the tyres.
NOTE
The mark and the location of the tyre tread
wear indicators are different depending on
tyre manufacturers.
9-10
Wheel conditionEM32A-Bi
1 - Tread wear indicator position
2 - Tread wear indicator
Be sure to check the tyres for cuts, cracks
and other damage. Replace the tyres if
there are deep cuts or cracks. Also check
each tyre for pieces of metal or pebbles.
The use of worn tyres can be very danger-
ous because of the greater chance of
skidding or hydroplaning. The tread depth
of the tyres must exceed 1.6 mm in order
for the tyres to meet the minimum require-
ment for use.
If there are tread wear indicators on the
tyres, they will appear in six places on the
surface of the tyre as the tyre wears,
thereby indicating that the tyre no longer
meets the minimum requirement for use.
When these wear indicators do appear,
the tyres must be replaced with new ones.
M32A001
1
2
M31A024
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