2004 MITSUBISHI L200 coolant temperature

INSTRUMENTS AND CONTROLS
Water temperature gauge
ED06A-R
The water temperature gauge indicates
the engine coolant temperature when the
ignition switch is “ON”.
CAUTIONIf the indication needle enters the
overheating zone (A) while the en-
gine is running, it indicates that the
engine is possibly overheating. Im-
mediately park your vehicle in a safe
place and make the necessary cor-
rections. (Refer to “Engine overheat-
ing” on page 8-23.)
While driving, care should always be
taken to maintain the normal operat-
ing temperature.
Inclinometer*ED11A-D
This meter indicates the inclination angle
of the vehicle, both front-to-rear and side-
to-side.
Examples
1 - Side-to-side inclination
(Right inclination of 15°)2 - Front-to-rear inclination
(Rear inclination of 20°)
NOTE
The inclinometer indicates the correct in-
clination when the vehicle is stationary,
but a slight reading error may be given
when driving the vehicle.
4-4
D11A009
15°
D11A010
20°
D06A008
A
12
04engL2_240082_4 22-01-2004 13:19 Page 4-4

STARTING AND DRIVING
5-11 How to lock and unlock the
steering wheel
EI01B-Ka
To lock
Remove the key at the “LOCK” position.
Turn the steering wheel until it is locked.
To unlock
Turn the key to the “ACC” position while
moving the steering wheel slightly.
CAUTIONRemove the key when leaving the
vehicle.
NOTE
If the front wheels are turned, the anti-theft
lock may sometimes make it difficult to
turn the key from “LOCK” to “ACC”. Firmly
turn the steering wheel to the left or to the
right as you turn the key.
CAUTION(1) Do not attempt to start the en-
gine by pulling or pushing the
vehicle. This can be very dan-
gerous.
(2) Do not run the engine at high
rpm or drive the vehicle at high
speed until the engine has had a
chance to warm up.
(3) Release the ignition key as soon
as the engine starts to avoid
damaging the starter motor.
(4) If your vehicle is equipped with a
turbocharger, do not stop the
engine immediately after operat-
ing the vehicle at high speeds.
Allow the engine to idle for
approximately 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 will be
erased. As a result, the engine speed may
become unstable.
If the engine speed becomes unstable, ini-
tial engine adjustments will need to be
performed.
Refer to the section “What to do if the en-
gine speed becomes unstable after the
battery is replaced” on page 8-30.
StartingEI02FAGe
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 be-
cause the battery is weak or dead,
refer to the “Emergency starting”
section for instructions on starting the
engine.
(3) The engine is sufficiently warmed up
if the coolant temperature gauge nee-
dle starts to move (the engine speed
decreases). Extended warming-up
operation will result in excessive fuel
consumption.
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 monox-
ide
gases are odourless and can be
fatal.
I01B013
05engL2_240082_4 22-01-2004 13:04 Page 5-11

FOR PLEASANT DRIVING
NOTE
On an air conditioned vehicle, the cool air
from the ventilators may appear as a mist.
This is due to moist air being suddenly
cooled by the air conditioning. This will
clear after a few moments.NOTE
On an air conditioned vehicle, the cool air
from the ventilators may appear as mist.
This is due to moist air being suddenly
cooled by the air conditioner. This will
clear after a few moments.
CAUTIONWhen using the air conditioning, the
idling speed may slightly increase
as the air conditioning compressor
is switched on/off automatically.
Especialy for vehicles with an auto-
matic transmission, while the vehi-
cle is stationary, fully depress the
brake pedal to prevent the vehicle
from creeping.
Heater/Air conditioning*
EH04ABNa
The heater/air conditioning can be oper-
ated while the engine is running.
The performance of the heater is directly
related to the temperature of the engine
coolant, so operate the heater after the
engine has had a chance to warm up. The
amount of air flow can be regulated by ad-
justing the blower speed.
1 - Air conditioning switch*
Push the switch, and the air condition-
ing unit (cooling/dehumidifying func-
tion) will operate, turning the oper-
ation indicator lamp on.
Push the switch again, and the air
conditioning unit will stop.
6-19
H04A019
1
2
4 5 3
LHD
H16A325
3
4
Side ventilators
H04A020452
13
RHD
06engL2_240082_4 22-01-2004 13:07 Page 6-19

FOR PLEASANT DRIVING
2 - Blower lever
There are 4 blower speeds for control
of the amount of air flow.
The setting for ordinary use should be
the first or second speed.
3 - Temperature control dial
The heater will not operate if the dial
is set all the way to the left.
The air flow temperature will gradually
increase as the dial is turned to the
right.
NOTE
When the engine coolant temperature is
low, temperature of air introduced into the
passenger compartment does not change
even if the temperature control dial is
moved to the high temperature side.A: From front and side demister
B: From side ventilators
C: From under the instrument panel
D: From centre ventilators
(1) *: means a small amount of air flow
(2)
mode: the amount of air flow varies
according to the position of mode selection
dial.
6-20
H16A119
A
BA
A
C
CB D
H03A017
Mode SelectionAir Outlets
B D

A* B* C* D*
C A* B*
A* B* C*
A B*
06engL2_240082_4 22-01-2004 13:07 Page 6-20

FOR PLEASANT DRIVING
Temperature control lever
By moving the lever towards the “HOT”
position, the air temperature will increase.
NOTE
When the engine coolant temperature is
low, the temperature of airflow remains
unchanged even if the temperature con-
trol lever is operated.
Air conditioning system refrigerant
and lubricant recommendations
If the air conditioning seems less effective
than usual, the cause might be a refriger-
ant leak. Have the system inspected by
your authorized MITSUBISHI dealer.
The air conditioning system in your vehi-
cle must be charged with the refrigerant
HFC-134a (R-134a) and the lubricant
ZXL-100PG.
Use of any other refrigerant or lubricant
will cause severe damage which will result
in the need to replace your vehicle’s entire
air conditioning system.The release of
refrigerant into the atmosphere is not
recommended.
The new refrigerant HFC-134a in your ve-
hicle will not harm the ozone layer.
MITSUBISHI recommends that the refrig-
erant be recovered and recycled for fur-
ther use.
During a long period of disuse
The air conditioning should be operated
for at least five minutes each a week, even
in cold weather. This is to prevent poor
lubrication of the compressor internal
parts, and to maintain the air conditioning
in the best operating condition. If this pro-
cedure is not followed, the system may
emit an unusual odour. This is not a fault
to the system.
Important operation tips for air
conditioning
EH04J-Xf
(1) Park the vehicle in the shade.
Parking under the hot sun will make
the vehicle inside extremely hot, and
it will require more to cool the interior.
If it is necessary to park in the sun,
open the windows for the first few
minutes of air conditioning operation
to expel the hot air.
(2) Close the windows when the air con-
ditioning is in use. The entry of out-
side air through open windows will re-
duce the cooling efficiency.
(3) Too much cooling is not good for the
health. The inside air temperature
should only be 5 to 6 °C below the
outside air temperature.
(4) When operating the system, make
sure the air intake, which is located in
front of the windscreen, is free of
obstructions such as leaves. Leaves
collected in the air-intake plenum may
reduce air flow and plug the plenum
water drains.
6-31
H17A032
06engL2_240082_4 22-01-2004 13:08 Page 6-31

FOR EMERGENCIES
2. With the engine still running, raise the
bonnet to ventilate the engine com-
partment.
A - Radiator fan
B - Radiator cap
C - Reserve tank
NOTE
Confirm that the radiator fan is turning. If
the fan is not turning, stop the engine im-
mediately and contact an authorized
MITSUBISHI dealer for assistance.
WARNING
(1) Remember that under the bon-
net, there can be boiling water
gushing out or the support bar
could be burning hot. If the
bonnet is opened suddenly, you
could get burnt.
(2) Be careful of hot steam which
could be blowing off the reserve
tank cap.
(3) Do not attempt to remove the
radiator cap while the engine is
hot.
3. After the engine coolant temperature
has dropped to the normal tempera-
ture, stop the engine.
8-24
N26A075N26A035
ABC
08engL2_240082_4 22-01-2004 13:10 Page 8-24

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
09engL2_240082_4 22-01-2004 13:12 Page 9-5

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
09engL2_240082_4 22-01-2004 13:12 Page 9-6