2008 MITSUBISHI COLT check engine

Maintenance8-11
8
Engine coolant
E01000500830
To check the coolant level
A translucent coolant reserve tank
is located in the engine com-
partment.
Except for petrol-powered vehicles with turbocharger
The coolant level in this tank should be kept between the
“LOW” and “FULL” marks when measured while the engine is
cold.
FULL
LOW
Petrol-powered vehicles
Diesel-powered vehicles
FULLLOW

8-12 Maintenance
8
Petrol-powered vehicles with turbocharger
Check the coolant level in the reserve tank. The reserve tank lid
is equipped with a dipstick.
Remove the dipstick and wipe it with a clean cloth. Reinsert
the dipstick as far as it goes. Remove the dipstick and read the
coolant level, which should always be within the range “F”
(FULL) or “L” (LOW) while the engine is cold.
To add coolant
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, we recommend that
you have the system checked as soon as possible.
Petrol-powered vehicles
Except for vehicles with turbocharger
If the level drops below the “LOW” level on the reserve tank,
open the lid and add coolant to “FULL” level.
If the reserve tank is completely empty, remove the radiator
cap (A) and add coolant until the level reaches the filler neck.
Vehicles with turbocharger
If the level drops below the “L” (LOW) level on the dipstick,
add coolant to the reserve tank.
If the reserve tank is completely empty, remove the radiator
cap (A) and add coolant until the level reaches the filler neck.
FULL
LOWWARNING!
● Do not open the radiator ca p while the engine is hot.
The coolant system is u nder pressure and any hot
coolant escaping coul d cause severe burns.
WARNING!
●Do not open the radiator ca p while the engine is hot.
The coolant system is u nder pressure and any hot
coolant escaping coul d cause severe burns.

Maintenance8-13
8
Diesel- powered vehicles
If the level drops below the “LOW” level on the reserve tank,
open the lid and add coolant to the “FULL” level.
Anti-freeze
The engine coolant contains an ethylene glycol anti-corrosion
agent. The cylinder head and wa ter pump housing are cast alu-
minium alloy, and periodic changing of the engine coolant is
necessary to prevent corrosion of these parts.
Use a High-quality ethylene glycol based coolant. This has
excellent protection against corros ion and rust formation of all
metals including aluminium and can avoid blockages in the
radiator, heater, cylinder head, engine block, etc.
Because of the necessity of this anti-corrosion agent, the cool-
ant must not be replaced with plain water even in summer. The
required concentration of anti -freeze differs depending on the
expected ambient temperature.
During cold weather
If the temperatures in your ar ea drop below freezing, there is a
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 protec-
tion against freezing for temperat ures as low as approximately
-30 °C. The concentration should be checked before the start of
cold weather and anti-freeze added to the system if necessary.
WARNING!
●Do not open the reserve tank while the engine is hot.
The coolant system is under pressure and any hot
coolant escaping coul d cause severe burns.
Ambient temperature
(minimum) °C -30 -35 -50
Anti-freeze
concentration % 45 50 60
CAUTION!
●
Do not use alcohol or me thanol anti-freeze or any
engine coolants mixed with alcohol or methanol
anti-freeze. The use of an improper anti-freeze can
cause corrosion of the aluminium components.
● For effective anti-corro sion and anti-freeze per-
formance, keep the anti -freeze concentration within
a range of 45 to 60 %.
Concentrations exceeding 60 % will result in a
reduction of both the an ti-freeze and cooling per-
formance, thus adversel y affecting the engine.
●Do not top up with water only.
Water by itself reduces th e rust-protective and anti-
freeze qualities of the cool ant and has a lower boil-
ing point. It can also cause damage to the cooling
system if it should freeze. Do not use tap water, as it
can cause corrosion and rust formation.

Maintenance8-15
8
The fluid in the master cylinder should be checked when doing
other work under the bonnet. Th e brake system should also be
checked for leaks at the same time.
If the fluid level falls markedly in a short period of time, it indi-
cates a leak from the system.
If this occurs, we recommen d that you have the vehicle
checked.
Fluid type
Use brake fluid conforming to DOT4+ from a sealed container.
The brake fluid is hygroscopic. Too much moisture in the brake
fluid will adversely affect the br ake system and the clutch sys-
tem, reducing performance.
Battery
E01001201118
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● 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.
CAUTION!
● Take care when handling brake fluid as it is harmful
to the eyes, may irritate your skin and also damage
painted surfaces.
●Use only the speci fied brake fluid.
To prevent a chemical reaction do not mix or add
different brands of brake fluid.
Do not let any petroleum-based fluid touch, mix
with, or get into the brake fluid.
This will damage the seals.
● Keep the reservoir tank cap closed, except during
maintenance, to prevent th e brake fluid from deteri-
orating.
● Clean the filler cap before removing and close the
cap securely after maintenance.

Maintenance8-17
8
During cold weather
The capacity of the battery is re duced at low temperatures. This
is an inevitable result of its ch emical and physical properties.
This is why a very cold battery, particularly one that is not fully
charged anyway, will only delive r a fraction of the starter cur-
rent that is normally available.
We recommend that you have th e battery checked before the
start of cold weather and, if necessary, have it charged or
replaced.
This does not only ensure reliable starting, but a battery that is
kept fully charged also has a longer life.
Disconnection and connection
To disconnect the battery cable, stop the engine, first discon-
nect the negative (-) terminal and then the positive (+) terminal.
When connecting the battery, first connect the positive (+) ter-
minal and then the negative (-) terminal.
NOTE● Open the terminal cover (A) before disconnecting or con-
necting the positive (+) terminal of the battery.
● Loosen the nut (B), and then disconnect the battery cable
from the positive (+) terminal.
CAUTION!
● Do not disconnect the batt ery terminals for at least
one minute after the igni tion switch is turned
“OFF”. If the battery terminals are disconnected
immediately after the igni tion switch is turned
“OFF”, the automated manu al transmission may be
damaged.
Petrol-powered vehicles
Diesel-powered vehicles

8-28 Maintenance
8
Rear window wiper blades
The rear window wiper uses a wiper arm and wiper blade
designed specially for that wipe r. If replacement becomes nec-
essary, please consult a MITSUBISHI MOTORS Authorized
Service Point or another specialist.General maintenance
E01002700113
Fuel, engine coolant, o il and exhaust gas leakage
Look under the body of your vehicle to check for fuel, engine
coolant, oil and exhaust gas leaks.
Exterior and interior lamp operation
Operate the combination lamp sw itch to check that all lamps
are functioning properly.
If the lamps do not illuminate, the probable cause is a blown
fuse or defective lamp bulb. Check the fuses first. If there is no
blown fuses, check the lamp bulbs.
For information regarding th e inspection and replacement of
the fuses and the lamp bulbs, refer to “Fuses” on page 8-30 and
“Replacement of lamp bu lbs” on page 8-40.
If the fuses and bulbs are all OK, we recommend you to have
your vehicle checked and repaired.
WARNING!
● If you see a suspicious fuel leak or if you smell fuel,
do not operate the vehicle; we recommend you to
call for assistance.

Maintenance8-29
8
Meter, gauge and indicator/warning lamps
operation
Run the engine to check the op eration of all meters, gauges,
and indicator/warning lamps.
If there is anything wrong, we recommend you to have your
vehicle inspected.
Hinges and latches lubrication
Check all latches and hinges, and lubricate if necessary by first
cleaning and then appl ying multipurpose grease.
For cold and snow weather
E01002800172
Ventilation slots
The ventilation slots in front of the windscreen should be
brushed clear after a heavy snowfall so that the operation of the
heating and ventilation systems will not be impaired.
Weatherstripping
To prevent freezing of the weatherstripping on the doors, bon-
net, etc., they should be treated with silicone grease or spray.
Additional equipment
It is a good idea to carry a shovel or a short-handled spade in
the vehicle during the winter so that you can clear away snow
if you get stranded. A small hand-brush for sweeping snow off
the vehicle and a plastic scraper for the windscreen and rear
window are also useful.

Alphabetical index1
A
Accessory socket 5-60
Accessory (Installation) 5
Active stability control system (ASC) 4-42Indicator lamp 4-44
Additional equipment 8-29
Air bag 2-47
Air conditioning Automatic air conditioning 5-13
Important operation tips for the air conditioning 5-22
Air purifier 5-23
Antenna 5-59
Anti-lock brake system (ABS) 4-36 Warning lamp 4-38
Audio Error codes 5-54
Handling of compact discs 5-56
LW/MW/FM electronic tuning radio with CD player 5-24
Steering wheel remote control switch 5-52
Automated manual transmission 4-25 Oil 9-21
Automatic air conditioning 5-13
B
Battery 8-15 Charge warning lamp 3-12
Discharged battery (Emergency starting) 6-2
Specification 9-14 Bonnet 8-4
Brake
Anti-lock brake 4-36
Braking 4-35
Fluid 8-14, 9-21
Parking brake 4-6
Parking brake lever stroke 8-24
Power brakes 4-35
Warning lamp 3-9
Bulb capacity 8-41
C
Capacities 9-21
Cargo loads 4-45
Catalytic converter 8-3
Central door locks 1-9
Changing a fuse 8-35
Charge warning lamp 3-12
Chassis number 9-2
Check engine warning lamp 3-11
Child restraint 2-31
Child-protection rear doors 1-13
Cleaning Exterior of your vehicle 7-4
Genuine leather 7-3
Interior of your vehicle 7-3
Plastic, vinyl leather, etc 7-3
Clutch Fluid 8-14