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Maintenance
8-13
8 Automatic transmission fluid
*
E01000600134
The proper amount of automatic transmission fluid is essential
to the life and operation of the automatic transmission. Either
insufficient fluid or excessive fluid could cause transmission
trouble. The transmission fluid filler port cap is equipped with
a dipstick. Use the following procedure to check the fluid level.Procedure for checking 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 surface 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 “D” (DRIVE),
stopping momentarily at each position.
4. Move the selector lever to the “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 dipstick and read the oil level.
The fluid level should always be between the two marks
on the dipstick.
Recommended fluidUse only “DIA QUEEN ATF SP III” transmission fluid to
ensure optimum transmission performance.
WARNING
!●Do not spill the fluid onto a hot exhaust manifold
during topping up or inspection, or a fire may occur.
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8-14 Maintenance
8Wa s h e r f l u i d
E01000700164
Check the float (A) is between the “FULL” and “EMPTY” on
the washer fluid reservoir.
If the level is low, replenish the container with washer fluid.NOTE●The washer fluid container serves the windscreen, rear
window and headlamps*.During cold weather To ensure proper operation of the washers at low temperatures,
use a fluid containing an anti-freezing agent.
Brake fluid/Clutch fluid
*
E01000800501
The brake fluid and the clutch fluid share reservoir tank.To check the fluid levelThe fluid level must be between the “MAX” and “MIN” marks
on the reservoir.
The fluid level is monitored by a float. When the fluid level
falls below the “MIN” mark, the brake fluid warning lamp
lights up.
The fluid level falls slightly with wear of the brake pads, but
this does not indicate any abnormality.
If the fluid level falls markedly in a short length of time, it indi-
cates leaks from the brake system.
If this occurs, we recommend you to have the vehicle checked.
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Maintenance
8-15
8
Fluid typeUse brake fluid conforming to DOT3 or DOT4 from a sealed
container. The brake fluid is hygroscopic. Too much moisture
in the brake fluid will adversely affect the brake system, reduc-
ing the brake performance.
Power steering fluid
E01001100413
CAUTION
!●Take care in handling brake fluid as it is harmful to
the eyes, may irritate your skin and also damage to
painted surfaces.●Use only the specified brake fluid.
Do not mix or add different brand of brake fluid to
prevent chemical reaction.
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 to prevent the
brake fluid from deteriorating except maintenance.●Clean the filler cap before removing and close the
cap securely after maintenance.
Petrol-powered vehiclesDiesel-powered vehicles
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8-16 Maintenance
8
To check the fluid levelCheck the fluid level in the reservoir while the engine is idling.
Check to make certain that the power steering fluid level is
always between the “MAX” and “MIN” level markings on the
fluid reservoir and refill the fluid, if necessary.Recommended fluidUse “Genuine MITSUBISHI Power Steering Fluid” or “ATF
DEXRON III / DEXRON II”.
Battery
E01001201277
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●After replacing the battery, the electronic control system
data for the automatic transmission, etc., will be erased.
As a result, shift shocks may occur.
Shift shocks will become smoother after several changes
in speed.
●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.
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Maintenance
8-17
8
Checking battery electrolyte level
The electrolyte level must be between the specified limit on the
outside of the battery. Replenish with distilled water as neces-
sary.
The inside of the battery is divided into several compartments;
remove the cap from each compartment and fill to the upper
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 operating 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.
Petrol-powered vehiclesDiesel-powered vehicles
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8-18 Maintenance
8
During cold weatherThe capacity of the battery is reduced at low temperatures. This
is an inevitable result of its chemical and physical properties.
This is why a very cold battery, particularly one that is not fully
charged anyway, will only deliver a fraction of the starter cur-
rent which is normally available.
We recommend you to have the battery checked before the start
of cold weather and, if necessary, have it charged or replaced.
This does not only ensures reliable starting, but a battery which
is kept fully charged also has a longer life.Disconnection and connectionTo disconnect the battery cable, stop the engine, first discon-
nect the negative (–) terminal and then the positive (+) termi-
nal. When connecting the battery, first connect the positive (+)
terminal 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.Petrol-powered vehicles
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Maintenance
8-19
8
WARNING
!●Keep sparks, cigarettes, and flames away from the
battery because the battery could explode.●The battery electrolyte is extremely caustic. Do not
allow it to come in contact with your eyes, skin,
clothing, or the painted surfaces of the vehicle. Spilt
electrolyte should be flushed immediately with
ample amounts of water.
Irritation to eyes or skin from contact with electro-
lyte requires immediate medical attention.●Ventilate when charging or using the battery in an
enclosed space.Diesel-powered vehicles
CAUTION
!●Never disconnect the battery with the ignition
switch in the “ON” position; doing so could damage
the vehicle’s electrical components.●Never short-circuit the battery; doing so could cause
it to overheat and be damaged.●Always wear protective eye goggles when working
near the battery.●If the battery is to be quickcharged, first disconnect
the battery cables.●In order to prevent a short circuit, be sure to discon-
nect the negative (–) terminal first.●Keep it out of reach of children.●Do not bring the nearby parts, the plastic parts and
so on into contact with sulphuric acid (battery elec-
trolyte) which may crack, stain or discolour them.
If they are in contact, wipe off with soft cloth, cham-
ois or the like and an aqueous solution of neutral
detergent then immediately rinse the affected parts
with plenty of water.
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8-20 Maintenance
8
NOTE●Keep the terminals clean. After the battery is connected,
apply terminal protection grease. To clean the terminals,
use lukewarm water.
●Check to see if the battery is securely installed and cannot
be moved during travel. Also check each terminal for
tightness.
●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.
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