2009 MITSUBISHI COLT warning

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Operation under adverse drivingconditions E00801701840
If your vehicle becomes stuck in sand,
mud or snow
If the vehicle becomes stuck in snow, sand, or
mud, it can often be moved by a rocking motion.
For vehicle with manual transmission, move the
gearshift lever alternately between 1 st
and Reverse,
while applying slight pressure to the accelerator ped-
al.
With an automated manual transmission vehicle,
place the allshift lever in the “A” (automatic mode)
position to select automatic mode or select 1 st
or
2 nd
gear in the manual mode or place the allshift lev-
er in the “R” (Reverse) position for reverse. Con-
firm that there is an “A”, “1”, “2” or “R” in the all-
shift indicator display, then gently press the acceler-
ator pedal. Do not press the accelerator pedal while
moving the allshift lever.
Avoid racing the engine or spinning the wheels. Pro-
longed efforts to free a stuck vehicle may result in
overheating and transmission failure. Allow the en-
gine to idle for a few minutes to let the transmis-
sion cool between rocking attempts.
If the vehicle remains stuck after several rocking at-
tempts, seek other assistance.WARNINGl When attempting to rock your vehicle out
of a stuck position, be sure that the area
around the vehicle is clear of people and
physical objects. The rocking motion may
cause the vehicle to suddenly launch for-
ward or backward, causing injury or dam-
age to nearby people or objects.
On a flooded road
l Avoid flooded roads. Water could enter the
brake discs, resulting in temporarily ineffec-
tive brakes. In such cases, lightly depress the
brake pedal to see if the brakes operate prop-
erly. If they do not, lightly depress the pedal
several times while driving in order to dry
the brake pads.
l When driving in rain or on a road with many
puddles a layer of water may form between
the tyres and the road surface.
This reduces a tyre’s frictional resistance on
the road, resulting in loss of steering stability
and braking capability.

To cope with this, observe the following items:
(a)Drive your vehicle at slow speed. (b)Do not drive on worn tyres. Always
maintain the specified tyre inflation
pressures.
On a snow-covered or frozen road
l When driving on a snow-covered or frozen
road, it is recommended that you use snow
tyres or tyre chains.
Refer to the “Snow tyres” and “Tyre chains”
sections.
l Avoid high-speed operation, sudden acceler-
ation, abrupt brake application and sharp cor-
nering.
l Depressing the brake pedal during travel on
snowy or icy roads may cause tyre slippage
and skidding. When traction between the
tyres and the road is reduced the wheels may
skid and the vehicle cannot readily be
brought to a stop by conventional braking
techniques. Braking will differ, depending
upon whether you have anti-lock brake sys-
tem (ABS). As your vehicle is equipped with
anti-lock brake system (ABS), brake by press-
ing the brake pedal hard, and keeping it press-
ed.
l Allow extra distance between your vehicle
and the vehicle in front of you, and avoid sud-
den braking.
On a bumpy or rutted road l Drive as slow as possible when driving on
bumpy or rutted roads.CAUTIONl The impact on tyres and/or wheels when
driving on a bumpy or rutted road can
damage the tyre and/or wheel.
For emergencies
6-22
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Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Service precautionsE01000100458
Adequate care of your vehicle at regular intervals
serves to preserve the value and appearance as long
as possible.
Maintenance items as described in this owner’s man-
ual can be performed by the owner.
We recommend you to have the periodic inspection
and maintenance performed by a MITSUBISHI
MOTORS Authorized Service Point or another spe-
cialist. In the event a malfunction or other problem
is discovered, we recommend you to have it
checked and repaired. This section contains infor-
mation on inspection maintenance procedures that
you can do yourself. Follow the instructions and
cautions for each of the various procedures.WARNINGl When checking or servicing the inside of
the engine compartment, make sure the
engine is switched off and has had a
chance to cool down.
l If it is necessary to do work in the engine
compartment with the engine running, be
especially careful that your clothing, hair,
etc., does not become caught by the fans,
drive belts, or other moving parts.
l The fan may turn on automatically even
if the engine is not running; turn the igni-
tion key to “LOCK” position and remove
the key to ensure safety while you work
in the engine compartment.
l Do not smoke, cause sparks or allow open
flames around fuel or battery. The fumes
are flammable.WARNINGl Be extremely cautious when working
around the battery. It contains poisonous
and corrosive sulphuric acid.
l Do not get under your vehicle with just
the body jack supporting it. Always use
automotive jack stands.
l Improper handling of components and
materials used in the vehicle can endan-
ger your personal safety. We recommend
you to consult a specialist for necessary in-
formation.Catalytic converter E01000201140
For ordinary use, there are no particular precau-
tions except that of using unleaded petrol.
The exhaust gas scavenging devices used with the
catalytic converter are extremely efficient for the re-
duction of noxious gases. The catalytic converter is
installed in the exhaust system.
It is important to keep the engine properly tuned to
ensure proper catalyst operation and prevent possi-
ble catalyst damage.CAUTIONl Damage to the catalytic converter can re-
sult if your vehicle is not kept in proper
operating condition. In the event of an en-
gine malfunction particularly involving
engine misfire or other apparent loss of
performance, have your vehicle serviced
promptly. Continued operation of your ve-
hicle with a severe overheated condition
may result in possible damage to the con-
verter and vehicle.WARNINGl As with any vehicle, do not park or oper-
ate this vehicle in areas where combusti-
ble materials such as dry grass or leaves
can come in contact with a hot exhaust
since a fire could occur.
l Paint should not be applied to the catalyt-
ic converter.
Maintenance
8-02
8

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine WARNINGlDo not open the radiator cap while the en-
gine is hot.
The coolant system is under pressure and
any hot coolant escaping could cause se-
vere burns.
Vehicles with turbocharger
If the level should drop below the “L” (LOW) level
on the dipstick, add coolant to the reserve tank.
Also, if the reserve tank is completely empty, re-
move the radiator cap (A) and add coolant until the
level reaches the filler neck.
WARNINGl Do not open the radiator cap while the en-
gine is hot.
The coolant system 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 pre-
vent corrosion of these parts.

Use High-quality ethylene glycol based coolant. It
has excellent protection against corrosion and rust
formation of all metals including aluminium and
can avoid blockages in the radiator, heater, cylin-
der 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 am-
bient temperature.Ambient temperature (minimum) °C-30-35-50Anti-freeze concentra- tion %455060CAUTIONlDo 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 cor-
rosion of the aluminium components.
l For effective anti-corrosion and anti-
freeze performance, keep the anti-freeze
concentration within the range of 45 to
60 %.
Concentrations exceeding 60 % will re-
sult in a reduction of both the anti-freeze
and cooling performance thus adversely
affecting the engine.
l Do not top up with water only.
Water by itself reduces the rust-protec-
tive and anti-freeze qualities of the cool-
ant and has a lower boiling point. It can
also cause damage to the cooling system if
it should freeze. Do not use tapwater, as it
can cause corrosion and rust formation.During cold weather
If the temperatures in your area drop below freez-
ing, there is the danger that the coolant in the en-
gine or radiator could freeze and cause severe dam-
age to the engine and/or radiator.
Add a sufficient amount of anti-freeze to the cool-
ant to prevent it from freezing.
The concentration should be checked before the
start of cold weather and anti-freeze added to the
system if necessary.
Maintenance
8-08
8

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Washer fluidE01000700702
Check the washer fluid level in the container.
If the level is low, replenish the container with wash-
er fluid.
NOTE
l The washer fluid container serves the wind-
screen and the rear window.
During cold weather
To ensure proper operation of the washers at low
temperatures, use a fluid containing an anti-freez-
ing agent.
Brake fluid/Clutch fluid* E01000800035
The brake fluid (A) and the clutch fluid (B) share
reservoir tank.
To check the fluid level
A- Brake fluid B- Clutch fluid
C- Partition
The fluid level must be between the “MAX” and
“MIN” marks on the reservoir.
The brake fluid level is monitored by a float. When
the fluid level falls below the “MIN” mark, the
brake fluid warning lamp lights up.
The brake fluid level falls slightly with wear of the
brake pads, but this does not indicate any abnormal-
ity.
The fluid in the master cylinder should be checked
when doing other work under the bonnet. The
brake system should also be checked for leaks at
the same time.
If the fluid level falls markedly in a short length of
time, it indicates leaks from the each system.
If this occurs, we recommend you to have the vehi-
cle 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 brake sys-
tem and clutch system, reducing the performance.CAUTIONl Take care in handling brake fluid as it is
harmful to the eyes, may irritate your
skin and also damage painted surfaces.
l Use only the specified brake fluid.
Do not mix or add different brands of
brake fluid to prevent chemical reactions.
Do not let any petroleum-based fluid
touch, mix with, or get into the brake fluid.
This will damage the seals.
l Keep the reservoir tank cap closed to pre-
vent the brake fluid from deteriorating ex-
cept maintenance.
l Clean the filler cap before removing and
close the cap securely after maintenance.
Maintenance
8-09
8

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine WARNINGlKeep sparks, cigarettes, and flames away
from the battery because the battery
could explode.
l The battery electrolyte is extremely caus-
tic. Do not allow it to come in contact
with your eyes, skin, clothing, or the pain-
ted surfaces of the vehicle. Spilt electro-
lyte should be flushed immediately with
ample amounts of water.
Irritation to eyes or skin from contact
with electrolyte requires immediate medi-
cal attention.
l Ventilate when charging or using the bat-
tery in an enclosed space.CAUTIONl Never disconnect the battery with the ig-
nition switch in the “ON” position; doing
so could damage the vehicle’s electrical
components.
l Never short-circuit the battery; doing so
could cause it to overheat and be damaged.CAUTIONl Always wear protective eye goggles when
working near the battery.
l If the battery is to be quick-charged, first
disconnect the battery cables.
l In order to prevent a short circuit, be
sure to disconnect the negative (-) termi-
nal first.
l Keep it out of reach of children.
l Do not bring the nearby part, the plastic
parts and so on into contact with sulphu-
ric acid (battery electrolyte) which may
crack, stain or discolour them.
If they are in contact, wipe off with soft
cloth, chamois or the like and an aqueous
solution of neutral detergent then imme-
diately rinse the affected parts with plen-
ty of water.
NOTE
l Keep the terminals clean. After the battery is
connected, apply terminal protection grease.
To clean the terminals, use lukewarm water.
l Check to see if the battery is securely instal-
led and cannot be moved during travel. Also
check each terminal for tightness.
l 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.
Tyres E01001300226WARNINGlDriving with tyres that are worn, dam-
aged or improperly inflated can lead to a
loss of control or blow out of the tyres
which can result in a collision with seri-
ous or fatal injury.
Maintenance
8-11
8

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine The speed limit for tyre chain is 50 km/h (30 mph)
and remove the tyre chains as soon as possible on
snow free roads.WARNINGl DO NOT use a jack when fitting the
chains, as in thsee conditions, the tyres
may slip on the icy road causing the vehi-
cle to slip off the jack.CAUTIONl Practice fitting the chains before you
need them.
Don’t expect help from other people in
the cold.
l Choose a clear straight stretch of road
where you can pull over and still be seen
while you are fitting the chains.
l Do not fit chains before you need them.
This will wear out your tyres and the
road surface.
l After driving around 100-300 metres
,
stop and retighten the chains.
l Care should be taken with extremes of
steering lock to prevent possible contact
between the chains and the vehicle body.
l Drive carefully and do not exceed
50 km/h (30 mph). Remember, fitting
chains is not going to stop accidents from
happening.
l When tyre chains are installed, take care
that they do not damage the disc wheel or
body.CAUTIONl Do not install a tyre chain on an emergen-
cy wheel which is compact in size. If one
of the front wheels has punctured, re-
place it with one of the rear wheels and in-
stall the compact spare wheel in that
place before fitting a tyre chain.
l An aluminium wheel can be damaged by
a tyre chain while driving. When fitting a
tyre chain on an aluminium wheel, take
care that any part of the chain and fitting
cannot be brought into contact with the
wheel.
l Remove the wheel covers before instal-
ling a tyre chain, otherwise they may be
damaged by the tyre chain. (Refer to
“Wheel covers” on page 6-17.)
l When installing or removing the tyre
chains, take care that hands and other
parts of your body are not injured by the
sharp edges of the vehicle body.
l Install the chains only on the rear tyres
and tighten them as tightly as possible
with the ends securely fastened.
NOTE
l The laws and regulations concerning the use
of tyre chains vary. Find out and follow the
laws and regulations of the area you’re driv-
ing in.
In most countries, it is prohibited by law to
use tyre chains on roads without snow.
Clutch pedal free play* E01002200222
Press down the clutch pedal with your fingers until
initial resistance is felt.
This distance should be within the specified range.
A- Free play: 4 to13 mm
If the clutch pedal free play is not within the stand-
ard range, we recommend you to have it checked.
Maintenance
8-15
8

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Brake pedal free playE01002300281
Stop the engine, depress the brake pedal several
times, and press down the pedal with your fingers
until initial resistance is felt. This distance should
be within the specified range.
A- Free play: 3 to 8 mm
If the brake pedal free play is not within the stand-
ard range, we recommend you to have it checked.
Parking brake lever stroke E01005800388
Pull the parking brake lever up to check the num-
ber of “clicks” that the ratchet makes. One click rep-
resents a lever movement of one notch. The lever
should move the specified number of notches for
normal brake application.
A- Parking brake lever stroke: 5 to 7 notches (Parking brake adjustment when pulled with
a force of 200 N)
If the parking brake lever stroke is out of the stand-
ard range, we recommend you to have it checked.
WARNINGl Continued operation of the vehicle with
the parking brake lever out of adjust-
ment may result in the vehicle moving
when unattended.Wiper blades E01002600473
If the blades are frozen to the windscreen or rear
window, do not operate the wipers until the ice has
melted and the blades are freed, otherwise the wip-
er motor may be damaged.
NOTE l Under icy conditions, do not cause high im-
pact on the wiper blade by slamming it on
the glass. In extremely low temperatures, the
plastic wiper blade is vulnerable to such
shock and may be damaged because of its
less plasticity.
Wiper blade rubber replacement
Windscreen wiper blade (driver’s side) 1. Lift the wiper arm off the windscreen.
2. Pull the wiper blade until its stopper (A) dis-
engages from the hook (B). Then, pull the
wiper blade further to remove it.
Maintenance
8-16
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Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine General maintenanceE01002700113
Fuel, engine coolant, oil and exhaust
gas leakage
Look under the body of your vehicle to check for
fuel, engine coolant, oil and exhaust gas leaks.WARNINGl If you see a suspicious fuel leak or if you
smell fuel, do not operate the vehicle; we
recommend you to call for assistance.
Exterior and interior lamp operation
Operate the combination lamp switch 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 the inspection and re-
placement of the fuses and the lamp bulbs, refer to
“ Fuses” on page 8-19 and “Replacement of lamp
bulbs” on page 8-23.
If the fuses and bulbs are all OK, we recommend
you to have your vehicle checked and repaired.
Meter, gauge and indicator/warning
lamps operation
Run the engine to check the operation 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 neces-
sary by first cleaning and then applying multipur-
pose grease.For cold and snowy 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 sys-
tems will not be impaired.
Weatherstripping
To prevent freezing of the weatherstripping on the
doors, bonnet, etc., they should be treated with sili-
cone grease or spray.
Additional equipment
It is a good idea to carry a shovel or a short-han-
dled 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 vehi-
cle and a plastic scraper for the windscreen and
rear window are also useful.
Maintenance
8-18
8