2009 MITSUBISHI COLT Main

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine It is recommended that the refrigerant be recovered
and recycled for further use.
During a long period of disuse
The air conditioning should be operated for at least
five minutes each week, even in cold weather. This
is to prevent poor lubrication of the compressor in-
ternal parts and to maintain the air conditioning in
the best operating condition.Air purifier E00708400024
An air filter has been incorporated into this air con-
ditioning so that dirt and dust are cleaned from the
air.
Replace the air filter periodically as its ability to
clean the air will be reduced as it collects pollen
and dirt. For the maintenance interval, refer to the
“SERVICE BOOKLET”.
NOTE l Operation in certain conditions such as driv-
ing on a dusty road and frequent use of the
air conditioning can lead to reduction of serv-
ice life of the filter. When the air flow rate
suddenly drops or when the windscreen or
windows start to fog up easily, the air filter
requires replacement.
We recommend you to have it checked.LW/MW/FM electronic tuning
radio with CD player* E00708502175
The audio system can be used when the ignition
switch is in the “ON” or “ACC” position.
NOTE l To listen to the audio system while the en-
gine is stopped, turn the ignition key to the
“ACC” position.
For Clear Tec models, the audio system will
continue to operate if the ignition switch is in
the “ON” position when the engine stops au-
tomatically. However, in some cases, the au-
dio system may stop producing sound or turn
off.
l If a cellular phone is used inside the vehicle,
it may create noise from the audio equip-
ment. This does not mean that anything is
wrong with your audio equipment. In such a
case, use the cellular phone at a place as far
away as possible from the audio equipment.
l If foreign objects or water get into the audio
equipment, or if smoke or a strange odour
comes from it, immediately turn off the au-
dio system. We recommend you to have it
checked. Never try to repair it by yourself.
Avoid continuous usage without inspection
by a qualified person.
For pleasant driving
5-12
5

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine 4.After the engine coolant temperature has drop-
ped to the normal temperature, stop the engine.
5. Check the coolant level in the reserve tank. Except for vehicles with turbocharger
The coolant level in this tank should be kept
between the “LOW” and “FULL” marks.
FULLLOW
Vehicles with turbocharger
The reserve tank lid is equipped with a dip-
stick.

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 lev-
el, which should always be within the range
“F” (FULL) or “L” (LOW).FULLLOW
WARNINGl If there is none, make sure that the en-
gine has cooled down before removing
the radiator cap (B), because hot steam
or boiling water otherwise will gush from
the filler port and may scald you.
6. Add coolant to the radiator and/or reserve
tank if necessary (refer to the “Maintenance”
section).
CAUTIONl Do not add coolant while the engine is
hot. Suddenly adding cold coolant could
damage the engine. Wait for the engine to
cool down, then add coolant a little at a
time.
7. Examine the radiator hoses for coolant leak-
age and the drive belt for looseness or damage.
If there is anything wrong with the cooling
system or drive belt, we recommend you to
have it checked and repaired.
For emergencies
6-05
6

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine WARNINGlStop jacking up the vehicle as soon as the
tyre is raised off the ground. It is danger-
ous to raise the vehicle any higher.
l Do not get under your vehicle while using
the jack.
l Do not bump the raised vehicle or leave it
sitting on the jack for a long time. Both
are very dangerous.
l Do not use a jack except the one that
came with your vehicle.
l The jack should not be used for any pur-
pose other than to change a tyre.
l No one should be in your vehicle when us-
ing the jack.
l Do not start or run the engine while your
vehicle is on the jack.
l Do not turn the raised wheel. The tyres
still on the ground could turn and make
your vehicle fall off the jack.Spare wheel* E00801101394
Check the air pressure of the spare tyre frequently
and make sure it is ready for emergency use at any
time.

Maintaining the spare wheel at the highest speci-
fied air pressure will ensure that it can always be
used under any conditions (city/high-speed driving,
varying load weight, etc.).
The spare wheel is stored beneath the luggage floor
board of the luggage compartment.
Compact spare wheel
The compact spare tyre is designed to save space in
the luggage compartment and its lighter weight
makes it easier to use if a flat tyre occurs.CAUTIONl The pressure should be periodically
checked and maintained at the specified
pressure while the tyre is stowed.
Driving with an insufficient tyre pressure
can lead to an accident. If you have no
choice but to drive with an insufficient
tyre pressure, keep your speed down and
inflate the tyre to the correct pressure as
soon as possible. (Refer to “Tyre inflation
pressures” on page 8-12.)
l The compact spare wheel is for tempora-
ry use only and should be removed as
soon as the original wheel can be re-
paired or replaced.
l The vehicle must not be driven at speeds
in excess of 80 km/h (50 mph) while using
the compact spare wheel.CAUTIONl The compact spare tyre is not as good as
a standard tyre in controllability and sta-
bility. When the compact spare tyre is
used, avoid quick starts, sudden braking
and sharp steering.
l Avoid driving through automatic vehicle
washers and over obstacles that could pos-
sibly damage the vehicle’s undercarriage.
Because the compact spare wheel is small-
er than the original wheel, the ground
clearance is slightly reduced.
l The compact spare wheel is specifically de-
signed for your vehicle and it should not
be used on any other vehicle.
l Do not use tyre chains with your compact
spare wheel. Because of the smaller tyre
size, a tyre chain will not fit properly.
This could cause damage to the wheel
and result in loss of the chain.
If a front tyre becomes flat when using
tyre chains, first replace a rear wheel
with the compact spare wheel and then
use the removed rear wheel to replace the
flat front wheel so that you can continue
to use the chains.
For emergencies
6-13
6

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine 98 to 118 Nm
( Achieved by applying a force of 440 to
520 N at the end of the wheel nut wrench sup-
plied with the vehicle.)CAUTIONl Never use your foot or a pipe extension
for extra force in the wheel nut wrench.
If you do so, you will tighten the nut too
much.
13. Lower and remove the jack, then store the
jack, flat tyre, and chock. Have your dam-
aged tyre repaired as soon as possible.
14. Check your tyre inflation pressure. The cor-
rect pressures are shown on the door label.
See the illustration.
CAUTIONl The tyre pressure should be periodically
checked and maintained at the specified
pressure while the tyre is stowed.
l The compact spare tyre is to be used only
temporarily when the standard tyre is
damaged. Repair the damaged tyre as
soon as possible and use it to replace the
compact spare tyre.
l After changing the tyre and driving the ve-
hicle about 1,000 km (620 miles), retight-
en the wheel nuts to make sure that they
have not come loose.
l If the steering wheel vibrates when driv-
ing after changing the tyre, we recom-
mend you to have the tyres checked for
balance.
l Do not mix one type of tyre with another
or use a different size from the one listed.
This would cause early wear and poor han-
dling.Wheel covers* E00801300298
To remove 1.Wrap the tip of the wheel nut wrench (if so
equipped) or straight blade (or minus) screw-
driver with a cloth, insert it deeply behind a
spoke of the wheel cover, and use it to lever
up the cover a little.
2. With the cover raised a little, pry it off com-
pletely using the wheel nut wrench. Insert
the wheel nut wrench under the cover, and
move it around the circumference, prying the
cover away from the wheel little by little as
you move the wheel nut wrench around.
NOTE l The wheel cover is made of plastic; take care
when prying it off.
For emergencies
6-17
6

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine CAUTIONlIf your vehicle has an automated manual
transmission, place the allshift lever in
the “N” (Neutral) position before stop-
ping the engine.
If your vehicle is to be towed by another vehicle
1.Take out the towing hook and wheel nut
wrench (if so equipped). (Refer to “Tools
jack and tyre repair kit” on page 6-06.)
2. Press by hand the side of the cover (A) that
has a “
” mark, then remove the cover.
3. Use the wheel nut wrench (B) to securely
mount the towing hook (C).
If your vehicle does not have a wheel nut
wrench, securely tighten the towing hook (C)
by hand.
4. Secure the tow rope to the front towing hook.
CAUTIONl Do not tow the vehicle with the rope at an
excessive diagonal angle.
NOTE
l To avoid deforming or otherwise damaging
the vehicle body when hooking the rope onto
the towing hook, observe the following in-
structions: • Mount the towing hook securely.
• Do not attach the rope to any part of the
vehicle other than the towing hook.
• Do not drive in a way that subjects the
towing hook to significant physical shock.
5. Keep the engine running.
If the engine is not running, turn the ignition
key to the “ACC” or “ON” position to un-
lock the steering wheel.CAUTIONl When the engine is not running, the
brake booster and power steering do not
operate. This means higher brake depres-
sion force and higher steering effort are
required. Therefore, vehicle operation is
more difficult than usual.
l Do not leave the key in the “LOCK” posi-
tion. The steering wheel will lock, causing
loss of control.
6. Place the gearshift lever (manual transmis-
sion) or the allshift lever (automated manual
transmission) in the “N” (Neutral) position.
With a vehicle that has an automated manual
transmission, confirm that the transmission is
in the “N” (Neutral) position by checking
that “N” is shown by the allshift indicator dis-
play and by pushing the vehicle.
If, with a vehicle that has an automated man-
ual transmission, the engine will not start and
the transmission is not in the “N” (Neutral)
position, press the brake pedal, turn the igni-
tion switch to the “ON” position, and move
the allshift lever to the “N” (Neutral) position.
7. Turn on the hazard warning lamps if required by law. (Follow the local driving laws and
regulations.)
8. During towing make sure that close contact
is maintained between the drivers of both ve-
hicles, and that the vehicles travel at low
speed.
For emergencies
6-20
6

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
6

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Vehicle care precautionsE00900100665
In order to maintain the value of your vehicle, it is
necessary to perform regular maintenance using the
proper procedures. Always maintain your vehicle
in compliance with environmental pollution control
regulations. Carefully select the materials used for
washing, etc., to be sure that they do not contain cor-
rosives. If in doubt, we recommend you to consult
a specialist for selection of these materials.CAUTIONl Cleaning products can be dangerous.
Some are poisonous. Others can burst in-
to flame if you strike a match or drop
them on a hot part of the vehicle. Some
are dangerous if you breathe their fumes
in a closed space. When you use anything
in a container to clean your vehicle, al-
ways follow the instructions and always
open your vehicle doors or windows when
you’re cleaning the inside. Never use the
following to clean your vehicle: • Petrol
• Paint Thinner
• Benzine
• Kerosene
• Turpentine
• Naphtha
• Lacquer Thinner
• Carbon Tetrachloride
• Nail Polish Remover
• Acetone
l These are all dangerous, and can damage
your vehicle.Cleaning the interior of your
vehicle E00900200347
After cleaning the interior of your vehicle with wa-
ter, cleaner or similar, wipe and dry in a shady, well-
ventilated area.CAUTIONl Do not use organic substances (solvents,
benzine, kerosene, alcohol, petrol, etc.) or
alkaline or acidic solutions.
These chemicals can cause discolouring,
staining or cracking of the surface.
If you use cleaners or polishing agents,
make sure their ingredients do not in-
clude the substances mentioned above.
NOTE
l Always read the instructions on the cleaner la-
bel.
Plastic, vinyl leather, fabric and
flocked parts E00900300045
1.Gently wipe off with gauze or other soft
cloth soaked with a 3 % aqueous solution of
neutral detergent.
2. Dip cloth in fresh water and wring out well.
Using this cloth, wipe off the detergent thor-
oughly.
NOTE
l Do not use cleaners, conditioners, and protec-
tants containing silicons or wax.
Such products may cause annoying reflec-
tions and obscure vision.Upholstery E00900500135
1.To maintain the value of your new vehicle,
handle the upholstery carefully and keep the
interior clean.
Use a vacuum cleaner and brush to clean the
seats. If stained, vinyl and synthetic leather
should be cleaned with an appropriate clean-
er, and cloth fabrics can be cleaned with ei-
ther upholstery cleaner or a 3 % solution of
neutral detergent in lukewarm water.
2. Clean the carpeting with a vacuum cleaner
and remove any stains with carpet cleaner.
Oil and grease can be removed by lightly dab-
bing with a clean colourfast cloth and stain re-
mover.
Genuine leather* E00900600569
1.Lightly wipe off with gauze or other soft
cloth soaked with a 5 % aqueous solution of
neutral detergent.
2. Dip cloth in fresh water and wring it out
well. Using this cloth, wipe off the detergent
thoroughly.
3. Apply leather protecting agent to the genuine
leather surface.
Vehicle care
7-02
7

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine NOTEl If genuine leather is wet with water or is wash-
ed in water, wipe off water as quickly as pos-
sible with a dry, soft cloth. If left damp, mil-
dew may grow.
l The genuine leather surface may be damaged
if a nylon brush or synthetic fibre is rubbed
hard against it.
l Organic solvents such as benzine, kerosene,
alcohol and petrol, acid or alkaline solvents
may discolour the genuine leather surface.
Be sure to use neutral detergents.
l Remove dirty patches or oil substances quick-
ly as they can stain genuine leather.
l The genuine leather surface may harden and
shrink if it is exposed to direct sun for long
hours. When your vehicle is parked, place it
in the shade as much as possible.
l When the temperature of the vehicle interior
rises in summer, vinyl products left on the
genuine leather seat may deteriorate and
stick to the seat.Cleaning the exterior of your
vehicle E00900700010
If the following is left on your vehicle, it may
cause corrosion, discolouration and stains, wash
the vehicle as soon as possible.
l Seawater, anti-freeze for road use.
l Soot and dust, iron powder from factories,
chemical substance (acids, alkalis, coal-tar,
etc.).
l Droppings from birds, carcasses of insects,
tree sap, etc.Washing E00900902351
Chemicals contained in the dirt and dust picked up
from the road surface can damage the paint coat
and body of your vehicle if left in prolonged contact.
Frequent washing and waxing is the best way to pro-
tect your vehicle from this damage. This will also
be effective in protecting it from environmental el-
ements such as rain, snow, salt air, etc.
Do not wash the vehicle in direct sunlight. Park the
vehicle in the shade and spray it with water to re-
move dust. Next, using an ample amount of clean
water and a car washing brush or sponge, wash the
vehicle from top to bottom.
Use a mild car washing soap if necessary. Rinse
thoroughly and wipe dry with a soft cloth. After
washing the vehicle, carefully clean the joints and
flanges of the doors, bonnet, etc., where dirt is like-
ly to remain.
CAUTIONl When washing the under side of your ve-
hicle or wheel, be careful not to injure
your hands.
l If your vehicle has rain sensor wipers,
place the wiper switch lever in the “
”
(OFF) position to deactivate the rain sen-
sor before washing the vehicle. Other-
wise, the wipers will operate in the pres-
ence of water spray on the windscreen
and may get damaged as a result.
l Refrain from using a car wash as its brush-
es may scratch the paint surface, causing
it to lose its gloss.
Scratches will be especially visible on
darker coloured vehicles.
l Never spray or splash water on the electri-
cal components in the engine compart-
ment, as this may adversely affect engine
starting.
Exercise caution also when washing the
underbody; be careful not to spray water
into the engine compartment.
l Some types of hot water washing equip-
ment apply high pressure and heat to the
vehicle. They may cause heat distortion
and damage to the vehicle resin parts and
may result in flooding of the vehicle inte-
rior. Therefore; observe the following. •Maintain a distance of approx. 50 cm
or more between the vehicle body and
the washing nozzle.
• When washing around the door glass,
hold the nozzle at a distance of more
than 50 cm and at right angles to the
glass surface.
Vehicle care
7-03
7