Page 407 of 496
7-14 Vehicle care and maintenance
7Manual transaxle oil
(if so equipped)
N00938200149
Whenever the manual transaxle oil level is checked, add oil to
maintain the proper level, if necessary.
Refill or change the oil according to the table.Oil type
Wa s h e r f l u i d
N00938600202
The windshield and rear window washer (ECLIPSE only) fluid
reservoir is in the engine compartment.
Check the washer fluid level at regular intervals and add
washer fluid to reservoir if necessary. During cold weatherWhen freezing weather is anticipated, flush out the water in the
reservoir by operating the pump. Fill the reservoir with wind-
shield antifreeze (not radiator antifreeze), and operate the sys-
tem for a few seconds to flush out the residual water.
LubricantDiaQueen NEW MULTI GEAR OIL
API Classification GL-3
Viscosity range SAE 75W-80
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Vehicle care and maintenance
7-15
7 Brake fluid/Clutch fluid
(if so equipped)
N00938700229
The brake fluid and the clutch fluid share the 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 brake 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.
The fluid in the master cylinder should be checked when doing
other work under the engine hood. 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 indi-
cates leaks from the brake system.
If this occurs, have the vehicle checked by an authorized Mit-
subishi Motors dealer or a repair facility of your choice.
Fluid typeUse the brake fluid conforming to DOT 3 or DOT 4. The reser-
voir cap must be tightly sealed to keep dirt and water out.
CAUTION
!Do not let any petroleum-based fluid touch, mix
with, or get into the brake fluid. This will damage
the seals.Be careful when handling brake fluid. It can damage
painted surfaces.Use only the listed brake fluid. Different brands of
brake fluid have different additives, and these can
cause a chemical reaction. Do not mix brands of
brake fluid.Keep the reservoir tank cap closed to keep the brake
fluid from evaporating.
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Page 409 of 496
7-16 Vehicle care and maintenance
7Power steering fluid
N00939000333
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.Fluid type
Battery
N00939100318
The condition of the battery is very important for quick starting
and to keep the vehicle’s electrical system working properly.
Check the battery regularly.
If battery performance is suspect, have the battery and charging
system tested by an authorized Mitsubishi Motors dealer or a
repair facility of your choice.
Lubricant Genuine Mitsubishi Power Steering Fluid
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7-18 Vehicle care and maintenance
7
During cold weatherThe battery is weaker in cold temperatures. This has to do with
its chemical and physical properties and is why a very cold bat-
tery, especially one with a low charge, will have a hard time
starting your vehicle.
It is recommended that you have your battery and charging sys-
tem checked by an authorized Mitsubishi Motors dealer or a
repair facility of your choice before the start of cold weather. If
necessary, have it charged. This will guarantee more reliable
starting, and longer battery life.Disconnection and connectionTo disconnect the battery cable, stop the engine. Disconnect the
negative (-) terminal first, then the positive (+) terminal. To
reconnect the battery, first connect the positive (+) terminal and
then the negative (-) terminal, before starting the vehicle.
NOTEOpen the terminal cover (A) before disconnecting or con-
necting the positive (+) terminal of the battery.
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Vehicle care and maintenance
7-19
7
NOTECheck each battery terminal for corrosion. You can stop
more corrosion by washing with a solution of baking soda
and water. Grease the posts and clamps after cleaning or
tightening them.
Check to see that the battery is securely installed and can-
not be moved. Also check each terminal for tightness.
If you will not be driving your vehicle for a long period of
time, remove the battery and store it in a place where the
battery fluid will not freeze. The battery only should be
stored with a full charge.
WA R N I N G
!Never disconnect the battery while the engine is run-
ning, or you could damage the vehicle’s electrical
parts. Never short-circuit the battery. This could cause it
to overheat and be damaged. Keep sparks, cigarettes, and flames away from the
battery because the battery could explode. Electrolyte (battery acid) is made of corrosive
diluted sulfuric acid. If it spills on nearby parts, it
can crack, stain, or discolor them. And if gets on
your skin or in your eyes, it can cause burns or
blindness. Please observe the following handling
instructions:
• If electrolyte gets on plastic parts or other nearby
parts, wipe it off with a soft cloth or chamois
soaked in a solution of water and neutral detergent
then immediately rinse the affected parts with
plenty of water.
• If electrolyte gets on your hands or clothes, rinse
thoroughly with water. If electrolyte gets in your
eyes, flush them with water immediately and get
immediate medical attention.
Open doors and windows in any closed space where
you may be charging or working with the battery. Always wear protective clothing and goggles when
working with the battery, or have a skilled automo-
bile technician do it. If you are quick-charging your battery, first discon-
nect the battery cables.
In order to prevent a short circuit, be sure to discon-
nect the negative (-) terminal first, and reconnect it
last.If the electrolyte level is very low, have the battery
checked at an authorized Mitsubishi Motors dealer
or a repair facility of your choice.Battery terminals and related accessories contain
lead and lead compounds. Wash hands after han-
dling.
WA R N I N G
!
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Vehicle care and maintenance
7-29
7
Tire chains
N00940100015
Clutch pedal free play
(if so equipped)
N00940200045
To check the clutch pedal free play (A), turn off the engine and
press the pedal until you feel resistance.
Clutch pedal free play:
.2 to .5 inch (6 to 13 mm)
CAUTION
!Tire chains cannot be used on your vehicle. The
clearance between the chains and the body is not
sufficient to allow proper clearance, and the vehicle
body might be damaged.
BK0098300US.book 29 ページ 2008年12月8日 月曜日 午前11時37分
Page 423 of 496
7-30 Vehicle care and maintenance
7Brake pedal free play
N00940300176
To check the brake pedal free play (A), turn off the engine and
press the brake pedal several times with your foot. Then press
the pedal down with your fingers until you first feel resistance.
Brake pedal free play:
.1 to .3 inch (3 to 8 mm)
If the free play is not within these limits, take your vehicle to
an authorized Mitsubishi Motors dealer or a repair facility of
your choice for adjustment.
Parking brake lever stroke
N00940400063
Check the parking brake lever travel occasionally. To check
this, pull the lever up slowly and count the number of clicks of
the ratchet.
Parking brake lever stroke:
5 to 7 notches
Also check to see if the lever stays gripped by the ratchet after
pulling.
WA R N I N G
!Continued operation of the vehicle with the parking
brake lever out of adjustment may result in the vehi-
cle moving when unattended.
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7-32 Vehicle care and maintenance
7
NOTETo meet government regulations and promote cleaner air,
your vehicle is equipped with an onboard diagnostic sys-
tem (OBD). The engine electronic control module that
controls OBD functions stores various data (especially
about the exhaust emissions). This data will be erased if
the battery cable is disconnected, which could make a
rapid diagnosis difficult. Do not disconnect the battery
cable when the engine malfunction indicator (“SERVICE
ENGINE SOON” or “Check engine light”) is on.Spark plugs
N00940900039
Spark plugs must fire properly for good engine performance
and emission-control.
Do not reuse them by cleaning or regapping. Change them at
the mileage listed in the “WARRANTY AND MAINTE-
NANCE MANUAL”.
Your vehicle may be equipped with iridium tipped spark plugs,
which are identified by marks on the ceramic. They do not
require replacement as frequently as the conventional type
spare plug and will last much longer.NOTEUse the spark plugs listed under “Engine specifications”
on page 9-8 or plugs that are exactly the same. Other
plugs could cause engine damage, performance problems
or radio noise.
Fuel hoses
N00941000037
Check the hose surfaces for any heat and mechanical damage,
hard and brittle rubber, cracking, tears, cuts and abrasions. Pay
special attention to the hoses closest to high heat sources such
as the exhaust manifold. Check all the hose connections, such
as clamps and couplings, to make sure they are secure and that
there are no leaks. If you see any wear or damage, replace the
hoses immediately.Fuel system (tank, pipe line and connection, and
fuel tank filler cap)
N00941300085
Check these regularly for damage or leaks in the fuel lines and
connections. Check the fuel tank filler cap for damage or loose-
ness. Pay special attention to the fuel lines closest to high heat
sources such as the exhaust manifold.
WA R N I N G
!If you see a fuel leak or if you smell fuel, do not run
the engine. Any spark (including from the ignition),
flame or smoking material could cause an explosion
or fire. Call an authorized Mitsubishi Motors dealer
or a repair facility of your choice for assistance.
BK0098300US.book 32 ページ 2008年12月8日 月曜日 午前11時37分