Page 557 of 670
7-14 Vehicle care and maintenance
7
Radiator capThe radiator cap must be tight sealed to prevent losing coolant
which may result in engine damage. Only use a Genuine
Mitsubishi Parts radiator cap, or an approved equivalent.
Points to remember Do not overfill the reserve tank.
Your vehicle uses a special radiator cap that stays sealed
and lets the coolant flow from the reserve tank back to the
radiator when the engine cools down. If you need to
change the cap, use the exact same kind.
Check the coolant freeze point in the radiator with the
proper gauge, and only when it is safe. If you add anti-
freeze, the contents of the reserve tank must be protected
against freezing.
Keep the front of the radiator and condenser clean.
If the temperature of the engine coolant does not rise after
the engine is warmed-up, take your vehicle to an autho-
rized Mitsubishi Motors dealer or a repair facility of your
choice to have the thermostat checked, and replaced if
necessary.
Do not top off the tank with plain water only. Water
by itself boils at a lower temperature and does not
stop rust or freezing. If the water freezes, it will
damage your cooling system. Do not use tapwater. It
can cause corrosion and rust.
WARNING
!Wait for the engine to cool down before opening the
radiator cap. Otherwise hot steam or boiling coolant
could spray up from the radiator and scald you.
CAUTION
!
BK0102103US.book 14 ページ ２００９年１０月２６日 月曜日 午後１時３８分
Page 564 of 670
Vehicle care and maintenance
7-21
7 Washer fluid
N00938600273
The windshield washer fluid reservoir is in the engine compart-
ment.
Check the washer fluid level at regular intervals and add
washer fluid to reservoir if necessary.
Open the reservoir cap and check the fluid level with the dip-
stick.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.
Brake fluid/Clutch fluid
(if so equipped)
N00938700186
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 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
Mitsubishi Motors dealer or a repair facility of your choice.
MAX
MIN
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7-22 Vehicle care and maintenance
7
Fluid typeUse the recommended brake fluid conforming to DOT 3 or
DOT 4. The reservoir cap must be tightly sealed to keep dirt
and water out.
Power steering fluid
N00939000346
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
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.
Lubricant Genuine Mitsubishi Power Steering Fluid
BK0102103US.book 22 ページ ２００９年１０月２６日 月曜日 午後１時３８分
Page 566 of 670
Vehicle care and maintenance
7-23
7 Battery
N00939100783
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. Removing and installing the battery upper cover
(vehicles with turbocharger)
N00901300012
To r e m o v e1. Remove the clips (A), and then remove the air duct (B).
WARNING
!An SRS airbag sensor is located in the front of the
engine compartment near the battery.
When checking or replacing the battery, or when
working around this area, do not strike or damage
this sensor.
WARNING
!Turn the ignition key to the “LOCK” position on
vehicle. Make sure that your clothes cannot be
caught by the fan or drive belt. Personal injury
could result.
BK0102103US.book 23 ページ ２００９年１０月２６日 月曜日 午後１時３８分
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Vehicle care and maintenance
7-25
7
To check the battery indicator
N00901400039
To see the charge of only one cell, check the indicator (A) on
top of the battery. If the indicator is blue when looking from
above, that cell is okay suggesting the battery is okay. This is
not conclusive and 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. If it is white,
that cell is low on charge and the battery may only need charg-
ing.
CAUTION
!Be sure to install the battery upper cover. Other-
wise, the battery electrolyte may spill and cause a
malfunction.When installing the battery upper cover, plastic
nuts, and air duct, do not touch the cooling fan or
other moving parts in the engine compartment. Be
especially careful that the cables, your clothing or
hair, etc., do not get caught in the cooling fan or
other moving parts.
Except for vehicles with turbochargerVehicles with turbocharger
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Vehicle care and maintenance
7-27
7
During cold weather
N00901600015
The 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 connection
N00901700016
To 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. NOTEFor vehicles equipped with turbocharger, remove the bat-
tery upper cover before disconnecting the terminal of bat-
tery. Refer to “Removing and installing the battery upper
cover” on page 7-23.
Open the terminal cover (A) before disconnecting or con-
necting the positive (+) terminal of the battery.
BK0102103US.book 27 ページ ２００９年１０月２６日 月曜日 午後１時３８分
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7-28 Vehicle care and maintenance
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. Memory data for settings
made by the user may be erased when the battery is
removed. If this happens, reset the settings again using the
relevant procedures. The battery only should be stored
with a full charge.
Before cleaning the battery, tighten all the filler port caps
to keep dirt and moisture out.
WARNING
!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.
WARNING
!
BK0102103US.book 28 ページ ２００９年１０月２６日 月曜日 午後１時３８分
Page 581 of 670
7-38 Vehicle care and maintenance
7Clutch pedal free play
(if so equipped)
N00940200061
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 .4 inch (4 to 9 mm)
Brake 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.
BK0102103US.book 38 ページ ２００９年１０月２６日 月曜日 午後１時３８分
