7-16 Vehicle care and maintenance
7Automatic transaxle fluid
(if so equipped)
N00938000525
The automatic transaxle should be maintained and serviced by
an authorized Mitsubishi Motors dealer or a repair facility of
your choice to obtain the best performance and longest life. It
is important that the transaxle fluid is kept at the correct level.To check the fluid levelThe fluid level should be checked when the bar graph for the
engine coolant temperature display on the multi-information
display shows the engine is warmed up and the fluid in the
transaxle is heated to its normal working temperature. Driving
with the wrong fluid level will rapidly wear out the transaxle
and destroy the fluid.
Procedure for checking the fluid level1. With the brake pedal fully depressed and the engine
idling, select each gear momentarily, ending with the
selector lever in the “P” (PARK) position.
2. The fluid level should be at the HOT mark, but never
above the HOT mark when the engine is warmed up. Add
or drain fluid to get to the correct level.
3. Make certain that the dipstick cap is installed properly to
keep dirt and water out of the transaxle.
WA R N I N G
!
Transaxle fluid is extremely flammable and poison-
ous. Do not spill fluid when adding or draining.
Good (Hot)
BK0115300US.book 16 ページ 2009年7月16日 木曜日 午前9時13分
Vehicle care and maintenance
7-17
7
Fluid typeUse only “DiaQueen ATF-J3” transaxle fluid to ensure opti-
mum transaxle performance.Special additivesMitsubishi Motors Corporation does not recommend the addi-
tion of any fluid additives to the transaxle.
Continuously variable transmission (CVT)
fluid
(if so equipped)
N00938100021
The continuously variable transmission (CVT) should be main-
tained and serviced by an authorized Mitsubishi Motors dealer
or a repair facility of your choice to obtain the best perfor-
mance and longest life. It is important that the transmission
fluid is kept at the correct level.Fluid typeUse only “DiaQueen CVTF-J1” transmission fluid to ensure
optimum transmission performance.Special additivesDo not use any fluid additives to the transmission.
CAUTION
!
Using the improper transaxle fluid may damage the
transaxle.
BK0115300US.book 17 ページ 2009年7月16日 木曜日 午前9時13分
Vehicle care and maintenance
7-19
7 Wa s h e r f l u i d
N00938600228
The windshield and rear window washer fluid reservoir is in
the engine compartment.
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.
When 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
N00938700203
To check the fluid levelCheck the fluid level in the reservoir.
The 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.
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 recommended brake fluid conforming to DOT 3 or
DOT 4. The reservoir cap must be tightly sealed to keep dirt
and water out.
FULLEMPTY
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Vehicle care and maintenance
7-21
7 Battery
N00939100839
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.
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.
NOTE
After replacing the battery, the electronic control system
data for the automatic transaxle, etc., will be erased.
As a result, shifting may be rough.
Shifting will become smoother after several changes in
speed.
Checking battery electrolyte levelThe electrolyte level must be between the limits shown on the
outside of the battery. Fill it with distilled water as needed. The
inside of the battery is divided into several compartments. Take
the cap off of each compartment and fill to the mark.
Do not fill above the top line because a spill during driving
could cause damage.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.
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Vehicle care and maintenance
7-23
7
NOTE
Check 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.
Before cleaning the battery, tighten all the filler port caps
to keep dirt and moisture out.
Tires
N00939200494
It is important to familiarize yourself with the following terms:
Cold tire pressure:
The measured pressure after the vehicle has been parked
for at least three hours,
or
The measured pressure when the vehicle is driven less
than 1 mile (1.6 km) after having been parked for three
hours.
Maximum pressure: the maximum permissible cold tire
inflation pressure for this tire.
Recommended inflation pressure: the inflation pressure
for optimum tire performance.
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 posts, terminals and related accessories con-
tain lead and lead compounds. Wash hands after
handling.WA R N I N G
!
WA R N I N G
!
Driving with tires that are worn, damaged or
improperly inflated is dangerous.
These type tire conditions will adversely affect vehi-
cle performance.
These type tire conditions can also cause a tread sep-
aration or blowout which may result in an accident
causing serious injury or death.
Tires, including spare tire, degrade over time with
age even when they are not being used.
It is recommended that tires over 6 years generally
be replaced even if damage is not obvious.
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7-30 Vehicle care and maintenance
7
Tire rotation
N00939900488
To even out the wear on your tires and make them last longer,
Mitsubishi Motors Corporation recommends that you rotate
your tires at the mileage listed in the “WARRANTY AND
MAINTENANCE MANUAL”.
However, the timing for tire rotation may vary according to
your vehicle condition, road surface conditions, and your own
personal driving habits. Any time you notice unusual wear,
rotate your tires as soon as possible.
When rotating tires, check for uneven wear, damage, and wheel
alignment. Abnormal wear is usually caused by a wrong tire
pressure, wheels that are not aligned properly, wheels that are
out-of-balance, or severe braking.
Check with an authorized Mitsubishi Motors dealer or a repair
facility of your choice to find out the reason for uneven tread
wear.
The first tire rotation is the most important one. It will allow all
your tires to wear evenly.
CAUTION
!
A compact spare tire can be installed temporarily in
place of a tire that has been removed during the tire
rotation. However, it must not be included in the
regular tire rotation sequence.
Tires that do not have arrows showing rotation direction
Tires that have arrows showing rotation directionFront
Front
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7-32 Vehicle care and maintenance
7
Snow tires
N00940000320
In some areas of the country, snow tires are required for winter
driving. If snow tires are required in your area, you must
choose snow tires of the same size and type as the original tires
provided with your vehicle. Snow tires should also be installed
on all four wheels. Otherwise your safety and vehicle handling
can be reduced.
Even where laws may permit it, snow tires should not be oper-
ated at sustained speeds over 75 mph (120 km/h).Tire chains
N00940100116
Brake pedal free play
N00940300293
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.
CAUTION
!
Only Mitsubishi Motors Authorized wheels should
be used, because your vehicle is equipped with a tire
pressure monitoring system.
Use of another type of wheel risks air leaks and sen-
sor damage, as it will not be possible to install the
tire pressure sensor properly.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.
BK0115300US.book 32 ページ 2009年7月16日 木曜日 午前9時13分
7-34 Vehicle care and maintenance
7Wiper blades
N00940700138
Check the wiper blades occasionally. Clean them regularly to
remove deposits of salt and road film. Use a sponge or cloth
and a mild detergent or non-abrasive cleaner to clean the blades
and glass areas.
Replace the blades if they continue to streak or smear.NOTE
Do not run the wipers on dry glass for a long time. This
wears out the rubber and can scratch the glass.
During cold weatherIf the blades are frozen to the windshield or rear window, do
not operate the wipers until the ice has melted and the blades
are freed, otherwise the wiper motor may be damaged.
Emission-control system maintenance
N00940800328
Your vehicle is equipped with an emission-control system that
meets all the requirements of the U.S. Environmental Protec-
tion Agency and Environment Canada. The emission-control
system is made of:
a positive crankcase ventilation system
an evaporative emission-control system
an exhaust emission-control system
To be sure the emission-control system works properly, have
your vehicle inspected and maintained by an authorized Mit-
subishi Motors dealer or a repair facility of your choice. This
should be done at the time or mileage specified in the “WAR-
RANTY AND MAINTENANCE MANUAL”.
These, and all the other “general” maintenance services listed
in this manual, need to be performed to keep your vehicle run-
ning properly and reliably.
You should also have an inspection and service any time you
suspect a malfunction.
NOTE
To 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.
BK0115300US.book 34 ページ 2009年7月16日 木曜日 午前9時13分