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7
Vehicle care and maintenance
Service precautions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7- 2
Catalytic converter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7- 3
Engine hood . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7- 4
View of the engine compartment . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7- 7
Engine oil and oil filter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7- 8
Engine coolant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7- 11
Air cleaner filter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7- 13
Automatic transaxle fluid (if so equipped) . . . . . .7- 16
Continuously variable transmission (CVT) fluid
(if so equipped) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7- 17
Transfer oil (All-wheel drive models) . . . . . . . . . .7- 18
Rear axle oil (All-wheel drive models) . . . . . . . . .7- 18
Washer fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7- 19
Brake fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7- 19
Power steering fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7- 20
Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7- 21
Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7- 23
Brake pedal free play . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7- 32
Parking brake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7- 33
Wiper blades . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7- 34
Emission-control system maintenance. . . . . . . . . .7- 34General maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7- 37
For cold and snowy weather . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7- 41
Fusible links . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7- 41
Fuses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7- 42
Replacement of light bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7- 50
Vehicle care precautions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7- 80
Cleaning the inside of your vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . 7- 81
Cleaning the outside of your vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . 7- 83
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Vehicle care and maintenance
7-7
7 View of the engine compartment
N00937600579
2.4 L models 3.0 L models
1- Power steering fluid reservoir
2- Air cleaner filter
3- Brake fluid tank
4- Engine coolant reserve tank
5- Windshield and rear window washer fluid reservoir
6- Engine oil level dipstick
7- Engine oil filler cap
8- Radiator cap
9- Automatic transaxle fluid level dipstick
10- Battery
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7-8 Vehicle care and maintenance
7Engine oil and oil filter
N00937700802
To check and refill engine oilIt is normal for an engine to use oil. You may need to add oil
between the recommended oil change intervals. Before starting
the engine, check the engine oil level. Refill if necessary.
To check the oil level, remove the dipstick, wipe it off, and
gently reinsert it all the way. Slowly pull the dipstick straight
out and check the oil level by checking the upper surface of the
dipstick. The oil level must not go above the line on the dip-
stick.NOTE
If it is difficult to verify the oil level, wipe off the dipstick
and reinsert it. Wait a moment and then recheck the oil
level by checking the upper surface of the dipstick.
If the level does not reach the line which shows the smallest
amount of oil required, remove the oil filler cap on the engine
valve cover, and fill to within the “Good” range.
2.4 L models
Good
Good 3.0 L models
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Vehicle care and maintenance
7-9
7
NOTE
Engine oil consumption is greatly influenced by payload,
engine speed, etc.
The engine oil will deteriorate rapidly if the vehicle is
subjected to severe conditions (for example, repeated
operation on rough roads, in mountainous regions, on
roads with many uphill and downhill gradients, or over
short distances). Consequently, the oil will require earlier
replacement in accordance with the schedule in the
“WARRANTY AND MAINTENANCE MANUAL”.
Engine oil identification markMitsubishi Motors recommends using only engine oils with the
ILSAC certification symbol on the front of the container.
CAUTION
!
Overfilling will cause oil aeration and loss of oil
pressure, which could damage the engine.WA R N I N G
!
Used engine oil is poisonous, and can damage your
skin. Prolonged and repeated contact may cause
serious skin disorders, including dermatitis and can-
cer. Do not let used oil touch your skin and wash
thoroughly after working with it.
Keep used oil out of the reach of children.
ILSAC certification symbol
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7-10 Vehicle care and maintenance
7
If you cannot find oils with the ILSAC certification symbol,
use an API classification SM oil with the following label.
This mark appears on the top of the oil container and tells you
two important things about the oil.
Recommended engine oil viscosityUse engine oil with the proper thickness for the outdoor tem-
peratures where you will be driving.
SAE 5W-20 engine oil is strongly recommended for optimum
fuel economy and cold starting.
SAE 10W-30 may be used when the normal operationg tem-
perature is above 100 °F (38 °C).
1- The upper part indicates the quality of the oil.
2- The center part indicates the SAE grade of the oil viscosity.API service symbol
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Vehicle care and maintenance
7-11
7
To replace the oil filterThe oil filter should be replaced at the time or mileage speci-
fied in the “WARRANTY AND MAINTENANCE MAN-
UAL”.
Only use high quality replacement filters on this vehicle. The
manufacturer’s specifications for Genuine Mitsubishi oil filters
require that the filter can withstand a pressure of 256 psi (1.8
MPa). A Genuine Mitsubishi oil filter is the best replacement
filter.
Follow the installation instructions printed on the filter.
Engine coolant
N00937800425
To check the coolant levelThe engine coolant reserve tank (A) lets you quickly see when
you need to add coolant. When the engine is cold, the level of
the coolant in the reserve tank should be between the FULL
and LOW marks. The radiator usually stays full so there is no
reason to remove the radiator cap (B) except when you check
the coolant freeze point or replace the antifreeze coolant.FULL
LOW
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7-12 Vehicle care and maintenance
7
To add coolantUse Mitsubishi Genuine Coolant or an equivalent.
Mitsubishi Genuine Coolant provides excellent protection
against corrosion and rust formation on all metals, including
aluminum, and prevents clogs in the radiator, heater, cylinder
head, engine block, etc.
If you need to add coolant often, or if the level in the reserve
tank does not drop when the engine cools, the cooling system
should be pressure-tested for leaks. Take your vehicle to an
authorized Mitsubishi Motors dealer or a repair facility of your
choice for testing.
Radiator capThe radiator cap must be tight sealed to prevent losing coolant,
which may result in engine damage. Only use a Genuine Mit-
subishi 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.
CAUTION
!
Do not use alcohol or methanol antifreeze or any
engine coolants that contain them. Using the wrong
antifreeze can corrode aluminum parts.
When you need to add coolant to the reserve tank,
use at least a 50 % concentration of ethylene-glycol
antifreeze in water. Do not overfill. Use a higher con-
centration (not over 60 %) when the outside temper-
ature is -31 °F (-35 °C) or lower. When the engine is
working very hard (for example, during mountain
driving and/or when the outside temperature is
high), use a 50 % concentration. You can check the
concentration level with a gauge from an automotive
supply store, or your authorized Mitsubishi Motors
dealer or service station can check it for you. Use
only high quality ethylene-glycol antifreeze coolant
that is made to prevent corrosion of all cooling sys-
tem metals.
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.WA R N I N G
!
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
!
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7-40 Vehicle care and maintenance
7
Exhaust system
N00942200094
The best way to keep carbon monoxide gas from entering
inside your vehicle is to have the engine exhaust system prop-
erly serviced.
Have a competent mechanic inspect the complete exhaust sys-
tem and nearby body areas for broken, damaged, deteriorated,
or mispositioned parts if you notice any of the following:
A change in the sound of the exhaust system
The smell of exhaust fumes inside the vehicle
The underside or rear of the vehicle is damaged
Also check the exhaust system each time the vehicle is raised
for lubrication, oil changes, or required service. Any open
seams or loose connections could let dangerous exhaust fumes
seep into the luggage compartment and passenger compart-
ments.
Check for any of the following conditions:
Check for holes or exhaust gas leaks caused by corrosion
or damage.
Check the joints and connections for looseness or exhaust
gas leaks.
Check the rubber hangers and brackets for damage.
Timing belt
N00942300079
The timing belt should be replaced with a new one at the mile-
age listed in the “WARRANTY AND MAINTENANCE
MANUAL”.Hood lock release mechanism and safety catch
N00942500101
The hood lock release mechanism and hood safety catch should
be checked, cleaned, and oiled when needed for easy move-
ment and to stop rust and wear. Use Multipurpose Grease
NLGI Grade 2 sparingly for all sliding parts of the hood latch
and release lever. Work the grease into the hood lock mecha-
nism until all the movable surfaces are covered.
Also, put a light coat of the same grease on the safety catch
wherever moving parts touch.
WA R N I N G
!
Carbon monoxide gas from your vehicle’s exhaust is
poisonous. Breathing these fumes can cause uncon-
sciousness or death.
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