4-4 Driving safety
4
Floor mats Defrosters
Check these by selecting the defroster mode, and set the blower
switch on high. You should be able to feel the air blowing
against the windshield.
Refer to “Defrosting or defogging (windshield, door win-
dows)” on page 5-14, 5-23, 5-33, 5-43.TiresCheck all the tires for heavy tread wear or uneven wear pat-
terns. Look for stones, nails, glass, or other objects stuck in the
tread. Look for any tread cuts or sidewall cracks. Check the
wheel nuts for tightness, and the tires (including spare tire) for
proper pressure. Replace your tires before they are heavily
worn out.
As your vehicle is equipped with a tire pressure monitoring
system, there is a risk of damage to the tire inflation pressure
sensors when the tire is replaced on the rim. Tire replacement
should, therefore, be performed only by an authorized Mitsub-
ishi Motors dealer.LightsHave someone watch while you turn all the exterior lights on
and off. Also check the turn signal indicators and high-beam
indicators on the instrument panel.Fluid leaksCheck the ground under the vehicle after parking overnight, for
fuel, water, oil, or other leaks. Make sure all the fluid levels are
correct. Also, if you can smell fuel, you need to find out why
immediately and have it fixed.
WA R N I N G
!
Keep floor mats clear of the pedals by correctly lay-
ing floor mats that are suitable for the vehicle.
To prevent the floor mats from slipping out of posi-
tion, securely retain them using the hooks etc.
Placing a floor mat over a pedal or laying one floor
mat on top of another can obstruct pedal operation
and lead to a serious accident.
BK0115300US.book 4 ページ 2009年7月16日 木曜日 午前9時13分
Comfort controls
5-25
5 Automatic air conditioning-Type1
(if so
equipped)N00731500268
Control panel
N00711800425
NOTE
There is an interior air temperature sensor (A) in the illus-
trated position.
Never place anything over the sensor, since doing so will
prevent it from functioning properly.
1- Temperature control dial
2- Air selection switch
3- Blower speed selection dial
4- Air conditioning switch
5- Mode selection dial
6- Electric rear window defogger switch→ P.3-234
BK0115300US.book 25 ページ 2009年7月16日 木曜日 午前9時13分
Comfort controls
5-35
5 Automatic air conditioning-Type2
(if so
equipped)N00731500271
Control panel
N00711800438
NOTE
There is an interior air temperature sensor (A) in the illus-
trated position.
Never place anything over the sensor, since doing so will
prevent it from functioning properly.
1- Temperature control dial
2- Air selection switch
3- Blower speed selection dial
4- Air conditioning switch
5- Mode selection dial
6- Electric rear window defogger switch→ P.3-234
BK0115300US.book 35 ページ 2009年7月16日 木曜日 午前9時13分
Vehicle care and maintenance
7-15
7
4. Replacing the air cleaner filter and put the cover back on
in its original position.NOTE
Genuine Mitsubishi Motors Parts are recommended when
replacing the air cleaner filter.
For 2.4 L models, make sure that the connector is properly
reconnected.
After replacing the air cleaner filter, make sure that the
hinges at the bottom of cover are firmly set.
5. For 2.4 L models, put the duct back on in its original posi-
tion.
2.4 L models
CAUTION
!
Take care not to scratch the engine air flow sensor
when removing the air cleaner cover.
3.0 L models
BK0115300US.book 15 ページ 2009年7月16日 木曜日 午前9時13分
7-28 Vehicle care and maintenance
7
Check your tires each time you refuel. If one tire looks lower
than the others, check the pressure for all of them.
You should also take the following safety precautions:
Keep your tires inflated to the recommended pressures.
(See the tire and loading information placard attached to
the driver’s door sill.)
Stay within the recommended load limits.
Make sure that the weight of any load in your vehicle is
evenly distributed.
Drive at safe speeds.
After filling your tires to the correct pressure, check them
for damage and air leaks. Be sure to reinstall the caps on
the valve stems.
Replacing tires and wheels
N00939600241
CAUTION
!
Avoid using different size tires from the one listed
and the combined use of different types of tires, as
this can affect driving safety.
Refer to “Tires and wheels” on page 9-10.
On all-wheel drive vehicles, always use tires of the
same size, same type, and same brand, and which
have no wear differences. Using tires that differ in
size, type, brand or the degree of wear, will increase
the differential oil temperature, resulting in possible
damage to the driving system. Further, the drive
train will be subjected to excessive loading, possibly
leading to oil leakage, component seizure, or other
serious problems.
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.
BK0115300US.book 28 ページ 2009年7月16日 木曜日 午前9時13分
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
Vehicle care and maintenance
7-83
7 Cleaning the outside of your vehicle
N00945700058
To protect your vehicle’s finish, wash it often and thoroughly.
If desired, you may wax your vehicle using a nonabrasive auto-
mobile wax.Foreign material
N00945800033
Industrial pollution, road tar, bird droppings, tree sap, insect
remains, sea water and other foreign matters can damage the
finish on your vehicle.
Generally, the longer any foreign material stays on the finish,
the worse the damage. Wash your vehicle as soon as possible
whenever the finish gets soiled.Wash i ng
N00945900542
Chemicals contained in the dirt and dust picked up from air,
rain, snow, or road surfaces can damage the paint and body of
your vehicle if left on.
Frequent washing and waxing is the best way to protect your
vehicle from this damage.
Do not wash the vehicle in direct sunlight. Park the vehicle in
the shade and spray it with water to remove dust. Next, using
plenty of clean water and a car washing mitt or sponge, wash
the vehicle from top to bottom.
Use a mild car washing soap if necessary. Rinse thoroughly
and wipe dry with a chamois or soft cloth. After washing the
vehicle, carefully clean the joints and flanges of the doors,
hood, etc., where dirt is likely to remain.
CAUTION
!
When washing the underside of your vehicle or the
wheels, wear a pair of gloves to protect your hands.
If your vehicle has rain sensor wipers, place the
wiper switch lever in the “OFF” position to deacti-
vate the rain sensor before washing the vehicle. Oth-
erwise, the wipers will operate in the presence of
water spray on the windshield and may get damaged
as a result.
Never spray or splash water on the electrical parts
in the engine compartment. This may damage them.
Be careful also when washing the underbody to
ensure that water does not enter the engine com-
partment.
Avoid automatic car washers that use rotating
brushes. These brushes may scratch the paint sur-
face and make it dull.
Scratches are more noticeable on darker colored
vehicles.
Some hot water washing equipment uses high pres-
sure and heat to clean your vehicle. Because hot
water can damage plastics parts and seep inside
your vehicle, make sure you do the following when
using such equipment: Keep the washing nozzle at least 16 inches (40 cm)
away from the vehicle body.
When washing around the door glass, hold the
nozzle at a distance of more than 20 inches (50 cm)
and at a right angle to the glass surface.
BK0115300US.book 83 ページ 2009年7月16日 木曜日 午前9時13分
7-84 Vehicle care and maintenance
7
During cold weatherSalt and other chemicals spread on winter roads in some geo-
graphical areas can have a detrimental effect on the vehicle
underbody. You should flush the underbody with a high pres-
sure hose every time you wash the outside of your vehicle.
Take special care to remove mud or other debris which could
trap and hold salt and moisture.
After washing your vehicle, wipe off all waterdrops from the
rubber parts around the doors to prevent the doors from freez-
ing.
NOTE
When the door is frozen, opening it by force may tear off
or crack the rubber gasket installed around the door. Pour
warm water to melt the ice. Be sure to thoroughly wipe off
the water after opening the door. To prevent freezing of
the weatherstripping on the doors, hood, etc., treat with
silicone lubricant.
Waxing
N00946000205
Wax your vehicle once or twice a year, or when water does not
bead up on the paint.
Use a soft cloth to put a small amount of wax on the painted
surfaces. After the wax has dried, polish with a dry soft cloth.
Do not wax your vehicle in direct sunlight.
You should wax when the painted surfaces are cool.
Make sure to do the following when using an auto-
matic car wash, with help from either this manual or
the car wash operator, to avoid damaging your vehi-
cle: Fold the outside rearview mirrors.
Remove the antenna.
Tape or remove the rear wiper arm assembly.
If your vehicle is equipped with a rear spoiler or
roof rails, check with the car wash operator before
using the car wash.
If your vehicle is equipped with the rain sensor
wipers, place the wiper switch lever in the “OFF”
position to deactivate the rain sensor.CAUTION
!
CAUTION
!
Waxes containing high abrasive compounds should
not be used. These waxes remove rust and stain
effectively from the paintwork, but are harmful to
the finish of the paint, because they also remove
paint/clearcoat.
They are also harmful to other glossy surfaces such
as the grille, trim, moldings, etc.
Do not use gasoline, benzine, kerosene or paint thin-
ners to remove road tar or other dirt from the vehi-
cle surface.
BK0115300US.book 84 ページ 2009年7月16日 木曜日 午前9時13分