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
!
BK0115300US.book 12 ページ 2009年7月16日 木曜日 午前9時13分
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
7-25
7
Size DesignationEXAMPLE: P215/65R15
NOTE
European/Japanese metric tire sizing is based on Euro-
pean/Japanese design standards. Tires designed to these
standards have the tire size molded into the sidewall
beginning with the section width. The letter “P” is
absent from this tire size designation. Example:
215/65R15 96H.
LT (Light Truck) -metric tire sizing is based on U.S.A.
design standards. The size designation for LT-metric
tires is the same as for P-metric tires except for the let-
ters “LT” that are molded into the sidewall preceding
the size designation. Example: LT235/85R16.
Temporary spare tires are high pressure compact spares
designed for temporary emergency use only. Tires
designed to this standard have the letter “T” molded
into the sidewall preceding the size designation. Exam-
ple: T145/80D18 103M.
Service DescriptionEXAMPLE: 95H
Maximum LoadMaximum load indicates the maximum load this tire is
designed to carry.Maximum PressureMaximum Pressure indicates the maximum permissible
cold tire inflation pressure for this tire. PPassenger car tire size based on U.S.A. design
standards
215 Section width in millimeters (mm)
65Aspect ratio in percent (%)
Ratio of section height to section width of tire.
RConstruction code
“R” means radial construction.
“D” means diagonal or bias construction.
15 Rim diameter in inches (in)95Load index
A numerical code associated with the maximum
load a tire can carry.
HSpeed symbol
A symbol indicating the range of speeds at
which a tire can carry a load corresponding to its
load index under certain operating conditions.
The maximum speed corresponding to the speed
symbol should only be achieved under specified
operating conditions. (i.e. tire pressure, vehicle
loading, road conditions and posted speed limits)
WA R N I N G
!
Overloading of your tire is dangerous. Overload-
ing can cause tire failure, affect vehicle handling,
and increase your stopping distance. Use tires of
the recommended load capacity for your vehicle.
Never overload them.
BK0115300US.book 25 ページ 2009年7月16日 木曜日 午前9時13分
7-26 Vehicle care and maintenance
7
Tire Identification Number (TIN)The TIN may be found on one or both sides of the tire but
the date code may only be on one side. Look for the TIN on
the outboard side of tires as mounted on the vehicle. If the
TIN is not found on the outboard side then you will find it
on the inboard side of the tire.
EXAMPLE: DOT MA L9 ABCD 1504
Treadwear, Traction and Temperature GradesTr e a d w e a rThe treadwear grade is a comparative rating based on the
wear rate of the tire when tested under controlled conditions
on a specified government test course. For example, a tire
graded 150 would wear one and one-half (1
1/2) times as well
on the government course as a tire graded 100. The relative
performance of tires depends upon the actual conditions of
their use, however, and may depart significantly from the
norm due to variations in driving habits, service practices
and differences in road characteristics and climate.
Tr a c t i o nThe traction grades, from highest to lowest, are AA, A, B
and C. Those grades represent the tire’s ability to stop on wet
pavement as measured under controlled conditions on speci-
fied government test surfaces of asphalt and concrete. A tire
marked C may have poor traction performance.TemperatureThe temperature grades are A (the highest), B and C, repre-
senting the tire’s resistance to the generation of heat and its
ability to dissipate heat when tested under controlled condi-
tions on a specified indoor laboratory test wheel. Sustained
high temperature can cause the material of the tire to degen-
erate and reduce tire life, and excessive temperature can lead
to sudden tire failure. The grade C corresponds to a level of
performance which all passenger car tires must meet under
the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 109. Grades
B and A represent higher levels of performance on the labo-
ratory test wheel than the minimum required by law.
DOTDepartment of Transportation
This symbol certifies that the tire is in compli-
ance with the U.S. Department of Transporta-
tion tire safety standards, and is approved for
highway use.
MACode representing the tire manufacturing loca-
tion. (2 digits)
L9
ABCDCode representing the tire size. (2 digits)
Code used by tire manufacturer. (1 to 4 digits)
15Number representing the week in which the tire
was manufactured. (2 digits)
04Number representing the year in which the tire
was manufactured. (2 digits)BK0115300US.book 26 ページ 2009年7月16日 木曜日 午前9時13分
Vehicle care and maintenance
7-33
7 Parking brake
N00940400164
Parking brake lever strokeCheck the parking brake lever travel occasionally. To check
this, pull the lever up slowly and count the number of clicks of
the ratchet. You should feel the parking brake grab between 3
to 5 notches (clicks).
Also check to see if the lever stays gripped by the ratchet after
pulling.
Parking brake break-inBreak-in the parking brake linings whenever the brake perfor-
mance of the parking brake is insufficient or whenever the
parking brake linings and/or drum/discs are replaced, in order
to assure the best brake performance.
This procedure is described in the vehicle service manual and
can be carried out by an authorized Mitsubishi Motors dealer
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.
BK0115300US.book 33 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
Vehicle care and maintenance
7-37
7 General maintenance
N00941500247
The next pages list the maintenance service recommended by
Mitsubishi Motors Corporation. In addition to the general
maintenance that needs to be performed at the times listed,
there are other parts which do not usually need regular mainte-
nance.
But, if any of these parts stops working properly, your vehicle
performance could suffer. Have these items checked if you
notice a problem with them.
See your authorized Mitsubishi Motors dealer for assistance, if
you have any questions.Disc brake pads
N00941600059
Good brakes are essential for safe driving. Check the brake
pads for wear. For good braking performance, replace the brake
pads with the same type pads as the originals.Brake hoses
N00941700076
Brake hoses and tubing should be checked for:
Severe surface cracking, scuffing or worn spots. If the
fabric casing of the hose is showing through any cracks or
worn spots in the rubber hose cover, the hose should be
replaced. The brakes can fail if the hose wears through.
Improper installation may cause twisting, or wheel, tire or
chassis interference.
Ball joint, steering linkage seals, drive shaft boots
N00941800093
Check the following parts for damage and grease leaks:
Ball joint boots of the suspension and steering linkage
Bellows on both ends of the drive shaft
Drive belt (for generator, power steering pump,
air conditioning compressor)
N00941900270
2.4 liter models
Remove the screw (A) and take out the engine coolant reserve
tank (B). Then, check the tension of the drive belt. Make cer-
tain that the indicator (C) is between the specified lines as
shown in the illustration.
Check the drive belt for cuts and cracks, and replace it if it is
damaged. When replacing the belt, make sure that there is no
interference between the belt and other engine components.
After replacing, recheck the tension to make sure the indicator
(C) is between the specified lines.
BK0115300US.book 37 ページ 2009年7月16日 木曜日 午前9時13分