2011 MITSUBISHI COLT Owner's Manual (in English)

The catalytic converter itself gets hot quickly, and
may be damaged if overheated. The following
points should be noted in order to prevent the igni-
tion of unburned petrol within the catalytic convert-
er.
l Use UNLEADED PETROL ONLY of the
type recommended in “Fuel selection” on
page 02.
l Do not drive with an extremely low fuel lev-
el; running out of fuel could cause damage to
the catalytic converter.
l Do not attempt to start the engine by pushing
the vehicle. If the battery is weak or dis-
charged, use another battery to start the en-
gine.
l Do not idle the engine with any spark plug
wires disconnected or removed such as per-
forming diagnostic tests.
l Do not idle the engine for prolonged periods
during very rough idle or malfunctioning op-
erating conditions.
l Do not race the engine when turning off the
ignition switch. This will cause the catalytic
converter to be damaged due to contact with
unburnt fuel.
l Stop driving the vehicle if you think the per-
formance is noticeably low, or if the engine
has a malfunction such as with the ignition,
etc.
If it is impractical to stop driving immediate-
ly, reduce the speed and drive for only a
short time. We recommend you to have your
vehicle inspected as soon as possible.l In unusual situations involving grossly mal-
functioning engine operation, a burnt smell
may indicate severe and abnormal catalyst
overheating.
If this occurs, the vehicle should be stopped
in a safe place, the engine switched off and
the vehicle allowed to cool. Once the engine
is cool, a service, including a tune-up to man-
ufacturer’s specifications, should be obtained
immediately.Bonnet E01000302470
To open
Pull the release lever towards you to unlock the bon-
net.
Raise the bonnet while pressing the safety lock.
NOTE l Only open the bonnet when the wipers are in
the parked position. Failure to do so may
cause paint/body damage.
Maintenance
8-03
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Support the bonnet by inserting the support bar in
its slot.CAUTIONl Note that the support bar may disengage
the bonnet if the open bonnet is lifted by
a strong wind.
l Always insert the support bar into the
hole provided specifically for this pur-
pose. Supporting the bonnet at any other
location could result in the support bar
slipping out and lead to an accident.
To close
Unlatch the support bar (A) and clip it in its holder.
Slowly lower the bonnet to a position about 20 cm
above the closed position, then let it drop.
NOTE
l If this does not close the bonnet, release it
from a slightly higher position.
l Do not press down the bonnet hard with a
hand as it may damage the bonnet.
l Push the support bar (A) down completely in-
to its holder.
CAUTIONl Be careful that hands or fingers are not
trapped when closing the bonnet.
l Before driving, make sure that the bon-
net is securely locked. An incompletely
locked bonnet can suddenly open while
driving. This can be extremely dangerous.
Maintenance
8-04
8

Engine oilE01000402530
To check and refill engine oil
The engine oil used has a significant effect on the
engine’s performance, service life and startability.
Be sure to use oil of the recommended quality and
appropriate viscosity.
All engines consume a certain amount of oil during
normal operation, and engine oil consumption is
greatly influenced by payload, engine speed, etc.
Therefore, it is important to check the oil level at
regular intervals or before starting a long trip.
This check must be made with the engine warm but
not running. Park the vehicle on a level surface,
stop the engine, and then wait a few moments to al-
low the engine oil in circulation to return to the oil
pan to ensure accurate measurement.
Remove the dipstick and wipe it with a clean cloth.
Reinsert the dipstick as far as it goes. Remove the
dipstick and read the oil level, which should al-
ways be within the range indicated.
If the oil level is below the specified limit, remove
the cap located on the cylinder head cover and add
enough oil to raise the level to within the specified
range.
Be sure to use the specified engine oil and do not
mix various types of oil. Also, avoid mixing differ-
ent makes of oil together if possible.
After adding oil, close the cap securely.
Use only the recommended oils with an MB classi-
fication as specified in this manual.1100 models1300 models1500 models
NOTE
l 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.
l For handling of used engine oils, refer to
page 05.
Selection of engine oil

Maintenance
8-05
8

Except for vehicles with turbocharger (Engine
models 134910 and 135930)
l Select engine oil of the proper SAE viscosity
number according to the atmospheric temper-
ature.
l Use engine oil conforming to the following
classification: • “MB 229.1” or higher
Except for vehicles with turbocharger (Engine
models 3A91 and 4A90)
l Select engine oil of the proper SAE viscosity
number according to the atmospheric temper-
ature.
l SAE
0W-20 , 0W-30 , 5W-30 , and 5W-40 en-
gine oils can only be used if they meet
ACEA A3/B3, A3/B4 or A5/B5 and API SM
specifications.
l Use engine oil conforming to the following
classification: • API classification: “For service SM”
• ILSAC certificated oil
• ACEA classification: “For service A1/B1, A3/B3 , A3/B4 or
A5/B5”
NOTE l Use of additives is not recommended since
they may reduce the effectiveness of addi-
tives already included in the engine oil. It
may result in failure of the mechanical assem-
bly.
l The engine model is indicated on the vehicle
information code plate.
Refer to “Vehicle information code plate” on
page 9-02.Vehicles with turbocharger
l Select engine oil of the proper SAE viscosity
number according to the atmospheric temper-
ature.
l Use engine oil conforming to the following
classification: •API classification: “For service SG” or
higher
• ILSAC certificated oil
• ACEA classification: “For service A1/B1, A3/B3 , A3/B4 or
A5/B5”
NOTE l Use of additives is not recommended since
they may reduce the effectiveness of addi-
tives already included in the engine oil. It
may result in failure of the mechanical assem-
bly.
l SAE
5W-30 engine oil can be used to im-
prove engine startability in very cold weather
areas where the lowest atmospheric tempera-
Maintenance
8-06
8

ture is below the range shown in the illustra-
tion.
In this case, use engine oil conforming to the
following classification: • ACEA classification:“For service A3/ B3, A3/B4 or A5/B5”
• API classification: “For service SG” or higherEngine coolant E01000501390
To check the coolant level
A translucent coolant reserve tank is located in the
engine compartment.

Except for vehicles with turbocharger
The coolant level in this tank should be kept be-
tween the “LOW” and “FULL” marks when meas-
ured while the engine is cold.
FULLLOW
Vehicles with turbocharger
Check the coolant level in the reserve tank. The re-
serve tank lid is equipped with a dipstick.

Remove the dipstick and wipe it with a clean cloth.
Reinsert the dipstick as far as it goes. Remove the
dipstick and read the coolant level, which should al-
ways be within the range “F” (FULL) or “L”
(LOW) while the engine is cold.FULLLOW
To add coolant
The cooling system is a closed system and normal-
ly the loss of coolant should be very slight. A no-
ticeable drop in the coolant level could indicate leak-
age. If this occurs, we recommend you to have the
system checked as soon as possible.

Except for vehicles with turbocharger
If the level should drop below the “LOW” level on
the reserve tank, open the lid and add coolant to
“FULL” level.
Also, if the reserve tank is completely empty, re-
move the radiator cap (A) and add coolant until the
level reaches the filler neck.
Maintenance
8-07
8

WARNINGlDo not open the radiator cap while the en-
gine is hot.
The coolant system is under pressure and
any hot coolant escaping could cause se-
vere burns.
Vehicles with turbocharger
If the level should drop below the “L” (LOW) level
on the dipstick, add coolant to the reserve tank.
Also, if the reserve tank is completely empty, re-
move the radiator cap (A) and add coolant until the
level reaches the filler neck.
WARNINGl Do not open the radiator cap while the en-
gine is hot.
The coolant system is under pressure and
any hot coolant escaping could cause se-
vere burns.
Anti-freeze
The engine coolant contains an ethylene glycol anti-
corrosion agent. The cylinder head and water pump
housing are cast aluminium alloy, and periodic
changing of the engine coolant is necessary to pre-
vent corrosion of these parts.

Use High-quality ethylene glycol based coolant. It
has excellent protection against corrosion and rust
formation of all metals including aluminium and
can avoid blockages in the radiator, heater, cylin-
der head, engine block, etc.
Because of the necessity of this anti-corrosion
agent, the coolant must not be replaced with plain
water even in summer. The required concentration
of anti-freeze differs depending on the expected am-
bient temperature.Ambient temperature (minimum) °C-30-35-50Anti-freeze concentra- tion %455060CAUTIONlDo not use alcohol or methanol anti-
freeze or any engine coolants mixed with
alcohol or methanol anti-freeze. The use
of an improper anti-freeze can cause cor-
rosion of the aluminium components.
l For effective anti-corrosion and anti-
freeze performance, keep the anti-freeze
concentration within the range of 45 to
60 %.
Concentrations exceeding 60 % will re-
sult in a reduction of both the anti-freeze
and cooling performance thus adversely
affecting the engine.
l Do not top up with water only.
Water by itself reduces the rust-protec-
tive and anti-freeze qualities of the cool-
ant and has a lower boiling point. It can
also cause damage to the cooling system if
it should freeze. Do not use tapwater, as it
can cause corrosion and rust formation.During cold weather
If the temperatures in your area drop below freez-
ing, there is the danger that the coolant in the en-
gine or radiator could freeze and cause severe dam-
age to the engine and/or radiator.
Add a sufficient amount of anti-freeze to the cool-
ant to prevent it from freezing.
The concentration should be checked before the
start of cold weather and anti-freeze added to the
system if necessary.
Maintenance
8-08
8

Washer fluidE01000700702
Check the washer fluid level in the container.
If the level is low, replenish the container with wash-
er fluid.
NOTE
l The washer fluid container serves the wind-
screen and the rear window.
During cold weather
To ensure proper operation of the washers at low
temperatures, use a fluid containing an anti-freez-
ing agent.
Brake fluid/Clutch fluid* E01000800035
The brake fluid (A) and the clutch fluid (B) share
reservoir tank.
To check the fluid level
A- Brake fluid B- Clutch fluid
C- Partition
The fluid level must be between the “MAX” and
“MIN” marks on the reservoir.
The brake fluid level is monitored by a float. When
the fluid level falls below the “MIN” mark, the
brake fluid warning lamp lights up.
The brake fluid level falls slightly with wear of the
brake pads, but this does not indicate any abnormal-
ity.
The fluid in the master cylinder should be checked
when doing other work under the bonnet. 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 indicates leaks from the each system.
If this occurs, we recommend you to have the vehi-
cle checked.
Fluid type
Use brake fluid conforming to DOT4+ from a
sealed container.
The brake fluid is hygroscopic. Too much moisture
in the brake fluid will adversely affect the brake sys-
tem and clutch system, reducing the performance.CAUTIONl Take care in handling brake fluid as it is
harmful to the eyes, may irritate your
skin and also damage painted surfaces.
l Use only the specified brake fluid.
Do not mix or add different brands of
brake fluid to prevent chemical reactions.
Do not let any petroleum-based fluid
touch, mix with, or get into the brake fluid.
This will damage the seals.
l Keep the reservoir tank cap closed to pre-
vent the brake fluid from deteriorating ex-
cept maintenance.
l Clean the filler cap before removing and
close the cap securely after maintenance.
Maintenance
8-09
8

BatteryE01001202160
The condition of the battery is very important for
quick starting of the engine and proper functioning
of the vehicle’s electrical system. Regular inspec-
tion and care are especially important in cold weath-
er.
Checking battery electrolyte level
The inside of the battery is divided into several com-
partments.
Checking the electrolyte level in each cell after re-
moving the cap.If the part marked (A) inside each cell is below the
surface of the electrolyte (B), the electrolyte level
is normal. Top up the electrolyte with distilled wa-
ter if necessary. Do not overfill the cell; spillage dur-
ing driving could cause damage.
Check the electrolyte level at least once every 4
weeks, depending on the operating conditions.
If the battery is not used, it will discharge by itself
with time.
Check it once every 4 weeks and charge with low
current as necessary.
During cold weather
The capacity of the battery is reduced at low tem-
peratures. This is an inevitable result of its chemi-
cal and physical properties. This is why a very cold
battery, particularly one that is not fully charged,
will only deliver a fraction of the starter current
which is normally available.
We recommend you to have the battery checked be-
fore the start of cold weather and, if necessary,
have it charged or replaced.
This does not only ensure reliable starting, but a bat-
tery which is kept fully charged also has a longer life.
Disconnection and connectionCAUTIONl Do not disconnect the battery terminals
for at least one minute after the ignition
switch is turned “OFF”. If the battery ter-
minals are disconnected immediately af-
ter the ignition switch is turned “OFF”,
the automated manual transmission may
be damaged.
To disconnect the battery cable, stop the engine,
first disconnect the negative (-) terminal and then
the positive (+) terminal.
When connecting the battery, first connect the posi-
tive (+) terminal and then the negative (-) terminal.
NOTE l Open the terminal cover (A) before discon-
necting or connecting the positive (+) termi-
nal of the battery.
l Loosen the nut (B), and then disconnect the
battery cable from the positive (+) terminal.
Maintenance
8-10
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