2011 MITSUBISHI ECLIPSE brakes

3-112 Features and controls
3Indicator
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Turn signal indicators/Hazard warning lights
N00520000173
The arrows will flash in time with the corresponding exterior
turn signals when the turn signal lever is used.
Both arrows will flash when the hazard warning flasher switch
is pressed. NOTE
If the indicator flashes faster than usual or if the indicator
stays on without flashing, check for a malfunctioning turn
signal light bulb or turn signal connection.High beam indicator
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A blue light comes on when the headlights are on high beam.Front fog light indicator
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This indicator comes on while the front fog lights are on.
Warning lights
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Brake warning light
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This light comes on when the ignition key is turned to the
“ON” position (engine off).
When the engine is started, the light should go off.
The light will illuminate under the following conditions:

When the parking brake lever is engaged.

When the brake fluid level in the reservoir falls to a low
level.

When the brake circuit is not operating correctly.
Before driving your vehicle, release the parking brake and
make certain that the brake warning light has gone out.
CAUTION
!
Brake performance or your ability to control the
vehicle may be compromised or the vehicle may
become unstable if the brakes are applied suddenly
in the following situations:
• The brake warning light does not illuminate when
the parking brake is applied or does not turn off
when the parking brake is released.
• The brake warning light remains illuminated dur-
ing driving.
• If any of the above situations occur, stop the vehi-
cle in a safe location, avoiding any sudden brake
application, contact and your nearest authorized
Mitsubishi Motors dealer or a repair facility of
your choice.
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Features and controls
3-113
3
Engine malfunction indicator (“SERVICE
ENGINE SOON” or “Check engine light”)
N00520500396
This indicator is a part of the onboard diagnostic (OBD) sys-
tem which monitors the emissions, engine, and automatic
transaxle control systems. If a problem is detected in one of
these systems, this indicator comes on. When the ignition key
is turned to the “ON” position, this indicator normally comes
on and goes off a few seconds later.
This indicator will come on if the fuel tank filler cap is not
properly tightened. If the indicator comes on and stays on after
refueling, stop the engine and check that the cap is properly
tightened. (Turn the cap clockwise until you hear clicking
sounds.)
If this indicator does not go off after several seconds or lights
up while driving, have the system checked as soon as possible
at an authorized Mitsubishi Motors dealer or a repair facility of
your choice.
NOTE
Do not disconnect the battery cable when the Engine mal-
function indicator (“SERVICE ENGINE SOON” or
“Check engine light”) is on.
The engine electronic control module stores critical OBD
information (especially exhaust emission data), which
may be lost if the battery cable is disconnected while the
engine malfunction indicator is on. This will make it diffi-
cult to diagnose the cause of future problems.

The vehicle should be brought to a stop in the fol-
lowing manner when brake performance has deteri-
orated while driving.
• Press the brake pedal harder than usual.
• Should the brakes fail, shift down to a lower gear
to reduce your speed and slowly pull the parking
brake lever to park your vehicle. Press the brake
pedal to operate your rear brake lights to alert
vehicles behind you.CAUTION
!
CAUTION
!
Driving for a long time with the engine malfunction
indicator on may cause more damage to the emission
control system. This could also affect fuel economy
and drivability.
If this indicator does not come on when the ignition
key is turned to the “ON” position, have the system
checked by an authorized Mitsubishi Motors dealer
or a repair facility of your choice.
If the indicator comes on while the engine is run-
ning, avoid driving at high speeds.
During vehicle operation with the indicator on, the
vehicle may not accelerate when you depress the
accelerator pedal.
When the vehicle is stationary with the indicator on,
you must depress the brake pedal more firmly than
usual since the engine idling speed is higher than
usual and the vehicle with an automatic transaxle
has a stronger tendency to creep forward.
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Driving safety
4-3
4 Vehicle preparation before driving
N00629000500
For a safer and more enjoyable trip, always observe the follow-
ing: Seat belts and seats
Before starting the vehicle, make certain that you and all
passengers are seated and wearing their seat belts properly
(with children in the rear seat, in appropriate restraints),
and that all the doors and the rear hatch are locked.

Move the driver’s seat as far backward as possible, while
still keeping good visibility, and good control of the steer-
ing wheel, brakes, accelerator, and controls. Check the
instrument panel indicators for any possible problem.

Move the front passenger seat as far back as possible.

Make sure that infants and small children are properly
restrained in accordance with all laws and regulations.
Floor mats
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 position,
securely retain them using the hooks etc.
Note that laying 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.
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4-6 Driving safety
4Braking
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All the parts of the brake system are critical to safety. Have the
vehicle serviced by an authorized Mitsubishi Motors dealer or
a repair facility of your choice at regular intervals according to
the “WARRANTY AND MAINTENANCE MANUAL”.When brakes are wetCheck the brake system while driving at a low speed immedi-
ately after starting, especially when the brakes are wet, to con-
firm they work normally.
A film of water can be formed on the brake discs and prevent
normal braking after driving in heavy rain or through large
puddles, or after the vehicle is washed. If this occurs, dry the
brakes out by driving slowly while lightly depressing the brake
pedal.When driving in cold weatherOn snowy roads, ice can form on the braking system, making
the brakes less effective. While driving in such conditions, pay
close attention to preceding and following vehicles and to the
condition of the road surface. From time to time, lightly
depress the brake pedal and check how effective the brakes are.When driving downhillIt is important to take advantage of the engine braking by shift-
ing to a lower gear while driving on steep downhill roads in
order to prevent the brakes from overheating.
Parking
N00629600274
Parking on a hillWhen parking on a hill, set the parking brake, and turn the
front wheels toward the curb on a downhill, or away from the
curb on an uphill.
If necessary, apply chocks to wheels.For vehicles with manual transaxlePlace the gearshift lever into the “R” (Reverse) position when
parking on a downhill slope, into the 1st position when parking
on an uphill slope.For vehicles with automatic transaxleBe sure that the parking brake is firmly set when parked and
that the selector lever is in the “P” (PARK) position.
When parking on a hill, it is important to set the parking brake
before moving the selector lever to the “P” (PARK) position.
This prevents loading the parking brake against the transaxle
gear. When this happens, it is difficult to move the selector
lever out of the “P” (PARK) position.
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4-8 Driving safety
4

Curb weight: the weight of a motor vehicle with standard
equipment including the maximum capacity of fuel, oil,
and coolant.

Accessory weight: the combined weight (in excess of
those standard items which may be replaced) of automatic
transmission, power steering, power brakes, power win-
dows, power seats, radio, and heater, to the extent that
these items are available as factory- installed equipment
(whether installed or not).

Vehicle capacity weight: the rated cargo and luggage load
plus 150 lbs (68 kg)* times the vehicle’s designated seat-
ing capacity.

Production options weight: the combined weight of those
installed regular production options weighing over 5 lbs
(2.3 kg) in excess of those standard items which they
replace, not previously considered in curb weight or
accessory weight, including heavy duty brakes, ride level-
ers, roof rack, heavy duty battery, and special trim.

Normal occupant weight: 150 lbs (68 kg)* times the num-
ber of specified occupants. (In your vehicle the number is
2)

Occupant distribution: distribution of occupants in a vehi-
cle as specified. (In your vehicle the distribution is 2 in
front seat)
Tire and loading information placard
N00630100354
The tire and loading information placard is located on the
driver’s door sill.
*: 150 lbs (68 kg) is the weight of one person as defined by
U.S.A. and Canadian regulations.A- All vehicles (Type A)
B- Vehicles sold in Canada (Type B)
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6-2 For emergencies
6If the vehicle breaks down
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If your vehicle breaks down on the road, move to the shoulder
and turn on the hazard warning flashers. If there is no shoulder,
or the shoulder is not safe, drive in the right lane slowly, with
the hazard lights flashing, until you come to a safe stopping
place. Keep the flashers flashing. If the engine stops/fails If the engine stops, there will be no power assist to the steering
and brakes, making these difficult to use.

The brake booster will not work, so the brakes will not
grip well. The brake pedal will be harder to press than
usual.

Since there is no power steering assist, the steering wheel
will be hard to turn. Turning the steering wheel requires
more effort than usual. When the engine fails at the intersection Get help from your passengers, bystanders, etc. to push the
vehicle and move it to a safe zone.
Jump-starting the engine
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If the engine cannot be started because the battery is weak or
dead, you can start it with the battery from another vehicle
using jumper cables.
1. Take off any metal jewelry such as watch bands or brace-
lets that might make an accidental electrical contact.
2. Position the vehicles close enough together so that the
jumper cables can reach, but be sure the vehicles aren’t
touching each other.
WA R N I N G
!
When using jumper cables to start a vehicle, follow
the procedures and be very cautious.
CAUTION
!
Do not try to start your vehicle by pushing or tow-
ing. Vehicles with automatic transaxles cannot be
started this way. Pushing or towing a vehicle that
has a manual transaxle may overheat and damage
the catalytic converter. Also, there is more risk of an
accident when a vehicle is being pushed or towed.
CAUTION
!
Check the other vehicle. It must have a 12-volt bat-
tery. If the other system isn’t 12-volt, both systems
can be damaged.
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For emergencies
6-5
6
8. After the engine is started, disconnect the cables in the
reverse order from the way you connected them.
As your vehicle has anti-lock brakesIf you drive your vehicle with a low battery charge, after the
engine has been started by using jumper cables, the engine may
misfire. This can cause the anti-lock braking system warning
light to blink on and off. This is only due to the low battery
voltage. It is not a problem with the brake system. If this hap-
pens, fully charge the battery and ensure the charging system is
operating properly.
WA R N I N G
!
Charging your battery while it is still in your vehicle
might cause the battery to catch fire and explode. If
you have to charge it while in the vehicle, disconnect
the negative terminal.
Keep sparks, cigarettes and flames away from the
battery because the battery may explode.
Keep your work area well vented when charging or
using the battery in an enclosed space.
Remove all the caps before charging the battery.
Electrolyte (battery acid) is corrosive diluted sul-
phuric acid. If electrolyte comes in contact with your
hands, eyes, clothes, or the painted surface of your
vehicle, thoroughly flush with water. If electrolyte
gets in your eyes, flush them immediately and thor-
oughly with water, and get prompt medical atten-
tion.
Always wear protective clothing and goggles when
working near the battery.
Keep the battery out of the reach of children.
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For emergencies
6-23
6
On wet roads On snowy or icy roads

When driving on a road covered with snow or ice, use
snow tires. Tire chains cannot be used on your vehicle.
There may be state or local regulations about using snow
tires. Always check the regulations in your local area
before using them. Refer to the section entitled “Snow
tires” on page 7-28 and “Tire chains” on page 7-29.

Drive slowly. Do not make sudden starts or stops, sharp
turns, or slam on the brakes.

Pressing the brake pedal when driving on snowy or icy
roads can make your tires slip and skid. When a skid
occurs, take your foot off the accelerator. Steer gently into
the skid. As your vehicle is equipped with an anti-lock
braking system (ABS), brake by pressing the brake pedal
firmly and keep it depressed.

Allow extra distance between your vehicle and the vehicle
in front of you, and avoid sudden braking.

After parking on snowy or icy road, it may be difficult to
move your vehicle due to freeze-up of the brake. Depress
the accelerator pedal little by little to move the vehicle
after confirming safety of the vehicle.
CAUTION
!
Avoid flooded roads. Water is often deeper than it
looks, and you could be seriously hurt by driving
into flood water.
When driving in rain, on water-covered roads, or
through a car wash, water could get into the brake
discs and make them fail temporarily. In such cases,
lightly press the brake pedal to see if they are work-
ing properly. If they are not, press the pedal lightly
several times while driving to dry the brake pads,
then check them again.
When driving in rain, a layer of water may form
between the tires and the road surface (aquaplan-
ing). This loosens your tires’ grip on the road, mak-
ing it difficult to steer or brake properly. When
driving on a wet road:
• Drive your vehicle at a safe speed.
• Do not drive on worn tires.
• Always keep the tires at the correct inflation pres-
sures.
CAUTION
!
Do not depress the accelerator pedal rapidly. The
vehicle could start moving when it breaks free from
the ice, possibly resulting in an accident.
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