7-14 Vehicle care and maintenance
7Rear axle oil (All-wheel drive models)
N00915200171
Whenever the oil level is checked, add oil as necessary to
maintain the proper level.
Fill or change oil according to the table.Oil type
Wa s h e r f l u i d
N00938600198
The windshield and rear window washer fluid reservoir is in
the engine compartment.
Check the washer fluid level at regular intervals and add
washer fluid to reservoir if necessary. During cold weatherWhen freezing weather is anticipated, flush out the water in the
reservoir by operating the pump. Fill the reservoir with wind-
shield antifreeze (not radiator antifreeze), and operate the sys-
tem for a few seconds to flush out the residual water.
LubricantHypoid gear oil API
classification GL-5 or higher
Anticipated temperature range Viscosity range
Above -10 °F (-23 °C)SAE90
SAE85W-90
SAE80W-90
-30 °F to -10 °F
(-34 °C to -23 °C)SAE80W
SAE80W-90
Below -30 °F (-34 °C) SAE75W
BK0121600US.book 14 ページ 2010年4月12日 月曜日 午前10時39分
7-16 Vehicle care and maintenance
7Power steering fluid
N00939000199
To check the fluid levelCheck the fluid level in the reservoir while the engine is idling.
Check to make certain that the power steering fluid level is
always between the “MAX” and “MIN” level markings on the
fluid reservoir and refill the fluid, if necessary.Fluid type
Battery
N00939100884
The condition of the battery is very important for quick starting
and to keep the vehicle’s electrical system working properly.
Check the battery regularly.
If battery performance is suspect, have the battery and charging
system tested by an authorized Mitsubishi Motors dealer or a
repair facility of your choice.
Lubricant Genuine Mitsubishi Power Steering Fluid
BK0121600US.book 16 ページ 2010年4月12日 月曜日 午前10時39分
7-18 Vehicle care and maintenance
7
3. The inside of the battery is divided into several compart-
ments.
Check the electrolyte level (A) in each cell.
The electrolyte level must be within the range (B) shown
in the illustration.
If it is necessary to add fluid, add only distilled water. Do
not overfill above the top of the range because a spill dur-
ing driving could cause damage.
During cold weatherThe battery is weaker in cold temperatures. This has to do with
its chemical and physical properties and is why a very cold bat-
tery, especially one with a low charge, will have a hard time
starting your vehicle.
It is recommended that you have your battery and charging sys-
tem checked by an authorized Mitsubishi Motors dealer or a
repair facility of your choice before the start of cold weather. If
necessary, have it charged. This will guarantee more reliable
starting, and longer battery life.Disconnection and connectionTo disconnect the battery cable, stop the engine. Disconnect the
negative (-) terminal first, then the positive (+) terminal. To
reconnect the battery, first connect the positive (+) terminal and
then the negative (-) terminal, before starting the vehicle.
WA R N I N G
!If the battery goes flat, be sure to check the battery
electrolyte level before connecting booster cables.After checking the battery electrolyte level, make
sure the caps are fitted securely.If any of the caps has a loose fit, replace the battery.
Cell
A
B = .31 in
(8 mm)
BK0121600US.book 18 ページ 2010年4月12日 月曜日 午前10時39分
Vehicle care and maintenance
7-29
7
Tire chains
N00940100073
Brake pedal free play
N00940300235
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
!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.
BK0121600US.book 29 ページ 2010年4月12日 月曜日 午前10時39分
7-32 Vehicle care and maintenance
7
NOTETo 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.Spark plugs
N00940900127
Spark plugs must fire properly for good engine performance
and emission-control.
Do not reuse them by cleaning or regapping. Change them at
the mileage listed in the “WARRANTY AND MAINTE-
NANCE MANUAL”.
Your vehicle may be equipped with iridium tipped spark plugs,
which are identified by marks on the ceramic. They do not
require replacement as frequently as the conventional type
spare plug and will last much longer.NOTEUse the spark plugs listed under “Engine specifications”
on page 9-6 or plugs that are exactly the same. Other
plugs could cause engine damage, performance problems
or radio noise.Fuel hoses
N00941000011
Check the hose surfaces for any heat and mechanical damage,
hard and brittle rubber, cracking, tears, cuts and abrasions. Payspecial attention to the hoses closest to high heat sources such
as the exhaust manifold. Check all the hose connections, such
as clamps and couplings, to make sure they are secure and that
there are no leaks. If you see any wear or damage, replace the
hoses immediately.
Fuel system (tank, pipe line and connection, and
fuel tank filler tube cap)
N00941300131
Check these regularly for damage or leaks in the fuel lines and
connections. Check the fuel tank filler tube cap for damage or
looseness. Pay special attention to the fuel lines closest to high
heat sources such as the exhaust manifold.Evaporative emission control system (except
evaporative emission canister)
N00941400116
If the fuel-vapor vent line is clogged or damaged, the fuel-
vapor mixture will escape, polluting the air.
Have the system checked at an authorized Mitsubishi Motors
dealer at the mileage specified in the “WARRANTY AND
MAINTENANCE MANUAL”.
WA R N I N G
!If you see a fuel leak or if you smell fuel, do not run
the engine. Any spark (including from the ignition),
flame or smoking material could cause an explosion
or fire. Call an authorized Mitsubishi Motors dealer
or a repair facility of your choice for assistance.
BK0121600US.book 32 ページ 2010年4月12日 月曜日 午前10時39分
7-34 Vehicle care and maintenance
7
the pulleys as shown in the illustration with a force of about 22
pounds (100N).
Check the drive belt for cuts and cracks, and replace it if it is
damaged.
When replacing the belt with a new belt, make sure that there is
no interference between the belt and other engine components.
Then, check the tension of the belt at the designated point. The
deflection must be within the specifications.Amount of belt deflectionExhaust system
N00942200010
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
N00942300037
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
N00942500042
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
Standard value
Used belt
New belt
A.48 to .64 inch
(12.3 to 16.2 mm).52 to .59 inch
(13.2 to 15.1 mm).38 to .48 inch
(9.6 to 12.3 mm)B.33 to .42 inch
(8.4 to 10.7 mm).35 to .40 inch
(8.9 to 10.1 mm).24 to .30 inch
(6.2 to 7.5 mm)
WA R N I N G
!Do not check or touch the drive belt with the engine
running, or serious injury or death may result.
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.
BK0121600US.book 34 ページ 2010年4月12日 月曜日 午前10時39分
7-60 Vehicle care and maintenance
7Cleaning the outside of your vehicle
N00945700045
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
N00945800017
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.Wa s h i n g
N00945900568
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.Never spray or splash water on the electrical parts
in the engine compartment. This may damage them.
Be careful also when washing the underbody. Do not
spray water into the engine compartment.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. This heated
water may damage your vehicle’s resin parts. It can
flood the interior of the vehicle. Therefore, be sure
of the following:
• Keep the washing nozzle at least 20 inches (50 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 right angles to the glass surface.
Make sure to do the following when using an auto-
matic car wash to avoid damaging your vehicle:
• Fold the outside rearview mirrors.
• Remove the antenna.
• Tape or remove the rear wiper arm assembly.
• As your vehicle is equipped with roof rails, check
with the car wash operator before using the car
wash.
BK0121600US.book 60 ページ 2010年4月12日 月曜日 午前10時39分
7-62 Vehicle care and maintenance
7
Damaged paint
N00946200018
Small cracks and scratches in the paint coat should be touched
up as soon as possible with touch-up paint to prevent corrosion.
Check body areas facing the road or the tires carefully for dam-
age to the paint caused by flying stones, etc. The paint code
number for your vehicle can be found on the vehicle informa-
tion code plate in the engine compartment.
Cleaning plastic parts
N00946300048
Use a sponge or chamois to clean these parts.
If vehicle wax sticks to a gray or black rough surface of the
bumper, moulding or lights, the surface may appear white in
color. In this case, wipe it off using lukewarm water and a soft
cloth or chamois.Chrome parts
N00946400010
To prevent spots and corrosion of chrome parts, wash with
water, dry thoroughly, and apply a nonabrasive automotive
wax. If the chrome is severely damaged or pitted, use a com-
mercially available chrome polish.
CAUTION
!Do not use a scrubbing brush or other rough scrub-
ber as these may damage the plastic surface.Do not use wax containing compounds (polishing
powder) which may damage the plastic surface.Do not let plastic parts get soiled with gasoline, light
oil, brake fluids, engine oils, greases, paint thinner
and sulfuric acid (battery electrolyte). These fluids,
etc., may stain, crack or discolor the plastic parts.
If any of these get on a plastic part, wipe them up
with a soft cloth or chamois and a watery solution of
gentle soap. Then rinse them immediately with
water.
BK0121600US.book 62 ページ 2010年4月12日 月曜日 午前10時39分