2011 MITSUBISHI LANCER SPORTBACK check engine light

Features and controls
3-215
3
Engine malfunction indicator (“SERVICE
ENGINE SOON” or “Check engine light”)
N00520500758
This indicator is a part of the onboard diagnostic (OBD) sys-
tem which monitors the emissions, engine control system or
continuously variable transmission (CVT) control system/Twin
Clutch SST control system. If a problem is detected in one of
these systems, this indicator comes on. When the ignition
switch is turned to the “ON” position, this indicator normally
comes on and goes off after the engine has started.
This indicator will come on if the fuel tank filler cap is not
properly tightened. If this 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.

The vehicle should be brought to a halt in the follow-
ing manner when brake performance is deterio-
rated.
• Confirm that the vehicle slows down when you
press down on the brake pedal harder than usual.
In some cases, the brake pedal may go all the way
to the floor.
• Should the brakes fail, use engine braking to
reduce your speed and slowly apply the parking
brake.
Depress the brake pedal to illuminate the stop
lights to alert the vehicles behind you.

Do not suddenly apply the parking brake while driv-
ing. This may cause the rear wheels to lock and
cause an accident.
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
switch is turned to the “ON” position, have the sys-
tem checked at an authorized Mitsubishi Motors
dealer or a repair facility of your choice.
BK0125300US.book 215 ページ ２０１０年５月１８日　火曜日　午後１時５３分

3-216 Features and controls
3
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.
Charging system warning light
N00520600296
This light comes on in the event of a malfunction in the charg-
ing system or when the ignition switch is turned to the “ON”
position (engine off). A warning is also displayed in the multi-
information display. When the engine is started, the light
should go out. Check to make sure that the light has gone out
before driving.

If the engine malfunction indicator comes on while
the engine is running, 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 a vehicle equipped with a CVT or a Twin
Clutch SST has a stronger tendency to creep for-
ward.
CAUTION
!
CAUTION
!
If the warning light stays on while the engine is run-
ning, park your vehicle in a safe place as soon as
possible and contact an authorized Mitsubishi
Motors dealer or a repair facility of your choice to
have the system checked.
BK0125300US.book 216 ページ ２０１０年５月１８日　火曜日　午後１時５３分

3-218 Features and controls
3
Charging system warning display
N00558600073
Ty p e 1
Ty p e 2
If there is a fault in the charging system, the warning display is
displayed on the information screen in the multi-information
display. The warning light in the instrument cluster also illumi-
nates.

The vehicle should be brought to a halt in the follow-
ing manner when brake performance is deterio-
rated.
• Confirm that the vehicle slows down when you
press down on the brake pedal harder than usual.
In some cases, the brake pedal may go all the way
to the floor.
• Should the brakes fail, use engine braking to
reduce your speed and slowly apply the parking
brake.
Depress the brake pedal to illuminate the stop
lights to alert the vehicles behind you.CAUTION
!
CAUTION
!
If warnings are displayed while the engine is run-
ning, park your vehicle in a safe place as soon as
possible and contact an authorized Mitsubishi
Motors dealer or a repair facility of your choice to
have the system checked.
BK0125300US.book 218 ページ ２０１０年５月１８日　火曜日　午後１時５３分

3-220 Features and controls
3Combination headlights and dimmer switch
N00522500680
Headlights NOTE
Do not leave the headlights and other lights on for a long
period of time when the engine is not running. The battery
will run down.

When it rains, or when the vehicle has been washed, the
inside of the lens sometimes becomes foggy. This is the
same as when window glass mists up on a humid day, and
does not indicate a problem. When the light is switched
on, the heat will dry out the fog. However, if water col-
lects inside the light, have it checked by an authorized
Mitsubishi Motors dealer or a repair facility of your
choice.
Type 1Rotate the switch to operate the lights.OFF All lights off
Parking, tail, front and rear side-marker lights, license
plate and instrument panel lights on
Headlights and other lights on
BK0125300US.book 220 ページ ２０１０年５月１８日　火曜日　午後１時５３分

Features and controls
3-223
3

Do not cover the sensor (A) for the automatic on/off con-
trol by affixing a sticker or label to the windshield.

If the lights do not turn on or off with the switch in the
“AUTO” position, manually operate the switch and we
recommend you to have your vehicle checked.
Light auto-cutout function (headlights and other
lights)
N00532600525

If the ignition key is turned to “LOCK” or “ACC” posi-
tion or removed from the ignition switch and the driver’s
door is opened with the light switch in the “ ” or “ ”
position, the lights automatically turn off.
[When using a key to start the engine]
• If the driver’s door is opened after the key is removed
from the ignition switch, a high-pitched constant tone
will sound to remind you to turn off the lights.
• If the driver’s door is opened with the key in the ignition
switch, a low-pitched tone will sound to remind you to
remove the key.
[When using the F.A.S.T.-key to start the engine]
• If the ignition switch is turned to the “LOCK” position
and the driver’s door is opened, a high-pitched constant
buzzer will sound to remind you to turn off the lights.
• If the ignition switch is turned to any position other than
“LOCK” and the driver’s door is opened, a low-pitched
constant buzzer will sound to remind you to return the
ignition switch.

If the ignition switch is turned to “LOCK” or “ACC” posi-
tion with the driver’s door closed and the light switch in
the “ ” or “ ” position, the lights will stay on for
about 3 minutes and then turn off automatically.
BK0125300US.book 223 ページ ２０１０年５月１８日　火曜日　午後１時５３分

3-230 Features and controls
3
NOTE
A light in the instrument panel flashes to show when the
front and rear turn signal lights are working properly.
If this light flashes faster than usual, check for a burned
out light bulb or malfunctioning connection.
If the panel light does not come on when the lever is
moved, check for a blown fuse or a burned out bulb in the
panel.
Have the vehicle inspected by an authorized Mitsubishi
Motors dealer or a repair facility of your choice.

It is possible to modify functions as follows:
• Deactivate the turn signal light 3-flash function for lane
changes.
• Adjust the time required to operate the lever for the 3-
flash function.
See your authorized Mitsubishi Motors dealer for details.
For vehicles equipped with the Mitsubishi Multi-Commu-
nication System, adjustments can be made using screen
operations. For further details, refer to the separate
owner’s manual.
Hazard warning flasher switch
N00522700233
If you press the flasher switch, the front and rear turn signals
will flash intermittently, and so will the hazard warning lights.
This is an emergency warning system and should not be used
when the vehicle is in motion, except for emergencies.
If you need to leave your vehicle, the flashers will keep work-
ing after the ignition switch is turned off. NOTE
If you keep the flashers on for several hours with the
engine turned off, the battery will run down.
BK0125300US.book 230 ページ ２０１０年５月１８日　火曜日　午後１時５３分

Driving safety
4-5
4 Safe driving techniques
N00629200078
Even this vehicle’s safety equipment, and your safest driving,
cannot guarantee that you can avoid an accident or injury.
However, if you give extra attention to the following areas, you
can better protect yourself and your passengers:

Drive defensively. Be aware of traffic, road and weather
conditions. Leave plenty of stopping distance between
your vehicle and the vehicle ahead.

Before changing lanes, check your mirrors and use your
turn signal light.

While driving, watch the behavior of other drivers, bicy-
clists, and pedestrians.

Always obey applicable laws and regulations. Be a polite
and alert driver. Always leave room for unexpected
events, such as sudden braking.

If you plan to drive in another country, obey their vehicle
registration laws and make sure you will be able to get the
right fuel.
Driving during cold weather
N00629400360

Check the battery, including terminals and cables. During
extremely cold weather, the battery will not be as strong.
Also, the battery power level may drop because more
power is used for cold starting and driving.
Before driving the vehicle, check to see if the engine runs
at the proper speed and if the headlights are as bright as
normally. Charge or replace the battery if necessary. Dur-
ing extreme cold weather, it is possible that a very low
battery could freeze.

Warm the engine sufficiently. After starting the engine,
allow a short warm-up time to distribute oil to all cylin-
ders and turbocharger. Then drive your vehicle slowly.

Stay at low speeds at first so that the transaxle, transfer
case and rear axle oil have time to spread to all the lubri-
cation points.

Manual transaxle can be harder to shift in cold weather
conditions. This is normal and shifting will get easier as
the transaxle warms up.
WA R N I N G
!
The battery gives off explosive hydrogen gas. Any
spark or flame can cause the battery to explode,
which could cause serious injury or death.
Always wear protective clothes and a face mask
when working with your battery, or let a skilled
mechanic do it.
BK0125300US.book 5 ページ ２０１０年５月１８日　火曜日　午後１時５３分

4-6 Driving safety
4

Check the engine antifreeze.
If there is not enough coolant because of a leak or from
engine overheating, add Dia Queen Super Long Life
Coolant Premium or equivalent.
Please read this section in conjunction with the “Engine
coolant” on page 7-11.
[For RALLIART vehicles sold in U.S.A.]

Mitsubishi Motors recommends that the standard equip-
ment tires be replaced with winter tires when the vehicle
is going to be used in winter.
The standard equipment tires provided with this vehicle
are summer tires and use a high-grip compound that pro-
vides superior grip.
The road grip, however, is reduced in winter.
When replacing the standard equipment tires with winter
tires, all four tires must be replaced using radial identical-
size winter tires.
Braking
N00629500488
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 shift position while driving on steep downhill
roads in order to prevent the brakes from overheating.
WA R N I N G
!
Never open the radiator cap when the radiator is
hot. You could be seriously burned.
BK0125300US.book 6 ページ ２０１０年５月１８日　火曜日　午後１時５３分