2011 MITSUBISHI LANCER SPORTBACK check engine

6-6 For emergencies
6
5. If you do not see steam or spray coming from under the
hood, leave the engine on until the bar graph for the
engine coolant temperature warning display on the multi-
information display goes down. When it is in the middle
of the normal zone, you can start driving again. If the bar
graph stays in the red zone, turn off the engine.
6. When you do not see any more steam or spray, open the
hood. Look for obvious leaks, such as a split radiator
hose. Be careful as components will be hot. Any leak
source must be repaired.
7. If there is no obvious leak source, check the coolant level
in the reserve tank. If there is none, or if it is too low,
slowly add coolant.8. If the reserve tank needs coolant, you will probably also
need to add coolant to the radiator. Do not loosen or
remove the radiator cap until the engine has cooled down.
9. Start the engine, and slowly add coolant, up to the bottom
of the filler neck. Use plain water if you have to (and
replace it with the right coolant as soon as possible).
10. Replace the radiator cap and tighten it fully. Check the
engine coolant temperature display on the multi-informa-
tion display. You can start driving again when the bar
graph for the engine coolant temperature display returns
to the normal zone.
11. Have your vehicle checked by your authorized Mitsubishi
Motors dealer or a repair facility of your choice.
WA R N I N G
!
Before raising the engine hood, check to see if there
is steam or spray coming from under the hood.
Steam or spray coming from an overheated engine
could seriously scald you.
Do not open the hood until there is no steam or
spray.
WA R N I N G
!
Removing the radiator cap could scald you with
escaping hot water or steam. When checking the
radiator level, cover the cap with a cloth before try-
ing to remove it. Turn it slowly counterclockwise,
without pressing down, to the first notch. The pres-
sure in the system will then be let out. When the
pressure is COMPLETELY LET OUT, press down
and keep turning the cap counterclockwise until it
will come off.
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For emergencies
6-23
6 Operation under adverse driving conditions
N00837200705
If your vehicle becomes stuck in sand, mud or
snow If your vehicle becomes stuck in snow, sand, or mud, it can
often be moved by a rocking motion. Rock your vehicle back
and forth to free it.
Do not rev the engine or spin the wheels. Constant efforts to
free a stuck vehicle can cause overheating and transaxle fail-
ure. Let the engine idle for a few minutes to cool the transaxle
before trying again.
If your vehicle is still stuck after several rocking attempts, call
for a commercial tow truck service.
On wet roads
WA R N I N G
!
When trying to rock your vehicle out of a stuck posi-
tion, make sure that there are no people nearby. The
rocking motion can make your vehicle suddenly
lurch forward or backward, and injure any
bystanders.
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 or
linings, 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.
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7-2 Vehicle care and maintenance
7Service precautions
N00937300299
Taking regular care of your vehicle will preserve its value and
appearance as long as possible.
You can do some of the maintenance work yourself, and the
rest should only be performed by an authorized Mitsubishi
Motors dealer or a repair facility of your choice.
If you discover a malfunction or other problem, have it cor-
rected by an authorized Mitsubishi Motors dealer or a repair
facility of your choice.
This section describes the maintenance inspections that you
can do yourself, if you so desire. Follow the instructions and
precautions for each procedure.
Have you purchased the Mitsubishi Motors Diamond Care Pro-
tection Plan? The Plan supplements your new vehicle warran-
ties. See your authorized Mitsubishi Motors dealer for details.
WA R N I N G
!
When checking or servicing the inside of the engine
compartment, be sure the engine is stopped and has
had a chance to cool down.
If you need to work in the engine compartment with
the engine running, be especially careful that your
clothing, hair, etc. does not get caught in the fan,
drive belts, or other moving parts.
The fan can turn on automatically even if the engine
is not running. Turn the ignition switch to the
“LOCK” position to be safe while you work in the
engine compartment.
Do not smoke or allow open flames around fuel or
the battery. The fumes are flammable.

Be extremely careful when working around the bat-
tery. It contains poisonous and corrosive sulfuric
acid.
Do not get under your vehicle while it is on a jack.
Always use properly rated automotive jack stands.
Handling your vehicle’s parts and materials in the
wrong way can injure you. Ask an authorized Mit-
subishi Motors dealer or a repair facility of your
choice if you have questions.
WA R N I N G
!
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7-8 Vehicle care and maintenance
7Engine oil and oil filter
N00937700873
To check and refill engine oil It is normal for an engine to use oil. You may need to add oil
between the recommended oil change intervals. Before starting
the engine, check the engine oil level. Refill if necessary.
To check the oil level, remove the dipstick, wipe it off, and
gently insert it all the way into the crankcase. Slowly remove it
again. The oil level must not go above the line on the dipstick.
If the level does not reach the line, which shows the smallest
amount of oil required, remove the oil filler cap on the engine
valve cover, and fill to within the “Good” range.
Good Except for vehicles with turbocharger
CAUTION
!
Overfilling the crankcase will cause oil aeration and
loss of oil pressure, which could damage the engine.
For vehicles equipped with turbocharger, engine oil
must be properly maintained to avoid engine and/or
turbocharger damage. To better protect your engine
and turbocharger, use fully synthetic engine oil.
WA R N I N G
!
Used engine oil is poisonous, and can damage your
skin. Prolonged and repeated contact may cause
serious skin disorders, including dermatitis and can-
cer. Don’t let used oil touch your skin. Wash thor-
oughly after working with it.
Keep used oil out of the reach of children.Vehicles with turbocharger
Good
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Vehicle care and maintenance
7-11
7
To replace the oil filter
N00955100055
The oil filter should be replaced at the time or mileage speci-
fied in the “WARRANTY AND MAINTENANCE MAN-
UAL”.
Only use high quality replacement filters on this vehicle. The
manufacturer’s specifications for Genuine Mitsubishi oil filters
require that the filter can withstand a pressure of 256 psi
(1.8 MPa). A Genuine Mitsubishi oil filter is the best replace-
ment filter.
Follow the installation instructions printed on the filter.
Engine coolant
N00937800513
To check the coolant level The coolant reserve tank (A) lets you quickly see when you
need to add coolant. When the engine is cold, the level in the
reserve tank should be between the “FULL” and “LOW”
marks. The radiator usually stays full so there is no reason to
remove the radiator cap (B) except when you check the coolant
freeze point or replace the antifreeze coolant.
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7-12 Vehicle care and maintenance
7
To add coolant Mitsubishi Genuine Coolant provides excellent protection
against corrosion and rust formation on all metals, including
aluminum, and prevents blockages in some parts of engine.
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.
*- Front of the vehicle
FULL
LOW Except for vehicles with turbocharger
Vehicles with turbocharger
FULL
LOW
Use “Dia Queen Super Long Life Coolant Premium” or an equiv-
alent*.
*: similar high quality ethylene glycol based non-silicate, non-
amine, non-nitrate and non-borate coolant with long life
hybrid organic acid technology
CAUTION
!
Do not use alcohol or methanol antifreeze or any
engine coolants that contain them. Using the wrong
antifreeze can corrode aluminum parts.
The required concentration of anti-freeze differs
depending on the expected ambient temperature.
Above -31 °F (-35 °C) : 50 % concentration of anti-
freeze
Below -31 °F (-35 °C) : 60 % concentration of anti-
freeze
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.
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Vehicle care and maintenance
7-13
7
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.

If the temperature of the engine coolant does not rise after
the engine is warmed-up, take your vehicle to an autho-
rized Mitsubishi Motors dealer or a repair facility of your
choice to have the thermostat checked, and replaced if
necessary.

Do not use water to adjust the concentration of cool-
ant.
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
!
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Vehicle care and maintenance
7-21
7 Wa s h e r f l u i d
N00938600273
The windshield washer fluid reservoir is in the engine compart-
ment.
Check the washer fluid level at regular intervals and add
washer fluid to reservoir if necessary.
Open the reservoir cap and check the fluid level with the dip-
stick.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.
Brake fluid/Clutch fluid
(if so equipped)
N00938700216
The brake fluid and the clutch fluid share the reservoir tank.To check the fluid levelThe fluid level must be between the “MAX” and “MIN” marks
on the reservoir.
The fluid level falls slightly with wear of the brake pads, but
this does not indicate any abnormality.
The fluid in the master cylinder should be checked when doing
other work under the engine hood. 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 indi-
cates leaks from the brake system.
If this occurs, have the vehicle checked by an authorized Mit-
subishi Motors dealer or a repair facility of your choice.
MAX
MIN
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