2011 MITSUBISHI LANCER SPORTBACK Owners Manual

7-22 Vehicle care and maintenance
7
Fluid typeUse brake fluid conforming to DOT 3 or DOT 4. The reservoir
cap must be tightly sealed to keep dirt and water out.
Power steering fluid
(if so equipped)
N00939000375
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
CAUTION
!
Do not let any petroleum-based fluid touch, mix
with, or get into the brake fluid. This will damage
the seals.
Be careful when handling brake fluid. It can damage
painted surfaces.
Use only the listed brake fluid. Different brands of
brake fluid have different additives, and these can
cause a chemical reaction. Do not mix brands of
brake fluid.
Keep the reservoir tank cap closed to keep the brake
fluid from evaporating.
Lubricant Genuine Mitsubishi Power Steering Fluid
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Vehicle care and maintenance
7-23
7 Battery
N00939100826
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. Removing and installing the battery upper cover
(vehicles equipped with turbocharger)
N00901300025
To r e m o v e1. Remove the two clips (A), and then remove the air duct
(B).
WA R N I N G
!
An SRS airbag sensor is located in the front of the
engine compartment near the battery.
When checking or replacing the battery, or when
working around this area, do not strike or damage
this sensor.
WA R N I N G
!
Turn the ignition switch to the “LOCK” position on
vehicle. Make sure that your clothes cannot be
caught by the fan or drive belt. Personal injury
could result.
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7-24 Vehicle care and maintenance
7
2. Turn the plastic nuts (C) counterclockwise, and then
remove the battery upper cover (D).NOTE
Be careful not to lose the removed plastic nuts.
To i n s t a l l1. Install the battery upper cover (A) onto the battery, and
then push the plastic nuts (B) in the direction shown by
the arrows to secure the cover.NOTE
Be sure to install the plastic nuts in the correct direction.

Make sure that the battery upper cover is installed
securely.
2. To install the air duct, perform the removal steps in
reverse.
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Vehicle care and maintenance
7-25
7
To check the battery indicator
N00901400042
To see the charge of only one cell, check the indicator (A) on
top of the battery. If the indicator is blue when looking from
above, that cell is okay suggesting the battery is okay. This is
not conclusive and 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. If it is white,
that cell is low on charge and the battery may only need charg-
ing.
CAUTION
!
Be sure to install the battery upper cover. Other-
wise, the battery electrolyte may spill and cause a
malfunction.
When installing the battery upper cover, plastic
nuts, and air duct, do not touch the cooling fan or
other moving parts in the engine compartment. Be
especially careful that the cables, your clothing or
hair, etc., do not get caught in the cooling fan or
other moving parts.
Except for vehicles with turbochargerVehicles with turbocharger
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7-26 Vehicle care and maintenance
7
NOTE
For vehicles equipped with turbocharger, the battery
upper cover must be removed to check the battery indica-
tor.Checking battery electrolyte level
N00901500027
The electrolyte level must be between the limits shown on the
outside of the battery. Fill it with distilled water as needed. The
inside of the battery is divided into several compartments. Take
the cap off of each compartment and fill to the mark.
Do not fill above the top line because a spill during driving
could cause damage.
NOTE
For vehicles equipped with turbocharger, the battery
upper cover does not need to be removed to check the bat-
tery electrolyte level.
Except for vehicles with turbocharger
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.Vehicles with turbocharger
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Vehicle care and maintenance
7-27
7
During cold weather
N00901600028
The 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 connection
N00901700029
To 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. NOTE
For vehicles equipped with turbocharger, remove the bat-
tery upper cover before disconnecting the terminal of bat-
tery. Refer to “Removing and installing the battery upper
cover” on page 7-23.
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7-28 Vehicle care and maintenance
7

Open the terminal cover (A) before disconnecting or con-
necting the positive (+) terminal of the battery.
WA R N I N G
!
Never disconnect the battery while the engine is run-
ning, or you could damage the vehicle’s electrical
parts.
Never short-circuit the battery. This could cause it
to overheat and be damaged.
Keep sparks, cigarettes, and flames away from the
battery because the battery could explode.
Electrolyte (battery acid) is made of corrosive
diluted sulfuric acid. If it spills on nearby parts, it
can crack, stain, or discolor them. And if gets on
your skin or in your eyes, it can cause burns or
blindness. Please observe the following handling
instructions:
• If electrolyte gets on plastic parts or other nearby
parts, wipe it off with a soft cloth or chamois
soaked in a solution of water and neutral detergent
then immediately rinse the affected parts with
plenty of water.
• If electrolyte gets on your hands or clothes, rinse
thoroughly with water. If electrolyte gets in your
eyes, flush them with water immediately and get
immediate medical attention.

Open doors and windows in any closed space where
you may be charging or working with the battery.
Always wear protective clothing and goggles when
working with the battery, or have a skilled automo-
bile technician do it.
If you are quick-charging your battery, first discon-
nect the battery cables.
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Vehicle care and maintenance
7-29
7
NOTE
Check each battery terminal for corrosion. You can stop
more corrosion by washing with a solution of baking soda
and water. Grease the posts and clamps after cleaning or
tightening them.

Check to see that the battery is securely installed and can-
not be moved. Also check each terminal for tightness.

If you will not be driving your vehicle for a long period of
time, remove the battery and store it in a place where the
battery fluid will not freeze. Memory data for settings
made by the user may be erased when the battery is
removed. If this happens, reset the settings again using the
relevant procedures. The battery only should be stored
with a full charge.

Before cleaning the battery, tighten all the filler port caps
to keep dirt and moisture out.
Tires
N00939200465
It is important to familiarize yourself with the following terms:

Cold tire pressure:
• The measured pressure after the vehicle has been parked
for at least three hours,
or
• The measured pressure when the vehicle is driven less
than 1 mile (1.6 km) after having been parked for three
hours.

Maximum inflation pressure: the maximum permissible
cold tire inflation pressure for this tire.

Recommended inflation pressure: the inflation pressure
for optimum tire performance.

In order to prevent a short circuit, be sure to discon-
nect the negative (-) terminal first, and reconnect it
last.
If the electrolyte level is very low, have the battery
checked at an authorized Mitsubishi Motors dealer
or a repair facility of your choice.
Battery terminals and related accessories contain
lead and lead compounds. Wash hands after han-
dling.
WA R N I N G
!
WA R N I N G
!
Driving with tires that are worn, damaged or
improperly inflated is dangerous.
These type tire conditions will adversely affect vehi-
cle performance.
These type tire conditions can also cause a tread sep-
aration or blowout which may result in an accident
causing serious injury or death.
Tires, including spare tire, degrade over time with
age even when they are not being used. It is recom-
mended that tires over 6 years generally be replaced
even if damage is not obvious.
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