2011 MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER SPORT check engine

Vehicle care and maintenance
7-11
7
To add coolantMitsubishi Genuine Coolant provides excellent protection
against corrosion and rust formation on all metals, including
aluminum, and prevents clogs in some parts of the 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.
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.
Use “Dia Queen Super Long Life Coolant Premium” or equiva-
lent*.
*: 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.

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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7-12 Vehicle care and maintenance
7

If the engine coolant temperature does not rise after the
engine is warmed-up, take your vehicle to an authorized
Mitsubishi Motors dealer or a repair facility of your
choice to have the thermostat checked, and replaced if
necessary.
Air cleaner filter
N00937900383
The air cleaner filter will get dirty and dusty from use and not
filter properly. Replace it with a new filter using the schedule
in the “WARRANTY AND MAINTENANCE MANUAL”.
1. Remove the upper cover and duct. For details, refer to
“Removing and installing the upper cover and duct” on
page 7-18.
2. While holding down the tab (A), pull out the connector
(B).
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7-16 Vehicle care and maintenance
7Wa s h e r f l u i d
N00938600299
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.
Open the reservoir cap and check the fluid level with the dip-
stick.
When 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)
N00938700245
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.
FULL
EMPTY
MAX
MIN
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Vehicle care and maintenance
7-33
7 Clutch pedal free play
(if so equipped)
N00940200074
To check the clutch pedal free play (A), turn off the engine and
press the pedal until you feel resistance.
Clutch pedal free play:
.2 to .4 inch (4 to 9 mm)
Brake pedal free play
N00940300293
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.
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Vehicle care and maintenance
7-35
7 Wiper blades
N00940700138
Check the wiper blades occasionally. Clean them regularly to
remove deposits of salt and road film. Use a sponge or cloth
and a mild detergent or non-abrasive cleaner to clean the blades
and glass areas.
Replace the blades if they continue to streak or smear.NOTE
Do not run the wipers on dry glass for a long time. This
wears out the rubber and can scratch the glass.During cold weatherIf the blades are frozen to the windshield or rear window, do
not operate the wipers until the ice has melted and the blades
are freed, otherwise the wiper motor may be damaged.
Emission-control system maintenance
N00940800328
Your vehicle is equipped with an emission-control system that
meets all the requirements of the U.S. Environmental Protec-
tion Agency and Environment Canada. The emission-control
system is made of:

a positive crankcase ventilation system

an evaporative emission-control system

an exhaust emission-control system
To be sure the emission-control system works properly, have
your vehicle inspected and maintained by an authorized Mit-
subishi Motors dealer or a repair facility of your choice. This
should be done at the time or mileage specified in the “WAR-
RANTY AND MAINTENANCE MANUAL”.
These, and all the other “general” maintenance services listed
in this manual, need to be performed to keep your vehicle run-
ning properly and reliably.
You should also have an inspection and service any time you
suspect a malfunction.NOTE
To 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.
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7-36 Vehicle care and maintenance
7
Spark plugs
N00940900228
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”. NOTE
Use the spark plugs listed under “Engine specifications”
on page 9-7 or plugs that are exactly the same. Other
plugs could cause engine damage, performance problems
or radio noise.Fuel hoses
N00941000040
Check the hose surfaces for any heat and mechanical damage,
hard and brittle rubber, cracking, tears, cuts and abrasions. Pay
special 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.Intake valve clearance
N00950100050
Have the valve clearance checked at an authorized Mitsubishi
Motors dealer at the mileage specified in the “WARRANTY
AND MAINTENANCE MANUAL”.
If the engine sounds abnormally loud, have adjustments made
by an authorized Mitsubishi Motors dealer.
Fuel system (tank, pipe line and connection, and
fuel tank filler cap)
N00941300173
Check these regularly for damage or leaks in the fuel lines and
connections. Check the fuel tank filler cap for damage or loose-
ness. Pay special attention to the fuel lines closest to high heat
sources such as the exhaust manifold.
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.
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7-38 Vehicle care and maintenance
7
Ball joint, steering linkage seals and drive shaft
boots
N00941800077
Check the following parts for damage and grease leaks:

Ball joint boots of the front suspension and steering link-
age

Bellows on both ends of the drive shaftDrive belt (for generator, air conditioning com-
pressor)
N00941900296
Check the tension of the drive belt. Make certain that the indi-
cator (A) is between the specified lines as shown in the illustra-
tion.
Check the drive belt for cuts and cracks, and replace it if it is
damaged. When replacing the belt, make sure that there is no
interference between the belt and other engine components.
After replacing, recheck the tension to make sure the indicator
(A) is between the specified lines.
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.
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Vehicle care and maintenance
7-39
7
Exhaust system
N00942200094
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.
Hood lock release mechanism and safety catch
N00942500101
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
and release lever. Work the grease into the hood lock mecha-
nism until all the movable surfaces are covered.
Also, put a light coat of the same grease on the safety catch
wherever moving parts touch.
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.
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