7-12 Vehicle care and maintenance
7Engine coolant
N00937800496
To check the coolant levelThe engine coolant reserve tank (A) lets you quickly see when
you need to add coolant. When the engine is cold, the level of
the coolant 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.
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 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.
FULL
LOW
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.
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7-16 Vehicle care and maintenance
7
5. For 2.4 L models, put the duct back on in its original posi-
tion.
Automatic transaxle fluid
(if so equipped)
N00938000525
The automatic transaxle should be maintained and serviced by
an authorized Mitsubishi Motors dealer or a repair facility of
your choice to obtain the best performance and longest life. It
is important that the transaxle fluid is kept at the correct level.To check the fluid levelThe fluid level should be checked when the bar graph for the
engine coolant temperature display on the multi-information
display shows the engine is warmed up and the fluid in the
transaxle is heated to its normal working temperature. Driving
with the wrong fluid level will rapidly wear out the transaxle
and destroy the fluid.
CAUTION
!Take care not to scratch the engine air flow sensor
when removing the air cleaner cover.3.0 L modelsBK0122500US.book 16 ページ 2010年5月12日 水曜日 午前11時11分
7-18 Vehicle care and maintenance
7Continuously variable transmission (CVT)
fluid
(if so equipped)
N00938100021
The continuously variable transmission (CVT) should be main-
tained and serviced by an authorized Mitsubishi Motors dealer
or a repair facility of your choice to obtain the best perfor-
mance and longest life. It is important that the transmission
fluid is kept at the correct level.Fluid typeUse only “DiaQueen CVTF-J1” transmission fluid to ensure
optimum transmission performance.Special additivesDo not use any fluid additives to the transmission.
Transfer oil (All-wheel drive models)
N00938400226
Whenever the transfer oil level is checked, add oil as necessary
to maintain the proper level. Fill or change the oil according to
the table.Fluid type
Lubricant Hypoid gear oil API classification GL-5
Viscosity range SAE 80
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7-26 Vehicle care and maintenance
7
Temporary spare tires are high pressure compact spares
designed for temporary emergency use only. Tires
designed to this standard have the letter “T” molded
into the sidewall preceding the size designation. Exam-
ple: T145/80D18 103M.Service DescriptionEXAMPLE: 95H
Maximum LoadMaximum load indicates the maximum load this tire is
designed to carry.Maximum PressureMaximum Pressure indicates the maximum permissible
cold tire inflation pressure for this tire.Tire Identification Number (TIN)The TIN may be found on one or both sides of the tire but
the date code may only be on one side. Look for the TIN on
the outboard side of tires as mounted on the vehicle. If the
TIN is not found on the outboard side then you will find it
on the inboard side of the tire. 95Load index
A numerical code associated with the maximum
load a tire can carry.
HSpeed symbol
A symbol indicating the range of speeds at
which a tire can carry a load corresponding to its
load index under certain operating conditions.
The maximum speed corresponding to the speed
symbol should only be achieved under specified
operating conditions. (i.e. tire pressure, vehicle
loading, road conditions and posted speed lim-
its)
WA R N I N G
!Overloading of your tire is dangerous. Overload-
ing can cause tire failure, affect vehicle handling,
and increase your stopping distance. Use tires of
the recommended load capacity for your vehicle.
Never overload them.
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Vehicle care and maintenance
7-27
7
EXAMPLE: DOT MA L9 ABCD 1504
Treadwear, Traction and Temperature GradesTr e a d w e a r
The treadwear grade is a comparative rating based on the
wear rate of the tire when tested under controlled conditions
on a specified government test course. For example, a tire
graded 150 would wear one and one-half (1
1/2) times as
well on the government course as a tire graded 100. The rel-
ative performance of tires depends upon the actual condi-
tions of their use, however, and may depart significantly
from the norm due to variations in driving habits, service
practices and differences in road characteristics and climate.Traction
The traction grades, from highest to lowest, are AA, A, B
and C. Those grades represent the tire’s ability to stop on
wet pavement as measured under controlled conditions on
specified government test surfaces of asphalt and concrete.
A tire marked C may have poor traction performance.
Te m p e r a t u r e
The temperature grades are A (the highest), B and C, repre-
senting the tire’s resistance to the generation of heat and its
ability to dissipate heat when tested under controlled condi-
tions on a specified indoor laboratory test wheel. Sustained
high temperature can cause the material of the tire to degen-
erate and reduce tire life, and excessive temperature can
lead to sudden tire failure. The grade C corresponds to a
level of performance which all passenger car tires must
meet under the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No.
109. Grades B and A represent higher levels of performance
on the laboratory test wheel than the minimum required by
law. DOTDepartment of Transportation
This symbol certifies that the tire is in compli-
ance with the U.S. Department of Transporta-
tion tire safety standards, and is approved for
highway use.
MACode representing the tire manufacturing loca-
tion. (2 digits)
L9
ABCDCode representing the tire size. (2 digits)
Code used by tire manufacturer. (1 to 4 digits)
15Number representing the week in which the tire
was manufactured. (2 digits)
04Number representing the year in which the tire
was manufactured. (2 digits)
BK0122500US.book 27 ページ 2010年5月12日 水曜日 午前11時11分
7-34 Vehicle care and maintenance
7Parking brake
N00940400164
Parking brake lever strokeCheck the parking brake lever travel occasionally. To check
this, pull the lever up slowly and count the number of clicks of
the ratchet. You should feel the parking brake grab between 3
to 5 notches (clicks).
Also check to see if the lever stays gripped by the ratchet after
pulling.
Parking brake break-inBreak-in the parking brake linings whenever the brake perfor-
mance of the parking brake is insufficient or whenever the
parking brake linings and/or drum/discs are replaced, in order
to assure the best brake performance.
This procedure is described in the vehicle service manual and
can be carried out by an authorized Mitsubishi Motors dealer
WA R N I N G
!Continued operation of the vehicle with the parking
brake lever out of adjustment may result in the vehi-
cle moving when unattended.
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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.NOTEDo 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.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.
BK0122500US.book 35 ページ 2010年5月12日 水曜日 午前11時11分
Vehicle care and maintenance
7-37
7
Evaporative emission control system (except
evaporative emission canister)
N00941400187
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”.
General maintenance
N00941500247
The next pages list the maintenance service recommended by
Mitsubishi Motors Corporation. In addition to the general
maintenance that needs to be performed at the times listed,
there are other parts which do not usually need regular mainte-
nance.
But, if any of these parts stops working properly, your vehicle
performance could suffer. Have these items checked if you
notice a problem with them.
See your authorized Mitsubishi Motors dealer for assistance, if
you have any questions.Disc brake pads
N00941600059
Good brakes are essential for safe driving. Check the brake
pads for wear. For good braking performance, replace the brake
pads with the same type pads as the originals.Brake hoses
N00941700076
Brake hoses and tubing should be checked for:
Severe surface cracking, scuffing or worn spots. If the
fabric casing of the hose is showing through any cracks or
worn spots in the rubber hose cover, the hose should be
replaced. The brakes can fail if the hose wears through.
Improper installation may cause twisting, or wheel, tire or
chassis interference.
BK0122500US.book 37 ページ 2010年5月12日 水曜日 午前11時11分