2012 MITSUBISHI ECLIPSE battery

Vehicle care and maintenance
7-17
7
Checking battery electrolyte level Use the following procedure to check the battery electrolyte
level.
1. Insert the tip of a screwdriver at the edge of the cap, pry
gently to remove the cap.2. The inside of the battery is divided into several compart-
ments.
Check the electrolyte level (A) in each cell.
The electrolyte level must be within the range (B) shown
in the illustration.
If it is necessary to add fluid, add only distilled water. Do
not overfill above the top of the range because a spill dur-
ing driving could cause damage.
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.
Cell
B = . 31 in
(8mm) A
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7-18 Vehicle care and maintenance
7
During cold weatherThe 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 connectionTo 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
Open the terminal cover (A) before disconnecting or con-
necting the positive (+) terminal of the battery.
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Vehicle care and maintenance
7-19
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. The battery only should be
stored with a full charge.
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.

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
!
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7-32 Vehicle care and maintenance
7
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.Spark plugs
N00940900039
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”.
Your vehicle may be equipped with iridium tipped spark plugs,
which are identified by marks on the ceramic. They do not
require replacement as frequently as the conventional type
spare plug and will last much longer.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
N00941000037
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.Fuel system (tank, pipe line and connection, and
fuel tank filler cap)
N00941300085
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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7-76 Vehicle care and maintenance
7
Cleaning plastic parts
N00946300178
Use a sponge or chamois to clean these parts.
If a vehicle wax sticks to a gray or black rough surface of the
bumper, molding or lights, the surface may appear white in
color. In this case, wipe it off using lukewarm water and a soft
cloth or chamois. Chrome parts
N00946400010
To prevent spots and corrosion of chrome parts, wash with
water, dry thoroughly, and apply a nonabrasive automotive
wax. If the chrome is severely damaged or pitted, use a com-
mercially available chrome polish.
Aluminum wheels
N00946500213
1. Remove dirt using a wet sponge.
2. Use a mild detergent on any dirt that cannot be removed
easily with water.
Rinse off the detergent after washing the wheel.
3. Dry the wheel thoroughly using a chamois leather or a soft
cloth.Window glass
N00946600012
The window glass can usually be cleaned using only a sponge
and water. Glass cleaner can be used to remove wax, oil,
grease, dead insects, etc. After washing the glass, wipe it dry
with a clean, dry, soft cloth.
CAUTION
!
Do not use a scrubbing brush or other rough scrub-
ber as these may damage the plastic surface.
Do not use wax containing compounds (polishing
powder) which may damage the plastic surface.
Do not let the plastic parts get soiled with gasoline,
oil, brake fluids, engine oils, greases, paint thinner,
and sulfuric acid (battery electrolyte). These fluids,
etc., may crack, stain or discolor the plastic parts.
If any of these get on the plastic parts, wipe them up
with a soft cloth or chamois and a mild solution of
soap and water. Then rinse them immediately with
water.
CAUTION
!
Do not use a brush or other hard implement on the
wheels.
Doing so could scratch the wheels.
Do not use any cleaner that contains an abrasive
substance or is acidic or alkaline. Doing so could
cause the coating on the wheels to peel or become
discolored or stained.
Do not directly apply hot water using a steam
cleaner or by any other means.
Contact with seawater or road salt used for de-icing
can cause corrosion. Rinse off such substances as
soon as possible.
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Vehicle care and maintenance
7-77
7
Wiper blades
N00946700013
Use a soft cloth and glass cleaner to remove grease, dead
insects, etc., from the wiper blades.
Replace the wiper blades when they no longer clean the wind-
shield and rear window properly.Cleaning the sunroof (ECLIPSE only, if so
equipped)
N00946800056
Clean the inside of the sunroof with a soft cloth. Hard deposits
should be wiped away with a cloth dipped in warm, neutral
detergent solution. Wipe away the solution with a sponge
dipped in fresh water.NOTE
The surface treatment on the inside of the glass may be
removed if a hard cloth or organic solvent is used.Convertible top (ECLIPSE SPYDER only)
N00946900031
Wash the top with water and a soft nylon brush or something
similar. Wash the window sections with a sponge. If dirt or
mud cannot be washed off in this way, use a 0.1 concentration
of household laundry powder in water and a cloth to scrub
lightly, and then wash with plain water again. If laundry pow-
der is used, rinse thoroughly; be sure that none of the soap
remains on the top. If soap does remain on the top, it could
cause cracking and/ or discoloration.
After cleaning, always be sure the top is completely dry before
it is lowered. Lowering the top while wet or damp may cause
interior water damage, water stains or mildew of the top mate-
rial.
NOTE
Always sprinkle water from above.

Do not run this vehicle through any automatic car washes.
These car washes may cause water to enter the vehicle and
cause damage to the convertible top. If you wash the vehi-
cle by hand do not spray water directly at side windows
and top seals which may cause water to enter the vehicle.
Therefore, be sure to observe the following.
• Maintain a good distance of approx. 16 inches (40 cm)
or more between the vehicle body and the washing noz-
zle.
• It is recommended that the water should be sprayed at a
45° angle to the side windows and top seals.

Do not use harsh or abrasive type cleaners or bleaching
agents on the top material or damage may result.Engine compartment
N00947000084
Never spray or splash water on the electrical components in the
engine compartment, as this may cause damage.
Do not allow any nearby parts (such as plastic parts) come into
contact with sulphuric acid (battery electrolyte), which may
crack, stain, or discolour them.
If this occurs, wipe the parts with a soft cloth saturated with a
mild detergent and water solution.
Then immediately rinse the affected parts with plenty of water.
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9
Specifications
Vehicle labeling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9- 2
Vehicle dimensions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9- 5
Vehicle weights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9- 6
Engine specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9- 7
Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9- 8
Tires and wheels. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9- 8
Capacities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9- 9
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9-8 Specifications
9Battery
N01147800049
Battery is a 12 volt type.NOTE
There are various sizes of batteries in BCI Groups No.24
and 86.
When you replace the battery, confirm the size of the
replacement battery will not interfere with other compo-
nents in the engine compartment.
Tires and wheels
N01147900688
PCD: Pitch Circle Diameter (installation holes)NOTE
Contact an authorized Mitsubishi Motors dealer for details
on the combination used on your vehicle.

These tires satisfy vehicle loading conditions described in
this owner’s manual.
2.4 liter
BCI Group No.863.8 liter
BCI Group No.24
Tire P235/45R18 94VWheel
Size 18 x 8JPCD 4.5 in (114.3 mm)Offset 1.81 in (46 mm)
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