2012 MITSUBISHI ECLIPSE service engine soon

2 Quick indexSelector lever position indicator in the instru-
ment cluster flashes rapidly
(twice per second) (if so equipped)
Park your vehicle in a safe place.
Idle the engine until the selector lever position indicator stops flash-
ing. If the indicator does not go off, have the system checked at an
authorized Mitsubishi Motors dealer or a repair facility of your choice
as soon as possible.P.3-74
or
Engine malfunction indicator
(“SERVICE ENGINE SOON” or “Check
engine light”)
Although your vehicle will usually be drivable and not need towing,
have the engine system checked at an authorized Mitsubishi Motors
dealer or a repair facility of your choice as soon as possible. If the
vehicle is not drivable, contact emergency roadside assistance at 1-
888-648-7820 (for vehicles sold in U.S.A.) or 1-888-576-4878 (for
vehicles sold in Canada), an authorized Mitsubishi Motors dealer, or
local towing company for assistance.P. 3 - 1 1 2
Anti-lock braking system warning light
When this light comes on, the anti-lock braking system is not func-
tioning and only the ordinary braking system is functioning.

Park your vehicle in a safe place and stop the engine.
Test the system as described on page 3-82.

If the light does not go out after the test, or if it comes on again, we
recommend that you have the system checked at an authorized
Mitsubishi Motors dealer or a repair facility of your choice as soon as
possible.P.3-82
SRS warning light
It is not necessary to stop the vehicle immediately, but we recommend
that you have the air bag and the pre-tensioner seat belt system
checked at an authorized Mitsubishi Motors dealer as soon as possi-
ble.P. 2 - 2 4 ,
2-44
Warning light
Do this
Ref. page
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General information
1-3
1
Ethanol (Gasohol) A mixture of up to 10 % ethanol (grain alcohol) and 90 %
unleaded gasoline may be used in your vehicle, provided the
octane number is at least as high as that recommended for
unleaded gasoline. Methanol Do not operate your vehicle on gasoline containing methanol
(wood alcohol). Using this type of alcohol could adversely
affect the vehicle’s performance and damage critical parts of
the vehicle's fuel system.Reformulated gasoline Many areas of the country require the use of cleaner burning
fuel referred to as “Reformulated Gasoline”.
Reformulated gasoline contains oxygenates and is specially
blended to reduce vehicle emissions and improve air quality.
Mitsubishi Motors Corporation strongly supports the use of
reformulated gasoline. Properly blended reformulated gasoline
has no adverse effect on vehicle performance or on the durabil-
ity of the engine and fuel system.MMT (methylcyclopentadienyl manganese tri-
carbonyl)MMT is a manganese-containing metallic additive that is
blended into some gasolines to increase the octane number.
Mitsubishi Motors Corporation recommends using gasolines
without MMT.
Use of gasolines blended with MMT may adversely affect per-
formance, and cause the malfunction indicator on your instru-
ment panel to come on. If this happens, contact an authorized
Mitsubishi Motors dealer or a repair facility of your choice for
assistance.
Sulfur in gasoline Your vehicle may have been designed to satisfy California’s
low-emission regulations based on clean-burning low-sulfur
gasoline. Gasoline sold in parts of the country other than Cali-
fornia is allowed to have a higher sulfur content. Using such
gasoline could adversely affect the vehicle's catalytic converter
and cause the engine malfunction indicator (“SERVICE
ENGINE SOON” or “CHECK ENGINE”) to come on. Illumi-
nation of this indicator while you are using high-sulfur gaso-
line does not necessarily mean the vehicle’s emission-control
system is malfunctioning. Your authorized Mitsubishi Motors
dealer may suggest you try using a different, lower-sulfur
brand of unleaded gasoline to determine whether the problem
is fuel-related.NOTE
Poor-quality gasoline can cause problems such as poor
starting, stalling during idling, abnormal engine noise, and
poor acceleration. If you experience any of these prob-
lems, try using a different brand of gasoline. If the engine
malfunction indicator (“SERVICE ENGINE SOON” or
“CHECK ENGINE”) flashes, have the vehicle inspected
as soon as possible by the nearest authorized Mitsubishi
Motors dealer or a repair facility of your choice.
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1-6 General information
1
4. To fill with fuel correctly depends mainly on correct han-
dling of the fuel filler nozzle. Do not tilt the nozzle. Insert
the nozzle in the tank port as far as it will go.
5. When the nozzle stops automatically, do not try to add
more fuel.
6. To close, turn the fuel tank filler cap slowly clockwise
until you hear clicking sounds, then gently push the fuel
tank filler door closed.
NOTE
If the fuel tank filler cap is not tight while driving, the
engine malfunction indicator (“SERVICE ENGINE
SOON” or “Check engine light”) may come on when the
onboard diagnostic (OBD) system performs a self check.
Always tighten the fuel tank filler cap until you hear click-
ing sounds.
The indicator will go off after driving several times. If the
indicator does not go off, contact your authorized
Mitsubishi Motors dealer or a repair facility of your
choice as soon as possible.
CAUTION
!
Your vehicle can only be operated using unleaded
gasoline. Serious engine and catalytic converter
damage will result if leaded gasoline is used.
CAUTION
!
To avoid fuel spillage and overfilling, do not “top-
off” the fuel tank. Spilled fuel could discolor, stain,
or crack the vehicle’s paintwork. If fuel spills on the
paintwork, wipe it off with a soft cloth.
WA R N I N G
!
Make sure the fuel cap is securely closed. If the fuel
cap is loose, fuel could leak, resulting in a fire.
CAUTION
!
If you need to replace the fuel tank filler cap, use
only the cap specified for your model vehicle.
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3-78 Features and controls
3
Operation of the automatic transaxle
N00514500346
Passing acceleration
N00514900047
To gain extra acceleration in “D” (DRIVE) position (when
passing another vehicle) push the accelerator to the floor. The
automatic transaxle will automatically downshift.NOTE
In sports mode, downshifts do not take place when the
accelerator is depressed all the way to the floor.Waiting
N00515000058
For short waiting periods, such as at traffic lights, the vehicle
can be left in gear and held stationary with the service brake.
For longer waiting periods with the engine running, the selec-
tor lever should be placed in the “N” (NEUTRAL) position.
CAUTION
!
Before selecting a gear with the engine running and
the vehicle stationary, fully depress the brake pedal
to prevent the vehicle from creeping.
The vehicle will begin to move as soon as the gear is
engaged, especially when the engine speed is high, at
fast idle or with the air conditioning operating, the
brakes should only be released when you are ready
to drive away.
Depress the brake pedal with the right foot at all
times.
Using the left foot could cause driver movement
delay in case of an emergency.
To prevent sudden acceleration, never run the
engine at high rpms when shifting from the “P”
(PARK) or “N” (NEUTRAL) position.
Operating the accelerator pedal while the other foot
is resting on the brake pedal will affect braking effi-
ciency and may cause premature wear of brake
pads.
Do not rev the engine with the brake pedal pressed.
This can damage the transaxle.
Use the gearshift lever in the correct shift position in
accordance with driving conditions.
Never coast downhill backward in the driving shift
position {“D” (DRIVE) or sports mode} or coast for-
ward in the “R” (REVERSE) position.
Engine stopping and increased brake pedal and
steering effort could lead to an accident.
CAUTION
!
To avoid transaxle overheating, never try to keep
your vehicle stationary on a hill by using the acceler-
ator pedal. Always apply the parking brake and/or
service brake.
Unexpected acceleration may occur if the selector
lever is in a position other than “P” (PARK) or “N”
(NEUTRAL).
Prior to moving off after having stopped the vehicle,
make sure that the selector lever is in “D” (DRIVE)
position or “Sports mode” position.
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Features and controls
3-79
3
Parking
N00515100017
To park the vehicle, first bring it to a complete stop, fully
engage the parking brake, and then move the selector lever to
the “P” (PARK) position.When the automatic transaxle makes no speed change
N00515300064
If the transaxle does not change gears while driving, or your
vehicle does not pick up enough speed when starting on an
uphill slope, it may be that there is something unusual happen-
ing in the transaxle, causing a safety device to activate. Have
your vehicle checked at an authorized Mitsubishi Motors
dealer or a repair facility of your choice as soon as possible.
1. If your vehicle has difficulty moving uphill, shift the
selector lever into 2nd gear of the sports mode.
This method might not work depending on the type of
transaxle malfunction.
2. Once the vehicle is moving on a level road, move the
selector lever back to “D” (DRIVE) position.NOTE
When the selector lever position indicator in the instru-
ment cluster flashes, it means that there is an abnormal
condition in the transaxle. Refer to “Selector lever posi-
tion indicator” on page 3-73.
Service brake
N00517500187
Brake pedalOveruse of the brake can cause poor brake response and pre-
mature wear of the brake pads.
When driving down a long or steep hill, use engine braking by
shifting the transaxle into a lower gear (manual transaxle) or a
lower gear of the sports mode (automatic transaxle).
WA R N I N G
!
Do not leave any objects near the brake pedal or let
a floor mat slide under it; doing so could prevent the
full pedal stroke that would be necessary in an emer-
gency. Make sure that the pedal can be operated
freely at all times. Make sure the floor mat is
securely held in place.
CAUTION
!
It is important not to drive the vehicle with your foot
resting on the brake pedal when braking is not
required. This practice can result in very high brake
temperatures, premature pad wear, and possible
damage to the brakes.
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3-110 Features and controls
3Indicator and warning light package
N00519800810
1- ASC OFF indicator → P.3-87
2- ASC indicator → P.3-87
3- Anti-lock braking system warning light
→ P. 3 - 8 2
4- Cruise control indicator → P.3-90
5- Door-ajar warning light → P. 3 - 1 1 4
6- Turn signal indicators/Hazard warning lights → P. 3 - 1 1 1
7- Charging system warning light → P. 3 - 1 1 3
8- Brake warning light → P.3-111
9- Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) warning light
→ P.2-44
10- Tire pressure monitoring system warning light → P.3-97
11- Oil pressure warning light → P. 3 - 1 1 3
12- Low-fuel warning light → P.3-10813- Driver’s seat belt reminder/warning light
→ P.2-18
14- Selector lever position indicator (if so equipped)
→ P.3-73
15- High beam indicator → P. 3 - 1 1 1
16- Engine malfunction indicator (“SERVICE ENGINE SOON”
or “Check engine light”) → P. 3 - 1 1 2
17- Immobilizer indicator → P. 3 - 3
18- Front fog light indicator (if so equipped) → P. 3 - 1 1 1
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3-112 Features and controls
3
Engine malfunction indicator (“SERVICE
ENGINE SOON” or “Check engine light”)
N00520500396
This indicator is a part of the onboard diagnostic (OBD) sys-
tem which monitors the emissions, engine, and automatic tran-
saxle control systems. If a problem is detected in one of these
systems, this indicator comes on. When the ignition key is
turned to the “ON” position, this indicator normally comes on
and goes off a few seconds later.
This indicator will come on if the fuel tank filler cap is not
properly tightened. If the indicator comes on and stays on after
refueling, stop the engine and check that the cap is properly
tightened. (Turn the cap clockwise until you hear clicking
sounds.)
If this indicator does not go off after several seconds or lights
up while driving, have the system checked as soon as possible
at an authorized Mitsubishi Motors dealer or a repair facility of
your choice.
NOTE
Do not disconnect the battery cable when the Engine mal-
function indicator (“SERVICE ENGINE SOON” or
“Check engine light”) is on.
The engine electronic control module stores critical OBD
information (especially exhaust emission data), which
may be lost if the battery cable is disconnected while the
engine malfunction indicator is on. This will make it diffi-
cult to diagnose the cause of future problems.

The vehicle should be brought to a stop in the fol-
lowing manner when brake performance has deteri-
orated while driving.
• Press the brake pedal harder than usual.
• Should the brakes fail, shift down to a lower gear
to reduce your speed and slowly pull the parking
brake lever to park your vehicle. Press the brake
pedal to operate your rear brake lights to alert
vehicles behind you.CAUTION
!
CAUTION
!
Driving for a long time with the engine malfunction
indicator on may cause more damage to the emission
control system. This could also affect fuel economy
and drivability.
If this indicator does not come on when the ignition
key is turned to the “ON” position, have the system
checked by an authorized Mitsubishi Motors dealer
or a repair facility of your choice.
If the indicator comes on while the engine is run-
ning, avoid driving at high speeds.
During vehicle operation with the indicator on, the
vehicle may not accelerate when you depress the
accelerator pedal.
When the vehicle is stationary with the indicator on,
you must depress the brake pedal more firmly than
usual since the engine idling speed is higher than
usual and the vehicle with an automatic transaxle
has a stronger tendency to creep forward.
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Vehicle care and maintenance
7-3
7 Catalytic converter
N00937400391
The catalytic converter requires you to use unleaded fuel only.
Leaded gasoline will destroy the emission-control effective-
ness of the converter.
Normally, the catalytic converter does not require maintenance.
However, it is important to keep the engine properly tuned for
the converter to continue to work properly. To reduce the possibility of catalytic converter damage:

Use UNLEADED GASOLINE ONLY of the type of rec-
ommended in “Fuel selection”.

Do not drive with an extremely low fuel level. Running
out of gas could damage the catalytic converter.

Do not try to start the engine by pushing or towing the
vehicle. If the battery is weak or run down, use jumper
cables to properly start the engine.

Do not idle the engine with any spark plug wires discon-
nected or removed, such as when performing diagnostic
tests.

Do not idle the engine for a long time if it is idling
roughly or otherwise obviously malfunctioning.

To prevent the catalytic converter from being damaged
from unburned gas, do not race the engine when turning
off the ignition switch.

Stop driving the vehicle if you think the performance is
noticeably low, or the engine has a malfunction. If you are
not able to stop driving immediately, slow down and drive
for only a short time. Have an inspection made by an
authorized Mitsubishi Motors dealer or a repair facility of
your choice as soon as possible.

In unusual situations involving major engine problems, a
burning odor may indicate severe and abnormal catalytic
converter overheating. If this occurs, stop in a safe place,
shut the engine off and let the vehicle cool. Once the
engine is cool, immediately take your vehicle to an autho-
rized Mitsubishi Motors dealer or a repair facility of your
choice for service.
CAUTION
!
Damage to the catalytic converter can result if your
vehicle is not kept in proper operating condition. If
the engine malfunctions or misfires, or if your vehi-
cle performance suffers, have it serviced promptly.
Running your vehicle when it is overheated may
result in damage to the converter and vehicle.
WA R N I N G
!
Do not park or run your vehicle in areas where com-
bustible materials such as dry grass or leaves can
come in contact with a hot exhaust, since a fire could
occur.
Do not put undercoat paint on the catalytic con-
verter.
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