2012 MITSUBISHI GALANT brake

For emergencies
6-3
6
3. You could be injured if the vehicles move. Set the parking
brake firmly on each vehicle. Put an automatic transaxle
in “P” (PARK) or a manual transaxle in “N” (Neutral).
Turn the ignition key to the “LOCK” position. NOTE
Turn off all lights, heater, and other electrical loads. This
will avoid sparks and help save both batteries.
4. Make sure your battery electrolyte is at the proper level.
(Refer to “Battery” on page 7-15.)5. Connect one end of one jumper cable to the positive (+)
terminal of the discharged battery (A), and the other end
to the positive (+) terminal of the booster battery (B).
NOTE
Open the terminal cover before connecting the jumper
cable to the positive terminal of the battery.
(Refer to “Battery” on page 7-15.)

Use the proper cables suitable for the battery size.
Otherwise heat damage to the cables could result.

Check the jumper cables for damage and corrosion before
use.
WA R N I N G
!
Turn the ignition key to the “LOCK” position on
both vehicles. Make sure that the cables or your
clothes cannot be caught by the fan or drive belt.
Personal injury could result.
WA R N I N G
!
If the electrolyte fluid is not visible, or looks frozen,
DO NOT ATTEMPT JUMP STARTING!!
The battery might split open or explode if the tem-
perature is below the freezing point or if it is not
filled to the proper level.
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For emergencies
6-5
6
Low battery chargeIf you drive your vehicle with a low battery charge after the
engine has been started by using jumper cables, the engine may
misfire. This can cause the anti-lock braking system warning
light to blink on and off. This is only due to the low battery
voltage. It is not a problem with the brake system. If this hap-
pens, fully charge the battery and ensure the charging system is
operating properly.
Engine overheating
N00836500222
If the engine coolant temperature gauge indicator moves to the
“H” (hot) position (red zone), the engine may be overheated. If
this happens:
1. Stop the vehicle in a safe place. Turn on the hazard warn-
ing flashers.
2. With the engine still running, carefully raise the engine
hood to vent the engine compartment.
3. Check that the cooling fan is running. If the fan is not
turning, stop the engine immediately and contact an
authorized Mitsubishi Motors dealer or a repair facility of
your choice for assistance.
4. If you see steam or spray coming from under the hood,
turn off the engine.
WA R N I N G
!
To avoid personal injury, keep hands, hair, jewelry
and clothes away from the cooling fan. The cooling
fan can start at any time.
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For emergencies
6-9
6 How to change a tire
N00836900806
Before changing a tire, first stop your vehicle in a safe, flat
location.
1. Park the vehicle on level and stable ground.
2. Set the parking brake firmly, move the selector lever to
the “P” (PARK) position.
3. Turn on the hazard flashers and turn the ignition key to the
“LOCK” position.
4. Set up a warning triangle, flashing signal light, etc., at an
adequate distance from the vehicle, and have all your pas-
sengers leave the vehicle.5. To prevent the vehicle from rolling when it is raised on the
jack, place chocks or blocks (A) at the tire that is diago-
nally opposite from the tire (B) you are changing.
WA R N I N G
!
Be sure to apply chocks or blocks to the correct tire
when jacking up the vehicle. If the vehicle moves
while jacked up, the jack could slip out of position,
leading to an accident.
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6-22 For emergencies
6
Towing the vehicle by a tow truck
Towing with rear wheels off the ground (Type B)Place the selector lever in the “N” (NEUTRAL) position.
Turn the ignition key to the “ACC” position and secure the
steering wheel in a straight-ahead position with a rope or tie-
down strap. Never place the ignition key in the “LOCK” posi-
tion when towing.Towing with front wheels off the ground (Type C)Release the parking brake.
Place the selector lever in the “N” (NEUTRAL) position.
CAUTION
!
This vehicle must not be towed by a tow truck using
sling lift type equipment (Type A) as illustrated.
Using a sling lift will damage the bumper and front
end.
If the engine or transaxle is malfunctioning or dam-
aged, transport the vehicle with the driving wheels
on a carriage (Type C, D or E) as illustrated.
If the vehicle is towed with the ignition key in the
“ON” position and only the front wheels or only the
rear wheels raised off the ground, the ASC may
operate, resulting in an accident. When towing the
vehicle with the front wheels raised, keep the igni-
tion key in the “LOCK” or “ACC” position. When
towing the vehicle with the rear wheels raised, keep
the ignition key in the “ACC” position.
If you tow the vehicles with an automatic transaxle
with the driving wheels on the ground (Type B) as
illustrated, make sure that the towing speed and dis-
tance given below are never exceeded, causing the
transaxle damage.
Towing speed: 31 mph (50 km/h)
Towing distance: 18 miles (30 km)
For the towing speed and the towing distance, follow
the local driving laws and regulations.
WA R N I N G
!
To prevent entry of exhaust gas from the towing
vehicle, set the selection switch to the recirculation
position.
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For emergencies
6-23
6 Operation under adverse driving conditions
N00837200688
If your vehicle becomes stuck in sand, mud or
snow If your vehicle becomes stuck in snow, sand, or mud, it can
often be moved by a rocking motion. Move the selector lever
rhythmically between “Sports mode” and “R” (REVERSE)
position, while pressing lightly on the accelerator pedal.
Do not rev the engine or spin the wheels. Constant efforts to
free a stuck vehicle can cause overheating and transaxle fail-
ure. Let the engine idle for a few minutes to cool the transaxle
before trying again.
If your vehicle is still stuck after several rocking attempts, call
for a commercial tow truck service.
On wet roads
WA R N I N G
!
When trying to rock your vehicle out of a stuck posi-
tion, make sure that there are no people nearby. The
rocking motion can make your vehicle suddenly
lurch forward or backward, and injure any
bystanders.
CAUTION
!
Avoid flooded roads. Water is often deeper than it
looks, and you could be seriously hurt by driving
into flood water.
When driving in rain, on water-covered roads, or
through a car wash, water could get into the brake
discs and make them fail temporarily. In such cases,
lightly press the brake pedal to see if they are work-
ing properly. If they are not, press the pedal lightly
several times while driving to dry the brake pads,
then check them again.
When driving in rain, a layer of water may form
between the tires and the road surface (aquaplan-
ing). This loosens your tires’ grip on the road, mak-
ing it difficult to steer or brake properly. When
driving on a wet road:
• Drive your vehicle at a safe speed.
• Do not drive on worn tires.
• Always keep the tires at the correct inflation pres-
sures.
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6-24 For emergencies
6
On snowy or icy roads
When driving on a road covered with snow or ice, use
snow tires. Tire chains cannot be used on your vehicle.
There may be state or local regulations about using snow
tires. Always check the regulations in your local area
before using them. Refer to the section entitled “Snow
tires” on page 7-27 and “Tire chains” on page 7-27.

Drive slowly. Do not make sudden starts or stops, sharp
turns, or slam on the brakes.

Allow extra distance between your vehicle and the vehicle
in front of you, and avoid sudden braking.

If a skid occurs when the accelerator pedal is depressed,
take your foot off the pedal. Steer gently in the direction
of the skid.

Your vehicle is equipped with an anti-lock braking system
(ABS). Hold the brake pedal down firmly and keep it
depressed. Do not pump the brake pedal which will result
in reduced braking performance.

After parking on snowy or icy road, it may be difficult to
move your vehicle due to freeze-up of the brake. Depress
the accelerator pedal little by little to move the vehicle
after confirming safety of the vehicle.
On a bumpy or rutted road
Drive as slow as possible when driving on bumpy or rut-
ted roads or over potholes etc.
CAUTION
!
Do not depress the accelerator pedal rapidly. The
vehicle could start moving when it breaks free from
the ice, possibly resulting in an accident.
CAUTION
!
Driving on bumpy, rutted roads or over potholes can
damage the tires and wheels.
Wheels with low-profiles tires or under-inflated tires
are especially at risk for damage.
The vehicle’s body, bumper, muffler and other parts
may be damaged if the vehicle is
• driven over a step (for example, at the entrance or
exit of a parking lot);
• parked too closely against a curb or parking block,
or by the side of a road with curbstones;
• driven on a steep slope;
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7
Vehicle care and maintenance
Service precautions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7- 2
Catalytic converter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7- 3
Engine hood . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7- 4
View of the engine compartment . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7- 6
Engine oil and oil filter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7- 6
Engine coolant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7- 9
Air cleaner filter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7- 11
Automatic transaxle fluid. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7- 12
Washer fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7- 13
Brake fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7- 14
Power steering fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7- 15
Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7- 15
Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7- 19
Brake pedal free play . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7- 28
Parking brake lever stroke . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7- 28
Wiper blades . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7- 29
Emission-control system maintenance. . . . . . . . . .7- 29
General maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7- 31
For cold and snowy weather . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7- 34
Fuse links . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7- 34
Fuses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7- 35Replacement of light bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7- 44
Vehicle care precautions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7- 61
Cleaning the inside of your vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . 7- 62
Cleaning the outside of your vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . 7- 63
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7-6 Vehicle care and maintenance
7View of the engine compartment
N00937600612
Engine oil and oil filter
N00937700815
To check and refill engine oil It is normal for an engine to use oil. You may need to add oil
between the recommended oil change intervals. Before starting
the engine, check the engine oil level. Refill if necessary.
To check the oil level, remove the dipstick, wipe it off, and
gently insert it all the way into the crankcase. Slowly remove it
again. The oil level must not go above the line on the dipstick.
If the level does not reach the line, which shows the smallest
amount of oil required, remove the oil filler cap on the engine
valve cover, and fill to within the “Good” range.
1- Power steering fluid reservoir
2- Brake fluid
3- Battery
4- Windshield washer fluid reservoir
5- Engine oil level dipstick
6- Radiator cap
7- Engine oil filler cap
8- Automatic transaxle fluid level dipstick
9- Engine coolant reservoir
10- Air cleaner filter
Good
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