Page 305 of 370

CAUTION
l
Do  not  use  alcohol  or  methanol  anti-
freeze  or  any  engine  coolants  mixed  with
alcohol  or  methanol  anti-freeze.  The  use
of an improper anti-freeze can cause cor-
rosion of the aluminium components.
l For  effective  anti-corrosion  and  anti-
freeze  performance,  keep  the  anti-freeze
concentration  within  the  range  of  30  to
60 %.
Concentrations  exceeding  60  %  will  re-
sult  in  a  reduction  of  both  the  anti-freeze
and  cooling  performance  thus  adversely
affecting the engine.
l Do not top up with water only.
Water  by  itself  reduces  the  rust-protec-
tive  and  anti-freeze  qualities  of  the  cool-
ant  and  has  a  lower  boiling  point.  It  can
also cause damage to the cooling system if
it should freeze. Do not use tapwater, as it
can cause corrosion and rust formation.
During cold weather
If 
 the  temperatures  in  your  area  drop  below  freez-
ing,  there  is  the  danger  that  the  coolant  in  the  en-
gine or radiator could freeze and cause severe dam-
age  to  the  engine  and/or  radiator.  The  concentra-
tion should be checked before the start of cold weath-
er and anti-freeze added to the system if necessary.
Add  a  sufficient  amount  of  anti-freeze  to  the  cool-
ant to prevent it from freezing.
The  concentration  should  be  checked  before  the
start  of  cold  weather  and  anti-freeze  added  to  the
system if necessary. Automatic transmission fluid*
E01000600974
The 
proper amount of automatic transmission fluid
is essential to the life and operation of the automat-
ic  transmission.  Either  insufficient  fluid  or  exces-
sive  fluid  could  cause  transmission  trouble.  The
transmission fluid filler port cap is equipped with a
dipstick.  Use  the  following  procedure  to  check  the
fluid level.
Procedure for checking the fluid level
1. Check  the  fluid  level  after  the  vehicle  hasbeen driven enough to warm up the transmis-
sion fluid.
2. Park  the  vehicle  on  a  flat,  level  surface  and apply the parking brake.
3. With  the  engine  idling  and  the  brake  pedal fully depressed, move the transmission selec-
tor  lever  through  all  the  positions  from  the
"P”  (PARK)  to  “L”  (LOW)  (with  4A/T),  the
“P”  (PARK)  to  “D”  (DRIVE)  (with  5A/T),
stopping momentarily at each position.
4. Move  the  selector  lever  to  the  “P”  (PARK) position.
5. Remove the dipstick and wipe it with a clean lint-free cloth.
6. Reinsert the dipstick as far as it goes. 7. Remove dipstick and read the automatic trans-
mission fluid level.
The fluid level should always be between the
two marks on the dipstick. WARNING
l Do 
 not  spill  the  fluid  onto  a  hot  exhaust
manifold  during  topping  up  or  inspec-
tion, or a fire may occur.
Fluid type
Use 
 only  “DIA  QUEEN  ATF  SP  III”  transmission
fluid to ensure optimum transmission performance. Maintenance
8-07 8   
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        Page 306 of 370

Washer fluid
E01000700672
The 
windscreen washer fluid reservoir is in the en-
gine compartment.
Check  the  washer  fluid  level  at  regular  intervals
and add washer fluid to reservoir if necessary. NOTE
l The 
washer  fluid  container  serves  the  wind-
screen and headlamps (if so equipped).
During cold weather
To  ensure  proper  operation  of  the  washers  at  low
temperatures,  use  a  fluid  containing  an  anti-freez-
ing agent. Brake fluid
E01000900687
To check the fluid level
Check the brake fluid level in the reservoir.
The 
brake fluid level must be between the “MAX”
and “MIN” marks on the reservoir. The brake fluid level is monitored by a float. When
the 
brake  fluid  level  falls  below  the  “MIN”  mark,
the brake fluid warning lamp lights up.
The fluid level falls slightly with wear of the brake
pads, but this does not indicate any abnormality.
If  the  brake  fluid  level  falls  markedly  in  a  short
length of time, it indicates leaks from the brake sys-
tem.
If this occurs, we recommend you to have the vehi-
cle checked.
Fluid type
Use  brake  fluid  conforming  to  DOT3  or  DOT4.
The brake fluid is hygroscopic. Too much moisture
in the brake fluid will adversely affect the brake sys-
tem, reducing the brake performance. In  addition,  the  brake  fluid  reservoir  is  equipped
with 
a  special  cap  to  prevent  the  entrance  of  air,
and this cap should not be removed. CAUTION
l
Take 
 care  in  handling  brake  fluid  as  it  is
harmful  to  the  eyes,  may  irritate  your
skin and also damage painted surfaces.
l Use only the specified brake fluid.
Do  not  mix  or  add  different  brands  of
brake fluid to prevent chemical reactions.
Do  not  let  any  petroleum-based  fluid
touch, mix with, or get into the brake fluid.
This will damage the seals.
l Keep the reservoir tank cap closed to pre-
vent the brake fluid from deteriorating ex-
cept maintenance.
l Clean  the  filler  cap  before  removing  and
close the cap securely after maintenance. Maintenance
8-08
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        Page 307 of 370

Clutch fluid*
E01001000281
To check the fluid level
The 
clutch  fluid  in  the  master  cylinder  should  be
checked when performing other underhood service.
In addition, the system should be checked for leak-
age at the same time.
Check  to  make  certain  that  the  clutch  fluid  level  is
always between the “MAX” and “MIN” level mark-
ings on the fluid reservoir. A rapid fluid loss indicates a leak in the clutch sys-
tem 
which  should  be  inspected  by  a  MITSUBISHI
MOTORS Authorized Service Point or another spe-
cialist and repaired immediately.
Fluid type
Brake fluid conforming to DOT 3 or DOT 4 should
be used.
The  reservoir  cap  must  be  fully  tightened  to  avoid
contamination from foreign matter or moisture.
DO NOT ALLOW PETROLEUM-BASED FLUID
TO  CONTACT,  MIX  WITH,  OR  OTHERWISE
CONTAMINATE  THE  BRAKE  FLUID.  SEAL
DAMAGE WILL RESULT. WARNING
l Take 
 care  in  handling  brake  fluid  as  it  is
harmful  to  the  eyes  and  may  also  cause
damage to painted surfaces. Wipe up any
spills immediately. Power steering fluid
E01001100703
To check the fluid level
Check 
the  fluid  level  in  the  reservoir  while  the  en-
gine is idling.
Check to make certain that the power steering fluid
level is always between the “MAX” and “MIN” lev-
el markings on the fluid reservoir and refill the flu-
id, if necessary. Fluid type
Use “ATF DEXRON III or DEXRON II”. Maintenance
8-09 8 LHD RHD    
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        Page 308 of 370

Battery
E01001202144
The 
condition  of  the  battery  is  very  important  for
quick starting of the engine and proper functioning
of  the  vehicle’s  electrical  system.  Regular  inspec-
tion and care are especially important in cold weath-
er.
NOTE
l On  vehicles  equipped  with  2  batteries,  when
the  batteries  are  replaced,  the  2  batteries
should be replaced at the same time.
If only a battery is replaced, it will cause short-
ening the batteries life.
Checking battery electrolyte level The electrolyte level must be between the specified
limit 
on  the  outside  of  the  battery.  Replenish  with
distilled water as necessary.
The inside of the battery is divided into several com-
partments; remove the cap from each compartment
and  fill  to  the  upper  mark.  Do  not  top  up  beyond
the  upper  mark  because  spillage  during  driving
could cause damage. Check  the  electrolyte  level  at  least  once  every  4
weeks, depending on the operating conditions.
If 
the  battery  is  not  used,  it  will  discharge  by  itself
with time.
Check  it  once  every  4  weeks  and  charge  with  low
current as necessary.
During cold weather
The  capacity  of  the  battery  is  reduced  at  low  tem-
peratures.  This  is  an  inevitable  result  of  its  chemi-
cal and physical properties.
This  is  why  a  very  cold  battery,  particularly  one
that is not fully charged, will only deliver a fraction
of the starter current which is normally available.
We recommend you to have the battery checked be-
fore  the  start  of  cold  weather  and,  if  necessary,
have it charged or replaced.
This does not only ensure reliable starting, but a bat-
tery which is kept fully charged also has a longer life.
Disconnection and connection
To  disconnect  the  battery  cable,  stop  the  engine,
first  disconnect  the  negative  (-)  terminal  and  then
the positive (+) terminal.
When connecting the battery, first connect the posi-
tive (+) terminal and then the negative (-) terminal.
NOTE
l Open  the  terminal  cover  (A)  before  discon-
necting  or  connecting  the  positive  (+)  termi-
nal of the battery.Type 1
Type 2 WARNING
l Keep 
 sparks,  cigarettes,  and  flames  away
from  the  battery  because  the  battery
could explode. Maintenance
8-10
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        Page 309 of 370

WARNING
l The  battery  electrolyte  is  extremely  caus-
tic.  Do  not  allow  it  to  come  in  contact
with your eyes, skin, clothing, or the pain-
ted  surfaces  of  the  vehicle.  Spilt  electro-
lyte  should  be  flushed  immediately  with
ample amounts of water.
Irritation  to  eyes  or  skin  from  contact
with electrolyte requires immediate medi-
cal attention.
l Ventilate when charging or using the bat-
tery in an enclosed space. CAUTION
l
Never 
 disconnect  the  battery  with  the  ig-
nition  switch  in  the  “ON”  position;  doing
so  could  damage  the  vehicle’s  electrical
components.
l Never  short-circuit  the  battery;  doing  so
could cause it to overheat and be damaged.
l Always  wear  protective  eye  goggles  when
working near the battery.
l If the battery is to be quick-charged, first
disconnect the battery cables.
l In  order  to  prevent  a  short  circuit,  be
sure  to  disconnect  the  negative  (-)  termi-
nal first.
l Keep it out of reach of children. CAUTION
l
Do 
 not bring the nearby parts, the plastic
parts  and  so  on  into  contact  with  sulphu-
ric  acid  (battery  electrolyte)  which  may
crack, stain or discolour them.
If  they  are  in  contact,  wipe  off  with  soft
cloth, chamois or the like and an aqueous
solution  of  neutral  detergent  then  imme-
diately  rinse  the  affected  parts  with  plen-
ty of water.
NOTE l Keep 
the terminals clean. After the battery is
connected,  apply  terminal  protection  grease.
To clean the terminals, use lukewarm water.
l Check  to  see  if  the  battery  is  securely  instal-
led  and  cannot  be  moved  during  travel.  Also
check each terminal for tightness.
l When  the  vehicle  is  to  be  left  unused  for  a
long  period  of  time,  remove  the  battery  and
store it in a place where the battery fluid will
not freeze. The battery should be stored only
in a fully charged condition. Tyres
E01001300239 WARNING
l Driving 
 with  tyres  that  are  worn,  dam-
aged  or  improperly  inflated  can  lead  to  a
loss  of  control  or  blow  out  of  the  tyres
which  can  result  in  a  collision  with  seri-
ous or fatal injury. Maintenance
8-11 8    
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        Page 310 of 370

Tyre inflation pressures
E01001402423Tyre size UP TO 3 PASSENGERS MAX. LOAD OR TRAILER TOWING
Front Rear Front Rear
195R15C 106/104R 8PR,
215/70R15C 109/107R *2.2 bar
(220 kPa) {32 psi} 2.2 bar
(220 kPa) {32 psi} 2.2 bar
(220 kPa) {32 psi} 4.5 bar
(450 kPa) {65 psi} 205R16C 110/108R 8PR
2.4 bar
(240 kPa) {35 psi} 2.4 bar
(240 kPa) {35 psi} 2.4 bar
(240 kPa) {35 psi} 4.5 bar
(450 kPa) {65 psi} 205/80R16 104S RF
2.2 bar
(220 kPa) {32 psi} 2.2 bar
(220 kPa) {32 psi} 2.2 bar
(220 kPa) {32 psi} 2.9 bar
(290 kPa) {42 psi} 245/70R16 111S RF
2.0 bar
(200 kPa) {29 psi} 2.0 bar
(200 kPa) {29 psi} 2.0 bar
(200 kPa) {29 psi} 2.9 bar
(290 kPa) {42 psi} 245/65R17 111S RF
2.0 bar
(200 kPa) {29 psi} 2.0 bar
(200 kPa) {29 psi} 2.0 bar
(200 kPa) {29 psi} 2.9 bar
(290 kPa) {42 psi}
* : On vehicles with 195 size tyres, this size of snow tyres can also be used instead. Check the tyre inflation pressure of all the tyres while they are cold; if insufficient or excessive, adjust to the specified value.
After the tyre inflation pressure has been adjusted, check the tyres for damage and air leaks. Be sure to put caps on the valves.Maintenance
8-12
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        Page 311 of 370

Wheel condition
E010018007971- Location of the tread wear indicator
2-
Tread wear indicator
Check  the  tyres  for  cuts,  cracks  and  other  damage.
Replace  the  tyres  if  there  are  deep  cuts  or  cracks.
Also check each tyre for pieces of metal or pebbles.
The  use  of  worn  tyres  can  be  very  dangerous  be-
cause  of  the  greater  chance  of  skidding  or  hydro-
planing.  The  tread  depth  of  the  tyres  must  exceed
1.6 mm in order for the tyres to meet the minimum
requirement for use.
If  there  are  tread  wear  indicators  on  the  tyres,  they
will  appear  in  six  places  on  the  surface  of  the  tyre
as  the  tyre  wears,  thereby  indicating  that  the  tyre
no longer meets the minimum requirement for use.
When  these  wear  indicators  appear,  the  tyres  must
be replaced with new ones.
Check  that  the  wheel  nuts  are  tightened  correctly.
Refer  to  the  section  entitled  “For  emergencies”  for
information concerning replacement of the tyres. NOTE
l The 
mark  and  the  location  of  the  tyre  tread
wear  indicators  are  different  depending  on
the tyre manufacturer.
 
On  4-wheel  drive  vehicles,  when  replacement  of
any of the tyres is necessary, replace all of them. CAUTION
l
Always 
 use  tyres  of  the  same  size,  same
type, and same brand, and which have no
wear differences.
Using  tyres  of  different  size,  type,  brands
or degree of wear, will increase the differ-
ential  oil  temperature,  resulting  in  possi-
ble  damage  to  the  driving  system.  Fur-
ther,  the  drive  train  will  be  subjected  to
excessive  loading,  possibly  leading  to  oil
leakage, component seizure, or other seri-
ous faults.
Replacing tyres and wheels E01007200038 CAUTION
l
Avoid 
 using  different  size  tyres  from  the
one listed and the combined use of differ-
ent  types  of  tyres,  as  this  can  affect  driv-
ing safety.
Refer  to  “Tyres  and  wheels”  on  page
9-18. CAUTION
l
Even 
 if a wheel has the same rim size and
offset  as  the  specified  type  of  wheel,  its
shape may prevent it from being fitted cor-
rectly.  We  recommend  you  to  consult  a
specialist  before  using  wheels  that  you
have.
Tyre rotation E01001900990
Tyre wear varies with vehicle conditions, road sur-
face 
conditions and individual driver’s driving hab-
its.  To  equalize  the  wear  and  help  extend  tyre  life,
it  is  recommended  to  rotate  the  tyres  immediately
after  discovery  of  abnormal  wear,  or  whenever  the
wear  difference  between  the  front  and  rear  tyres  is
recognizable. Maintenance
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        Page 312 of 370

When  rotating  tyres,  check  for  uneven  wear  and
damage. 
Abnormal wear is usually caused by incor-
rect  tyre  pressure,  improper  wheel  alignment,  out
of  balance  wheel,  or  severe  braking.  We  recom-
mend  you  to  have  it  checked  to  determine  the
cause of irregular tread wear.
Spare tyre used*
Spare tyre not used Front
Front
Front
Tyres that have arrows showing rotation direction *- If the spare tyre wheel differs from the stand-
ard 
tyre wheel, do not perform tyre rotation us-
ing a spare wheel. CAUTION
l
If 
 the  tyres  have  arrows  (A)  indicating
the correct direction of rotation, swap the
front  and  rear  wheels  on  the  left  hand
side  of  the  vehicle  and  the  front  and  rear
wheels on the right hand side of the vehi-
cle separately. Keep each tyre on its origi-
nal  side  of  the  vehicle.  When  fitting  the
tyres,  make  sure  the  arrows  point  in  the
direction  in  which  the  wheels  will  turn
when  the  vehicle  moves  forward.  Any
tyre  whose  arrow  points  in  the  wrong  di-
rection  will  not  perform  to  its  full  poten-
tial.
Front CAUTION
l
Avoid 
 the combined use of different types
of tyres.
Using different types of tyres can affect ve-
hicle performance and safety. Snow tyres
E01002000725
The 
use  of  snow  tyres  is  recommended  for  driving
on  snow  and  ice.  To  preserve  driving  stability,
mount  snow  tyres  of  the  same  size  and  tread  pat-
tern on all 4 wheels.
Snow tyres worn more than 50% are no longer suit-
able for use as snow tyres.
Snow  tyres  which  do  not  meet  specifications  must
not be used. CAUTION
l
Observe 
 permissable maximum speed for
your snow tyres and the legal speed limit.
NOTE l The 
laws  and  regulations  concerning  snow
tyres  (driving  speed,  required  use,  type,  etc.)
vary. Find out and follow the laws and regu-
lations in the area you intend to drive.
l If  flange  nuts  are  used  on  your  vehicle,
change to tapered nuts when steel wheels are
used.
Tyre chains E01002101534
It  is  recommended  that  snow  chains  are  carried  in
snow 
regions  and  fitted  when  required  to  the  rear
wheels.
On 4WD vehicles in which the driving power is dis-
tributed  preferentially  to  the  rear  wheels,  ensure
that the tyre chains are fitted on the rear.
Use  only  tyre  chains  which  are  designed  for  use
with the tyres mounted on the vehicle: use of the in-
correct size or type of chain could result in damage
to the vehicle body. Maintenance
8-14
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