2012 MITSUBISHI LANCER check engine light

Features and controls
3-229
3
Engine malfunction indicator (“SERVICE
ENGINE SOON” or “Check engine light”)
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This indicator is a part of the onboard diagnostic (OBD) sys-
tem which monitors the emissions, engine control system or
continuously variable transmission (CVT) control system /
Twin Clutch SST control system. If a problem is detected in
one of these systems, this indicator comes on. When the igni-
tion switch is turned to the “ON” position, this indicator nor-
mally comes on and goes off after the engine has started.
This indicator will come on if the fuel tank filler cap is not
properly tightened. If this 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.
CAUTION
!
If the brake warning light and the anti-lock braking
system warning light are illuminated at the same
time, the braking force distribution function will not
operate, so the vehicle may be destabilized during
sudden braking under the following conditions.
• When the brake warning light does not go out even
when the parking brake is released.
• When the brake warning light stays on while driv-
ing.
• If the above occurs, avoid sudden braking and
high-speed driving. Park the vehicle in a safe
place, and contact an authorized Mitsubishi
Motors dealer or a repair facility of your choice as
soon as possible.

The vehicle should be brought to a halt in the follow-
ing manner when brake performance is deterio-
rated.
• Confirm that the vehicle slows down when you
press down on the brake pedal harder than usual.
In some cases, the brake pedal may go all the way
to the floor.
• Should the brakes fail, use engine braking to
reduce your speed and slowly apply the parking
brake.
Depress the brake pedal to illuminate the stop
lights to alert the vehicles behind you.

Do not suddenly apply the parking brake while driv-
ing. This may cause the rear wheels to lock and
cause an accident.
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 at an authorized Mitsubishi Motors dealer
or a repair facility of your choice.
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3-230 Features and controls
3
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.
Charging system warning light
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This light comes on in the event of a malfunction in the charg-
ing system or when the ignition switch is turned to the “ON”
position (engine off). A warning is also displayed in the multi-
information display. When the engine is started, the light
should go out. Check to make sure that the light has gone out
before driving.

If the engine malfunction indicator comes on while
the engine is running, 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 a vehicle with a CVT or a Twin Clutch
SST has a stronger tendency to creep forward.
CAUTION
!
CAUTION
!
If the warning light stays on while the engine is run-
ning, park your vehicle in a safe place as soon as
possible and contact an authorized Mitsubishi
Motors dealer or a repair facility of your choice to
have the system checked.
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3-232 Features and controls
3
Charging system warning display
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Ty p e 1
Ty p e 2
If there is a fault in the charging system, the warning display is
displayed on the information screen in the multi-information
display. The warning light in the instrument cluster also illumi-
nates.

The vehicle should be brought to a halt in the follow-
ing manner when brake performance is deterio-
rated.
• Confirm that the vehicle slows down when you
press down on the brake pedal harder than usual.
In some cases, the brake pedal may go all the way
to the floor.
• Should the brakes fail, use engine braking to
reduce your speed and slowly apply the parking
brake.
Depress the brake pedal to illuminate the stop
lights to alert the vehicles behind you.CAUTION
!
CAUTION
!
If warnings are displayed while the engine is run-
ning, park your vehicle in a safe place as soon as
possible and contact an authorized Mitsubishi
Motors dealer or a repair facility of your choice to
have the system checked.
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3-234 Features and controls
3Combination headlights and dimmer switch
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HeadlightsNOTE
Do not leave the headlights and other lights on for a long
period of time when the engine is not running. The battery
will run down.

When it rains, or when the vehicle has been washed, the
inside of the lens sometimes becomes foggy. This is the
same as when window glass mists up on a humid day, and
does not indicate a problem. When the light is switched
on, the heat will dry out the fog. However, if water col-
lects inside the light, have it checked by an authorized
Mitsubishi Motors dealer or a repair facility of your
choice.
Type 1Rotate the switch to operate the lights.OFF All lights off
Parking, tail, front and rear side-marker lights, license
plate and instrument panel lights on
Headlights and other lights on
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Features and controls
3-237
3
NOTE
The sensitivity of the automatic on/off control can be
adjusted.
For further information, please contact your authorized
Mitsubishi Motors dealer or a repair facility of your
choice.

Do not cover the sensor (A) for the automatic on/off con-
trol by affixing a sticker or label to the windshield.

If the lights do not turn on or off with the switch in the
“AUTO” position, manually operate the switch and we
recommend you to have your vehicle checked.
Light auto-cutout function (headlights and other
lights)
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If the ignition key is turned to “LOCK” or “ACC” posi-
tion or removed from the ignition switch and the driver’s
door is opened with the combination headlights and dim-
mer switch in the “ ” or “ ” position, the lights auto-
matically turn off.
[When using a key to start the engine]
• If the driver’s door is opened after the key is removed
from the ignition switch, a high-pitched constant tone
will sound to remind you to turn off the lights.
• If the driver’s door is opened with the key in the ignition
switch, a low-pitched tone will sound to remind you to
remove the key.
[When using the F.A.S.T.-key to start the engine]
• If the ignition switch is turned to the “LOCK” position
and the driver’s door is opened, a high-pitched constant
buzzer will sound to remind you to turn off the lights.
• If the ignition switch is turned to any position other than
“LOCK” and the driver’s door is opened, a low-pitched
constant buzzer will sound to remind you to return the
ignition switch.

If the ignition switch is turned to “LOCK” or “ACC” posi-
tion with the driver’s door closed and the combination
headlights and dimmer switch in the “ ” or “ ” posi-
tion, the lights will stay on for about 3 minutes and then
turn off automatically.
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3-244 Features and controls
3
NOTE
A light in the instrument panel flashes to show when the
front and rear turn signal lights are working properly.
If this light flashes faster than usual, check for a burned
out light bulb or malfunctioning connection.
If the panel light does not come on when the lever is
moved, check for a blown fuse or a burned out bulb in the
panel.
Have the vehicle inspected by an authorized Mitsubishi
Motors dealer or a repair facility of your choice.

The turn signal light 3-flash function for lane changes can
be deactivated.
See your authorized Mitsubishi Motors dealer for details.
For vehicles equipped with the Mitsubishi Multi-Commu-
nication System, adjustments can be made using screen
operations. For further details, refer to the separate
owner’s manual.

You can adjust the time required to operate the lever for
the 3-flash function.
See your authorized Mitsubishi Motors dealer for details.
Hazard warning flasher switch
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If you press the flasher switch, the front and rear turn signals
will flash intermittently, and so will the hazard warning lights.
This is an emergency warning system and should not be used
when the vehicle is in motion, except for emergencies.
If you need to leave your vehicle, the flashers will keep work-
ing after the ignition key is removed. NOTE
If you keep the flashers on for several hours with the
engine turned off, the battery will run down.
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4-6 Driving safety
4Safe driving techniques
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Even this vehicle’s safety equipment, and your safest driving,
cannot guarantee that you can avoid an accident or injury.
However, if you give extra attention to the following areas, you
can better protect yourself and your passengers:

Drive defensively. Be aware of traffic, road and weather
conditions. Leave plenty of stopping distance between
your vehicle and the vehicle ahead.

Before changing lanes, check your mirrors and use your
turn signal light.

While driving, watch the behavior of other drivers, bicy-
clists, and pedestrians.

Always obey applicable laws and regulations. Be a polite
and alert driver. Always leave room for unexpected
events, such as sudden braking.

If you plan to drive in another country, obey their vehicle
registration laws and make sure you will be able to get the
right fuel.
Driving during cold weather
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Check the battery, including terminals and cables. During
extremely cold weather, the battery will not be as strong.
Also, the battery power level may drop because more
power is used for cold starting and driving.
Before driving the vehicle, check to see if the engine runs
at the proper speed and if the headlights are as bright as
normally. Charge or replace the battery if necessary. Dur-
ing extreme cold weather, it is possible that a very low
battery could freeze.

Warm the engine sufficiently. After starting the engine,
allow a short warm-up time to distribute oil to all cylin-
ders and turbocharger. Then drive your vehicle slowly.

Stay at low speeds at first so that the transaxle, transfer
case and rear axle oil have time to spread to all the lubri-
cation points.

Manual transaxle can be harder to shift in cold weather
conditions. This is normal and shifting will get easier as
the transaxle warms up.
WA R N I N G
!
The battery gives off explosive hydrogen gas. Any
spark or flame can cause the battery to explode,
which could cause serious injury or death.
Always wear protective clothes and a face mask
when working with your battery, or let a skilled
mechanic do it.
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4-8 Driving safety
4Braking
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All the parts of the brake system are critical to safety. Have the
vehicle serviced by an authorized Mitsubishi Motors dealer or
a repair facility of your choice at regular intervals according to
the “WARRANTY AND MAINTENANCE MANUAL”.When brakes are wetCheck the brake system while driving at a low speed immedi-
ately after starting, especially when the brakes are wet, to con-
firm they work normally.
A film of water can be formed on the brake discs or brake
drums and prevent normal braking after driving in heavy rain
or through large puddles, or after the vehicle is washed. If this
occurs, dry the brakes out by driving slowly while lightly
depressing the brake pedal.When driving in cold weatherOn snowy roads, ice can form on the braking system, making
the brakes less effective. While driving in such conditions, pay
close attention to preceding and following vehicles and to the
condition of the road surface. From time to time, lightly
depress the brake pedal and check how effective the brakes are.When driving downhillIt is important to take advantage of the engine braking by shift-
ing to a lower gear while driving on steep downhill roads in
order to prevent the brakes from overheating.
Parking
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Parking on a hillWhen parking on a hill, set the parking brake, and turn the
front wheels toward the curb on a downhill, or away from the
curb on an uphill.
If necessary, apply chocks to wheels.For vehicles with manual transaxlePlace the gearshift lever into the “R” (Reverse) position when
parking on a downhill slope, into the 1st position when parking
on an uphill slope.For vehicles with continuously variable transmission
(CVT) or Twin Clutch SSTBe sure that the parking brake is firmly set when parked and
that the selector lever (CVT) or gearshift lever (Twin Clutch
SST) is in the “P” (PARK) position.
When parking on a hill, it is important to set the parking brake
before moving the selector lever (CVT) or gearshift lever
(Twin Clutch SST) to the “P” (PARK) position. This prevents
loading the parking brake against the transaxle gear. When this
happens, it is difficult to move the selector lever (CVT) or
gearshift lever (Twin Clutch SST) out of the “P” (PARK) posi-
tion.Parking with the engine runningNever leave the engine running while you take a short
sleep/rest. Also, never leave the engine running in a closed or
poorly ventilated place.
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