2012 MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER check engine light

Features and controls
3-211
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
automatic transaxle control system/continuously variable trans-
mission (CVT) control system. If a problem is detected in one
of these systems, this indicator comes on. When the ignition
switch is turned to the “ON” position, this indicator normally
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.
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
switch is turned to the “ON” position, have the sys-
tem checked at an authorized Mitsubishi Motors
dealer or a repair facility of your choice.
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3-212 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 an automatic transaxle or
CVT 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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3-214 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
warning is displayed on the information screen in the multi-
information display. The warning light in the instrument cluster
also illuminates.

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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3-216 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.
The combinations of switch operations and illuminated lights
differ in accordance with the following conditions.
Except for vehicles equipped with daytime running 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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3-218 Features and controls
3
Vehicles equipped with daytime running lights
[When the engine is started, and the parking brake is released]
The daytime running lights will be illuminated:NOTE
Once the daytime running light come on, they do not go
out until the ignition switch is turned to the “LOCK” or
“ACC” position.
[When the engine is not running, or when the engine is running
but the parking brake is not released]
The engine starts when the lights are off.
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.
On vehicles equipped with Mitsubishi Multi-Communica-
tion System, screen operations can be used to make the
adjustment.
Refer to the separate owner’s manual for details.

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. Have the
system checked by an authorized Mitsubishi Motors
dealer or a repair facility of your choice.
OFF The daytime running lights illuminated
AUTOThe daytime running lights illuminated
Headlights and other lights turn on and off automati-
cally in accordance with outside light level.
The daytime running lights illuminated
Parking, tail, front and rear side-marker lights, license
plate and instrument panel lights on
Headlights and other lights on
OFF All lights off
AUTOHeadlights and other lights turn on and off automati-
cally in accordance with outside light level.
Parking, tail, front and rear side-marker lights, license
plate and instrument panel lights on
Headlights and other lights on
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3-272 Features and controls
3
Ty p e 2Accessories can be operated in all ignition switch positions.
Interior lights
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NOTE
Be aware that leaving the light illuminated with the engine
off may run the battery down.
Never leave the vehicle without checking that the light is
off.
Floor console box
Cargo room light
→P. 3 - 2 7 5Dome light (rear)
→P. 3 - 2 7 4Dome light (front)
/Reading lights
→P. 3 - 2 7 3
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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. At the same time, check the terminals
and wiring. 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. 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 lubrication
points.
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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Driving safety
4-7
4

Check the engine antifreeze.
If there is not enough coolant because of a leak or from
engine overheating, add Dia Queen Super Long Life
Coolant Premium or equivalent.
Please read this section in conjunction with the “Engine
coolant” on page 7-12.
Braking
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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 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
downshifting while driving on steep downhill roads in order to
prevent the brakes from overheating.
WA R N I N G
!
Never open the radiator cap when the radiator is
hot. You could be seriously burned.
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