2012 MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER fuel

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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4
Driving safety
Driving precaution . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4- 2
Fuel economy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4- 2
Driving, alcohol and drugs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4- 3
Floor mat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4- 3
Vehicle preparation before driving. . . . . . . . . . . . .4- 5
Safe driving techniques . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4- 6
Driving during cold weather . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4- 6
Braking. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4- 7
Parking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4- 8
Loading information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4- 9
Cargo loads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4- 13
Trailer towing. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4- 17
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4-2 Driving safety
4Driving precaution
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Utility vehicles have higher ground clearance and a narrower
track, which enables them to perform in a wide variety of off-
road situations. Because of the higher ground clearance, these
vehicles have a higher center of gravity, which makes them
handle differently than ordinary vehicles when driving on
pavement. They are not designed to maneuver or corner at the
same speed on pavement as conventional 2-wheel drive pas-
senger cars any more than low-slung sports cars are designed
to perform satisfactorily in off-road conditions.
Always drive safely and steer the vehicle carefully. Avoid oper-
ating the vehicle in a manner that might require sharp turns or
abrupt maneuvers. As with other vehicles of this type, failure
to operate this vehicle correctly can result in loss of control or
vehicle rollover.
In a rollover crash, an unbelted person is significantly more
likely to die than a person wearing a seat belt. Before starting
the vehicle, always make certain that you and all your passen-
gers are properly wearing their seat belts (with children in the
rear seat, in appropriate restraints).
Fuel economy
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Fuel economy is dependent on many factors. Your personal
driving habits can have a significant effect on your fuel use.
Several recommendations for achieving the greatest fuel econ-
omy are listed below.

Whenever accelerating from a stop, always accelerate
slowly and smoothly.

When parked for even a short period, do not idle the
engine. Shut it off.

Plan your trips to avoid unnecessary stops.

Keep your tires inflated to the recommended pressures.

When you drive on highways or dry improved roads, set
the drive mode-selector “2WD”, “4WD AUTO” or “TAR-
MAC” position (if so equipped).

For freeway driving, maintain a speed of approximately
50 mph (80 km/h) when traffic, roadway and weather con-
ditions safely permit.

Keep your air filter clean and your vehicle lubricated
according to the recommendations in this manual.

Always keep your vehicle well maintained. A poorly
maintained engine wastes fuel and costs money.

Never overload your vehicle.
WA R N I N G
!
Utility vehicles have a significantly higher rollover
rate than other types of vehicles. Avoid abrupt
maneuvers and excessive speed. Always buckle up.
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Driving safety
4-5
4 Vehicle preparation before driving
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For a safer and more enjoyable trip, always check for the fol-
lowing:Seat belts and seats
Before starting the vehicle, make certain that you and all
passengers are seated and wearing their seat belts properly
(with children in the rear seat, in appropriate restraints),
and that all the doors and flap-fold tailgate are locked.

Move the driver’s seat as far backward as possible, while
still keeping good visibility, and good control of the steer-
ing wheel, brakes, accelerator, and controls. Check the
instrument panel indicators and multi-information display
for any possible problem.

In the same way, the front passenger seat should also be
moved as far back as possible.

Make sure that infants and small children are properly
restrained in accordance with all laws and regulations.
DefrostersCheck these by selecting the defroster mode, and set the blower
switch on high. You should be able to feel the air blowing
against the windshield.
Refer to “Defrosting or defogging (windshield, door win-
dows)” on page 5-14, 5-23, 5-33, 5-43.TiresCheck all the tires for heavy tread wear or uneven wear pat-
terns. Look for stones, nails, glass, or other objects stuck in the
tread. Look for any tread cuts or sidewall cracks. Check the
wheel nuts for tightness, and the tires (including spare tire) for
proper pressure. Replace your tires before they are heavily
worn out.
As your vehicle is equipped with a tire pressure monitoring
system, there is a risk of damage to the tire inflation pressure
sensors when the tire is replaced on the rim. Tire replacement
should, therefore, be performed only by an authorized Mitsub-
ishi Motors dealer.LightsHave someone watch while you turn all the exterior lights on
and off. Also check the turn signal indicators and high-beam
indicators on the instrument panel.Fluid leaksCheck the ground under the vehicle after parking overnight, for
fuel, water, oil, or other leaks. Make sure all the fluid levels are
correct. Also, if you can smell fuel, you need to find out why
immediately and have it fixed.
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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
4-9
4 Loading information
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It is very important to know how much weight your vehicle can
carry. This weight is called the vehicle capacity weight and
includes the weight of all occupants, cargo (including the roof
load), non-factory-installed options, and the tongue weight of
the trailer, if any, being towed. The tire and loading informa-
tion placard located on the driver’s door sill of your vehicle
will show how much weight it may properly carry.
It is important to familiarize yourself with the following terms
before loading your vehicle:

Vehicle maximum load on the tire: load on an individual
tire that is determined by distributing to each axle its share
of the maximum loaded vehicle weight and dividing by
two.

Vehicle normal load on the tire: load on an individual tire
that is determined by distributing to each axle its share of
the curb weight, accessory weight, and normal occupant
weight and dividing by two.

Maximum loaded vehicle weight: the sum of -
(a) Curb weight;
(b) Accessory weight;
(c) Vehicle capacity weight; and
(d) Production options weight.
Curb weight: the weight of a motor vehicle with standard
equipment including the maximum capacity of fuel, oil,
and coolant.

Accessory weight: the combined weight (in excess of
those standard items which may be replaced) of automatic
transmission, power steering, power brakes, power win-
dows, power seats, radio, and heater, to the extent that
these items are available as factory- installed equipment
(whether installed or not).

Vehicle capacity weight: the rated cargo and luggage load
plus 150 lbs (68 kg) * times the vehicle’s designated seat-
ing capacity.

Production options weight: the combined weight of those
installed regular production options weighing over 5 lbs
(2.3 kg) in excess of those standard items which they
replace, not previously considered in curb weight or
accessory weight, including heavy duty brakes, ride level-
ers, roof rack, heavy duty battery, and special trim.

Normal occupant weight: 150 lbs (68 kg) * times the num-
ber of specified occupants (3 in the case of your vehicle)

Occupant distribution: Occupant distribution within the
passenger compartment (In your vehicle the distribution is
2 in front, 1 in second row seat)
WA R N I N G
!
Never overload your vehicle. Overloading can dam-
age your vehicle, adversely affect vehicle perfor-
mance, including handling and braking, cause tire
failure, and result in an accident.
*: 150 lbs (68 kg) is the weight of one person as defined by
U.S.A. and Canadian regulations.
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Driving safety
4-17
4 Trailer towing
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Towing a trailer will adversely affect your vehicle’s handling,
performance, braking, durability and driving economy (fuel
consumption, etc.).
If you do tow a trailer with this vehicle, be sure to use proper
equipment and cautious steering and braking for safe driving.
Weight limitsNever exceed the vehicle capacity weight, maximum trailer
weight (A), maximum tongue weight (B) and Gross Axle
Weight Rating (GAWR).Vehicle capacity weightThe vehicle capacity weight is printed on the tire and loading
information placard as “combined weight of occupants and
cargo”.
The weight includes the weight of all occupants and the total
weight it can carry.
For more information, refer to “Tire and loading information
placard” on page 4-10.
CAUTION
!
Do not lose control of your vehicle when towing a
trailer.
• Always use proper equipment.
• Always drive carefully

Damage to your vehicle caused by improper equip-
ment or driving is not covered by your warranty.
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7-2 Vehicle care and maintenance
7Service precautions
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Taking regular care of your vehicle will preserve its value and
appearance as long as possible.
You can do some of the maintenance work yourself, and the
rest should only be performed by an authorized Mitsubishi
Motors dealer or a repair facility of your choice.
If you discover a malfunction or other problem, have it cor-
rected by an authorized Mitsubishi Motors dealer or a repair
facility of your choice.
This section describes the maintenance inspections that you
can do yourself, if you so desire. Follow the instructions and
precautions for each procedure.
Have you purchased the Mitsubishi Motors Diamond Care Pro-
tection Plan? The Plan supplements your new vehicle warran-
ties. See your authorized Mitsubishi Motors dealer for details.
WA R N I N G
!
When checking or servicing the inside of the engine
compartment, be sure the engine is stopped and has
had a chance to cool down.
If you need to work in the engine compartment with
the engine running, be especially careful that your
clothing, hair, etc. does not get caught in the fan,
drive belts, or other moving parts.
The fan can turn on automatically even if the engine
is not running. Turn the ignition switch to the
“LOCK” position to be safe while you work in the
engine compartment.
Do not smoke or allow open flames around fuel or
the battery. The fumes are flammable.

Be extremely careful when working around the bat-
tery. It contains poisonous and corrosive sulfuric
acid.
Do not get under your vehicle while it is on a jack.
Always use properly rated automotive jack stands.
Handling your vehicle’s parts and materials in the
wrong way can injure you. Ask an authorized Mit-
subishi Motors dealer or a repair facility of your
choice if you have questions.
WA R N I N G
!
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