2012 MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER check engine

7-16 Vehicle care and maintenance
7
5. For 2.4 L models, put the duct back on in its original posi-
tion.
Automatic transaxle fluid
(if so equipped)
N00938000525
The automatic transaxle should be maintained and serviced by
an authorized Mitsubishi Motors dealer or a repair facility of
your choice to obtain the best performance and longest life. It
is important that the transaxle fluid is kept at the correct level.To check the fluid levelThe fluid level should be checked when the bar graph for the
engine coolant temperature display on the multi-information
display shows the engine is warmed up and the fluid in the
transaxle is heated to its normal working temperature. Driving
with the wrong fluid level will rapidly wear out the transaxle
and destroy the fluid.
CAUTION
!
Take care not to scratch the engine air flow sensor
when removing the air cleaner cover.3.0 L modelsBK0138000US.book 16 ページ ２０１１年４月１３日　水曜日　午前１１時１７分

Vehicle care and maintenance
7-17
7
Procedure for checking the fluid level1. With the brake pedal fully depressed and the engine
idling, select each gear momentarily, ending with the
selector lever in the “P” (PARK) position.
2. The fluid level should be at the HOT mark, but never
above the HOT mark when the engine is warmed up. Add
or drain fluid to get to the correct level.
3. Make certain that the dipstick cap is installed properly to
keep dirt and water out of the transaxle.
Fluid typeUse only “DiaQueen ATF-J3” transaxle fluid to ensure opti-
mum transaxle performance.Special additivesMitsubishi Motors Corporation does not recommend the addi-
tion of any fluid additives to the transaxle.
WA R N I N G
!
Transaxle fluid is extremely flammable and poison-
ous. Do not spill fluid when adding or draining.
Good (Hot)
CAUTION
!
Using the improper transaxle fluid may damage the
transaxle.
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Vehicle care and maintenance
7-19
7 Rear axle oil (All-wheel drive models)
N00915200197
Whenever the oil level is checked, add oil as necessary to
maintain the proper level.
Fill or change oil according to the table.Fluid type
Wa s h e r f l u i d
N00938600228
The windshield and rear window washer fluid reservoir is in
the engine compartment.
Check the washer fluid level at regular intervals and add
washer fluid to reservoir if necessary.
Open the reservoir cap and check the fluid level with the dip-
stick.
When freezing weather is anticipated, flush out the water in the
reservoir by operating the pump. Fill the reservoir with wind-
shield antifreeze (not radiator antifreeze), and operate the sys-
tem for a few seconds to flush out the residual water.
Lubricant Hypoid gear oil API classification GL-5
Viscosity range SAE 80
FULLEMPTY
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Vehicle care and maintenance
7-21
7 Power steering fluid
N00939000261
To check the fluid levelCheck the fluid level in the reservoir while the engine is idling.
Check to make certain that the power steering fluid level is
always between the “MAX” and “MIN” level markings on the
fluid reservoir and refill the fluid, if necessary.Fluid type
Battery
N00939100839
The condition of the battery is very important for quick starting
and to keep the vehicle’s electrical system working properly.
Check the battery regularly.
To see the charge of only one cell, check the indicator (A) on
top of the battery. If the indicator is blue when looking from
above, that cell is okay suggesting the battery is okay. This is
not conclusive and if battery performance is suspect, have the
battery and charging system tested by an authorized Mitsubishi
Motors dealer or a repair facility of your choice. If it is white,
that cell is low on charge and the battery may only need charg-
ing.
Lubricant Genuine Mitsubishi Power Steering Fluid
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7-22 Vehicle care and maintenance
7
NOTE
After replacing the battery, the electronic control system
data for the automatic transaxle, etc., will be erased.
As a result, shifting may be rough.
Shifting will become smoother after several changes in
speed.Checking battery electrolyte levelThe electrolyte level must be between the limits shown on the
outside of the battery. Fill it with distilled water as needed. The
inside of the battery is divided into several compartments. Take
the cap off of each compartment and fill to the mark.
Do not fill above the top line because a spill during driving
could cause damage.During cold weatherThe battery is weaker in cold temperatures. This has to do with
its chemical and physical properties and is why a very cold bat-
tery, especially one with a low charge, will have a hard time
starting your vehicle.
It is recommended that you have your battery and charging sys-
tem checked by an authorized Mitsubishi Motors dealer or a
repair facility of your choice before the start of cold weather. If
necessary, have it charged. This will guarantee more reliable
starting, and longer battery life.
Disconnection and connectionTo disconnect the battery cable, stop the engine. Disconnect the
negative (-) terminal first, then the positive (+) terminal. To
reconnect the battery, first connect the positive (+) terminal and
then the negative (-) terminal, before starting the vehicle.NOTE
Open the terminal cover (A) before disconnecting or con-
necting the positive (+) terminal of the battery.

Loosen the nut (B) and then disconnect the battery cable
from the positive (+) terminal.
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Vehicle care and maintenance
7-23
7
NOTE
Check each battery terminal for corrosion. You can stop
more corrosion by washing with a solution of baking soda
and water. Grease the posts and clamps after cleaning or
tightening them.

Check to see that the battery is securely installed and can-
not be moved. Also check each terminal for tightness.

If you will not be driving your vehicle for a long period of
time, remove the battery and store it in a place where the
battery fluid will not freeze. The battery only should be
stored with a full charge.

Before cleaning the battery, tighten all the filler port caps
to keep dirt and moisture out.
WA R N I N G
!
Never disconnect the battery while the engine is run-
ning, or you could damage the vehicle’s electrical
parts.
Never short-circuit the battery. This could cause it
to overheat and be damaged.
Keep sparks, cigarettes, and flames away from the
battery because the battery could explode.
Electrolyte (battery acid) is made of corrosive
diluted sulfuric acid. If it spills on nearby parts, it
can crack, stain, or discolor them. And if it gets on
your skin or in your eyes, it can cause burns or
blindness. Please observe the following handling
instructions:
• If electrolyte gets on plastic parts or other nearby
parts, wipe it off with a soft cloth or chamois
soaked in a solution of water and neutral detergent
then immediately rinse the affected parts with
plenty of water.
• If electrolyte gets on your hands or clothes, rinse
thoroughly with water. If electrolyte gets in your
eyes, flush them with water immediately and get
immediate medical attention.

Open doors and windows in any closed space where
you may be charging or working with the battery.
Always wear protective clothing and goggles when
working with the battery, or have a skilled automo-
bile technician do it.
If you are quick-charging your battery, first discon-
nect the battery cables.

In order to prevent a short-circuit, be sure to discon-
nect the negative (-) terminal first, and reconnect it
last.
If the electrolyte level is very low, have the battery
checked at an authorized Mitsubishi Motors dealer
or a repair facility of your choice.
Battery posts, terminals and related accessories con-
tain lead and lead compounds. Wash hands after
handling.
WA R N I N G
!
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Vehicle care and maintenance
7-33
7 Brake pedal free play
N00940300293
To check the brake pedal free play (A), turn off the engine and
press the brake pedal several times with your foot. Then press
the pedal down with your fingers until you first feel resistance.
Brake pedal free play:
.1 to .3 inch (3 to 8 mm)
If the free play is not within these limits, take your vehicle to
an authorized Mitsubishi Motors dealer or a repair facility of
your choice for adjustment.
Parking brake
N00940400164
Parking brake lever strokeCheck the parking brake lever travel occasionally. To check
this, pull the lever up slowly and count the number of clicks of
the ratchet. You should feel the parking brake grab between 3
to 5 notches (clicks).
Also check to see if the lever stays gripped by the ratchet after
pulling.
WA R N I N G
!
Continued operation of the vehicle with the parking
brake lever out of adjustment may result in the vehi-
cle moving when unattended.
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Vehicle care and maintenance
7-35
7 Emission-control system maintenance
N00940800328
Your vehicle is equipped with an emission-control system that
meets all the requirements of the U.S. Environmental Protec-
tion Agency and Environment Canada. The emission-control
system is made of:

a positive crankcase ventilation system

an evaporative emission-control system

an exhaust emission-control system
To be sure the emission-control system works properly, have
your vehicle inspected and maintained by an authorized Mit-
subishi Motors dealer or a repair facility of your choice. This
should be done at the time or mileage specified in the “WAR-
RANTY AND MAINTENANCE MANUAL”.
These, and all the other “general” maintenance services listed
in this manual, need to be performed to keep your vehicle run-
ning properly and reliably.
You should also have an inspection and service any time you
suspect a malfunction.NOTE
To meet government regulations and promote cleaner air,
your vehicle is equipped with an onboard diagnostic sys-
tem (OBD). The engine electronic control module that
controls OBD functions stores various data (especially
about the exhaust emissions). This data will be erased if
the battery cable is disconnected, which could make a
rapid diagnosis difficult. Do not disconnect the battery
cable when the engine malfunction indicator (“SERVICE
ENGINE SOON” or “Check engine light”) is ON.
Spark plugs
N00940900231
Spark plugs must fire properly to ensure proper engine perfor-
mance and emission-control.
Do not reuse spark plugs by cleaning or regapping. Spark plugs
should be replaced at the mileage specified in the “WAR-
RANTY AND MAINTENANCE MANUAL”.NOTE
Use the recommended or equivalent spark plugs listed
under “Engine specifications” on page 9-9. Use of other
plugs could cause engine damage, loss of performance or
radio noise.Fuel hoses
N00941000040
Check the hose surfaces for any heat and mechanical damage,
hard and brittle rubber, cracking, tears, cuts and abrasions. Pay
special attention to the hoses closest to high heat sources such
as the exhaust manifold. Check all the hose connections, such
as clamps and couplings, to make sure they are secure and that
there are no leaks. If you see any wear or damage, replace the
hoses immediately.Intake valve clearance
N00950100050
Have the valve clearance checked at an authorized Mitsubishi
Motors dealer at the mileage specified in the “WARRANTY
AND MAINTENANCE MANUAL”.
If the engine sounds abnormally loud, have adjustments made
by an authorized Mitsubishi Motors dealer.
BK0138000US.book 35 ページ ２０１１年４月１３日　水曜日　午前１１時１７分