2012 MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER service

Quick index
1
If this warning light comes on or flashes while you’re driving...
N00200701064
NOTE
For information regarding warning displays in the multi-information display, refer to “Multi-information display” on page 3-
165.

These warning lights will come on for a few seconds for a bulb check when the ignition switch is first turned to “ON”.
Warning lights
Do this
Ref. Page
Charging system warning light
Park your vehicle in a safe place and stop the engine.
Contact your Mitsubishi Motors dealer or a repair facility of your choice for
assistance.P. 3-212
or
Brake warning light
If this light comes on while driving, check to see that the parking brake is
fully released.

If this light stays on after releasing the parking brake, immediately stop and
check the brake fluid level.

If the brake fluid level is correct, there may be a system malfunction. Avoid
hard braking and high speed, and contact an authorized Mitsubishi Motors
dealer or a repair facility of your choice for assistance.P. 3-210
or
Engine malfunction indicator
(“SERVICE ENGINE SOON” or
“Check engine light”)
Although your vehicle will usually be drivable and not need towing, have the
engine system checked at an authorized Mitsubishi Motors dealer or a repair
facility of your choice as soon as possible. If the vehicle is not drivable, con-
tact emergency roadside assistance at 1-888-648-7820 (for vehicles sold in
U.S.A.) or 1-888-576-4878 (for vehicles sold in Canada), an authorized Mit-
subishi Motors dealer, or local towing company for assistance.P. 3-211
BK0138000US.book 1 ページ ２０１１年４月１３日　水曜日　午前１１時１７分

1-2 General information
1Fuel selection
N00301000837
Your vehicle is designed to use unleaded gasoline only. It is
equipped with a fuel tank filler pipe especially designed to
accept only a small diameter unleaded gasoline dispensing noz-
zle.Gasoline detergent additivesIn the United States, fuel suppliers are required by law to add
detergents to their gasoline to minimize fuel-injector fouling
and minimize intake-valve deposits. Detergent gasoline helps
keep your engine in tune and your emission-control system
working properly.
Octane requirement2.4 liter engine modelYour vehicle is designed to operate on unleaded gasoline hav-
ing a minimum octane number of 87 [(MON+RON)/2] or 91
RON.3.0 liter engine modelUnleaded gasoline having an octane number of 87
[(MON+RON)/2] or 91 RON may be used, though it recom-
mended your vehicle be operated on premium grade unleaded
gasoline having a minimum octane number of 91
[(MON+RON)/2], or 95 RON.
To get maximum performance, premium gasoline is recom-
mended. Oxygenated gasolineGasoline sold at some service stations contains oxygenates
such as ethanol and MTBE, although the oxygenates may not
be identified by those names. Oxygenates are required in some
areas of the country. Such fuel can be used in your vehicle.Ethanol (Gasohol)A mixture of up to 10 % ethanol (grain alcohol) and 90 %
unleaded gasoline may be used in your vehicle, provided the
octane number is at least as high as that recommended for
unleaded gasoline.MethanolDo not operate your vehicle on gasoline containing methanol
(wood alcohol). Using this type of alcohol could adversely
affect the vehicle’s performance and damage critical parts of
the vehicle’s fuel system.
WA R N I N G
!
Gasoline is highly flammable and explosive. You
could be burned, seriously injured or killed when
handling it. Whenever you refuel your vehicle, stop
the engine and keep flames, sparks, and smoking
materials away from the vehicle. Always handle fuel
in well-ventilated outdoor areas.
CAUTION
!
Using leaded gasoline in your vehicle will damage
the engine, catalytic converter, and the oxygen sen-
sors. Also, using leaded gasoline is illegal, and will
void your warranty coverage of the engine, catalytic
converter, and oxygen sensors.
BK0138000US.book 2 ページ ２０１１年４月１３日　水曜日　午前１１時１７分

General information
1-3
1
Reformulated gasolineMany areas of the country require the use of cleaner burning
fuel referred to as “Reformulated Gasoline”.
Reformulated gasoline contains oxygenates and is specially
blended to reduce vehicle emissions and improve air quality.
Mitsubishi Motors Corporation strongly supports the use of
reformulated gasoline. Properly blended reformulated gasoline
has no adverse effect on vehicle performance or the durability
of engine and fuel system.MMT (methylcyclopentadienyl manganese tri-
carbonyl)MMT is a manganese-containing metallic additive that is
blended into some gasolines to increase the octane number.
Mitsubishi Motors Corporation recommends using gasolines
without MMT.
Use of gasolines blended with MMT may adversely affect per-
formance, and cause the malfunction indicator on your instru-
ment panel to come on. If this happens, contact an authorized
Mitsubishi Motors dealer or a repair facility of your choice for
assistance.Sulfur in gasolineYour vehicle may have been designed to satisfy California’s
low-emission regulations based on clean-burning low-sulfur
gasoline. Gasoline sold in parts of the country other than Cali-
fornia is allowed to have a higher sulfur content. Using such
gasoline could adversely affect the vehicle’s catalytic converter
and cause the engine malfunction indicator (“SERVICE
ENGINE SOON” or “Check engine light”) to come on. Illumi-
nation of this indicator while you are using high-sulfur gaso-
line does not necessarily mean the vehicle’s emission-controlsystem is malfunctioning. Your authorized Mitsubishi Motors
dealer may suggest you try using a different, lower-sulfur
brand of unleaded gasoline to determine whether the problem
is fuel-related.
NOTE
Poor-quality gasoline can cause problems such as poor
starting, stalling during idling, abnormal engine noise, and
poor acceleration. If you experience any of these prob-
lems, try using a different brand of gasoline. If the engine
malfunction indicator (“SERVICE ENGINE SOON” or
“Check engine light”) flashes, have the vehicle inspected
as soon as possible by the nearest authorized Mitsubishi
Motors dealer or a repair facility of your choice.

Repeatedly driving short distances at low speeds can
cause deposits to form in the fuel system and engine,
resulting in poor starting and poor acceleration. If these
problems occur, you are advised to add a detergent addi-
tive to the gasoline when you refuel the vehicle. The addi-
tive will remove the deposits, thereby returning the engine
to a normal condition. Be sure to use a genuine Mitsubishi
cleaning additive. Using an unsuitable additive could
make the engine malfunction. For details, please contact
the nearest authorized Mitsubishi Motors dealer.
BK0138000US.book 3 ページ ２０１１年４月１３日　水曜日　午前１１時１７分

1-6 General information
1
NOTE
If the fuel tank filler cap is not tight while driving, the
engine malfunction indicator (“SERVICE ENGINE
SOON” or “Check engine light”) may come on when the
onboard diagnostic (OBD) system performs a self check.
Always tighten the fuel tank filler cap until you hear at
least 3 clicks.
The indicator will go off after driving several times. If the
indicator does not go off, contact your authorized Mitsub-
ishi Motors dealer or a repair facility of your choice as
soon as possible.
Modifications to and racing of your vehicle
N00301600152
This vehicle should not be modified with non-Mitsubishi
Motors genuine parts. Mitsubishi Motors designs and manufac-
tures high quality vehicles with an emphasis on safety and
durability. Modifications using non-Mitsubishi Motors genuine
parts may affect the performance, safety and/or durability of
your vehicle, and may violate applicable state and/or federal
regulations.
DAMAGE OR PERFORMANCE PROBLEMS RESULTING
FROM MODIFICATIONS TO OR RACING OF YOUR
VEHICLE ARE NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY.
Examples of modifications to your vehicle that can cause dam-
age or performance problems include the following:

Failure to use Mitsubishi Motors genuine parts

Failure to use required fuel and fluids

Failure to use proper size tires and wheels

Modification of the fuel, intake, exhaust, emission, sus-
pension, engine, drive train or electrical wiring systems

Modification of any onboard computer/control module,
including reprogramming, or replacing/adding chips to
any onboard computer/control module
Review the Warranty and Maintenance Manual for further
details regarding warranty coverage.
CAUTION
!
If you need to replace the fuel tank filler cap, use
only the cap specified for your model vehicle.
BK0138000US.book 6 ページ ２０１１年４月１３日　水曜日　午前１１時１７分

2-84 Seat and restraint systems
2
SRS servicing
N00408500669
Head-on collision
Rear end collision to your vehicle
Pitch end over end
WA R N I N G
!
Any maintenance performed on or near the compo-
nents of the SRS should be performed only by an
authorized Mitsubishi Motors dealer. Do not permit
anyone else to do any service, inspection, mainte-
nance or repair on any SRS components or wiring.
Similarly, no part of the SRS should ever be han-
dled, removed or disposed by anyone except an
authorized Mitsubishi Motors dealer.
Improper work methods on the SRS components or
wiring could result in an accidental airbag deploy-
ment or could make the SRS inoperable. Either of
these situations could result in serious injury or
death.
Do not modify your steering wheel or any other SRS
component or related vehicle part. For example,
replacement of the steering wheel, or modifications
to the front bumper or body structure can adversely
affect SRS performance and may lead to injury.
If your vehicle has received any damage, you should
have the SRS inspected by an authorized Mitsubishi
Motors dealer to make sure it is in proper working
order.
BK0138000US.book 84 ページ ２０１１年４月１３日　水曜日　午前１１時１７分

Seat and restraint systems
2-85
2
NOTE
When you transfer ownership of the vehicle to another
person, we urge you to alert the new owner that it is
equipped with the SRS and refer that owner to the applica-
ble sections in this owner’s manual.

If you decide to junk or scrap your vehicle, we urge you to
first take it to an authorized Mitsubishi Motors dealer so
that the SRS can be made safe for disposal.

If any of the following parts needs to be modified for use
by a handicapped person, the advanced airbag system will
be greatly affected. Please consult an authorized Mitsub-
ishi Motors dealer.
• Driver’s seat
• Front passenger seat
• Front seat belt
• Steering wheel
• Instrument panel
Do not modify your front seats, center pillar or cen-
ter console. Such modifications can adversely affect
SRS performance and may lead to injury.
Also, if you discover any tear or open seam in the
seat fabric near the side airbag, have the seat
inspected by an authorized Mitsubishi Motors
dealer.
If you have found any scratch, crack or damage to
the portion of the front and rear pillars and roof side
rail, you should have the SRS inspected by an autho-
rized Mitsubishi Motors dealer.
WA R N I N G
!
[For vehicles sold in U.S.A.]
To contact Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc.
call 1-888-648-7820 or write to:
Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc.
Customer Relations Department
P.O. Box 6400
Cypress, CA 90630-0064
[For vehicles sold in Canada]
To contact Mitsubishi Motor Sales of Canada, Inc.
call 1-888-576-4878 or write to:
Mitsubishi Motor Sales of Canada, Inc.
Customer Relations Department
P.O. Box 41009
4141 Dixie Road
Mississauga, ON L4W 5C9
[For vehicles sold in Puerto Rico]
To contact Mitsubishi Motor Sales of Caribbean, Inc.
call 1-787-251-8715 or write to:
Mitsubishi Motor Sales of Caribbean, Inc.
Customer Service Department
P.O. Box 192216
SAN JUAN PR 00919-2216
BK0138000US.book 85 ページ ２０１１年４月１３日　水曜日　午前１１時１７分

3
Features and controls
Break-in recommendations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3- 2
Keys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3- 2
Electronic immobilizer (Anti-theft starting system) . . . . . . . . . . . . .3- 5
Keyless entry system (if so equipped) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3- 9
Free-hand Advanced Security Transmitter (F.A.S.T.-key)
(if so equipped) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3- 16
Door locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3- 53
Power door locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3- 57
Child safety locks for rear door . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3- 59
Flap-fold tailgate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3- 60
Inside tailgate release. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3- 64
Theft-alarm system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3- 65
Power window control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3- 71
Sunroof (if so equipped) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3- 76
Parking brake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3- 80
Steering wheel tilt lock lever . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3- 81
Inside rearview mirror . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3- 82
Outside rearview mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3- 86
Ignition switch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3- 88
Steering wheel lock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3- 90
Starting the engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3- 91
Automatic transaxle (if so equipped). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3- 93
Continuously variable transmission (CVT) (if so equipped). . . . . . . 3- 104
Electronically controlled 4WD system (if so equipped) . . . . . . . . . . 3- 114
S-AWC (Super-All Wheel Control) (if so equipped) . . . . . . . . . . . . 3- 117
4-wheel drive operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3- 122
Inspection and maintenance following rough road operation . . . . . . 3- 126
Cautions on the handling of 4-wheel drive vehicles . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3- 126
Service brake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3- 128
Hill start assist (if so equipped) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3- 130
Brake assist system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3- 132
Anti-lock braking system. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3- 133
Power steering system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3- 137Active stability control (ASC) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3- 137
Cruise control (if so equipped) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3- 142
Tire pressure monitoring system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3- 150
Rear-view camera (if so equipped) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3- 156
Instrument cluster. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3- 161
Multi-information display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3- 165
Indicator light, warning light, and
information screen display list . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3- 197
Indicators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3- 210
Warning lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3- 210
Information screen display. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3- 213
Combination headlights and dimmer switch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3- 216
Headlight leveling switch (if so equipped) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3- 223
Turn signal lever . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3- 224
Hazard warning flasher switch. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3- 225
Front fog light switch (if so equipped) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3- 226
Wiper and washer switch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3- 227
Electric rear window defogger switch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3- 236
Horn switch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3- 237
Link System (if so equipped) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3- 237
Bluetooth® 2.0 interface (if so equipped) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3- 238
USB input terminal (if so equipped) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3- 263
Sun visors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3- 269
12 V power outlets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3- 270
Interior lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3- 272
Storage spaces . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3- 276
Cup holders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3- 283
Bottle holders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3- 285
Cargo area cover (if so equipped) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3- 287
Assist grips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3- 289
Coat hooks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3- 290
Luggage hooks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3- 290
BK0138000US.book 1 ページ ２０１１年４月１３日　水曜日　午前１１時１７分

Features and controls
3-103
3
Passing accelerationTo gain extra acceleration in “D” (DRIVE) position (when
passing another vehicle) push the accelerator to the floor. The
automatic transaxle will automatically downshift.NOTE
In sports mode, downshifts do not take place when the
accelerator is depressed all the way to the floor.WaitingFor short waiting periods, such as at traffic lights, the vehicle
can be left in gear and held stationary with the service brake.
For longer waiting periods with the engine running, place the
selector lever in the “N” (NEUTRAL) position and apply the
parking brake, while holding the vehicle stationary with the
service brake.
Prior to moving off after having stopped the vehicle, make sure
that the selector lever is in “D” (DRIVE) position or Sports
mode position.
ParkingTo park the vehicle, first bring it to a complete stop, fully
engage the parking brake, and then move the selector lever to
the “P” (PARK) position.When the automatic transaxle makes no gear changeIf the transaxle does not change gears while driving, or your
vehicle does not pick up enough speed when starting on an
uphill slope, it may be that there is something unusual happen-
ing in the transaxle, causing a safety device to activate. Have
your vehicle checked at an authorized Mitsubishi Motors
dealer or a repair facility of your choice as soon as possible.NOTE
When the warning display and “SLOW DOWN” or the
warning display and “SERVICE REQUIRED” appear
on the information screen in the multi-information dis-
play, there could be a malfunction in the automatic tran-
saxle. Refer to “Automatic transaxle: Warning display”
on page 3-98.
CAUTION
!
To avoid transaxle overheating, never try to keep
your vehicle stationary on a hill by using the acceler-
ator pedal. Always apply the parking brake and/or
service brake.
Do not rev the engine unnecessarily while the vehicle
is stationary. Unexpected acceleration may occur if
the selector lever is in a position other than “P”
(PARK) or “N” (NEUTRAL).
BK0138000US.book 103 ページ ２０１１年４月１３日　水曜日　午前１１時１７分