Page 519 of 610
7-10 Vehicle care and maintenance
7
To replace the oil filterThe oil filter should be replaced at the time or mileage speci-
fied in the “WARRANTY AND MAINTENANCE MAN-
UAL”.
Only use high quality replacement filters on this vehicle. The
manufacturer’s specifications for Genuine Mitsubishi oil filters
require that the filter can withstand a pressure of 256 psi (1.8
MPa). A Genuine Mitsubishi oil filter is the best replacement
filter.
Follow the installation instructions printed on the filter.
Engine coolant
N00937800470
To check the coolant levelThe engine coolant reserve tank (A) lets you quickly see when
you need to add coolant. When the engine is cold, the level of
the coolant in the reserve tank should be between the FULL
and LOW marks. The radiator usually stays full so there is no
reason to remove the radiator cap (B) except when you check
the coolant freeze point or replace the antifreeze coolant.
FULL
LOW
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Vehicle care and maintenance
7-11
7
To add coolantMitsubishi Genuine Coolant provides excellent protection
against corrosion and rust formation on all metals, including
aluminum, and prevents clogs in some parts of the engine.
If you need to add coolant often, or if the level in the reserve
tank does not drop when the engine cools, the cooling system
should be pressure-tested for leaks. Take your vehicle to an
authorized Mitsubishi Motors dealer or a repair facility of your
choice for testing.
Radiator capThe radiator cap must be tight sealed to prevent losing coolant,
which may result in engine damage. Only use a Genuine Mit-
subishi Parts radiator cap, or an approved equivalent.Points to rememberDo not overfill the reserve tank.
Your vehicle uses a special radiator cap that stays sealed
and lets the coolant flow from the reserve tank back to the
radiator when the engine cools down. If you need to
change the cap, use the exact same kind.
Check the coolant freeze point in the radiator with the
proper gauge, and only when it is safe. If you add anti-
freeze, the contents of the reserve tank must be protected
against freezing.
Keep the front of the radiator and condenser clean.
Use “Dia Queen Super Long Life Coolant Premium” or equiva-
lent*.
*: similar high quality ethylene glycol based non-silicate, non-
amine, non-nitrate and non-borate coolant with long life
hybrid organic acid technology
CAUTION
!Do not use alcohol or methanol antifreeze or any
engine coolants that contain them. Using the wrong
antifreeze can corrode aluminum parts.The required concentration of anti-freeze differs
depending on the expected ambient temperature.
Above -31 °F (-35 °C) : 50 % concentration of anti-
freeze
Below -31 °F (-35 °C) : 60 % concentration of anti-
freeze
You can check the concentration level with a gauge
from an automotive supply store, or your authorized
Mitsubishi Motors dealer or service station can
check it for you.
Do not use water to adjust the concentration of cool-
ant.Do not top off the tank with plain water only. Water
by itself boils at a lower temperature and does not
stop rust or freezing. If the water freezes, it will
damage your cooling system. Do not use tapwater. It
can cause corrosion and rust.
WA R N I N G
!Wait for the engine to cool down before opening the
radiator cap. Otherwise hot steam or boiling coolant
could spray up from the radiator and scald you.
CAUTION
!
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7-12 Vehicle care and maintenance
7
If the engine coolant temperature does not rise after the
engine is warmed-up, take your vehicle to an authorized
Mitsubishi Motors dealer or a repair facility of your
choice to have the thermostat checked, and replaced if
necessary.
Air cleaner filter
N00937900383
The air cleaner filter will get dirty and dusty from use and not
filter properly. Replace it with a new filter using the schedule
in the “WARRANTY AND MAINTENANCE MANUAL”.
1. Remove the upper cover and duct. For details, refer to
“Removing and installing the upper cover and duct” on
page 7-18.
2. While holding down the tab (A), pull out the connector
(B).
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7-16 Vehicle care and maintenance
7Wa s h e r f l u i d
N00938600299
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.
Brake fluid/Clutch fluid
(if so equipped)
N00938700245
The brake fluid and the clutch fluid share the reservoir tank.To check the fluid levelThe fluid level must be between the “MAX” and “MIN” marks
on the reservoir.
The fluid level falls slightly with wear of the brake pads, but
this does not indicate any abnormality.
The fluid in the master cylinder should be checked when doing
other work under the engine hood. The brake system should
also be checked for leaks at the same time.
If the fluid level falls markedly in a short length of time, it indi-
cates leaks from the brake system.
If this occurs, have the vehicle checked by an authorized Mit-
subishi Motors dealer or a repair facility of your choice.
FULL
EMPTY
MAX
MIN
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7-32 Vehicle care and maintenance
7
Snow tires
N00940000320
In some areas of the country, snow tires are required for winter
driving. If snow tires are required in your area, you must
choose snow tires of the same size and type as the original tires
provided with your vehicle. Snow tires should also be installed
on all four wheels. Otherwise your safety and vehicle handling
can be reduced.
Even where laws may permit it, snow tires should not be oper-
ated at sustained speeds over 75 mph (120 km/h).Tire chains
N00940100116
Clutch pedal free play
(if so equipped)
N00940200074
To check the clutch pedal free play (A), turn off the engine and
press the pedal until you feel resistance.
Clutch pedal free play:
.2 to .4 inch (4 to 9 mm)
CAUTION
!Only Mitsubishi Motors Authorized wheels should
be used, because your vehicle is equipped with a tire
pressure monitoring system.
Use of another type of wheel risks air leaks and sen-
sor damage, as it will not be possible to install the
tire pressure sensor properly.
CAUTION
!Tire chains cannot be used on your vehicle. The
clearance between the chains and the body is not
sufficient to allow proper clearance, and the vehicle
body might be damaged.
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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
N00940400210
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.NOTETo 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
N00940900228
Spark plugs must fire properly for good engine performance
and emission-control.
Do not reuse them by cleaning or regapping. Change them at
the mileage listed in the “WARRANTY AND MAINTE-
NANCE MANUAL”. NOTEUse the spark plugs listed under “Engine specifications”
on page 9-7 or plugs that are exactly the same. Other
plugs could cause engine damage, performance problems
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.
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7-36 Vehicle care and maintenance
7
Fuel system (tank, pipe line and connection, and
fuel tank filler cap)
N00941300173
Check these regularly for damage or leaks in the fuel lines and
connections. Check the fuel tank filler cap for damage or loose-
ness. Pay special attention to the fuel lines closest to high heat
sources such as the exhaust manifold.
Evaporative emission control system (except
evaporative emission canister)
N00941400187
If the fuel-vapor vent line is clogged or damaged, the fuel-
vapor mixture will escape, polluting the air.
Have the system checked at an authorized Mitsubishi Motors
dealer at the mileage specified in the “WARRANTY AND
MAINTENANCE MANUAL”.
WA R N I N G
!If you see a fuel leak or if you smell fuel, do not run
the engine. Any spark (including from the ignition),
flame or smoking material could cause an explosion
or fire. Call an authorized Mitsubishi Motors dealer
or a repair facility of your choice for assistance.
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