2012 MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER SPORT check engine light

Quick index
1
If this warning light comes on or flashes while you’re driving...
N00200701051
NOTE
For information regarding warning displays in the multi-information display, refer to “Multi-information display” on page 3-
132.

These warning lights will come on for a few seconds for a bulb check when the ignition switch is first turned to “ON” or the
operation mode is put in 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. 3-184
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. 3-182
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. 3-183
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2 Quick indexAnti-lock braking system warning
light
When this light comes on, the anti-lock braking system is not functioning and
only the ordinary braking system is functioning.

Park your vehicle in a safe place and stop the engine.
Test the system as described on page 3-100.

If the light does not go out after the test, or if it comes on again, we recom-
mend that you have the system checked at an authorized Mitsubishi Motors
dealer or a repair facility of your choice as soon as possible.P. 3-100
SRS warning light
It is not necessary to stop the vehicle immediately, but we recommend that
you have the airbag and the pre-tensioner seat belt system checked at an
authorized Mitsubishi Motors dealer as soon as possible.P. 2-52
Tire pressure monitoring system
warning light
If the warning light comes on, you should stop and adjust the tires to the
proper inflation pressure as soon as possible.
(See “Tire inflation pressures” on page 7-27.)
Once adjustments have been made, the warning light will go off after a few
minutes of driving.

If the warning light blinks for approximately 1 minute and then remains con-
tinuously illuminated, the system is not operating properly. If the system
returns to normal, the warning light will go off. If the warning light does not
go off, have the vehicle inspected at an authorized Mitsubishi Motors dealer.P. 3 - 1 1 7
Warning lights
Do this
Ref. Page
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4 Quick indexCannot shift the selector lever
from the “P” (PARK) position.
(for vehicles with continuously
variable transmission (CVT))Shift the selector lever while pressing the brake pedal.
Check that the ignition switch or the operation mode is in ON.P. 3 - 7 6
The windows are fogged up.
1. Set the mode selection dial to the “ ” or “ ” position.
2. Turn on the blower.P. 5-14, 5-23,
5-33, 5-43
The engine does not start.
The lights do not come on.
The lights are dim.
The horn does not honk.
The horn sound is weak.Have the battery checked. Recharge or replace as needed.P. 6 - 2 ,
P. 7 - 1 7
Problem
Do this
Ref. Page
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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.
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1-6 General information
1
5. To fill with fuel correctly depends mainly on correct han-
dling of the fuel filler nozzle. Do not tilt the nozzle. Insert
the nozzle in the fuel tank filler port as far as it goes.
6. When the nozzle stops automatically, do not try to add
more fuel.
7. To close, turn the fuel tank filler pipe cap slowly clock-
wise until you hear clicking sounds, then gently push the
fuel tank filler door closed.
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.
CAUTION
!
Your vehicle can only be operated using unleaded
gasoline. Serious engine and catalytic converter
damage will result if leaded gasoline is filled into
these vehicles, and consequently, this must never be
attempted.
CAUTION
!
To avoid fuel spillage and overfilling, do not “top-
off” the fuel tank. Spilled fuel could discolor, stain,
or crack the vehicle’s paintwork. If fuel spills on the
paintwork, wipe it off with a soft cloth.
WA R N I N G
!
Make sure the fuel tank filler cap is securely closed.
If the fuel cap were loose, fuel could leak, resulting
in a fire.
CAUTION
!
If you need to replace the fuel tank filler cap, use
only the cap specified for your model vehicle.
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Features and controls
3-85
3
Passing accelerationTo gain extra acceleration in “D” (DRIVE) position (when
passing another vehicle) push the accelerator to the floor. The
CVT 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 selector lever position 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 CVT makes no speed changeIf the CVT does not shift 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 happening in the trans-
mission, 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 CVT. Refer to
“Continuously variable transmission (CVT): Warning dis-
play” on page 3-80.

Do not rev the engine with the brake pedal pressed
when the vehicle is stationary.
This can damage the CVT.
Also, when you depress the accelerator pedal while
holding down the brake pedal with the selector lever
in the “D” (DRIVE) position, the engine revolutions
may not rise as high as when performing the same
operation with the selector lever in the “N” (NEU-
TRAL) position.
CAUTION
!
CAUTION
!
To avoid transmission 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).
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3-90 Features and controls
3

Note that the stopping distance required of the 4-wheel
drive vehicle differs very little from that of the front-
wheel drive vehicle. When driving on a snow-covered
road or a slippery, muddy surface, make sure that you
keep a sufficient distance between your vehicle and the
one ahead of you.

The driving posture should be more upright; adjust the
seat to a good position for easy steering and pedal opera-
tion. Be sure to wear the seat belt.

After driving on rough roads, check each part of the vehi-
cle and wash it thoroughly with water. Refer to the
“Inspection and maintenance following rough road opera-
tion” section and “Vehicle care and Maintenance” sec-
tions.Turning sharp cornersWhen turning a sharp corner in “4WD LOCK” or “LOCK”
position at low speed, a slight difference in steering may be
experienced similar to feeling as if the brakes were applied.
This is called tight corner braking and results from each of the
four tires being at a different distance from the corner. The phe-
nomenon is typical of 4-wheel drive vehicles. If this occurs,
either straighten out the steering wheel or change to another
mode.
On snowy or icy roadsSet the drive mode-selector to “4WD AUTO”, “4WD LOCK”
or “SNOW” in accordance with the road conditions, and then
gradually depress the accelerator pedal for a smooth start.NOTE
The use of snow tires is recommended.

Maintain a safe distance between vehicles, avoid sudden
braking, and use engine braking (downshifting).Driving on sandy or muddy roadsSet the drive mode-selector to “4WD LOCK” or “LOCK” and
then gradually depress the accelerator pedal for a smooth start.
Keep the pressure on the accelerator pedal as constant as possi-
ble, and drive at low speed.
CAUTION
!
Setting the drive mode-selector to “4WD LOCK” or
“LOCK” position to drive on dry paved road will
increase fuel consumption, with possible noise gen-
eration.
CAUTION
!
Avoid sudden braking, sudden acceleration and
sharp turning. Skidding occurs and control of the
vehicle could be lost.
CAUTION
!
Do not force the vehicle or drive recklessly on sandy
surfaces. In comparison with normal road surfaces,
the engine and other drive-system components are
put under excessive strain when driving on such a
surface. This could lead to accidents.
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3-92 Features and controls
3
Driving through water
N00537800098
If the electrical circuits become wet, further operation of the
vehicle will be impossible; therefore, avoid driving through
water unless absolutely necessary. If driving through water is
unavoidable, use the following procedure:
Check the depth of the water and the terrain before attempting
to drive through it. Drive slowly to avoid creating excessive
water splashing.
Inspection and maintenance following
rough road operation
N00530700098
After operating the vehicle in rough road conditions, be sure to
perform the following inspection and maintenance procedures:

Check that the vehicle has not been damaged by rocks,
gravel, etc.

Carefully wash the vehicle with water.
Drive the vehicle slowly while lightly depressing the
brake pedal in order to dry out the brakes. If the brakes
still do not function properly, contact an authorized Mit-
subishi Motors dealer or a repair facility of your choice as
soon as possible to have the brakes checked.

Remove the insects, dried grass, etc. clogging the radiator
core.

After driving through water, check the engine, transaxle
and differential oil. If the oil or grease is milky or cloudy
because of water contamination, it must be replaced with
new oil.

Check the inside of the vehicle. If water entry is found,
dry the carpet etc.

Inspect the headlights. If water is in the headlight housing,
have it drained at an authorized Mitsubishi Motors dealer
or a repair facility of your choice.

Have an authorized Mitsubishi Motors dealer replace
grease in the wheel bearings.
CAUTION
!
Never drive through water that is deep enough to
cover wheel hubs, axles or exhaust pipe. Do not
change the gearshift lever position (M/T) or the
selector lever position (CVT) while driving through
water.
Frequent driving through water can adversely affect
the life span of the vehicle; consult an authorized
Mitsubishi Motors dealer or a repair facility of your
choice and take the necessary measures to prepare,
inspect, and repair the vehicle.
After driving through water, apply the brakes to be
sure they are functioning properly. If the brakes are
wet and not functioning properly, dry them out by
driving slowly while lightly depressing the brake
pedal. Inspect each part of the vehicle carefully.
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