2013 MITSUBISHI LANCER SPORTBACK engine

Vehicle care and maintenance
7-27
7
Disconnection and connection
N00901700029
To 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
For vehicles equipped with turbocharger, remove the bat-
tery upper cover before disconnecting the terminal of bat-
tery. Refer to “Removing and installing the battery upper
cover” on page 7-23.
Open the terminal cover (A) before disconnecting or con-
necting the positive (+) terminal of the battery.
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7-28 Vehicle care and maintenance
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. Memory data for settings
made by the user may be erased when the battery is
removed. If this happens, reset the settings again using the
relevant procedures. 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 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 terminals and related accessories contain
lead and lead compounds. Wash hands after han-
dling.
WA R N I N G
!
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7-38 Vehicle care and maintenance
7
Snow tires
N00940000359
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
N00940100129
Clutch pedal free play
(if so equipped)
N00940200061
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
!
If flange nuts are used on your vehicle, change to
tapered nuts when using snow tires with steel
wheels.
Only Mitsubishi Motors genuine 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
7-39
7 Brake pedal free play
N00940300176
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 lever stroke
N00940400180
Check the parking brake lever travel occasionally. To check
this, pull the lever up slowly and count the number of clicks of
the ratchet.
Parking brake lever stroke:
3 to 5 notches
Also check to see if the lever stays gripped by the ratchet after
pulling.
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Vehicle care and maintenance
7-41
7 Emission-control system maintenance
N00940800201
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
The maintenance services listed in the “WARRANTY AND
MAINTENANCE MANUAL” must be performed at the times
or mileages listed to keep the emission-control system working
properly. These, and all the other “general” maintenance ser-
vices listed in this manual, need to be performed to keep your
vehicle running properly and reliably.
You may need more frequent maintenance if you drive your
vehicle in harsh conditions such as dusty areas or do a lot of
start-and-stop driving.
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 follow-
ing the schedule in the “WARRANTY AND MAINTENANCE
MANUAL”.
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.
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7-42 Vehicle care and maintenance
7
Spark plugs
N00940900257
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”. NOTE
Use the spark plugs listed under “Engine specifications”
on page 9-8 or plugs that are exactly the same. Other
plugs could cause engine damage, performance problems
or radio noise.
Fuel hoses
N00941000037
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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Vehicle care and maintenance
7-43
7
Fuel system (tank, pipe line and connection, and
fuel tank filler cap)
N00941300186
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)
N00941400116
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”.
General maintenance
N00941500159
The next pages list the maintenance service recommended by
Mitsubishi Motors Corporation. In addition to the general
maintenance that needs to be performed at the times listed,
there are other parts which do not usually need regular mainte-
nance.
But, if any of these parts stops working properly, your vehicle
performance could suffer. Have these items checked if you
notice a problem with them.
See your authorized Mitsubishi Motors dealer for assistance, if
you have any questions.Disc brake pads
N00941600075
Good brakes are essential to safe driving. Check the brake pads
for wear. For good braking performance, replace the brake pads
with the same type pads as the originals.Brake hoses
N00941700047
Brake hoses and tubing should be checked for:

Severe surface cracking, scuffing or worn spots. If the
fabric casing of the hose is showing through any cracks or
worn spots in the rubber hose cover, the hose should be
replaced. The brakes can fail if the hose wears through.

Improper installation may cause twisting, or wheel, tire or
chassis interference.
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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7-44 Vehicle care and maintenance
7
Ball joint, steering linkage seals and drive shaft
boots
N00941800077
Check the following parts for damage and grease leaks:

Ball joint boots of the front suspension and steering link-
age

Bellows on both ends of the drive shaft
Exhaust system
N00942200108
The best way to keep carbon monoxide gas from entering
inside your vehicle is to have the engine exhaust system prop-
erly serviced.
Have a competent mechanic inspect the complete exhaust sys-
tem and nearby body areas for broken, damaged, deteriorated,
or mispositioned parts if you notice any of the following:

A change in the sound of the exhaust system

The smell of exhaust fumes inside the vehicle

The underside or rear of the vehicle is damaged
Also check the exhaust system each time the vehicle is raised
for lubrication, oil changes, or required service. Any open
seams or loose connections could let dangerous exhaust fumes
seep into the luggage compartment and passenger compart-
ments. Check for any of the following conditions:
Check for holes or exhaust gas leaks caused by corrosion
or damage.

Check the joints and connections for looseness or exhaust
gas leaks.

Check the rubber hangers and brackets for damage.
WA R N I N G
!
Carbon monoxide gas from your vehicle’s exhaust is
poisonous. Breathing these fumes can cause uncon-
sciousness or death.
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