
9
Vehicle care and maintenanceService precautions ..........
.................................................................9-2
Catalytic converter .
.................................................
..........................9-2
Engine hood ...............................
.......................................................9-3
View of the engine co
mpartment ......................................................9-5
Engine oil and oil filt
er ...........................................
..........................9-6
Engine coolant .................
.................................................................9-8
Air cleaner filter.....
.................................................
..........................9-9
Manual transaxle oil (if so
equipped) ............................................. 9-11
Continuously variable transmission
(CVT) fluid (if so equipped) . 9-11
Twin Clutch Sportronic shift trans
mission (Twin Clutch SST) fluid (if
so equipped) ...........................
..................................................... 9-11
Transfer oil (All-wheel dr
ive models) ............................................9-12
Rear axle oil (All-wheel dr
ive models) .........................................9-12
AWC control fluid (if so
equipped) ................................................9-12
Washer fluid .....................
...............................................................9-12
Brake fluid/Clutch fluid (if
so equipped)........................................9-13
Power steering fluid (if so equipped)..............................................9-14 Battery........................................
.....................................................9-14
Tires ...........................................
.....................................................9-17
Clutch pedal free play (if so equipped)...........................................9-24 Brake pedal free play
..............................................
........................9-24
Parking brake lever stroke ..............................................................9-24Parking brake break-in
...........................................
........................9-25
Wiper blades ..............................
.....................................................9-25
Emission-control system maintenance ...........................................9-25 General maintenance
..............................................
........................9-26
For cold and snowy weat
her ..........................................................9-28
Fusible links .....................
...............................................................9-28
Fuses ...................................................
............................................ 9-28
Replacement of light bul
bs ....................................
......................... 9-33
Vehicle care precautions
........................................
......................... 9-48
Cleaning the inside of you
r vehicle ................................................ 9-48
Cleaning the outside of your
vehicle .............................................. 9-49

Engine oil and oil filter 9-6 Vehicle care and maintenance
9
N00937701955
It is normal for an engi
ne to use oil. You may
need to add oil between the recommended oil change intervals. Before starting the engine,check the engine oil level. Refill if necessary. To check the oil level, remove the dipstick, wipe it off, and gently insert it all the way into the crankcase. Slowly remove it again.The oil level must not go above the line on the dipstick. If the level does not reach the line, which shows the smallest amount of oil required,remove the oil filler cap on the engine valve cover, and fill to within the “Good” range.
Except for vehicles with turbocharger Vehicles with turbocharger
6- Engine oil level dipstick 7- Radiator cap8- Engine oil filler cap 9- Battery Engine oil and oil filter To check and refill engine oil
Except for vehicles with engine cover
Good
Vehicles with engine cover
Good
CAUTION Overfilling the crankcase will cause oil aera- tion and loss of oil pressure, which coulddamage the engine. For vehicles with turbocharger, engine oil must be properly maintained to avoid engine and/or turbocharger damage. To better pro- tect your engine and turbocharger, use fullysynthetic engine oil.WA R N I N G Used engine oil is poisonous, and can dam- age your skin. Prolonged and repeatedcontact may cause serious skin disorders, including dermatitis and cancer. Don’t let used oil touch your skin. Wash thoroughlyafter working with it. Keep used oil out of the reach of children.
Good

Engine oil and oil filter
Vehicle care and maintenance 9-7
9
Mitsubishi Motors recommends using only engine oils with the ILSAC certification sym- bol on the front of the container.
If you cannot find oils with the ILSAC certi- fication symbol, use an API classification SN or higher oil with the following label. This mark appears on th
e top of the oil con-
tainer and tells you two important things about the oil.
N00955000070
Use engine oil with the proper thickness for the outdoor temperatures where you will be driving.
SAE 0W-20 engine oil is strongly recom- mended for optimum fuel economy and coldstarting. If SAE 0W-20 is not available the ILSAC certification oil of other viscosity grades canbe temporarily used.
NOTE
Engine oil consumption is greatly influenced by payload, engine speed, etc. The engine oil will deteriorate rapidly if the vehicle is subjected to severe conditions (forexample, repeated operation on rough roads, in mountainous regions, on roads with many uphill and downhill gradients, or over shortdistances). Consequently, the oil will require earlier replacement in accordance with the schedule in the “WARRANTY AND MAIN-TENANCE MANUAL”.
Engine oil identification mark ILSAC certification symbol
1- The top portion shows the quality of
the oil.
2- The center portion shows the SAE
grade of the oil viscosity.
Recommended engine oil vis- cosity API service symbol
Except for vehicles with turbo- charger

Engine coolant 9-8 Vehicle care and maintenance
9
N00955100042
The oil filter should be replaced at the time or mileage specified in the “WARRANTY AND MAINTENANCE MANUAL”.Only use high quality replacement filters on this vehicle. The manufacturer’s specifica- tions for Genuine Mitsubishi oil filtersrequire 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.
N00937800542
The coolant reserve tank (A) lets you quicklysee when you need to add coolant. When the engine is cold, the level 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.
Vehicles with turbocharger
NOTE
Select engine oil of the proper SAE viscosity number according to the atmospheric tem-perature. SAE 0W-30 and 0W-40 engine oil are rec- ommended to use to improve engine start- ability on a very cold weather condition.
To replace the oil filter
Engine coolant To check the coolant level
* - Front of the vehicle
To add coolant Use “Mitsubishi Motors Genuine Super Long Life Coolant Premium” or an equivalent
*.
Except for vehicles with turbocharger
FULL LOW
Vehicles with turbocharger
FULL LOW

Air cleaner filter
Vehicle care and maintenance 9-9
9
Mitsubishi Motors Genuine Coolant provides excellent protection against corrosion and rust formation on all metals, including alumi-num, and prevents blockages in some parts of engine. If you need to add co
olant often, or if the
level in the reserve tank does not drop whenthe engine cools, the cooling system should be pressure-tested for leaks. Take your vehi- cle to an authorized
Mitsubishi Motors dealer
or a repair facility of your choice for testing.
The radiator cap must be tight sealed to pre- vent losing coolant which may result in engine damage. Only use a Genuine Mitsubi-shi Parts radiator cap, or an approved equiva- lent. Do 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 needto change the cap, use the exact same kind. Check the coolant freeze point in the radi- ator with the proper gauge, and only when it is safe. If you add antifreeze, the con- tents of the reserve tank must be protectedagainst freezing. Keep the front of the radiator and con- denser clean. If the temperature of the engine coolant does not rise after th
e engine is warmed-
up, take your vehicle to an authorized Mitsubishi Motors dealer or a repair facil-ity of your choice to have the thermostat checked, and replaced if necessary.
N00937901423
The air cleaner filter w
ill 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”.
* : similar high quality ethylene glycol
based non-silicate, non-amine, non-nitrate and non-borate coolant with long life hybrid organic acid technologyCAUTION 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 dif- fers depending on the expected ambient tem-perature. Above -31 °F (-35 °C) : 50 % concentration of anti-freeze Below -31 °F (-35 °C) : 60% concentration of anti-freezeYou can check the concentration level with a gauge from an automotive supply store, or your authorized Mitsubishi Motors dealer orservice station can check it for you.
Do not use water to adjust the concentration of coolant. Do not top off the tank with plain water only. Water by itself boils at a lower temperatureand does not stop rust or freezing. If the water freezes, it will damage your cooling system. Do not use tapwater. It can causecorrosion and rust.
Radiator cap
WA R N I N G Wait for the engine to cool down before opening the radiator cap. Otherwise hotsteam or boiling coolant could spray up from the radiator and scald you.
Points to remember
CAUTION
Air cleaner filter

Transfer oil (All-wheel drive models) 9-12 Vehicle care and maintenance
9
Mitsubishi Motors Corporation does not rec- ommend the addition of any fluid additives tothe transmission.
N00938400239
Whenever the transfer oil level is checked,add oil as necessary to maintain the properlevel. Fill or change the oil according to the table.
N00915200227
Whenever the oil level is checked, add oil as necessary to maintain the proper level. Fill or change oil according to the table.
N00915300026
Remove the lid on the trunk room right sidetrim. Check the fluid level in the reservoir 90 min-utes or more after turning the ignition switch to the “LOCK” position. Check to make certain that the AWC controlfluid level is always between the “MAX” and “MIN” level markings on the fluid reservoir and refill the fluid, if necessary.
N00938600273
The windshield washer fluid reservoir is inthe engine compartment.
Special additives
Transfer oil (All-wheel drive models) Oil type Lubri- cant
Mitsubishi Motors Genuine LSD
gear oil or equivalent
Rear axle oil (All-wheel drive models)
Oil type Lubri- cant
Mitsubishi Motors Genuine LSD
gear oil or equivalent
AWC control fluid
(if so
equipped)To check the fluid level
Fluid type
Lubricant DIAMOND ATF SP IIIWasher fluid

General maintenance
Vehicle care and maintenance 9-27
9
there are other parts which do not usually need regular maintenance. But, if any of these parts stops working prop- erly, 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.
N00941600033
Good brakes are essen
tial to safe driving.
Check the brake pads and brake linings for wear and check the rear wheel cylinders for leaks. For good braking performance, replacethe brake pads with the
same type pads as the
originals.
N00941700047
Brake hoses and tubing should be checkedfor:
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 shouldbe replaced. The brakes can fail if the hose wears through. Improper installation may cause twisting, or wheel, tire or chassis interference.
N00941800077
Check the following parts for damage andgrease leaks: Ball joint boots of the front suspension and steering linkage Bellows on both ends of the drive shaft
N00942200108
The best way to keep carbon monoxide gas from entering inside your vehicle is to have the engine exhaust system properly serviced.
Have a competent mechanic inspect the com- plete exhaust system and nearby body areas for broken, damaged, deteriorated, or mispo- sitioned parts if you notice any of the follow-ing: A change in the sound of the exhaust sys- tem 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 andpassenger compartments. 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.
Disc brake pads, rear drum brake linings and rear wheel cylinders Brake hoses
Ball joint, steering linkage seals and drive shaft boots Exhaust system
WA R N I N G Carbon monoxide gas from your vehicle’s exhaust is poisonous. Breathing these fumes can cause unconsciousness or death.
Check for any of the following conditions:

For cold and snowy weather 9-28 Vehicle care and maintenance
9
N00942500114
The hood lock release mechanism and hood safety catch should be checked, cleaned, and oiled when needed for easy movement and to stop rust and wear. Use Multipurpose GreaseNLGI Grade 2 sparingly for all sliding parts of the hood latch and release lever. Work the grease into the hood lock mechanism until allthe movable surfaces are covered.Also, put a light coat of the same grease on the safety catch wherever moving parts touch.
N00942600102
The ventilation slots in front of the wind-shield should be brushed clear after a heavy snowfall so that the operation of the heatingand ventilation systems will not be impaired. To prevent freezing of the weatherstripping on the doors, engine hood, etc., they should be treated with silicone grease.
It is a good idea to carry a shovel or a short- handled spade in the vehicle during the win- ter so that you can clear away snow if you getstranded. A small hand-brush for sweeping snow off the vehicle and a plastic scraper for the windshield, side and rear window are alsouseful.
N00942700259
The fusible links will melt
to prevent a fire if
a large current attempts to flow through cer-tain electrical systems. In case of a melted fusible link, see your authorized Mitsubishi Motors dealer or arepair facility of your choice for inspection and replacement. For the fusible links, please refer to “Fuseload capacities” on page 9-29.
N00942800801
To prevent damage to the electrical systemfrom short-circuiting or overloading, eachindividual circuit is equipped with a fuse. The fuse blocks are located in the passenger com- partment and in the engine compartment. The fuse blocks in the passenger compart- ment are located behind the fuse lid on the driver’s side as shown.
Hood lock release mechanism and safety catch For cold and snowy weather Ventilation slots Weatherstripping
Additional equipment (For regions where snow is encoun- tered) Fusible links
WA R N I N G Fusible links must not be replaced by any other device. Failing to fit the correct fus- ible link may result in fire in the vehicle,property destruction and serious or fatal injuries at any time.
Fuses Fuse block location Passenger compartment A- Main fuse block B- Sub fuse block