7-4 Vehicle care and maintenance
7Catalytic converter
N00937400450
The catalytic converter requires you to use unleaded fuel only.
Leaded gasoline will destroy the emission-control effective-
ness of the converter.
Normally, the catalytic converter does not require maintenance.
However, it is important to keep the engine properly tuned for
the converter to continue to work properly.To reduce the possibility of catalytic converter damage:
Use UNLEADED GASOLINE ONLY of the type of rec-
ommended in the “Fuel selection”.
Do not drive with an extremely low fuel level. Running
out of gas could damage the catalytic converter.
Do not try to start the engine by pushing or towing the
vehicle. If the battery is weak or run down, use jumper
cables to properly start the engine.
Do not idle the engine with any spark plug wires discon-
nected or removed, such as when performing diagnostic
tests.
Do not idle the engine for a long time if it is idling
roughly or otherwise obviously malfunctioning.
To prevent the catalytic converter from being damaged
from unburned gas, do not race the engine when stopping
the engine.
Stop driving the vehicle if you think the performance is
noticeably low, or the engine has a malfunction such as
with the ignition, etc. If you are not able to stop driving
immediately, slow down and drive for only a short time.
Have your vehicle checked at an authorized Mitsubishi
Motors dealer or a repair facility of your choice as soon as
possible.
In unusual situations involving major engine problems, a
burning odor may indicate severe and abnormal catalytic
converter overheating. If this occurs, stop in a safe place,
shut the engine off and let the vehicle cool. Once the
engine is cool, immediately take your vehicle to a dealer
or a repair facility of your choice for service.
CAUTION
!Damage to the catalytic converter can result if your
vehicle is not kept in proper operating condition. If
the engine malfunctions or misfires, or if your vehi-
cle performance suffers, have it serviced promptly.
Running your vehicle when it is overheated may
result in damage to the converter and vehicle.
WA R N I N G
!Do not park or run your vehicle in areas where com-
bustible materials such as dry grass or leaves can
come in contact with a hot exhaust, since a fire could
occur.Do not put undercoat paint on the catalytic con-
verter.
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Vehicle care and maintenance
7-7
7
NOTEIf this does not close the engine hood properly, drop it
again from a slightly higher position.
Do not push down strongly on the engine hood. Depend-
ing on how strongly or where you push down, you could
create a dent in the vehicle body.
View of the engine compartment
N00937600713
1- Engine oil level dipstick
2- Air cleaner filter
3- Battery
4- Brake fluid
5- Windshield and rear window washer fluid reservoir
6- Engine oil filler cap
7- Radiator cap
8- Engine coolant reserve tank
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Vehicle care and maintenance
7-17
7 Battery
N00939100943
The condition of the battery is very important for quick starting
and to keep the vehicle’s electrical system working properly.
Check the battery regularly.Checking battery electrolyte level
N00901500072
The electrolyte level must be between the limits shown on the
outside of the battery. Fill it with distilled water as needed. The
inside of the battery is divided into several compartments. Take
the cap off of each compartment and fill to the mark.
Do not fill above the top line because a spill during driving
could cause damage.
During cold weather
N00901600060
The battery is weaker in cold temperatures. This has to do with
its chemical and physical properties and is why a very cold bat-
tery, especially one with a low charge, will have a hard time
starting your vehicle.
It is recommended that you have your battery and charging sys-
tem checked by an authorized Mitsubishi Motors dealer or a
repair facility of your choice before the start of cold weather. If
necessary, have it charged. This will provide more reliable
starting, and longer battery life.
WA R N I N G
!If the battery goes flat, be sure to check the battery
electrolyte level before connecting booster cables.After checking the battery electrolyte level, make
sure the caps are fitted securely.If any of the caps has a loose fit, replace the battery.
BK0162600US.book 17 ページ 2013年3月22日 金曜日 午後2時41分
7-18 Vehicle care and maintenance
7
Disconnection and connection
N00901700087
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.NOTEOpen the terminal cover (A) before disconnecting or con-
necting the positive (+) terminal of the battery.
Loosen the nut (B) and then disconnect the battery cable
from the positive (+) terminal.
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 it 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.
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Vehicle care and maintenance
7-19
7
NOTECheck 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. 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.
Tires
N00939200566
It is important to familiarize yourself with the following terms:
Cold tire pressure:
• The measured pressure after the vehicle has been parked
for at least three hours,
or
• The measured pressure when the vehicle is driven less
than 1 mile (1.6 km) after having been parked for three
hours.
Maximum pressure: the maximum permissible cold tire
inflation pressure for this tire.
Recommended inflation pressure: the inflation pressure
for optimum tire performance.
In order to prevent a short-circuit, be sure to discon-
nect the negative (-) terminal first, and reconnect it
last.Battery posts, terminals and related accessories con-
tain lead and lead compounds. Wash hands after
handling.
WA R N I N G
!
WA R N I N G
!Driving with tires that are worn, damaged or
improperly inflated is dangerous.
These type tire conditions will adversely affect vehi-
cle performance.
These type tire conditions can also cause a tread sep-
aration or blowout which may result in an accident
causing serious injury or death.Tires, including spare tire, degrade over time with
age even when they are not being used.
It is recommended that tires over 6 years generally
be replaced even if damage is not obvious.
BK0162600US.book 19 ページ 2013年3月22日 金曜日 午後2時41分
Vehicle care and maintenance
7-31
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
Mitsubishi Motors dealer or a repair facility of your choice.
This should be done at the time or mileage specified in the
“WARRANTY 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.
BK0162600US.book 31 ページ 2013年3月22日 金曜日 午後2時41分
Vehicle care and maintenance
7-39
7
*: Fusible link
Some fuses may not be installed on your vehicle, depend-
ing on the vehicle model or specifications.
The table above shows the main equipment corresponding
to each fuse.
BF2 DC-DC (AUDIO) 30 A
F1 Headlight (low beam) (left) 10 A
F2 Headlight (low beam) (right) 10 A
F3 Headlight (high beam) (left) 10 A
F4 Headlight (high beam) (right) 10 A
F5 Horn 10 A
F6 Front fog lights 15 A
F7 Daytime running lights 10 A
F8 — — —
F9 — — —
F10 Starter 7.5 A
F11 — — —
F12 Stop lights (Brake lights) 15 A
F13 Ignition coil 7.5 A
F14 Engine control 7.5 A
F15 Alternator 7.5 A
F16 Hazard warning flasher 10 A
F17 Automatic transaxle 15 A
F18 Air conditioning 10 A
F19 ETV 15 ANo.
Symbol
Electrical system
Capacity
F20 Battery current sensor 7.5 A
F21 CVT oil/pump 15 A
F22 Fuel pump 15 A
F23 Engine 20 A
F24 Automatic transaxle 7.5 A
#1 — Spare fuse 20 A
#2 — Spare fuse 30 ANo.
Symbol
Electrical system
Capacity
BK0162600US.book 39 ページ 2013年3月22日 金曜日 午後2時41分
7-60 Vehicle care and maintenance
7
Polishing
N00946100046
If painted surfaces have been severely damaged and lost their
original luster and color tone, polish the surface lightly with a
fine polishing compound. Avoid limiting your polishing to the
damaged surface only; polish a somewhat wider area, moving
the polishing cloth in one direction. After polishing, flush the
compound from the surface and apply a coat of wax to regain a
beautiful luster.Damaged paint
N00946200092
Small cracks and scratches in the paint coat should be touched
up as soon as possible with touch-up paint to prevent corrosion.
Check body areas facing the road or the tires carefully for dam-
age to the paint caused by flying stones, etc. The paint code
number for your vehicle can be found on the vehicle informa-
tion code plate on the front passenger door sill.
Cleaning plastic parts
N00946300194
Use a sponge or chamois to clean these parts.
If a vehicle wax sticks to a gray or black rough surface of the
bumper, molding or lights, the surface may appear white in
color. In this case, wipe it off using lukewarm water and a soft
cloth or chamois.Chrome parts
N00946400052
To prevent spots and corrosion of chrome parts, wash with
water, dry thoroughly, and apply a nonabrasive automotive
wax. If the chrome is severely damaged or pitted, use a com-
mercially available chrome polish.
CAUTION
!Do not use a scrubbing brush or other rough scrub-
ber as these may damage the plastic surface.Do not use wax containing compounds (polishing
powder) which may damage the plastic surface.Do not let plastic parts get soiled with gasoline, oil,
brake fluids, engine oils, greases, paint thinner, and
sulfuric acid (battery electrolyte), as such substances
will cause stains, cracks, or discoloration.
If any of these get on a plastic part, wipe them up
with a soft cloth or chamois and a mild solution of
soap and water. Then rinse them immediately with
water.
BK0162600US.book 60 ページ 2013年3月22日 金曜日 午後2時41分