check engine light MITSUBISHI MIRAGE 2014 6.G User Guide

3-74 Features and controls
3
If the warning light illuminate while driving
N00531700604
If only the anti-lock braking system warning light illu-
minate
Avoid hard braking and high-speed driving. Stop the vehi-
cle in a safe place.
Test the system by restarting the engine and driving at a
speed of about 12 mph (20 km/h) or higher.
If the warning light then remains off during driving, there
is no abnormal condition.
However, if the warning light does not disappear, or if
they come on again when the vehicle is driven, have the
vehicle checked by an authorized MITSUBISHI
MOTORS dealer or repair facility of your choice as soon
as possible.If the anti-lock braking system warning light and brake
warning light illuminate at the same time

The anti-lock braking system and brake force distribution func-
tion may not work, so hard braking could make the vehicle
unstable.
Avoid hard braking and high-speed driving. Stop the vehicle in
a safe place and contact an authorized MITSUBISHI
MOTORS dealer or repair facility of your choice.
After driving on icy roads
N00529200080
After driving on snow or icy roads, remove any snow and ice
which may have be left around the wheels. On vehicles that
have an anti-lock braking system, be careful not to damage the
wheel speed sensors (A) or the cables located at each wheel.Front Rear
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3-76 Features and controls
3Active stability control (ASC)
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The Active stability control (ASC) takes overall control of the
anti-lock braking system, traction control function and skid
control function to help maintain the vehicle’s control and trac-
tion. Please read this section in conjunction with the page on
the anti-lock braking system, traction control function and skid
control function.
Anti-lock braking system → P. 3 - 7 2
Traction control function → P. 3 - 7 7
Skid control function → P. 3 - 7 7
NOTE
An operating sound or vibration may be emitted from
under the body in the following situations. The sound or
vibration is associated with checking the operations of the
ASC. At this time, you may feel a shock from under the
body and the brake pedal if you depress it. These do not
indicate a malfunction.
• When the ignition switch is turned to the “ON” position
or the operation mode is put in ON.
• When the vehicle is driven for a while after the engine is
turned on.

When the ASC is activated, you may feel a vibration in
the vehicle body or hear a whining sound from the engine
compartment.
This indicates that the system is operating normally. It
does not indicate a malfunction.

When the anti-lock braking system warning light is illu-
minated, the ASC is not active.
CAUTION
!
Do not over-rely on the ASC. Even the ASC cannot
prevent the natural laws of physics from acting on
the vehicle. This system, like any other system, has
limits and cannot help you to maintain traction and
control of the vehicle in all circumstances. Reckless
driving can lead to accidents. It is the driver’s
responsibillty to drive carefully, This means taking
into account the traffic, road and environmental
conditions.
Be sure to use the same specified type and size of tire
on all four wheels. Otherwise, the ASC may not
work properly.
Do not install any aftermarket limited slip differen-
tial (LSD) on your vehicle. The ASC may stop func-
tioning properly.
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Features and controls
3-89
3
Each tire, including the spare (if provided), should be checked
monthly when cold and inflated to the inflation pressure rec-
ommended by the vehicle manufacturer on the vehicle placard
or tire inflation pressure label. (If your vehicle has tires of a
different size than the size indicated on the vehicle placard or
tire inflation pressure label, you should determine the proper
tire inflation pressure for those tires.)
As an added safety feature, your vehicle has been equipped
with a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) that illuminates
CAUTION
!
If the tire pressure monitoring system warning light
does not illuminate when the ignition switch is
turned to the “ON” position or the operation mode
is put in ON, it means that the tire pressure monitor-
ing system is not working properly. Have the system
inspected by an authorized Mitsubishi Motors
dealer.
In such situations, a malfunctioning of the system
may be preventing the monitoring of the tire pres-
sure. Avoid sudden braking, sharp turning and
high-speed driving.

If a malfunction is detected in the tire pressure mon-
itoring system, the tire pressure monitoring system
warning light will blink for approximately 1 minute
and then remain continuously illuminated. The
warning light will issue further warnings each time
the engine is restarted as long as the malfunction
exists.
Check to see whether the warning light goes off after
few minutes driving.
If it then goes off during driving, there is no prob-
lem.
However, if the warning light does not go off, or if it
blinks again when the engine is restarted, have the
vehicle inspected by an authorized Mitsubishi
Motors dealer.
In such situations, a malfunctioning of the system
may be preventing the monitoring of the tire pres-
sure. For safety reasons, when the warning light
appears while driving, avoid sudden braking, sharp
turning and high-speed driving.
CAUTION
!
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Features and controls
3-109
3 Indicator and warning light package
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1- High beam indicator → P. 3 - 1 1 0
2- Electric power steering system warning light → P.3-75
3- Tire pressure monitoring system warning light (if so
equipped) → P.3-88
4- Turn signal indicators/Hazard warning lights → P. 3 - 1 1 0
5- Front fog light indicator (if so equipped) → P. 3 - 1 1 0
6- Door-ajar warning light → P. 3 - 1 1 4
7- Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) warning light
→ P.2-44
8- High coolant temperature warning light (red) → P. 3 - 1 1 3
9- Low coolant temperature indicator (green) → P. 3 - 1 1 0
10- Oil pressure warning light → P. 3 - 1 1 3
11- Engine malfunction indicator (“SERVICE ENGINE SOON”
or “Check engine light”) → P. 3 - 1 1 212- Charging system warning light → P. 3 - 1 1 3
13- Brake warning light → P.3-111
14- Anti-lock braking system warning light → P.3-73
15- Multi-information display → P.3-98
16- Driver ’s seat belt reminder/warning light → P.2-18
17- Cruise control indicator (if so equipped) → P.3-81
18- Active stability control (ASC) indicator/warning light →
P.3-78, 3-79
19- Active stability control (ASC) OFF indicator/warning light
→ P.3-78, 3-79
20- ECO indicator → P. 3 - 1 1 0
21- For details, refer to “Warning activator” on page 3-21 (if so
equipped)
22- For details, refer to “Warning activator” on page 3-21 (if so
equipped)
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3-112 Features and controls
3
Engine malfunction indicator (“SERVICE
ENGINE SOON” or “Check engine light”)
N00520500804
This indicator is a part of the onboard diagnostic (OBD) sys-
tem which monitors the emissions, engine control system or
continuously variable transmission (CVT) control system. If a
problem is detected in one of these systems, this indicator illu-
minates or flashes. When the ignition switch is turned to the
“ON” position or the operation mode is put in ON, this indica-
tor normally comes on and goes off after the engine has started.
This indicator will come on if the fuel tank filler cap is not
properly tightened. If this indicator comes on and stays on after
refueling, stop the engine and check that the cap is properly
tightened. (Turn the cap clockwise until you hear clicking
sounds.)
If this indicator does not go off after several seconds or lights
up while driving, have the system checked as soon as possible
at an authorized Mitsubishi Motors dealer or a repair facility of
your choice.
NOTE
Do not disconnect the battery cable when the engine mal-
function indicator (“SERVICE ENGINE SOON” or
“Check engine light”) is on.
The engine electronic control module stores critical OBD
information (especially exhaust emission data), which
may be lost if the battery cable is disconnected while the
engine malfunction indicator is on. This will make it diffi-
cult to diagnose the cause of future problems.
CAUTION
!
Driving for a long time with the engine malfunction
indicator on may cause more damage to the emission
control system. This could also affect fuel economy
and drivability.
If this indicator does not come on when the ignition
switch is turned to the “ON” position or the opera-
tion mode is put in ON, have the system checked at
an authorized Mitsubishi Motors dealer or a repair
facility of your choice.

If the engine malfunction indicator comes on while
the engine is running, avoid driving at high speeds.
During vehicle operation with the indicator on, the
vehicle may not accelerate when you depress the
accelerator pedal.
When the vehicle is stationary with the indicator on,
you must depress the brake pedal more firmly than
usual since the engine idling speed is higher than
usual and a vehicle with a CVT has a stronger ten-
dency to creep forward.
CAUTION
!
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Features and controls
3-113
3
Charging system warning light
N00520600313
This light comes on in the event of a malfunction in the charg-
ing system or when the ignition switch is turned to the “ON”
position (engine off) or the operation mode is put in ON. When
the engine is started, the light should go out. Check to make
sure that the light has gone out before driving.Oil pressure warning light
N00520700170
This light comes on when the engine oil pressure is below nor-
mal. If the light stays on while driving, stop the engine as soon
as possible. Do not run the engine until the cause of the low oil
pressure is corrected.
High coolant temperature warning light - red
N00575700011
This light comes on in red if the coolant temperature becomes
excessively high.NOTE
The high coolant temperature warning light may illumi-
nate when the vehicle has been driven at high speeds or on
hilly roads. This illuminating does not necessarily indicate
a problem. It should stop if you keep the engine running
for a while or continue driving the vehicle.
CAUTION
!
If the warning light stays on while the engine is run-
ning, park your vehicle in a safe place as soon as
possible and contact an authorized Mitsubishi
Motors dealer or a repair facility of your choice to
have the system checked.
CAUTION
!
If this light comes on when the engine oil level is not
low, have your vehicle checked at an authorized
Mitsubishi Motors dealer or a repair facility of your
choice.
This warning light does not show the amount of oil
in the crankcase. This can only be determined by
checking the oil level with the dipstick with the
engine turned off.
CAUTION
!
If the light comes on during vehicle operation, it
indicates that the engine is possibly overheating.
Continued driving could make the engine fail.
Immediately stop the vehicle in a safe place and take
appropriate action. (Refer to “Engine overheating”
on page 6-5.)
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Features and controls
3-115
3
Vehicles equipped with daytime running lights
[When the engine is started, and the parking brake is released]
The daytime running lights will be illuminated:NOTE
Once the daytime running light come on, they do not go
out until the ignition switch is turned to the “OFF” or
“ACC” position or the operation mode is changed to OFF
or ACC.
[When the engine is not running, or when the engine is running
but the parking brake is not released]
The engine starts when the lights are off.NOTE
Do not leave the headlights and other lights on for a long
period of time when the engine is not running. The battery
will run down.
When it rains, or when the vehicle has been washed, the
inside of the lens sometimes becomes foggy. This is the
same as when window glass mists up on a humid day, and
does not indicate a problem. When the light is switched
on, the heat will dry out the fog. However, if water col-
lects inside the light, have it checked by an authorized
Mitsubishi Motors dealer or a repair facility of your
choice.OFF The daytime running lights illuminated
The daytime running lights illuminated
Parking, tail, front and rear side-marker lights, license
plate and instrument panel lights on
Headlights and other lights on
OFF All lights off
Parking, tail, front and rear side-marker lights, license
plate and instrument panel lights on
Headlights and other lights on
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3-162 Features and controls
3Interior lights
N00525300575
NOTE
Be aware that leaving the light illuminated with the engine
off may run the battery down.
Never leave the vehicle without checking that the light is
off.
Dome light
N00525800235
1- ( )
The light illuminates regardless of whether a door or the
liftgate is open or closed.
2- (•)
Delayed off function
The light illuminates when a door or the liftgate is opened.
It goes off approximately 30 seconds after the door or
liftgate is closed.
However, the light goes off immediately with all doors
and the liftgate closed in the following cases:
• When the ignition switch is turned to the “ON” position
or the operation mode is put in ON.
• When the power door lock function is used to lock the
vehicle.
1- Cargo room light → P.3-164
2- Dome light → P. 3 - 1 6 2
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4-6 Driving safety
4Safe driving techniques
N00629200137
Even this vehicle’s safety equipment, and your safest driving,
cannot guarantee that you can avoid an accident or injury.
However, if you give extra attention to the following areas, you
can better protect yourself and your passengers:

Drive defensively. Be aware of traffic, road and weather
conditions. Leave plenty of stopping distance between
your vehicle and the vehicle ahead.

Before changing lanes, check your mirrors, your blind
spots, and use your turn-signal light.

While driving, watch the behavior of other drivers, bicy-
clists, and pedestrians.

Always obey applicable laws and regulations. Be a polite
and alert driver. Always leave room for unexpected
events, such as sudden braking.

If you plan to drive in another country, obey their vehicle
registration laws and make sure you will be able to get the
right fuel.
Driving during cold weather
N00629400474

Check the battery. At the same time, check the terminals
and wiring. During extremely cold weather, the battery
will not be as strong. Also, the battery power level may
drop because more power is used for cold starting and
driving.
Before driving the vehicle, check to see if the engine runs
at the proper speed and if the headlights are as bright as
normally. Charge or replace the battery if necessary. Dur-
ing extreme cold weather, it is possible that a very low
battery could freeze.

Warm the engine sufficiently. After starting the engine,
allow a short warm-up time to distribute oil to all cylin-
ders. Then drive your vehicle slowly.

Stay at low speeds at first so that the manual transaxle oil
or the automatic transaxle fluid has time to spread to all
the lubrication points.

Manual transaxle can be harder to shift in cold weather
conditions. This is normal and shifting will get easier as
the transaxle warms up.
WA R N I N G
!
The battery gives off explosive hydrogen gas. Any
spark or flame can cause the battery to explode,
which could cause serious injury or death.
Always wear protective clothes and a face mask
when working with your battery, or let a skilled
mechanic do it.
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Driving safety
4-7
4

Check the engine antifreeze.
If there is not enough coolant because of a leak or from
engine overheating, add Mitsubishi Motors Genuine
Super Long Life Coolant Premium or equivalent.
Please read this section in conjunction with the “Engine
coolant” on page 7-11.
Braking
N00629500521
All parts of the brake system are critical to safety. Have the
vehicle serviced by an authorized Mitsubishi Motors dealer or
a repair facility of your choice at regular intervals according to
the “WARRANTY AND MAINTENANCE MANUAL”.When brakes are wetCheck the brake system while driving at a low speed immedi-
ately after starting, especially when the brakes are wet, to con-
firm they work normally.
A film of water can be formed on the brake discs or brake
drums, and prevent normal braking after driving in heavy rain
or through large puddles, or after the vehicle is washed. If this
occurs, dry the brakes out by driving slowly while lightly
depressing the brake pedal.When driving in cold weatherOn snowy roads, ice can form on the braking system, making
the brakes less effective. While driving in such conditions, pay
close attention to surrounding vehicles and to the condition of
the road surface. From time to time, lightly depress the brake
pedal and check how effective the brakes are.When driving downhillIt is important to take advantage of the engine braking by
downshifting while driving on steep downhill roads in order to
prevent the brakes from overheating.
WA R N I N G
!
Never open the radiator cap when the radiator is
hot. You could be seriously burned.
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