Service engine soon MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER 2011 2.G Owners Manual

Quick index
1
If this warning light comes on or flashes while you’re driving...
N00200701064
NOTE
For information regarding warning displays in the multi-information display, refer to “Multi-information display” on page 3-
160.

These warning lights will come on for a few seconds for a bulb check when the ignition switch is first turned to “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. 3-208
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. 3-206
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. 3-207
BK0122500US.book 1 ページ ２０１０年５月１２日　水曜日　午前１１時１１分

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.
BK0122500US.book 3 ページ ２０１０年５月１２日　水曜日　午前１１時１１分

1-6 General information
1
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.
Modifications to and racing of your vehicle
N00301600152
This vehicle should not be modified with non-Mitsubishi
Motors genuine parts. Mitsubishi Motors designs and manufac-
tures high quality vehicles with an emphasis on safety and
durability. Modifications using non-Mitsubishi Motors genuine
parts may affect the performance, safety and/or durability of
your vehicle, and may violate applicable state and/or federal
regulations.
DAMAGE OR PERFORMANCE PROBLEMS RESULTING
FROM MODIFICATIONS TO OR RACING OF YOUR
VEHICLE ARE NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY.
Examples of modifications to your vehicle that can cause dam-
age or performance problems include the following:

Failure to use Mitsubishi Motors genuine parts

Failure to use required fuel and fluids

Failure to use proper size tires and wheels

Modification of the fuel, intake, exhaust, emission, sus-
pension, engine, drive train or electrical wiring systems

Modification of any onboard computer/control module,
including reprogramming, or replacing/adding chips to
any onboard computer/control module
Review the Warranty and Maintenance Manual for further
details regarding warranty coverage.
CAUTION
!
If you need to replace the fuel tank filler cap, use
only the cap specified for your model vehicle.
BK0122500US.book 6 ページ ２０１０年５月１２日　水曜日　午前１１時１１分

3-102 Features and controls
3
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 automatic transaxle makes no gear changeIf the transaxle does not change gears 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 happen-
ing in the transaxle, 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 automatic tran-
saxle. Refer to “Automatic transaxle: Warning display”
on page 3-96.
Continuously variable transmission (CVT)

(if so equipped)
N00560200021
The CVT is capable of changing the engine speed to vehicle
speed ratio automatically and steplessly to suit driving condi-
tions in all phases of vehicle operation. It therefore realizes
smooth, shock-free operation and excellent fuel efficiency.DRIVING UPHILLThe transmission may not shift to a higher ratio if the computer
determines your current speed would be affected.
For smoother operation, the transmission may not shift if you
release the throttle while climbing a steep hill. This is normal
because the computer controls the shifting. After reaching the
top of the hill, your normal shift function will resume.DRIVING DOWNHILLWhen traveling down steep grades and using the brakes, the
computer may automatically shift to a lower ratio. This helps
engine braking efforts, reducing your need to use the brakes.
CAUTION
!
Automatic downshifts may not take place if the con-
tinuously variable transmission (CVT) fluid is still
cool immediately after you start driving. To cause a
downshift, depress the brake pedal or shift down
manually.
Always drive safely in accordance with road condi-
tions.
BK0122500US.book 102 ページ ２０１０年５月１２日　水曜日　午前１１時１１分

Features and controls
3-123
3
NOTE
Avoid sudden braking, sudden acceleration and sharp
turning; such operations could result in the vehicle
becoming stuck.

If the vehicle becomes stuck in sandy or muddy roads, it
can often be moved with a rocking motion. Move the
selector lever alternately between the “D” (DRIVE) and
“R” (REVERSE) positions while pressing lightly on the
accelerator pedal.

Driving on rough road can cause rust on the vehicle; wash
the vehicle thoroughly as soon as possible after such use.Climbing/descending sharp gradesYour vehicle may not provide sufficient hill climbing ability
and engine braking on steep slope. Avoid driving on steep
slopes even though the vehicle is an 4-wheel drive vehicle.

If any of the following conditions occur while the
vehicle is being driven, immediately park your vehi-
cle in a safe place and follow these procedures:
• If the engine coolant temperature display
flashes on the information screen in the multi-
information display or the engine power drops
suddenly.
Refer to “Engine overheating” on page 6-5.
• If the “ ” warning display and “SLOW DOWN”
or the “ ” warning display and “SERVICE
REQUIRED” appear on the information screen in
the multi-information display.
Refer to “Warning display” on page 3-96, 3-106.WA R N I N G
!
When attempting to rock your vehicle out of a stuck
position, be sure that the area around the vehicle is
clear of people and physical objects. The rocking
motion may cause the vehicle to suddenly launch
forward/backward, causing injury or damage to
nearby people or objects.
CAUTION
!
BK0122500US.book 123 ページ ２０１０年５月１２日　水曜日　午前１１時１１分

Features and controls
3-193
3 Indicator light, warning light, and information screen display list
N00557700019
Indicator and warning light list
N00557800195
Type A Type B1- Position indicator → P.3-206
2- High beam indicator → P.3-206
3- Charging system warning light → P.3-208
4- Turn signal indicator/hazard warning light → P.3-206
5- Front fog light indicator (if so equipped) → P.3-206
6- Anti-lock braking system warning light → P.3-132
7- Tire pressure monitoring system warning light → P.3-150
8- Brake warning light → P.3-206
9- Cruise control indicator (if so equipped) → P.3-14210- Seat belt reminder/warning light → P.2-43
11- Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) warning light
→ P. 2 - 7 0
12- Engine malfunction indicator (“SERVICE ENGINE SOON”
or “Check engine light”) → P.3-207
13- Active stability control (ASC) OFF indicator (if so
equipped) → P. 3 - 1 3 8
14- Active stability control (ASC) indicator (if so equipped)
→ P. 3 - 1 3 8
15- Information screen display list → P.3-194
BK0122500US.book 193 ページ ２０１０年５月１２日　水曜日　午前１１時１１分

Features and controls
3-207
3
Engine malfunction indicator (“SERVICE
ENGINE SOON” or “Check engine light”)
N00520500732
This indicator is a part of the onboard diagnostic (OBD) sys-
tem which monitors the emissions, engine control system or
automatic transaxle control system/continuously variable trans-
mission (CVT) control system. If a problem is detected in one
of these systems, this indicator comes on. When the ignition
switch is turned to the “ON” position, this indicator 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.
CAUTION
!
If the brake warning light and the Anti-lock braking
system warning light are illuminated at the same
time, the braking force distribution function will not
operate, so the vehicle may be destabilized during
sudden braking under the following conditions.
• When the brake warning light does not go out even
when the parking brake is released.
• When the brake warning light stays on while driv-
ing.
• If the above occurs, avoid sudden braking and
high-speed driving. Park the vehicle in a safe
place, and contact an authorized Mitsubishi
Motors dealer or a repair facility of your choice as
soon as possible.

The vehicle should be brought to a halt in the follow-
ing manner when brake performance is deterio-
rated.
• Confirm that the vehicle slows down when you
press down on the brake pedal harder than usual.
In some cases, the brake pedal may go all the way
to the floor.
• Should the brakes fail, use engine braking to
reduce your speed and slowly apply the parking
brake.
Depress the brake pedal to illuminate the stop
lights to alert the vehicles behind you.
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, have the sys-
tem checked at an authorized Mitsubishi Motors
dealer or a repair facility of your choice.
BK0122500US.book 207 ページ ２０１０年５月１２日　水曜日　午前１１時１１分

3-208 Features and controls
3
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.
Charging system warning light
N00520600296
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). A warning is also displayed in the multi-
information display. When the engine is started, the light
should go out. Check to make sure that the light has gone out
before driving.

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 an automatic transaxle or
CVT has a stronger tendency to creep forward.
CAUTION
!
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.
BK0122500US.book 208 ページ ２０１０年５月１２日　水曜日　午前１１時１１分

Vehicle care and maintenance
7-3
7 Catalytic converter
N00937400346
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 “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 turning
off the ignition switch.

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.
BK0122500US.book 3 ページ ２０１０年５月１２日　水曜日　午前１１時１１分

Vehicle care and maintenance
7-35
7 Wiper blades
N00940700138
Check the wiper blades occasionally. Clean them regularly to
remove deposits of salt and road film. Use a sponge or cloth
and a mild detergent or non-abrasive cleaner to clean the blades
and glass areas.
Replace the blades if they continue to streak or smear.NOTE
Do not run the wipers on dry glass for a long time. This
wears out the rubber and can scratch the glass.During cold weatherIf the blades are frozen to the windshield or rear window, do
not operate the wipers until the ice has melted and the blades
are freed, otherwise the wiper motor may be damaged.
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 Mit-
subishi Motors dealer or a repair facility of your choice. This
should be done at the time or mileage specified in the “WAR-
RANTY 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.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.
BK0122500US.book 35 ページ ２０１０年５月１２日　水曜日　午前１１時１１分