ESP MITSUBISHI CARISMA 2000 1.G User Guide

SEATS AND SEATBELTS
3–28
G28L086d
The front air bags MAY NOT DEPLOY when...
With certain types of frontal collisions, the ve-
hicle’s body structure is designed to absorb
the shock to help protect the occupants from
harm. (The vehicle body’s front area may de-
form significantly as it absorbs the impact.)
Under such circumstances, the front air bags
may not deploy irrespective of the deforma-
tion and damage to the vehicle body.
Examples of some typical conditions are
shown in the illustration:1-Collision with a utility pole, tree or
other narrow object
2-Vehicle slides under the rear body of a
truck
3-Oblique frontal impactsBecause the front air bags do not protect the
occupant in all types of frontal collisions, be
sure to always properly wear your seat belts.

SEATS AND SEATBELTS
3–33
G28L089d
The side air bags MAY NOT DEPLOY when...
With certain types of side collisions, the ve-
hicle’s body structure is designed to absorb
the shock to help protect the occupants from
harm. (The vehicle body’s side area may de-
form significantly as it absorbs the impact.)
Under such circumstances, the side air bags
may not deploy irrespective of the deforma-
tion and damage to the vehicle body.
Examples of some typical conditions are
shown in the illustration:1-Side impacts in an area away from the
passenger compartment
2-Motorcycle or other similar small ve-
hicle collides with the side of the ve-
hicle
3-Collision with a utility pole, tree or
other narrow object
4-Oblique side impacts
5-Vehicle rolls onto its side or roofBecause the side air bags do not protect the
occupant in all types of side collisions, be
sure to always properly wear your seat belts.

INSTRUMENTS AND CONTROLS
4–4
NOTE
(1) Display A and B each have a maximum
distance of 999.9 mile (km).
(2) When disconnecting the battery ter-
minal for a long time, the memory of trip-
meter display A and B are cleared, and
the display returns to “0”.
D04A067a
TachometerED04A-Ac
The tachometer indicates the engine speed
(r/min). The tachometer can help you obtain
more economical driving and also warns you
of excessive engine speeds.
CAUTION
During travel, watch the tachometer
making sure that the engine speed in-
dication does not rise to the red zone
(excessive engine rpm).
Type 1
D05A020a
Fuel gaugeED15A-Ea
The fuel gauge indicates the fuel level in the
fuel tank irrespective of the ignition switch
position.
0- Empty
1- Full
CAUTION
Do not drive with an extremely low
fuel level; running out of fuel could
cause damage to the catalytic con-
verter.

INSTRUMENTS AND CONTROLS
4–10
CAUTION
(3) If the lamp illuminates or flashes while the
engine is running, avoid driving at high
speeds and have the system checked at
an authorized MITSUBISHI dealer.
During vehicle operation with the lamp il-
luminated or flashing, the vehicle may not
accelerate when you depress the acceler-
ator pedal.
When the vehicle is stationary with the
lamp illuminated or flashing, you must de-
press the brake pedal more firmly than
usual since the engine idling speed is
higher than usual and the vehicle with an
automatic transmission has a stronger
tendency to creep forward.
NOTE
The engine electronic control module accommodat-
ing the onboard diagnostic system has various fault
data (especially about the exhaust emission) stored.
This data will be erased if a battery cable is discon-
nected, which will make rapid diagnosis difficult. Do
not disconnect a battery cable when the check engine
indication lamp is ON.
Oil pressure warning lamp - redED25A-Ai
This lamp illuminates when the ignition key is turned
“ON”, and goes off after the engine has started. If it il-
luminates while the engine is running, the oil pressure
is too low.
If the warning lamp illuminates while the engine is run-
ning, turn the engine off and contact your nearest
authorized MITSUBISHI dealer for inspection.
CAUTION
(1) If this lamp illuminates when the engine
oil level is not low, contact your nearest
authorized MITSUBISHI dealer for inspec-
tion.
(2) This warning lamp does not indicate the
amount of oil in the crankcase. This must
be determined by checking the oil level on
the dipstick, while the engine is switched
off.
(3) If you continue driving with low engine oil
level or with this warning lamp illumi-
nated, engine seizure may occur.
NOTE
The oil pressure warning lamp should not be treated
as an indication of the engine’s oil level. The oil level
must be checked using the dipstick.

STARTING AND DRIVING
5–2
Running-in
recommendations
EA01AMKi
During the running-in period for the first
1,000 km, it is advisable to drive your new
vehicle using the following precautions as a
guideline to aid long life as well as future
economy and performance.
(1) Do not race the engine at high speeds.
(2) Avoid rapid starting, accelerating, brak-
ing and prolonged high-speed running.
(3) Keep to the running-in speed limit
shown below.
Please note that the legal speed limits
displayed must be adhered to.
(4) Do not exceed loading limits.
(5) Refrain from towing a trailer.
Ve h i c les with manual transmissionkm/h
Speed limit
DrivePetrol-powered vehicleDiesel-range
130016001800
(GDI)powered
vehicle
1st25353025
2nd50606045
3rd80909070
4th105120120100
5th130150155135
Vehicles with automatic trans-
mission INVECS-II 4A/T
km/h
Drive rangeSpeed limitDrive range1600
“L” (LOW)30
“2” (SECOND)70
“3” (THIRD)105
“D” (DRIVE)120
Ve h i c les with automatic trans-
mission INVECS-II
Sport Mode 4A/T
km/h
Drive rangeSpeed limit
1st30
2nd80
3rd120
4th130

STARTING AND DRIVING
5–4
C20A132a
RHD
C20A162a
A- Remove
B- Close
3. Open the fuel tank filler tube by slowly
turning the cap anticlockwise.
NOTE
Put the fuel tank cap on the cap holder (C)
while refueling.
CAUTION
Since the fuel system may be under
pressure, remove the fuel tank filler
tube cap slowly. This relieves any
pressure or vacuum that might have
built up in the fuel tank. If the cap is
venting vapor or if you hear a hissing
sound, wait until it stops before re-
moving the cap. Otherwise, fuel may
spray out, injuring you or others.
4. To fill with fuel correctly depends main-
ly on correct handling of the fuel filler
gun. Do not tilt the gun. Insert the gun
in the tank port as far as it goes.
CAUTION
Petrol–powered vehicles have a label
located on the fuel tank filler lid that
states, ”UNLEADED FUEL ONLY”.
The vehicle also has a fuel tank filler
tube especially designed to accept
the smaller diameter unleaded petrol
dispensing nozzles only.
If the tank cap must be replaced, use
only a MITSUBISHI original part
specified for your vehicle.

STARTING AND DRIVING
5–7
(3)City traffic
Frequent starting and stopping in-
creases the average fuel consumption.
Use roads with smooth traffic flow
whenever possible. When driving on
congested roads, avoid use of a low
gear at high engine speeds.
(4) Idling
The vehicle consumes fuel even during
idling. Avoid extended idling whenever
possible.
(5)Speed
The higher the vehicle speed, the more
fuel consumed. Avoid driving at full
speed. Even a slight release of the ac-
celerator pedal will save a significant
amount of fuel.
(6)Tyre inflation pressure
Check the tyre inflation pressures at
regular intervals. Low tyre inflation pres-
sure increases road resistance and fuel
consumption. In addition, low tyre pres-
sures adversely affect tyre wear and
driving stability.(7)Load
Do not drive with unnecessary articles in
the luggage compartment. Especially
during city driving where frequent start-
ing and stopping is necessary, the in-
creased weight of the vehicle will greatly
affect fuel consumption. Also avoid driv-
ing with unnecessary luggage, etc., on
the roof; the increased air resistance will
increase fuel consumption.
(8)Cold engine starting
Starting of a cold engine consumes
more fuel.
Unnecessary fuel consumption is also
caused by keeping a hot engine run-
ning. After the engine is started, com-
mence driving as soon as possible.
(9)Air conditioning*
The use of the air conditioning will in-
crease the fuel consumption.Trailer towingEC21AMFg
In order to tow a trailer with your vehicle, a
trailer towing device that meets all relevant
regulations in your area has to be mounted.
The regulations concerning the towing of a
trailer may differ from country to country. You
are advised to obey the regulations in each
area.
CAUTION
Danger of accident!
A towing bar should be fitted by an
authorized MITSUBISHI dealer.

STARTING AND DRIVING
5–12
StartingEI02FAIh
Tips for starting
(1) Do not operate the starter motor con-
tinuously for anything longer than 10
seconds; doing so could run down the
battery. If the engine does not start, turn
the ignition switch back to “LOCK”, wait
a few seconds, and then try again.
Trying repeatedly with the starter mo-
tor still turning will damage the starter
mechanism.
(2) If the engine cannot be started because
the battery is weak or dead, refer to the
“Emergency starting” section for instruc-
tions on starting the engine.
(3) The engine is well warmed up if the
coolant temperature gauge needle
starts to move (the engine speed de-
creases). Extended warming - up oper-
ation will result in excessive fuel con-
sumption.
WARNING
Never run the engine in a closed or
poorly ventilated area any longer than
is needed to move your vehicle in or
out of the area. Carbon monoxide
gases are odourless and can be fatal.
CAUTION
(1) Never attempt to start the engine
by pushing or pulling the vehicle.
Especially in the automatic trans-
mission since the structure is dif-
ferent from a manual transmis-
sion, it is not possible to start the
engine by using this technique.
Never attempt this or it could
damage the automatic transmis-
sion.
(2) Do not run the engine at high rpm
or drive the vehicle at high speed
until the engine has a chance to
warm up.
(3) Release the ignition key as soon
as the engine starts to avoid dam-
aging the starter motor.
(4) If your vehicle is equipped with a
turbocharger, do not stop the en-
gine immediately after operating
the vehicle at high speeds. Allow
the engine to idle for approxi-
mately 60 seconds or more to
give the turbocharger a chance to
cool down.
NOTE
After replacing the battery, the electronic
control system data for the engine, auto-
matic transmission, etc., will be erased. As a
result, the engine speed may become un-
stable and shift shocks may occur.
If the engine speed becomes unstable, initial
engine adjustments will need to be per-
formed.
Refer to the section ”What to do if the engine
speed becomes unstable after the battery is
replaced” on page 8–22.
Shift shocks will become smoother after sev-
eral changes in speed.

STARTING AND DRIVING
5–27
Braking EI23AAFc
All the parts of the brake system are critical
to safety. Have the vehicle serviced by an
authorized MITSUBISHI dealer at regular
intervals according to the service booklet.
Brake system
(1)The service brake is divided into two
brake circuits so that when one brake
circuit fails, the other is available to
stop the vehicle. If this occurs, howev-
er, the brake pedal must be depressed
further than usual; stop driving as
soon as possible and have the brake
system repaired at the nearest autho-
rized MITSUBISHI dealer.
(2)The brake boosting force is lost after
the brake pedal is depressed once or
twice while the engine is off. If this oc-
curs, the brake will require greater
force than usual. This is especially im-
portant when the vehicle is being
towed.
Warning lamp
The brake warning lamp lets you know if
your brake system is working properly.
Read “Brake warning lamp” on page 4–8 .
When brakes are wet
Check the brake system while driving at a
low speed immediately after starting, es-
pecially when the brakes are wet, to con-
firm they work normally.
A film of water can form on the brake discs
and prevent normal functioning after driv-
ing in heavy rain or through large puddles,
or after the vehicle is washed. If this oc-
curs, dry the brakes out by driving slowly
while lightly depressing the brake pedal.
When driving downhill
It is important to take advantage of the en-
gine braking by shifting to a lower gear
while driving on steep downhill roads in or-
der to prevent the brakes from overheat-
ing.
Brake pads
(1)With new brake pads, avoid where
possible sudden full application of the
brakes for the first 200 km of driving.
(2)The disc brakes are provided with a
warning device which emits a shriek-
ing metallic sound while braking if the
brake pads have reached their limit. If
you hear this sound, have the brake
pads replaced by your MITSUBISHI
dealer.
CAUTION
(1) Do not leave any objects or place
a thick floor mat around the brake
pedal; doing so could prevent the
full pedal stroke that would be
necessary in an emergency.
Make sure that the pedal can be
operated freely at all times.
(2) Avoid driving habits that cause
heavy braking and never “ride”
the brakes by resting your foot on
the brake pedal while driving.
It causes brake overheating and
fade.

STARTING AND DRIVING
5–36
I10A126a
Auto–speed (cruise) control*EI10AAM
Auto–speed control is an automatic speed
control system to maintain a desired driving
speed of about 40 km/h or more without op-
erating the accelerator pedal.
This feature is especially useful for high way
driving. Auto–speed control does not work at
speeds below about 40 km/h.
A- Main switch
B-Auto–speed control lever
I10A122a
To activate
1. Push the main switch (A) at the end of
the auto–speed control lever.
2. Pull down the lever (B) while driving at
the desired speed.
I10A046a
When the main switch (A) is ON, the
“CRUISE” indication lamp located in the in-
strument panel will illuminate.
CAUTION
(1) As a safety precaution, the main
switch (A) should be set to “OFF”
position except when using the
auto–speed control system.
(2) The use of the auto–speed con-
trol is not recommended when
driving conditions do not permit
maintaining a constant speed,
such as heavy traffic or on roads
that are winding, icy, snow–cov-
ered, wet, slippery or a steep
downhill grade.