maintenance MITSUBISHI CARISMA 2000 1.G User Guide

MAINTENANCE
9–8
WARNING
(1) Keep sparks, cigarettes, and
flames away from the battery be-
cause the battery could explode.
(2) The battery electrolyte is extremely
caustic. Do not allow it to come in
contact with your eyes, skin, cloth-
ing, or the painted surfaces of the
vehicle. Spilled electrolyte should
be flushed immediately with ample
amounts of water.
Irritation to eyes or skin from con-
tact with electrolyte requires im-
mediate medical attention.
(3) Ventilate when charging or using
the battery in an enclosed space.
CAUTION
(1) Never disconnect the battery with
the ignition switch in the “ON”
position; doing so could damage
the vehicle’s electrical compo-
nents.
(2) Never short - circuit the battery;
doing so could cause it to over-
heat and damage it.
CAUTION
(3) Always wear protective eye
goggles when working near the
battery.
(4) If the battery is to be
quick -charged, first disconnect
the battery cables.
(5) In order to prevent a short circuit,
be sure to disconnect the nega-
tive (–) terminal first.
(6) Keep it out of the reach of
children.
NOTE
(1) Keep the terminals clean. After the bat-
tery is connected, apply terminal protec-
tion grease. To clean the terminals, use
lukewarm water.
(2) Check to see if the battery is securely in-
stalled and cannot be moved during
travel. Also check each terminal for
tightness.
(3) When the vehicle is to be left unused for
a long period of time, remove the battery
and store it in a place where the battery
fluid will not freeze. The battery should
be stored only in a fully charged condi-
tion.
M08A009a
Brake fluidEM08A-Oh
Check the brake fluid level in the reservoir.
The brake fluid level must be between the
“MAX” and “MIN” marks on the reservoir.
The fluid level falls slightly with wear of the
brake pads, but this does not indicate any
abnormality.
If the brake fluid level falls markedly in a short
length of time, it indicates leaks from the
brake system.
If this occurs, have the vehicle checked by
an authorized MITSUBISHI dealer.

MAINTENANCE
9–9
Use brake fluid conforming to DOT3 or
DOT4. The brake fluid is hygroscopic. Too
much moisture in the brake fluid will adverse-
ly affect the brake system, reducing the
brake performance.
In addition, the brake fluid reservoir is
equipped with a special cap to prevent the
entrance of air, and this cap should not be re-
moved.
The brake fluid level is monitored by a float.
When the brake fluid level falls below the
“MIN” mark, the brake fluid warning lamp
lights up.
WARNING
(1) Take care in handling brake fluid as
it is harmful to the eyes and may
also cause damage to painted sur-
faces. If fluid is spilt, wipe it up as
soon as possible.
(2) Use only the specified brake fluid.
Also, the additives in different
brands may result in a chemical re-
action when mixed together, so
avoid mixing different brands if
possible.
(3)Normally, keep the reservoir tank
cap closed to prevent the brake
fluid from deteriorating.
Petrol-powered vehicles
M09A029a
Power steering fluidEM09A-Oa
Check the fluid level in the reservoir while the
engine is idling.
Unscrew the reservoir cap; the level in this
tank should be kept between the “MAX” and
“MIN” lines.
Use “ATF DEXRON II”.
Diesel-powered vehicles
M09A030a

MAINTENANCE
9–10
Petrol-powered vehicle
M10A005a
Clutch fluid*EM10A-J
Petrol-powered vehicle
To check the clutch fluidThe clutch fluid in the master cylinder
should be checked when performing other
underhood services. In addition, the sys-
tem should be checked for leakage at the
same time.
Check to make certain that the clutch fluid
level is always between the “MAX” and
“MIN” level markings on the fluid reservoir
and refill the fluid, if necessary.
A rapid fluid loss indicates a leak in the
clutch system which should be inspected
by your authorized MITSUBISHI dealer
and repaired immediately.
To replace the fluidRecommended brake fluid conforming to
DOT 3 or DOT 4 should be used.
The reservoir cap must be fully tightened to
avoid contamination from foreign matter or
moisture.
DO NOT ALLOW PETROLEUM-BASED
FLUID TO CONTACT, MIX WITH, OR
OTHERWISE CONTAMINATE THE
BRAKE FLUID. SEAL DAMAGE WILL RE-
SULT.
WARNING
Take care in handling brake fluid as it
is harmful to the eyes and may also
cause damage to painted surfaces.
When the fluid is spilt, wipe it up im-
mediately.
Diesel–powered vehicle
The reservoir for the clutch fluid also serves
as the reservoir for the brake fluid. Refer to
the paragraph on the “Brake fluid”.
M31A019a
Washer fluidEM31AAO
Check the washer fluid level in the container.
If the level is low, replenish as required.
NOTE
The washer fluid container serves the wind-
screen, rear window, and headlamps (if so
equipped).
During cold weather
To ensure proper operation of the washers at
low temperatures, use a fluid containing an
anti–freezing agent.

MAINTENANCE
9–11
M32A001a
Wheel conditionEM32A-Bj
1-Location of tread wear indicator
2-Tread wear indicator
Check the tyres for cuts, cracks and other
damage. Replace the tyres if there are deep
cuts or cracks. Also check each tyre for
pieces of metal or pebbles.
The use of worn tyres can be very danger-
ous because of the greater chance of skid-
ding or hydroplaning. The tread depth of the
tyres must exceed 1.6 mm in order for the
tyres to meet the minimum requirement for
use.
If there are tread wear indicators on the tyres,
they will appear in six places on the surface
of the tyre as the tyre wears, thereby indicat-
ing that the tyre no longer meets the mini-
mum requirement for use. When these wear
indicators do appear, the tyres must be re-
placed with new ones.Be sure that the wheel nuts are tightened
correctly. Refer to the section entitled “For
emergencies” for information concerning re-
placement of the tyres.
NOTEThe mark and the location of the tyre tread
wear indicators are different depending on
tyre manufacturers.

MAINTENANCE
9–12
Tyre inflation pressureEM13AMKf
kPa
ItemTyre sizeNormal loading with up to 3 personsFully loadedAboveItemTyre sizeFrontRearFrontRear160 km/h
175/65R15*184S
84T2.2 (220)2.0, 2.3*2(200, 230*2)2.3 (230)2.2, 2.3*2(220, 230*2)+ 0.4 (40)
Normal tyre195/55R15*185H
85V2.2 (220)2.0, 2.3*2(200, 230*2)2.3 (230)2.2, 2.3*2(220, 230*2)+ 0.4 (40)
195/60R1588H
88V2.2 (220)2.0 (200)2.2 (220)2.0 (200)+ 0.3 (30)
Compact spare tyreT125/90R15 96M4.2 (420)–
*1 : Snow tyre (M+S): It is also called winter tyres and designed for traction in mud and snow.
*2 : Indicates tyre inflation pressure when towing a trailer
Check the tyre inflation pressure of all the tyres while they are cold: if insufficient or excessive, adjust to the specified value.
After the tyre inflation pressure has been adjusted, check the tyres for damage and air leaks. Be sure to put rubber caps on the valves.

MAINTENANCE
9–13
Type 1
M40A027a
Tyre rotationEM60A-Vc
Tyre wear varies with vehicle conditions,
road surface conditions and individual
driver’s driving habits. To equalize the
wear and help extend tyre life, it is recom-
mended to rotate the tyres immediately
after discovery of abnormal wear, or when-
ever the wear difference between the front
and rear tyres is recognizable.
Type 2
M40A043a
When rotating tyres, check for uneven
wear and damage. Abnormal wear is
usually caused by incorrect tyre pressure,
improper wheel alignment, out of balance
wheel, or severe braking. Consult your
authorized MITSUBISHI dealer to deter-
mine the cause of irregular tread wear.
Type 3
M40A049a
CAUTION
(1) A compact spare tyre can be
fitted temporarily in place of a tyre
that has been removed during the
tyre rotation. However, it must not
be included in the regular tyre
rotation sequence.

MAINTENANCE
9–14
Front
M40A035a
CAUTION
(2) If the tyres have arrows (A) indi-
cating the correct direction of
rotation, swap the front and rear
tyres on the left–hand side of the
vehicle and the front and rear
tyres on the right–hand side of
the vehicle separately. Keep each
tyre on its original side of the ve-
hicle. When fitting the tyres, make
sure the arrows point in the direc-
tion in which the wheels will turn
when the vehicle moves forward.
Any tyre whose arrow points in
the wrong direction will not per-
form to its full potential.
CAUTION
(3) Avoid the combined use of differ-
ent types of tyres and disk
wheels. This can affect driving
safety.
Snow tyresEL12AMDe
The use of snow tyres is recommended for
driving on snow and ice. To preserve driving
stability, mount snow tyres of the same size
and tread pattern on all four wheels.
Snow tyres worn more than 50% are no
longer suitable for use as snow tyres.
Snow tyres which do not meet specifications
must not be used.
CAUTION
(1) Observe permissible maximum
speed for your snow tyres and the
legal speed limit.
(2) If snow tyre must be used,
change to following tyres:

195/60R15 snow tyre (M+S)

175/65R15 snow tyre (M+S)

195/55R15 snow tyre (M+S)
Also remember that in order to
guarantee safety, the vehicle must
never be driven at speeds in ex-
cess of 160 km/h, when 175/65R15
snow tyres are being used.

MAINTENANCE
9–15
NOTE
(1) The laws and regulations concerning
snow tyres (driving speed, required use,
type, etc.) vary. Find out and follow the
laws and regulations in driving area.
(2) If flange nuts are used on your vehicle,
change to tapered nuts when steel
wheels are used.Tyre chainsEL23AMFk
If tyre chains have to be used, ensure that
they are fitted only on the front wheels.
Use only tyre chains which are designed
for use with the tyres mounted on the ve-
hicle: use of the incorrect size or type of
chain could result in damage to the vehicle
body. Before fitting tyre chains, please
consult your authorized MITSUBISHI
dealer. The max chain height is as follows.
Ty r e s i z eWheel sizeMax chain
height [mm]
175/65R15*115x5 J13.5
195/55R15*1195/60R15*215x5 1/2 J
15x6 J12
*1: Snow tyre (M+S) only
*2: Summer tyre only
The speed limit for tyre chain is 50 km/h and
remove the tyre chains as soon as possible
on snow free roads.
WARNING
DO NOT use a jack when filling the
chains as in the conditions the tyres
may slip on the icy road causing the
vehicle to slip off the jack.
CAUTION
(1) Practice fitting the chains before
you need them. Don’t expect help
from other people in the cold.
(2) Choose a clear straight stretch of
road where you can pull off and
still be seen while you are fitting
the chains.
(3) Do not fit chains before you need
them. This will wear out your
tyres and the road surface.
(4) After driving around 100 - 300
metres, stop and retighten the
chains.
(5) Care should be taken with ex-
tremes of steering lock to prevent
possible contact between the
chains and the vehicle body.
(6) Drive carefully and do not exceed
50 km/h. Remember, fitting
chains is not going to stop acci-
dents from happening.
(7) When tyre chains are installed,
take care that they do not damage
the disc wheel or body.

MAINTENANCE
9–16
CAUTION
(8) Do not install a tyre chain on an
emergency wheel which is com-
pact in size. If one of the front
wheels is punctured, replace it
with one of the rear wheels and in-
stall the compact spare wheel in
that place before fitting a tyre
chain.
(9) An aluminium wheel can be dam-
aged by a tyre chain while driving.
When fitting a tyre chain on an
aluminium wheel, take care that
any part of the chain and fitting
cannot be brought into contact
with the disc wheel.
(10) On vehicles with wheel covers,
remove the wheel covers before
installing a tyre chain, otherwise
they may be damaged by the tyre
chain. (Refer to page 8–8)
(11) When installing or removing a
tyre chain, take care that hands
and other parts of your body are
not injured by the sharp edges of
the vehicle body.
(12) Install the chains only on the front
tyres and tighten them as tightly
as possible with the ends secure-
ly fastened.
NOTE
The laws and regulations concerning the
use of tyre chains vary. Find out and follow
the laws and regulations in driving area. In
most countries, it is prohibited by the law to
use tyre chains on roads without snow.
Fuel, engine coolant, oil and
exhaust gas leakage
EM14A-Bd
Look under the body of your vehicle to check
for fuel, engine coolant, oil and exhaust gas
leaks.
WARNING
If you see a suspicious fuel leak or if
you smell fuel, do not operate the ve-
hicle; call your authorized MITSUBI-
SHI dealer for assistance.
Exterior and interior lamp
operation
EM35A-Ad
Operate the combination lamp switch to
check that all lamps are functioning properly.
If the lamps do not illuminate, the probable
cause is a blown fuse or defective lamp bulb.
Check the fuses first. If there is no blown
fuse, check the lamp bulbs.
For information regarding the inspection and
replacement of the fuses and the lamp
bulbs, refer to the section entitled “For
emergencies”.
If the fuses and bulbs are all OK, take the ve-
hicle to an authorized MITSUBISHI dealer
for inspection and repair.
Meter, gauge and indication/
warning lamp operation
Run the engine to check the operation of all
meters, gauges, and indication/warning
lamps.
If there is anything wrong, take the vehicle to
an authorized MITSUBISHI dealer for in-
spection.

MAINTENANCE
9–17
M18A011a
Clutch pedal free play*EM17A-Ya
Press down the clutch pedal with your
fingers until initial resistance is felt.
This distance should be within the specified
range.
A- Free play: 6 to 13 mm
If the clutch pedal free play is not within the
standard range, have the clutch pedal ad-
justed at an authorized MITSUBISHI dealer.
M18A011a
Brake pedal free playEM18A-Ga
Stop the engine, depress the brake pedal
several times, and press down the pedal
with your fingers until initial resistance is felt.
This distance should be within the specified
range.
A- Free play: 3 to 8 mm
If the brake pedal free play is not within the
standard range, have the brake pedal ad-
justed at an authorized MITSUBISHI dealer.
I27A085a
Parking brake lever strokeEM19A–Xd
Pull the parking brake lever up to check the
number of ”clicks” that the ratchet makes.
One click represents a lever movement of
one notch. The lever should move the speci-
fied number of notches for normal brake ap-
plication.
A- Parking brake lever stroke
5 to 7 notches
(Parking brake adjustment when pulled
with the force of 200N)
If the parking brake lever stroke is out of the
standard range, have the brake lever ad-
justed at an authorized MITSUBISHI dealer.