brake fluid MITSUBISHI CARISMA 2000 1.G Owners Manual

INSTRUMENTS AND CONTROLS
4–8
Rear fog lamp indication lamp - amber
ED74A-B
This lamp illuminates while the rear fog lamp is on.
Door-ajar warning lamp - redED56A-Ca
This lamp illuminates when a door or the tailgate is
either open or incompletely closed.
CAUTION
Before moving your vehicle, check that the
warning lamp is OFF.
Brake warning lamp - redED23AAKb
With the ignition switch “ON”, the brake warning lamp
illuminates under the following conditions:
(1) When the parking brake lever has been en-
gaged.
(2) When the brake fluid level in the reservoir falls to
a low level.
CAUTION
(1) In the situations listed below, brake per-
formance may be compromised, if brakes
are applied suddenly; consequently,
avoid driving at high speeds or applying
the brakes suddenly. Furthermore, the ve-
hicle should be brought to a stop in a safe
location and your nearest authorized MIT-
SUBISHI dealer should be contacted.

The brake warning lamp does not il-
luminate when the parking brake is ap-
plied or does not turn off when the
parking brake is released.

The brake warning lamp remains il-
luminated during driving.
(2) The vehicle should be brought to a halt in
the following manner when brake per-
formance has deteriorated.

Depress the brake pedal harder than
usual.

Should the brakes fail, use engine
braking to reduce your speed and
slowly pull the parking brake lever to
park your vehicle.
Depress the brake pedal to operate the
stop lamp (brake lamp) to alert the ve-
hicles behind you.

VEHICLE CARE
7–6
Servicing of plastic partsEK29AMEc
Use a sponge or chamois leather.
If a car wax adheres on a grey or black rough
surface of the bumper, moulding or lamps,
the surface becomes white. In such a case,
wipe it off using lukewarm water and soft
cloth or chamois leather.
CAUTION
(1) Do not use a scrubbing brush or
other hard tools as they may dam-
age the plastic part surface.
(2) Do not use wax containing com-
pound (polishing powder) which
may damage the plastic part sur-
face.
(3) Do not bring the plastic parts into
contact with brake fluids, engine
oils, greases, paint thinners,
painting, and sulphuric acid (bat-
tery electrolyte) which may stain,
or discolour the plastic parts.
If they touch the plastic part, wipe
them off with soft cloth, chamois
or the like and an aqueous sol-
ution of neutral detergent, then
immediately rinse the affected
parts with water.
Aluminium wheels*EK35A-Af
A protective coating is provided over the alu-
minium type wheels.
Clean aluminium wheels with a cleaner de-
signed for use on aluminium and apply an
appropriate protection agent.
NOTE(1) When cleaning aluminium type wheels,
do not use abrasive cleaners. Wheels
exposed to sea water or road chemicals
should be cleaned as soon as possible.
(2) Brushes may damage the aluminium
wheel surface. Always use a sponge,
chamois leather, etc.
(3) Do not apply hot water directly from the
steam cleaner or similar to the wheel
surface.
Window glassEK10A-Ca
The window glass can normally be cleaned
using only a sponge and water.
Glass cleaner can be used to remove oil,
grease, dead insects, etc. After washing the
glass, wipe dry with a clean, dry, soft cloth.
Never use the same cloth to wipe the win-
dow glass as would be used to wipe the
paintwork; wax from the painted surfaces
could adhere to the glass and reduce its
transparency and visibility.
NOTETo clean the inside of the rear window, al-
ways use a soft cloth and wipe the window
glass along the demister heater element so
as not to cause damage.
Wiper bladesEK11A-Aa
Use a soft cloth and glass cleaner to remove
grease, dead insects, etc., from the wiper
blades. Replace the wiper blades when they
no longer wipe properly. (Refer to
page 9–18)

FOR EMERGENCIES
8–13
Front
N25A200a
Towing with a rope
1. For vehicles with automatic transmis-
sion check the automatic transmis-
sion fluid level. (Refer to “Automatic
transmission fluid” on page 9–4.)
If the fluid level is low, transport the ve-
hicle with all wheels off the ground.
CAUTION
If the vehicle is out of automatic trans-
mission fluid, the transmission could
be damaged.
2. The towing hooks (A) are located as
shown in the illustrations. Attach the
tow rope to the towing hooks.
Rear
N25A057a
NOTE
(1) Using any part other than the desig-
nated towing hooks (A) could result in
damage to vehicle body.
(2) Use care that the towing rope is kept as
horizontal as possible.
An angled towing rope can damage the
vehicle body.
(3) Never attempt to tow out a ditched ve-
hicle because the towing rope cannot
be kept horizontal.
3. Turn the ignition switch to the “ACC” or
“ON” position to unlock the steering
wheel.
CAUTION
(1) As the engine is not running, the
brake booster and power steer-
ing pump do not operate. This
means higher brake depression
force and higher steering effort
are required. Therefore vehicle
operation is more difficult than
usual.
(2) Do not leave the key in the
“LOCK” position. If the key is re-
moved while driving, the steering
will be locked causing loss of
control.
4. Turn on the hazard warning lamps.
5. Move the gearshift lever (manual
transmission) or the selector lever (au-
tomatic transmission) to Neutral or the
“N” position.
6. During towing make sure that close
contact is maintained between the
drivers of both vehicles, and that the
vehicles travel at low speed. Avoid
abrupt starting or stopping which
might subject the vehicles to shock.

FOR EMERGENCIES
8–18
CAUTION
Check the other vehicle. It must have
a 12-volt battery.
If the other system isn’t 12-volt, short-
ing can damage both vehicles.
2. You could be injured if the vehicles roll.
Set the parking brake firmly on each
vehicle. Put an automatic trans-
mission in “P” (PARK) or a manual
transmission in “N” (Neutral). Turn off
the ignition switch.
WARNING
Tu r n o f f t h e ignition on both vehicles
beforehand. Use care to make sure
that the cables or your clothes do not
get caught by the fan or drive belt.
Personal injury could result.
NOTE
Turn off all lamps, heater and other electrical
loads. This will avoid sparks and help save
both batteries.
3. Make sure battery electrolyte is at the
proper level.
Refer to “Battery” on page 9–7.
WARNING
If electrolyte fluid is not visible, or ap-
pears to be frozen, do not attempt
jump starting!
A battery might rupture or explode if
the temperature is below the freezing
point or if it is not filled to the proper
level.
Petrol-powered vehicles (1300 models)
N28A195a
4. Connect one end of one jumper cable
to the positive (+) terminal of the dis-
charged battery, and the other end to
the positive (+) terminal of the booster
battery.
5. Connect one end of the other jumper
cable to the negative (-) terminal of the
booster battery, and the other end to
the engine block of the vehicle with the
discharged battery at the point farthest
from the battery.
NOTE
Remove the cover before connecting the
jumper cable to the positive terminal of the
battery.

Maintenance
Engine oil 9–2. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Automatic transmission fluid* 9–4. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine coolant 9–5. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Battery 9–7. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brake fluid 9–8. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Power steering fluid 9–9. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Clutch fluid* 9–10. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Washer fluid 9–10. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Wheel condition 9–11. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tyre inflation pressure 9–12. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tyre rotation 9–13. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Snow tyres 9–14. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tyre chains 9–15. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuel, engine coolant, oil and exhaust gas
leakage 9–16. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Exterior and interior lamp operation 9–16. . . . . . . .
Meter, gauge and indication/ warning lamp
operation 9–16. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Clutch pedal free play* 9–17. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brake pedal free play 9–17. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Parking brake lever stroke 9–17. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Hinges and latches lubrication 9–18. . . . . . . . . . . . .
Wiper blades 9–18. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Ventilation slots 9–19. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Weatherstripping 9–19. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Additional equipment
(For regions where snow is encountered) 9–19. . .

MAINTENANCE
9–4
Type 1
M03B029a
Selection of engine oil
(diesel-powered vehicles)
EM03BAKe
(1) Select engine oil of the proper SAE vis-
cosity number according to the atmos-
pheric temperature.
(2) Use engine oil conforming to the follow-
ing classification:
Ty p e 1 :ACEA classification:
“For service B2-96 or B3-96”
Ty p e 2 :API classification:
“For service CF”
NOTE
Use of additives is not recommended
since they may reduce the effectiveness of
additives already included in the engine
oil. It may result in failure of the mechani-
cally assembly.
Type 2
M03B030aM05A069a
Automatic transmission fluid*EM05AAH
The proper amount of automatic trans-
mission fluid is essential to the life and oper-
ation of the automatic transmission. Either in-
sufficient fluid or excessive fluid could cause
transmission trouble. The transmission fluid
filler port cap is equipped with a dipstick. Use
the following procedure to check the fluid
level.
1. Check the fluid level after the vehicle
has been driven enough to warm up
the transmission fluid.
2. Park the vehicle on a flat, level surface
and apply the parking brake.

MAINTENANCE
9–5
3. With the engine idling and the brake
pedal fully depressed, move the trans-
mission selector lever through all the
positions from the ”P” (PARK) to ”L”
(LOW) (with INVECS–II 4A/T), the ”P”
(PARK) to ”D” (DRIVE) (with INVECS–
II Sports Mode 4A/T), stopping mo-
mentarily at each position.
4. Move the selector lever to the ”N”
(NEUTRAL) or ”P” (PARK) position.
5. Remove the dipstick and wipe it with a
clean lint–free cloth.
6. Reinsert the dipstick as far as it goes.
7. Remove the dipstick and read the oil
level. The fluid level should always be
between the two marks on the dip-
stick.
8. Use only the following transmission
fluid to ensure optimum transmission
performance: ”DIA QUEEN ATF SP
III”.
WARNING
Do not spill the fluid onto a hot ex-
haust manifold during topping up or
inspection, or a fire may occur.
Petrol–powered vehicles
N26A034a
Engine coolantEM36ALY
A translucent coolant reserve tank is located
in the engine compartment. The coolant
level in this tank should be kept between the
two marks on the reserve tank when
measured while the engine is cold. The cool-
ing system is a closed system and normally
the loss of coolant should be very slight. A
noticeable drop in the coolant level could
indicate leakage. If this occurs, have the sys-
tem checked at an authorized MITSUBISHI
dealer as soon as possible.
If the level should drop below the ”LOW”
level on the reserve tank, open the lid and
add coolant.
Also, if the reserve tank is completely empty,
remove the radiator cap and add coolant
until the level reaches the filler neck.
Diesel–powered vehicles
N26A160a
NOTE
On diesel–powered vehicles, the radiator
has no filler port. Supply coolant from the filler
port in the reserve tank.
WARNING
Do not open the reserve tank lid or
radiator cap while the engine is hot.
The coolant system is under pressure
and any hot coolant escaping could
cause severe burns.

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.