charging MITSUBISHI CARISMA 2000 1.G Owners Manual

INSTRUMENTS AND CONTROLS
4–9
Charge warning lamp - redED54A–Ra
This lamp illuminates when the ignition key is turned
“ON”, and goes off after the engine has started.
CAUTION
If it illuminates while the engine is running,
there is a problem in the charging system. In
this case, immediately park your vehicle in a
safe place and contact your nearest author-
ized MITSUBISHI dealer.

Abnormality in the charging system

Broken alternator belt
Check engine indication lamp - amberED85AAKa
This lamp is a part of an onboard diagnostic system
which monitors the emissions, engine and automatic
transmission control systems.
If a problem is detected in one of these systems, this
lamp illuminates or flashes. Although your vehicle will
usually be drivable and not need towing, have the sys-
tem checked as soon as possible at an authorized
MITSUBISHI dealer.
This lamp will also illuminate for a few seconds when
the ignition key is turned to the “ON” position. If it does
not go off after a few seconds, take the vehicle to an
authorized MITSUBISHI dealer.
CAUTION
(1) Prolonged driving with this lamp on may
cause further damage to the emission
control system. It could also affect fuel
economy and drivability.
(2) If the lamp does not illuminate when the
ignition key is turned to the “ON” posi-
tion, have the system checked at an auth-
orized MITSUBISHI dealer.

FOR EMERGENCIES
8–20
CAUTION
Keep the engine of the vehicle giving
assistance running.
7. After the engine is started, disconnect
the cables in the reverse order.
WARNING
(1) Charging the battery while it is in-
stalled in the vehicle might cause
the battery to catch fire and ex-
plode. Or damage to the vehicle
could result. If it has to be
charged in that condition for un-
avoidable reasons, disconnect
the vehicle side negative (-) ter-
minal connected to the battery.
(2) Keep sparks, cigarettes and
flames away from the battery be-
cause the battery may produce
an explosion.
(3) Use adequate ventilation when
charging or using the battery in
an enclosed space.
(4) Remove all the caps before
charging the battery.
WARNING
(5) Electrolyte is corrosive diluted
sulphuric acid.
If electrolyte (battery acid) comes
into contact with your hands,
eyes, clothes and the painted sur-
face of your vehicle, it should be
thoroughly flushed with water. If
electrolyte gets in your eyes,
flush them with water immediate-
ly and thoroughly, and get prompt
medical attention.
CAUTION
(1) Do not attempt to start the engine
by pulling or pushing the vehicle.
It could damage your vehicle.
(2) Always wear protective eye
goggles when working near the
battery.
(3) Keep the battery out of the reach
of children.
NOTE
On a vehicle with an anti-lock brake system,
if the vehicle is put in motion without fully
charging the battery it might cause the loss
of the smooth engine operation and the anti-
lock brake warning lamp to illuminate.
Refer to “Anti-lock brake system (ABS)” on
page 5–28.

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.