check oil MITSUBISHI CARISMA 2000 1.G Owners Manual

INSTRUMENTS AND CONTROLS
4–6
D50A532d
A: Petrol-powered vehicle
B: Diesel-powered vehicle
Indication and warning lampsED50AMFe1-Turn - signal indication lamps/Hazard warning lamps
2-Automatic transmission indication lamp
(vehicles with A/T only, “N” indicator lamp is used also as A/T
warning lamp.)
Page 5–18
3-High - beam indication lamp
4-Low fuel warning lamp
5-Front fog lamp indication lamp*
6-Rear fog lamp indication lamp
7-Door ajar warning lamp
8-ABS warning lamp*
Page 5–28
9-Brake warning lamp
10 -HOLD indication lamp (vehicle with automatic transmission IN-
VECS-II 4A/T only)
Page 5–20
11-Supplemental restraint (SRS) warning lamp
Page 3–36
12 -Oil pressure warning lamp13 -Charge warning lamp
14 -TCL indication lamp*
Page 5–34
15 -Check engine indication lamp
16 -Cruise control indication lamp*
Page 5–35
17 -Diesel preheat indication lamp
(diesel-powered vehicles only)
18 -Overheating warning lamp
(diesel-powered vehicles only)
NOTE
To find information concerning the indication or warning lamps
marked by the symbol “
Page xx”, refer to the specified pages. For
the other indication and warning lamps, refer to the subsequent
pages.

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.

FOR EMERGENCIES
8–17
Petrol-powered vehicles
N26A034a
4. Check the coolant level in the reserve
tank. If there is none, make sure that
the engine has cooled down before re-
moving the radiator cap, because hot
steam or boiling water otherwise will
gush from the filler port and may scald
you.
5. Add coolant to the radiator and/or re-
serve tank if necessary (refer to the
“Maintenance” section).
CAUTION
Adding cold water rapidly when the
engine is hot could cause the cylinder
head and/or block to crack, add the
water a little at a time while running
the engine.
Diesel-powered vehicles
N26A160a
6. Examine the radiator hoses for cool-
ant leakage and the fan belts for
looseness or damage.
If there is anything wrong with the
cooling system or fan belt, have the
problem corrected at an authorized
MITSUBISHI dealer.
Emergency startingEN38A-Fe
If the engine cannot be started because the
battery is weak or dead, the battery from
another vehicle can be used with jumper
cables to start the engine.
WARNING
To start the engine by use of jumper
cables from another vehicle, perform
the correct procedures according to
the instruction manual. Incorrect pro-
cedures could result in a fire or ex-
plosion or damage to the vehicles.
1. Get the vehicles close enough so the
jumper cables can reach, but be sure
the vehicles are not touching each
other. If they are, it could cause a
ground connection you do not want.
The vehicle will not start, and the bad
grounding could damage the electri-
cal systems.

FOR EMERGENCIES
8–26
N29C001a
5. Insert a new fuse of the same capacity
into the clip and insert the fuse at the
same place in the fuse box.
CAUTION
(1) If the newly inserted fuse blows
again after a short time, have the
electrical system checked and re-
paired by an authorized MITSUBI-
SHI dealer to find the cause and
rectify it.
(2) Never use a fuse with a capacity
larger than that specified or any
substitute, such as wire, foil, etc.;
doing so will cause the circuit wir-
ing to heat up and could cause
fire.
Replacement of lamp bulbsEN10A-Ab
Before replacing a bulb, ensure the lamp is
off. Do not touch the glass part of the new
bulb with your bare fingers; the skin oil left on
the glass will evaporate when the bulb gets
hot and the vapor will condense on the re-
flector and dim the surface.
N10B296a
Bulb capacityEN10BMDh
A bulb should only be replaced with a new
bulb of the same rating and type. The desig-
nation can be found on the base of the bulb.
Outside
1-Position lamps 4W (T4W). . . . . . . . .
2-Headlamps, High/low beam
60/55W (H4) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
3-Front turn - signal lamps
21W (PY21W) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
4-Side turn - signal lamps
5W (WY5W) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
5-Front fog lamps* 55W (H3). . . . . . . .

MAINTENANCE
9–2
EM01A -Fh
Adequate care of your vehicle at regular in-
tervals serves to preserve the value and ap-
pearance as long as possible.
Some maintenance items can be carried out
by the owner (do it yourself), while others
should be carried out by an authorized MIT-
SUBISHI dealer (periodic inspection and
maintenance). This section describes only
those items which can be carried out by the
owner. In the event a malfunction or other
problem is discovered, have it corrected by
an authorized MITSUBISHI dealer. This sec-
tion contains information on inspection main-
tenance procedures that you can do your-
self, if you wish to do so. Follow the
instructions and cautions for each of the va-
rious procedures.
WARNING
(1)When checking or servicing the in-
side of the engine compartment,
make sure the engine is switched
off and has had a chance to cool
down.
(2)If it is necessary to do work in the
engine compartment with the en-
gine running, be especially careful
that your clothing, hair, etc., does
not become caught by the fan,
drive belts or other moving parts.
WARNING
(3) The fan may turn on automati-
cally even if the engine is not run-
ning; turn the ignition key tothe
“LOCK” position and remove the
key to ensure safety while you
work in the engine compartment.
(4) Do not smoke, cause sparks or
allow open flames around fuel or
battery. The fumes are flammable.
(5) Be extremely cautious when
working around the battery. It
contains poisonous and corros-
ive sulphuric acid.
(6) Do not get under your vehicle
with just the body jack support-
ing it. Always use automotive
jack stands.
(7) Improper handling of compo-
nents and materials used in the
vehicle can endanger your per-
sonal safety.
Consult an authorized MITSUBI-
SHI dealer for necessary informa-
tion.
Petrol-powered vehicles (1300 models)
M03A088a
Engine oil
EM03A–Id
The engine oil used has a significant effect
on the engine’s performance, service life and
startability. Be sure to use oil of the recom-
mended quality and appropriate viscosity.
All engines consume a certain amount of oil
during normal operation (See note below).
Therefore, it is important to check the oil at
regular intervals or before starting a long
journey.

MAINTENANCE
9–3
Petrol-powered vehicles (1600, 1800 models)
M03A027a
This check must be carried out with the ve-
hicle on a flat level surface with the engine at
normal operating temperature, but NOT run-
ning. If the engine has been running, wait for
a few minutes to allow the engine oil to return
to the oil pan to ensure an accurate
measurement.
Remove the dipstick and wipe it with a clean
cloth, re - insert the dipstick as far as it will go.
Remove the dipstick and check the oil level.
This should always be within the range as
indicated.
If the oil level is below the specified limit, re-
move the filler cap and add oil. Then recheck
the level. When satisfied that the level is cor-
rect, refit the oil filler cap making sure that it
is securely fitted.
Diesel-powered vehicle
M03A090a
Use only the recommended oils with an API
or ACEA classification as specified in this
manual.
NOTE
(1)Engine oil consumption is greatly in-
fluenced by payload, engine speed,
etc. It may reach 1.0 lit./1,000 km de-
pending on style of driving.
(2) The engine oil will deteriorate rapidly if
the vehicle is subjected to severe condi-
tions (for example, repeated operation
on rough roads, in mountainous re-
gions, on roads with many uphill and
downhill gradients, or over short dis-
tances). Consequently, the oil will re-
quire earlier replacement.
(3) For handling of used engine oils, refer to
page
1–11.
Petrol-powered vehicles
M03B037a
Selection of engine oil
(petrol-powered vehicle)
EM03B-Of
(1) Select engine oil of the proper SAE vis-
cosity number according to the atmos-
pheric temperature.
For 0W-30, 5W-30, 0W-40 and 5W-40
viscosity grade, use only ACEA A3
classification.
(2) Use engine oil conforming to the follow-
ing classification:

ACEA classification:
“For service A1, A2 or A3”

API classification:
“FOR SERVICE SG” or higher
NOTE
Use of additives is not recommended since
they may reduce the effectiveness of addi-
tives already included in the engine oil. It
may result in failure of the mechanical as-
sembly.

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
9–6
Anti–freeze
The engine coolant contains an ethylene
glycol anti–corrosion agent. The cylinder
head and water pump housing are cast alu-
minium alloy, and periodic changing of the
engine coolant is necessary to prevent cor-
rosion of these parts.
Use High–quality Ethylene–glycol includes
coolant.
It has excellent protection against corrosion
and rust formation of all metals including alu-
minium and can avoid clogs in the radiator,
heater, cylinder head, engine block, etc.
Because of the necessity of this anti–cor-
rosion agent, the coolant must not be re-
placed with plain water even in summer. The
required concentration of anti–freeze differs
depending on the expected ambient tem-
perature.CAUTION
(1) Do not use alcohol or methanol
anti–freeze or any engine cool-
ants mixed with alcohol or meth-
anol anti–freeze. The use of an
improper anti–freeze can cause
the corrosion of the aluminium
components.
(2) For effective anti–corrosion and
anti–freeze performance, keep
the anti–freeze concentration
within the range of 45 to 60%.
Concentrations exceeding 60%
will result in a reduction of both
the anti–freeze and cooling per-
formance thus adversely affec-
ting the engine.
(3) Do not top off with water only.
Water by itself reduces the rust–
protective and anti–freeze qua-
lities of the coolant and has a
lower boiling point. It can also
cause damage to the cooling sys-
tem if it should freeze. Do not use
tapwater, or it could cause cor-
rosion and rust formation.
During cold weatherIf the temperatures in your area drop below
freezing, there is the danger that the coolant
in the engine or radiator could freeze and
cause severe damage to the engine and/or
radiator. Add a sufficient amount of anti–
freeze to the coolant to prevent it from freez-
ing.
The engine coolant mixture used at the fac-
tory provides protection against freezing for
temperatures as low as approximately
–30°C. The concentration should be
checked before the start of cold weather and
anti–freeze added to the system if necess-
ary.

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.