maintenance MITSUBISHI CARISMA 2000 1.G Owners Manual

Table of contents
General information
Locking and unlocking
Seats and seat belts
Instruments and controls
Starting and driving
For pleasant driving
Vehicle care
For emergencies
Maintenance
Specifications

SEATS AND SEATBELTS
3–37
WARNING
If any of the following conditions
occur, the SRS is not working proper-
ly and you should immediately have it
inspected by an authorized MITSUBI-
SHI dealer.

The SRS warning lamp does not
illuminate when you start the ve-
hicle.

The SRS warning lamp does not
go out after several seconds.

The SRS warning lamp illumi-
nates while driving.
SRS servicingEG29G-A
The entire SRS including air bag and pre-
tensioner seat belt must be inspected by an
authorized MITSUBISHI dealer after
10 years.
WARNING
(1) Any maintenance performed on
or near the components of the
SRS must be performed only by
an authorized MITSUBISHI
dealer. Do not permit anyone else
to do service, inspection, main-
tenance or repair on any SRS
components or wiring; similarly,
no part of the SRS should ever be
handled or disposed of by any-
one except an authorized MITSU-
BISHI dealer.
Improper work on the SRS com-
ponents or wiring could result in
inadvertent deployment of the air
bags or could render the SRS in-
operative; either situation could
result in serious injury.
WARNING
(2) Do not modify your steering
wheel, seat belt retractor or any
other SRS components. For
example, replacement of the
steering wheel or modifications
to the front bumper or body struc-
ture can adversely affect SRS
performance and lead to possible
injury.
(3) If your vehicle has received any
front-end damage, you should
have the SRS inspected by an
authorized MITSUBISHI dealer to
ensure it is in proper working
order.
(4) On vehicles with the side air
bags, do not modify your front
seats, centre pillar and centre
console.
It can adversely affect SRS per-
formance and lead to possible in-
jury.
Also, if you have found any tear or
open seam in the seat fabric at the
portion near the side air bag, have
the seat inspected at an author-
ized MITSUBISHI dealer.

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.

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
9–2
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
9–7
BatteryEM37A–Pd
The condition of the battery is very important
for quick starting of the engine and proper
functioning of the vehicle’s electrical system.
Regular inspection and care are especially
important in cold weather.
NOTE
(1) 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 be-
come unstable and shift shocks may
occur.
If the engine speed become unstable,
initial engine adjustments will need to be
performed.
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
several changes in speed.
(2) Memory data for settings made by the
user may be erased when the battery is
replaced. If this happens, establish the
settings again using the relevant pro-
cedures.
M37B003a
Checking battery electrolyte level
The electrolyte level must be between the
“max” and “min” marks stamped on the out-
side of the battery. Replenish with distilled
water as necessary.
The inside of the battery is divided into sev-
eral compartments; remove the cap from
each compartment and fill to the “max” mark.
Do not over -replenish beyond the “max”
mark because spillage during driving could
cause damage.
Check the electrolyte level at least once
every four weeks, depending on the operat-
ing conditions.
If the battery is not used, it will discharge by
itself with time. Check it once every four
weeks and charge with low current as
necessary.
During cold weather
The capacity of the battery is reduced at low
temperatures. This is an inevitable result of
its chemical and physical properties. This is
why a very cold battery, particularly one that
is not fully charged, will only deliver a fraction
of the starter current which is normally avail-
able.
It is recommended that you have the battery
checked by an authorized MITSUBISHI
dealer before the start of cold weather and,
if necessary, have it charged.
This not only ensures reliable starting, but a
battery which is kept fully charged also has
a longer life.
Disconnection and connection
To disconnect the battery cable, stop the en-
gine, first disconnect the negative (–) ter-
minal and then the positive (+) terminal.
When connecting the battery, first connect
the positive (+) terminal and then the nega-
tive (–) terminal.