stop start MITSUBISHI CARISMA 2000 1.G Owners Manual

GENERAL INFORMATION
1–11
Used engine oils safety
instructions
EB12A-B
WARNING
(1) Prolonged and repeated contact
may cause serious skin disorders,
including dermatitis and cancer.
(2) Avoid contact with the skin as far
as possible and wash thoroughly
after any contact.
(3) Keep used engine oils out of reach
of children.
Protect the environment
It is illegal to pollute drains, water courses
and soil. Use authorized waste collection fa-
cilities, including civic amenity sites and ga-
rages providing facilities for disposal of used
oil and used oil filters. If in doubt, contact your
local authority for advice on disposal.
Driving and alcoholEB25A-Aa
Driving under the influence of alcohol is one
of the most frequent causes of accidents.
Your driving ability can even be seriously im-
paired with blood alcohol levels below the le-
gal maximum. If you are drinking, don’t drive.
Ride with a designated non-drinking driver,
call a cab, a friend, or use public transporta-
tion.
WARNING
Driving after drinking can lead to an
accident. Your perceptions are less
sharp, your reflexes are slower, and
your judgement is impaired when you
have been drinking.
NEVER DRINK AND THEN DRIVE.
Safe driving techniquesEB26A-Di
Driving safety and protection against injury
cannot be fully ensured. However, we rec-
ommend that you pay extra attention to the
following:
(1) Before starting the vehicle, make sure
that you and your passengers have fas-
tened your seat belts.
(2) Never leave your vehicle unattended
with the key in the ignition and children
inside the vehicle. Children may play
with the driving controls and this could
lead to an accident.
(3) Make sure that infants and small
children are properly restrained in ac-
cordance with the laws and regulations,
and for maximum protection in case of
an accident.
(4) Switch off the engine if you stop for a
short sleep. If the engine is left running
while you sleep, unexpected vehicle
operation or other accidents may be
caused by unconsciously moving the
shift lever (selector lever on automatic
transmission vehicles) or pressing the
accelerator pedal. If you inadvertently
keep the accelerator pedal pressed, the
engine may overheat or the engine, ex-
haust pipe, etc. may be abnormally
overheated, resulting in an accidental
fire. If poorly ventilated, there is a risk of
poisoning by exhaust gases.

STARTING AND DRIVING
5–3
Fuel selectionEC20AMFe
Recommended
fuel
Petrol-powered vehicles
Unleaded petrol
octane rating (DIN 51607)
95 RON or higher (Super)
Diesel-powered vehicles
Cetane rating (DIN 51601)
45 or higher
NOTE
The petrol-powered vehicles have the oc-
tane number automatic change device so
that you can use unleaded normal petrol 91
RON as an emergency measure in case un-
leaded premium petrol 95 RON or higher is
not available on journey, etc. In such a case,
you don’t need to adjust the engine specially.
In case of using unleaded normal petrol 91
RON, the engine performance will suffer a
little degradation.
Filling the fuel tankEC20DMA
WARNING
Gasoline is highly flammable and ex-
plosive.
Yo u could be burned or seriously in-
jured when handling it. When refuel-
ing your vehicle, always turn the en-
gine off and keep away from flames,
sparks, and smoking materials. Al-
ways handle fuel in well–ventilated
outdoor areas.
Fuel tank capacity
60 litres
LHD
C20A131a
Refueling
1. Before filling with fuel, stop the engine.
2. The fuel tank filler is located on the left
side of your vehicle.
The fuel tank filler door can be opened
from inside the vehicle with the fuel
tank filler door release lever located
beside the driver’s seat.

STARTING AND DRIVING
5–4
C20A132a
RHD
C20A162a
A- Remove
B- Close
3. Open the fuel tank filler tube by slowly
turning the cap anticlockwise.
NOTE
Put the fuel tank cap on the cap holder (C)
while refueling.
CAUTION
Since the fuel system may be under
pressure, remove the fuel tank filler
tube cap slowly. This relieves any
pressure or vacuum that might have
built up in the fuel tank. If the cap is
venting vapor or if you hear a hissing
sound, wait until it stops before re-
moving the cap. Otherwise, fuel may
spray out, injuring you or others.
4. To fill with fuel correctly depends main-
ly on correct handling of the fuel filler
gun. Do not tilt the gun. Insert the gun
in the tank port as far as it goes.
CAUTION
Petrol–powered vehicles have a label
located on the fuel tank filler lid that
states, ”UNLEADED FUEL ONLY”.
The vehicle also has a fuel tank filler
tube especially designed to accept
the smaller diameter unleaded petrol
dispensing nozzles only.
If the tank cap must be replaced, use
only a MITSUBISHI original part
specified for your vehicle.

STARTING AND DRIVING
5–5
5. When the gun stops automatically, re-
move the gun half the way in the tank
port. After the second automatic stop,
do not fill with fuel any more.
CAUTION
To avoid fuel spillage and overfilling,
do not ”top–off” the fuel tank.
6. To close, turn the fuel tank filler tube
cap slowly clockwise until you hear
clicking sounds, then gently push the
fuel tank filler door closed.
CAUTION
If you need replace the fuel tank filler
tube cap, use only the cap specified
for your model vehicle.
C18A001a
Catalytic converterEC18A-Jc
For ordinary use, there are no particular pre-
cautions except that of using unleaded pet-
rol.
The exhaust gas scavenging device with
catalytic converter is extremely efficient for
the reduction of noxious gases. The catalytic
converter is installed in the exhaust system.
It is important to keep the engine properly
tuned to ensure proper catalyst operation
and prevent possible catalyst damage.
CAUTION
Damage to the catalytic converter can
result if your vehicle is not kept in
proper operating condition. In the
event of an engine malfunction par-
ticularly involving engine misfire or
other apparent loss of performance
have your vehicle serviced promptly.
Continued operation of your vehicle
with a severe overheated condition
may result in possible damage to the
converter and vehicle.
WARNING
(1) As with any vehicle, do not park
or operate this vehicle in areas
where combustible materials
such as dry grass or leaves can
come into contact with a hot ex-
haust since a fire could occur.
(2) Undercoating paint should not be
applied to the catalytic converter.

STARTING AND DRIVING
5–6
The catalytic converter itself gets hot quickly,
and may be damaged if overheated. The fol-
lowing points should be noted in order to pre-
vent the ignition of unburned petrol within the
catalytic converter.
(1) In case of the petrol-powered vehicles,
use UNLEADED PETROL ONLY of the
type of recommended in “Fuel usage”
on page 5–3.
(2) Do not drive with an extremely low fuel
level; running out of fuel could cause
damage to the catalytic converter.
(3) Do not switch OFF the ignition switch
while driving.
(4) Do not try to start the engine by pushing
the vehicle. If the battery is weak or dis-
charged, use another battery to start the
engine.
(5) In case of the petrol-powered vehicles,
do not idle the engine with any spark
plug wires disconnected or removed
such as performing diagnostic tests.
(6) Do not idle the engine for prolonged
periods during very rough idle or mal-
functioning operating conditions.
(7) Do not race the engine when turning off
the ignition switch. This will prevent the
catalytic converter from being damaged
due to unburnt fuel.(8) Stop driving the vehicle if you think the
performance is noticeably low, or that
there is unnecessary engine rotation or
any other engine trouble, such as with
the ignition, etc.
If it is impractical to stop driving immedi-
ately, reduce the speed and drive for
only a short time. Have an inspection
made by your nearest authorized MIT-
SUBISHI dealer as soon as possible.
(9) In unusual situations involving grossly
malfunctioning engine operation, a
burnt smell may indicate severe and ab-
normal catalyst overheating.
If this occurs, the vehicle should be
stopped in a safe place, the engine
switched off and the vehicle allowed to
cool. Once the engine is cool, a service,
including a tune-up to manufacturer’s
specifications, should be obtained im-
mediately.Economical drivingEC19ABC
For economical driving, there are some
technical requirements that have to be met.
The prerequisite for low fuel consumption is
a properly adjusted engine. In order to
achieve longer life of the vehicle and the
most economical operation, have the vehicle
serviced by an authorized MITSUBISHI
dealer at regular intervals in accordance with
the service standards.
Fuel economy and generation of exhaust
gas and noise are highly influenced by per-
sonal driving habits as well as the particular
operating conditions. The following points
should be observed in order to minimize
wear of brakes, tyres and engine as well as
to reduce environmental pollution.
(1)Starting
Avoid rapid acceleration and sudden
starts; such operation will result in
higher fuel consumption.
(2)Shifting
Shift only at an appropriate speed and
engine speed. Always use the highest
gear possible.

STARTING AND DRIVING
5–7
(3)City traffic
Frequent starting and stopping in-
creases the average fuel consumption.
Use roads with smooth traffic flow
whenever possible. When driving on
congested roads, avoid use of a low
gear at high engine speeds.
(4) Idling
The vehicle consumes fuel even during
idling. Avoid extended idling whenever
possible.
(5)Speed
The higher the vehicle speed, the more
fuel consumed. Avoid driving at full
speed. Even a slight release of the ac-
celerator pedal will save a significant
amount of fuel.
(6)Tyre inflation pressure
Check the tyre inflation pressures at
regular intervals. Low tyre inflation pres-
sure increases road resistance and fuel
consumption. In addition, low tyre pres-
sures adversely affect tyre wear and
driving stability.(7)Load
Do not drive with unnecessary articles in
the luggage compartment. Especially
during city driving where frequent start-
ing and stopping is necessary, the in-
creased weight of the vehicle will greatly
affect fuel consumption. Also avoid driv-
ing with unnecessary luggage, etc., on
the roof; the increased air resistance will
increase fuel consumption.
(8)Cold engine starting
Starting of a cold engine consumes
more fuel.
Unnecessary fuel consumption is also
caused by keeping a hot engine run-
ning. After the engine is started, com-
mence driving as soon as possible.
(9)Air conditioning*
The use of the air conditioning will in-
crease the fuel consumption.Trailer towingEC21AMFg
In order to tow a trailer with your vehicle, a
trailer towing device that meets all relevant
regulations in your area has to be mounted.
The regulations concerning the towing of a
trailer may differ from country to country. You
are advised to obey the regulations in each
area.
CAUTION
Danger of accident!
A towing bar should be fitted by an
authorized MITSUBISHI dealer.

STARTING AND DRIVING
5–9
(6) The heavier weight and higher rolling
and air resistance will increase fuel con-
sumption.
Additional precautions for vehicles
equipped with an automatic
transmission
The “2” position (INVECS–II 4A/T) or 2nd
gear (INVECS–II Sport Mode 4A/T) is re-
commended on slopes or at low speed. Use
the “L” position (INVECS–II 4A/T) or 1st gear
(INVECS–II Sport Mode 4A/T) in mountain-
ous areas in order to make better use of en-
gine braking and to assist the brake system.
However, be sure that the speed does not
exceed the maximum speed limit for the se-
lected gear.
For maximum speed of the vehicles
equipped with INVECS–II 4A/T, refer to the
description of the “Possible driving speed”
on page 5–24.Vehicles with automatic transmission
I21A070a
Ignition switchEI21AAGe
1-The engine is stopped, and the steer-
ing wheel is locked. The key can only
be inserted and removed only when
the switch is in this position.
2-The engine is stopped, but the radio,
cigarette lighter and other electrical
devices can be operated.
3-The engine is running and all the ve-
hicle’s electrical devices can be oper-
ated.
4-The starter motor operates. After the
engine has started, release the key
and it will automatically return to the
“ON” position.
Vehicles with manual transmission
I21A031a

STARTING AND DRIVING
5–11
CAUTION
(1) Do not remove the ignition key
from the ignition switch while
driving. The steering wheel will
lock, causing loss of control.
(2) If the engine is stopped while
driving, the brake servomechan-
ism will cease to function and
braking efficiency will deterio-
rate. Also, the power steering
system will not function and it will
require greater manual effort to
operate the steering.
(3) Do not leave the key in the “ON”
position for a long time when the
engine is not running, doing so
will cause the battery to be dis-
charged.
(4) Do not turn the key to the
“START” position when the en-
gine is running, doing so could
damage the starter motor.
I01B015a
How to lock and unlock the steer-
ing wheel
EI01B-Kb
To lockRemove the key at the “LOCK” position.
Turn the steering wheel until it is locked.
To unlockTurn the key to the “ACC” position while
moving the steering wheel slightly.
CAUTION
Remove the key when leaving the ve-
hicle.
NOTEIf the front wheels are turned, the anti-theft
lock may sometimes make it difficult to turn
the key from “LOCK” to “ACC”. Firmly turn
the steering wheel to the left or to the right as
you turn the key.

STARTING AND DRIVING
5–12
StartingEI02FAIh
Tips for starting
(1) Do not operate the starter motor con-
tinuously for anything longer than 10
seconds; doing so could run down the
battery. If the engine does not start, turn
the ignition switch back to “LOCK”, wait
a few seconds, and then try again.
Trying repeatedly with the starter mo-
tor still turning will damage the starter
mechanism.
(2) If the engine cannot be started because
the battery is weak or dead, refer to the
“Emergency starting” section for instruc-
tions on starting the engine.
(3) The engine is well warmed up if the
coolant temperature gauge needle
starts to move (the engine speed de-
creases). Extended warming - up oper-
ation will result in excessive fuel con-
sumption.
WARNING
Never run the engine in a closed or
poorly ventilated area any longer than
is needed to move your vehicle in or
out of the area. Carbon monoxide
gases are odourless and can be fatal.
CAUTION
(1) Never attempt to start the engine
by pushing or pulling the vehicle.
Especially in the automatic trans-
mission since the structure is dif-
ferent from a manual transmis-
sion, it is not possible to start the
engine by using this technique.
Never attempt this or it could
damage the automatic transmis-
sion.
(2) Do not run the engine at high rpm
or drive the vehicle at high speed
until the engine has a chance to
warm up.
(3) Release the ignition key as soon
as the engine starts to avoid dam-
aging the starter motor.
(4) If your vehicle is equipped with a
turbocharger, do not stop the en-
gine immediately after operating
the vehicle at high speeds. Allow
the engine to idle for approxi-
mately 60 seconds or more to
give the turbocharger a chance to
cool down.
NOTE
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 become un-
stable and shift shocks may occur.
If the engine speed becomes unstable, initial
engine adjustments will need to be per-
formed.
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 sev-
eral changes in speed.

STARTING AND DRIVING
5–19
Except for vehicles with Sports mode
I04A229a
Indicator lamps
A- Selector lever position indicator lamp
B- “N” indicator lamp
The indication lamps in the instrument panel
are for indication the selector lever position
and one of them will be illuminated when the
ignition is switched “ON”.
I04A257a
Vehicles with Sports mode
CAUTION
If the “N” (NEUTRAL) indicator lamp
in the selector lever position indicator
flashes while you are driving, there
could be a malfunction in the auto-
matic transmission. (If the selected
lever position is in the “P” (PARK),
“R” (REVERSE) or “N” (NEUTRAL)
position, the indicator lamp does not
flash.) Identify and rectify the problem
in accordance with the following pro-
cedure.
CAUTION
[The “N” indicator lamp flashes rapid-
ly (twice per second)]
The automatic transmission fluid is
overheating.
Park your vehicle in a safe place but
do not turn off the engine. Move the
selector lever to the “P” (PARK) posi-
tion and open the bonnet. Keep the
engine idling.
After a while, move the selector to the
“D” position and confirm that the “N”
indicator lamp stops flashing. It is safe
to continue driving if the “N” indicator
lamp no longer flashes.
Be sure to carry out this check with
the selector lever in the all forward
position except for “P” (PARK), “R”
(REVERSE) or “N” (NEUTRAL). The
“N” indicator lamp warning function
operates only in these positions.
If the “N” indicator lamp continues
flashing or flashes intermittently,
have your vehicle inspected by an
authorized MITSUBISHI dealer.