towing 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.

Starting and driving
Running-in recommendations 5–2. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuel selection 5–3. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Filling the fuel tank 5–3. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Catalytic converter 5–5. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Economical driving 5–6. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tr ailer towing 5–7. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Ignition switch 5–9. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Starting 5–12. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Manual transmission 5–14. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Automatic transmission INVECS–II 4A/T,
Sports Mode 4A/T
(Intelligent & Innovative Vehicle Electronic
Control System II) 5–16. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Operation of the automatic transmission
INVECS-II 5–23. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Parking brake 5–25. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Parking 5–26. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Braking 5–27. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Anti–lock brake system (ABS)* 5–28. . . . . . . . . . . .
Steering wheel height adjustment 5–30. . . . . . . . . .
Power steering system 5–31. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Inside rear-view mirror 5–31. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Outside rear-view mirror 5–31. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Manual remote-controlled outside rear-view
mirrors* 5–32. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Electric remote–controlled outside
rear–view mirrors* 5–32. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Traction control (TCL)* 5–34. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Auto–speed (cruise) control* 5–36. . . . . . . . . . . . . .

STARTING AND DRIVING
5–2
Running-in
recommendations
EA01AMKi
During the running-in period for the first
1,000 km, it is advisable to drive your new
vehicle using the following precautions as a
guideline to aid long life as well as future
economy and performance.
(1) Do not race the engine at high speeds.
(2) Avoid rapid starting, accelerating, brak-
ing and prolonged high-speed running.
(3) Keep to the running-in speed limit
shown below.
Please note that the legal speed limits
displayed must be adhered to.
(4) Do not exceed loading limits.
(5) Refrain from towing a trailer.
Ve h i c les with manual transmissionkm/h
Speed limit
DrivePetrol-powered vehicleDiesel-range
130016001800
(GDI)powered
vehicle
1st25353025
2nd50606045
3rd80909070
4th105120120100
5th130150155135
Vehicles with automatic trans-
mission INVECS-II 4A/T
km/h
Drive rangeSpeed limitDrive range1600
“L” (LOW)30
“2” (SECOND)70
“3” (THIRD)105
“D” (DRIVE)120
Ve h i c les with automatic trans-
mission INVECS-II
Sport Mode 4A/T
km/h
Drive rangeSpeed limit
1st30
2nd80
3rd120
4th130

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
5–8
NOTE
Fitting of a towing bar requires specialized
skills and equipment. Contact an authorized
MITSUBISHI dealer for details.
If you are going to tow a trailer, pay careful
attention to the following points.
Maximum towable weight with brake
and maximum trailer-nose weight
Never exceed the maximum towable weight
with brake and the maximum trailer-nose
weight as listed in the specifications. (Refer
to pages from 10–6 to 10–9)
If you tow a trailer at an altitude of more than
1000m above sea-level, reduce your weight
by 10% of the gross combination weight for
every increase of 1000m above sea-level,
as the engine output is lowered owing to de-
crease in atmospheric pressure.C21A015a
Towing bar mounting
specifications
See the following table for fixing points (A) for
the towing bar.
mm
12345
1,0908051908580
678910
30518515535
1112131415
288187.5439501940
161718
4709401,002
C21A014a
Operating hints
(1) Do not let the clutch slip (vehicles with a
manual transmission only) and do not
increase the engine speed more than
necessary when starting.
(2)Be sure that the driving speed does not
exceed the 100 km/h for trailer oper-
ation.
It is also recommended that you obey
the local regulations in case driving
speed with a trailer is limited to less than
100 km/h.
(3)To prevent shocks from the overrun
brake, depress the brake pedal lightly at
first and then more strongly.
(4) To make full use of engine braking,
change to a lower gear before descend-
ing a slope.
(5) The body, brakes, clutch, and chassis
will be under additional strain when tow-
ing a trailer.

STARTING AND DRIVING
5–31
Power steering systemEC13A-Ah
When the engine is stopped, the power
steering system will not function and it will re-
quire greater manual effort to operate the
steering wheel. Keep this in mind in particu-
lar when towing the vehicle. Never turn off
the engine while driving.
Periodically check the power steering fluid
level.
CAUTION
Do not hold the steering wheel in the
fully turned position (either left or
right), for longer than 10 seconds.
This can cause damage to the power
steering pump due to reduced lu-
brication.
I08A027a
Inside rear-view mirrorEI08A-Be
The lever (A) at the bottom of the mirror can
be used to adjust the mirror to reduce the
glare from the headlamps of vehicles behind
you during night driving.
1-Normal
2-Anti-glare
WARNING
Do not attempt to adjust rear-view
mirrors while driving. This can be
dangerous.
Always adjust the mirrors before driv-
ing.
I08B091a
Outside rear-view mirrorEI08A-Za
On the driver’s seat side, a compound
curved-surface mirror is used, while on the
front passenger’s seat side, a single curved-
surface mirror is used.
The compound curved-surface mirror has
different curvatures between the inner and
outer sides of the boundary line (A).
The inner side of the boundary line provides
the same vision as that available from an
ordinary door mirror.
However, the outer side of the boundary line
provides a wider vision than an ordinary door
mirror.

For emergencies
If the vehicle breaks down 8–2. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Operation under adverse driving conditions 8–2. .
Tools and jack 8–3. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Jacking up the vehicle 8–4. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Spare wheel 8–6. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Wheel covers* 8–8. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
If a tyre is punctured 8–9. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Towing 8–12. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine overheating 8–15. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Emergency starting 8–17. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Bleeding the fuel system
(diesel-powered vehicles only) 8–21. . . . . . . . . . . . .
Removal of water from the fuel filter
(diesel-powered vehicles only) 8–21. . . . . . . . . . . . .
What to do if the engine speed becomes
unstable after the battery is replaced: 8–22. . . . . .
Fuses 8–22. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Changing a fuse 8–25. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Replacement of lamp bulbs 8–26. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

FOR EMERGENCIES
8–12
N24A071a
10. Check tyre inflation pressure. The
inflation pressure specification is
shown on the label. See illustration.
CAUTION
(1) Compact spare tyre is used tem-
porarily when the standard tyre
flows out. Repair the flown tyre as
soon as possible to replace the
compact spare tyre with the stan-
dard tyre.
(2) After changing the tyre, drive the
vehicle approximately 1000 km
and retighten the wheel nuts to
make sure that they are not loose.
CAUTION
(3) If the steering wheel vibrates
when driving after change of the
tyre, have the tyre checked for
balance at your MITSUBISHI
dealer.
(4) For the safe operation of your ve-
hicle, make sure you avoid mix-
ing one type of with another or
using tyres other than the speci-
fied size.
TowingEN25AIDf
Your vehicle may be towed either by another
vehicle with a rope, or by a tow truck.
The regulations concerning towing may
differ from country to country. It is recom-
mended that you obey the regulations of the
country where you are driving your vehicle.
CAUTION
(1) In the following cases, please
contact the MITSUBISHI dealer.

The engine runs but the ve-
hicle does not move.
Or abnormal noise is pro-
duced.

No automatic transmission
fluid is in the transmission.
(2) If the transmission is malfunc-
tioning or damaged, transport the
vehicle using a tow truck. (Refer
to the paragraph “Towing the ve-
hicle by a tow truck”.)

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
8–14
WARNING
Avoid sudden braking, sudden accel-
eration and sharp turning; such op-
eration could cause damage to the
towing hooks or the tow rope.
People in the vicinity could be injured
as a result.
CAUTION
When going down a long slope, the
brakes may overheat, reducting ef-
fectiveness. Have your vehicle towed
on a trailer.
NOTE
(1) Be sure the towing speed is within the
legal limit. In addition, if the vehicle is
equipped with an automatic transmis-
sion, make sure that the towing speed
and distance given below are never
exceeded.
Towing speed: 50 km/h
To w i n g d i s tance: 30 km
(2) When the front tow hook is used, be
very careful so that the rope does not
cause damage to the body.
(3) To prevent entry of exhaust gas from the
towing vehicle, set the air selection lever
to the recirculation position.
(4) Your vehicle should only be used to tow
another vehicle if the weight of the other
vehicle is less than your vehicle.
N25A261g