maintenance MITSUBISHI COLT 2008 (in English) User Guide

8-6 Maintenance
8
To close
Unlatch the support bar and clip it in its holder.
Slowly lower the bonnet to a position about 30 cm above the
closed position, then let it drop.
NOTE●If this does not close the bo nnet, release it from a slightly
higher position.
● Do not press the bonnet down hard with a hand as it may
damage the bonnet.
CAUTION!
●Be careful that hands or fingers are not trapped
when closing the bonnet.
●Before driving, make sure that the bonnet is securely
locked. An incompletely lo cked bonnet can suddenly
open while driving. This can be extremely danger-
ous.
CAUTION!

Maintenance8-7
8
Engine oil
E01000401142
To check and refill engine oil
The engine oil used has a significant effect on the engine’s per-
formance, service life and startability. Be sure to use oil of the
recommended quality and
appropriate viscosity.
All engines consume a certain amount of oil during normal
operation, and engine oil consumption is greatly influenced by
payload, engine speed, etc. Ther efore, it is important to check
the oil level at regular intervals or before starting a long trip.
This check must be made with the engine warm but not run-
ning. Park the vehicle on a level surface, stop the engine, and
then wait a few moments to allow the engine oil in circulation
to return to the oil pan to ensure accurate measurement.
Remove the dipstick and wipe it with a clean cloth. Reinsert
the dipstick as far as it goes. Remove the dipstick and read the
oil level, which should always be within the range indicated.
If the oil level is below the specified limit, remove the cap
located on the cylinder head cover and add enough oil to raise
the level to within the specified range.
Be sure to use the specified e ngine oil and do not mix various
types of oil. Also, avoid mixing different makes of oil together
if possible.
After adding oil, cl ose the cap securely.
Use only the recommended oils with an MB classification as
specified in this manual.
Petrol-powered vehicles
1100 models
1300/1500 models

8-8 Maintenance
8
Diesel-powered vehicles
NOTE●Engine oil consumption is greatly influenced by payload,
engine speed, etc. It may reach 1.0 lit./1,000 km (620
miles) depending on the style of driving.
● The engine oil will deteriorate rapidly if the vehicle is
subjected to severe conditions (for example, repeated
operation on rough roads, in mountainous regions, on
roads with many uphill and downhill gradients, or over
short distances). Consequently, the oil will require earlier
replacement.
● For handling used engine oils, refer to page 7.1500 models with turbocharger

Maintenance8-9
8
Selection of engine oil
Petrol-powered vehicles
Except for vehicles with turbocharger

● Select engine oil of the proper SAE viscosity number
according to the atmosp heric temperature.
● Use engine oil conforming to the following classification:
• “MB 229.1” or higher
NOTE● Use of additives is not recommended since they may
reduce the effectiveness of ad ditives already in the engine
oil. It may result in failure of the mechanical assembly. Vehicles with turbocharger


● Select engine oil of the proper SAE viscosity number
according to the atmo spheric temperature.
● Use engine oil conforming to the following classification:
• ACEA classification: “For service A1/B1, A3/B3, A3/B4 or A5/B5”
• API classification: “For service SG” or higher

8-10 Maintenance
8
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 mechanical
assembly.
● SAE 5W-30 engine oil can be used to improve engine
startability in very cold weather areas where the lowest
atmospheric temperature is below the range shown in the
illustration.
In this case, use engine o il conforming to the following
classification: • ACEA classification: “For service A3/B3, A3/B4 or A5/B5”
• API classification: “For service SG” or higher
Diesel-powered vehicles
● Select engine oil of the proper SAE viscosity number
according to the atmo spheric temperature.
● Use engine oil conforming to the following classification:
• “MB 229.1” or higher
NOTE● Use of additives is not r ecommended since they may
reduce the effectiveness of additives already included in
the engine oil. It may result in failure of the mechanical
assembly.

Maintenance8-11
8
Engine coolant
E01000500830
To check the coolant level
A translucent coolant reserve tank
is located in the engine com-
partment.
Except for petrol-powered vehicles with turbocharger
The coolant level in this tank should be kept between the
“LOW” and “FULL” marks when measured while the engine is
cold.
FULL
LOW
Petrol-powered vehicles
Diesel-powered vehicles
FULLLOW

8-12 Maintenance
8
Petrol-powered vehicles with turbocharger
Check the coolant level in the reserve tank. The reserve tank lid
is equipped with a dipstick.
Remove the dipstick and wipe it with a clean cloth. Reinsert
the dipstick as far as it goes. Remove the dipstick and read the
coolant level, which should always be within the range “F”
(FULL) or “L” (LOW) while the engine is cold.
To add coolant
The cooling 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, we recommend that
you have the system checked as soon as possible.
Petrol-powered vehicles
Except for vehicles with turbocharger
If the level drops below the “LOW” level on the reserve tank,
open the lid and add coolant to “FULL” level.
If the reserve tank is completely empty, remove the radiator
cap (A) and add coolant until the level reaches the filler neck.
Vehicles with turbocharger
If the level drops below the “L” (LOW) level on the dipstick,
add coolant to the reserve tank.
If the reserve tank is completely empty, remove the radiator
cap (A) and add coolant until the level reaches the filler neck.
FULL
LOWWARNING!
● Do not open the radiator ca p while the engine is hot.
The coolant system is u nder pressure and any hot
coolant escaping coul d cause severe burns.
WARNING!
●Do not open the radiator ca p while the engine is hot.
The coolant system is u nder pressure and any hot
coolant escaping coul d cause severe burns.

Maintenance8-13
8
Diesel- powered vehicles
If the level drops below the “LOW” level on the reserve tank,
open the lid and add coolant to the “FULL” level.
Anti-freeze
The engine coolant contains an ethylene glycol anti-corrosion
agent. The cylinder head and wa ter pump housing are cast alu-
minium alloy, and periodic changing of the engine coolant is
necessary to prevent corrosion of these parts.
Use a High-quality ethylene glycol based coolant. This has
excellent protection against corros ion and rust formation of all
metals including aluminium and can avoid blockages in the
radiator, heater, cylinder head, engine block, etc.
Because of the necessity of this anti-corrosion agent, the cool-
ant must not be replaced with plain water even in summer. The
required concentration of anti -freeze differs depending on the
expected ambient temperature.
During cold weather
If the temperatures in your ar ea drop below freezing, there is a
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 freezing.
The engine coolant mixture used at the factory provides protec-
tion against freezing for temperat ures 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 necessary.
WARNING!
●Do not open the reserve tank while the engine is hot.
The coolant system is under pressure and any hot
coolant escaping coul d cause severe burns.
Ambient temperature
(minimum) °C -30 -35 -50
Anti-freeze
concentration % 45 50 60
CAUTION!
●
Do not use alcohol or me thanol anti-freeze or any
engine coolants mixed with alcohol or methanol
anti-freeze. The use of an improper anti-freeze can
cause corrosion of the aluminium components.
● For effective anti-corro sion and anti-freeze per-
formance, keep the anti -freeze concentration within
a range of 45 to 60 %.
Concentrations exceeding 60 % will result in a
reduction of both the an ti-freeze and cooling per-
formance, thus adversel y affecting the engine.
●Do not top up with water only.
Water by itself reduces th e rust-protective and anti-
freeze qualities of the cool ant and has a lower boil-
ing point. It can also cause damage to the cooling
system if it should freeze. Do not use tap water, as it
can cause corrosion and rust formation.

8-14 Maintenance
8Wa s h e r f l u i d
E01000700379
Check the washer fluid level in the container.
If the level is low, replenish the container with washer fluid.
NOTE●
The washer fluid container serves the windscreen and rear
window.
During cold weather
To ensure proper oper ation of the washers at low temperatures,
use a fluid containing an anti-freezing agent.
Brake fluid/Clutch fluid*
E01000800035
The brake fluid (A) and the clutch fluid (B) share a reservoir
tank.
To check the fluid level
The fluid level must be between the “MAX” and “MIN” marks
on the reservoir.
The brake fluid level is monitored by a float. When the fluid
level falls below the “MIN” mark, the brake fluid warning
lamp lights up.
The brake fluid level falls slightly with wear of the brake pads,
but this does not indicate any abnormality.
A- Brake fluid C- Partition
B- Clutch fluid

Maintenance8-15
8
The fluid in the master cylinder should be checked when doing
other work under the bonnet. Th e brake system should also be
checked for leaks at the same time.
If the fluid level falls markedly in a short period of time, it indi-
cates a leak from the system.
If this occurs, we recommen d that you have the vehicle
checked.
Fluid type
Use brake fluid conforming to DOT4+ from a sealed container.
The brake fluid is hygroscopic. Too much moisture in the brake
fluid will adversely affect the br ake system and the clutch sys-
tem, reducing performance.
Battery
E01001201118
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● 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 procedures.
CAUTION!
● Take care when handling brake fluid as it is harmful
to the eyes, may irritate your skin and also damage
painted surfaces.
●Use only the speci fied brake fluid.
To prevent a chemical reaction do not mix or add
different brands of brake fluid.
Do not let any petroleum-based fluid touch, mix
with, or get into the brake fluid.
This will damage the seals.
● Keep the reservoir tank cap closed, except during
maintenance, to prevent th e brake fluid from deteri-
orating.
● Clean the filler cap before removing and close the
cap securely after maintenance.