tow MITSUBISHI ECLIPSE 2012 4.G Owner's Guide

6-8 For emergencies
6Tools and jack
N00836600223
StorageThe tools and jack are stowed beneath the luggage floor board
of the cargo area (trunk).
Tools
N00832600108
NOTE
When returning the tools to the tool bag, place each one in
its own pocket.
1- Tools
2- Jack
1- Tool bag
2- Bar
3- Wheel nut wrench
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For emergencies
6-11
6
Spare tire information
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Compact spare tireThe compact spare tire is designed to save space in the cargo
area (trunk). Its lighter weight makes it easier to use if a flat tire
occurs.
WA R N I N G
!
Tires, including spare tire, degrade over time with
age even when they are not being used.
It is recommended that tires over 6 years generally
be replaced even if damage is not obvious.
CAUTION
!
While the compact spare tire is stowed, the inflation
pressure should be checked at least once a month to
assure that it remains at the recommended inflation
pressure. See the tire and loading information plac-
ard attached to the driver’s door sill.
Refer to “Tire and loading information placard” on
page 9-4.
Driving with an improperly inflated tire can cause
an accident. If you have no choice but to drive with
an under-inflated tire, keep your speed down and
avoid sudden steering or braking, if possible. Inflate
the tire to the correct pressure as soon as possible.
Refer to “Tire inflation pressures” on page 7-23.
The compact spare tire should only be used tempo-
rarily. When the compact spare tire is used, the tire
pressure monitoring system will not work properly.
See an authorized Mitsubishi Motors dealer as soon
as possible to replace or repair the original tire.
If your vehicle has aluminum type wheels, you can
use the same wheel nuts on the compact spare tire
wheel.
Do not go over 50 mph (80 km/h) when driving with
the compact spare tire.
Avoid fast starting and braking when driving with
the compact spare tire.
Do not drive through automatic car washes and over
obstacles that could possibly damage the underside
of your vehicle. Because the compact spare tire is
smaller than the original tire, there is less clearance
between the ground and your vehicle.
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For emergencies
6-19
6
11. Check the tire inflation pressure. The recommended tire
pressure for your vehicle is listed on the tire and loading
information placard attached to the driver’s door sill as
shown in the illustration.
Refer to “Tire inflation pressures” on page 7-23.
To store the flat tire or spare tire, jack, bar and
wheel nut wrench
N00850000087
Reverse the removing procedure when storing the flat tire or
spare tire, jack, bar and wheel nut wrench.
Refer to “To remove the spare tire” on page 6-12 and “Tools
and jack” on page 6-8.
A- All vehicles
B- Vehicles sold in Canada
CAUTION
!
While the compact spare tire is stowed, the inflation
pressure should be checked at least once a month to
assure that it remains at the recommended inflation
pressure. See the tire and loading information plac-
ard attached to the driver’s door sill.
Refer to “Tire and loading information placard” on
page 9-4.

Driving with an improperly inflated tire can cause
an accident. If you have no choice but to drive with
an under-inflated tire, keep your speed down and
avoid sudden steering or braking, if possible. Inflate
the tire to the correct pressure as soon as possible.
Refer to “Tire inflation pressures” on page 7-23.
The compact spare tire should only be used tempo-
rarily. When the compact spare tire is used, the tire
pressure monitoring system will not work properly.
See an authorized Mitsubishi Motors dealer as soon
as possible to replace or repair the original tire.
After changing the tire and driving the vehicle about
620 miles (1,000 km), retighten the wheel nuts to
make sure that they have not come loose.
If the steering wheel vibrates when driving after
changing the tire, have the tire checked for balance
at your nearest authorized Mitsubishi Motors dealer
or a repair facility of your choice.
Do not mix one type of tire with another or use a dif-
ferent size from the one listed. This would cause
early wear and poor handling.
CAUTION
!
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6-20 For emergencies
6To w i n g
N00837000732
If your vehicle needs to be towedIf towing is necessary, we recommend you to have it done by a
commercial tow truck service.
When towing is required, transport the vehicle using a tow
truck.
Incorrect towing equipment could damage your vehicle.
There may be local regulations concerning towing in your area.
Obey the regulations of the area where you are driving your
vehicle.
CAUTION
!
Do not attempt to be towed by another vehicle with
a rope.
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For emergencies
6-21
6
Towing the vehicle by a tow truck
Towing with rear wheels off the ground (Type B)Place the gearshift lever in the “Neutral” position (manual tran-
saxle) or the selector lever in the “N” (NEUTRAL) position
(automatic transaxle).
Turn the ignition key to the “ACC” position and secure the
steering wheel in a straight-ahead position with a rope or tie-
down strap. Never place the ignition key in the “LOCK” posi-
tion when towing.
CAUTION
!
This vehicle must not be towed by a tow truck using
sling lift type equipment (Type A) as illustrated.
Using a sling lift will damage the bumper and front
end.
If the engine or transaxle is malfunctioning or dam-
aged, transport the vehicle with the driving wheels
on a carriage (Type C, D or E) as illustrated.
If the vehicle is towed with the ignition key in the
“ON” position and only the front wheels or only the
rear wheels raised off the ground, the ASC may
operate, resulting in an accident. When towing the
vehicle with the front wheels raised, keep the igni-
tion key in the “LOCK” or “ACC” position. When
towing the vehicle with the rear wheels raised, keep
the ignition key in the “ACC” position.
If you tow the vehicles with an automatic transaxle
with the driving wheels on the ground (Type B) as
illustrated, make sure that the towing speed and dis-
tance given below are never exceeded, causing the
transaxle damage.
Towing speed: 31 mph (50 km/h)
Towing distance: 18 miles (30 km)
For the towing speed and the towing distance, follow
the local driving laws and regulations.
CAUTION
!
Never tow an automatic transaxle vehicle with the
rear wheels up (and the front wheels on the ground)
(Type B) when the automatic transaxle fluid level is
low. This may cause serious and expensive damage
to the transaxle.
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6-22 For emergencies
6
Towing with front wheels off the ground (Type C)Release the parking brake.
Place the gearshift lever in the “Neutral” position (manual tran-
saxle) or the selector lever in the “N” (NEUTRAL) position
(automatic transaxle).
Operation under adverse driving conditions
N00837200721
If your vehicle becomes stuck in sand, mud or
snow If your vehicle becomes stuck in snow, sand, or mud, it can
often be moved by a rocking motion. Move the gearshift lever
(manual transaxle) or selector lever (automatic transaxle)
rhythmically between 1st and Reverse position (with manual
transaxle) or “Sports mode” and “R” (REVERSE) position
(with automatic transaxle), while pressing lightly on the accel-
erator pedal.
Do not race the engine nor spin the wheels. Constant efforts to
free a stuck vehicle can cause overheating and transaxle fail-
ure. Let the engine idle for a few minutes to cool the transaxle
before trying again.
If your vehicle is still stuck after several rocking attempts, call
for a commercial tow truck service.
WA R N I N G
!
To prevent entry of exhaust gas from the towing
vehicle, set the selection switch to the recirculation
position.
WA R N I N G
!
When trying to rock your vehicle out of a stuck posi-
tion, make sure that there are no people nearby. The
rocking motion can make your vehicle suddenly
lurch forward or backward, and injure any
bystanders.
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Vehicle care and maintenance
7-3
7 Catalytic converter
N00937400391
The catalytic converter requires you to use unleaded fuel only.
Leaded gasoline will destroy the emission-control effective-
ness of the converter.
Normally, the catalytic converter does not require maintenance.
However, it is important to keep the engine properly tuned for
the converter to continue to work properly. To reduce the possibility of catalytic converter damage:

Use UNLEADED GASOLINE ONLY of the type of rec-
ommended in “Fuel selection”.

Do not drive with an extremely low fuel level. Running
out of gas could damage the catalytic converter.

Do not try to start the engine by pushing or towing the
vehicle. If the battery is weak or run down, use jumper
cables to properly start the engine.

Do not idle the engine with any spark plug wires discon-
nected or removed, such as when performing diagnostic
tests.

Do not idle the engine for a long time if it is idling
roughly or otherwise obviously malfunctioning.

To prevent the catalytic converter from being damaged
from unburned gas, do not race the engine when turning
off the ignition switch.

Stop driving the vehicle if you think the performance is
noticeably low, or the engine has a malfunction. If you are
not able to stop driving immediately, slow down and drive
for only a short time. Have an inspection made by an
authorized Mitsubishi Motors dealer or a repair facility of
your choice as soon as possible.

In unusual situations involving major engine problems, a
burning odor may indicate severe and abnormal catalytic
converter overheating. If this occurs, stop in a safe place,
shut the engine off and let the vehicle cool. Once the
engine is cool, immediately take your vehicle to an autho-
rized Mitsubishi Motors dealer or a repair facility of your
choice for service.
CAUTION
!
Damage to the catalytic converter can result if your
vehicle is not kept in proper operating condition. If
the engine malfunctions or misfires, or if your vehi-
cle performance suffers, have it serviced promptly.
Running your vehicle when it is overheated may
result in damage to the converter and vehicle.
WA R N I N G
!
Do not park or run your vehicle in areas where com-
bustible materials such as dry grass or leaves can
come in contact with a hot exhaust, since a fire could
occur.
Do not put undercoat paint on the catalytic con-
verter.
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7-4 Vehicle care and maintenance
7Engine hood
N00937500536
To openUse the engine hood release lever (located under the instrument
panel near the driver’s door) to unlock the engine hood.
Pull the lever toward you to release the engine hood latch.Release the safety lever and lift the engine hood.
NOTE
To prevent damage to the engine hood and wipers, make
sure the wipers are at resting position when you open the
engine hood.
WA R N I N G
!
Never use the release lever to unlatch the engine
hood while the vehicle is in motion.
Do not drive your vehicle unless the engine hood is
locked.
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7-52 Vehicle care and maintenance
7
Headlights (except for vehicles with high inten-
sity discharge headlights)
N00943100162
1. Depress the tab (A) on the harness connector and pull the
harness connector toward you to remove it. 2. Turn the bulb (B) counterclockwise, and then remove the
headlight bulb with holder.
3. To install the bulb, perform the removal steps in reverse.*- Front of the vehicle
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Vehicle care and maintenance
7-61
7
4. Insert the tip of the screwdriver at the edge of the light
unit, pry gently to remove the light unit.
Then move the light unit toward the rear of the vehicle
and remove the clip (F).NOTE
Wrap a cloth around the tip of the screwdriver to keep
from scratching the lens.5. Remove the socket and bulb assemblies by turning them
counterclockwise.
Remove the bulb by pulling it out.
G- Back-up light
H- Rear turn signal light
I- Rear side-marker light
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