Motor MITSUBISHI ECLIPSE 2012 4.G Manual Online

For emergencies
6-7
6
6. When you do not see any more steam or spray, open the
hood. Look for obvious leaks, such as a split radiator
hose. Be careful as components will be hot. Any leak
source must be repaired.
7. If there is no obvious leak source, check the coolant level
in the reserve tank. If there is none, or if it is too low,
slowly add coolant.
8. If the reserve tank needs coolant, you will probably also
need to add coolant to the radiator. Do not loosen or
remove the radiator cap until the engine has cooled down.9. Start the engine, and slowly add coolant, up to the bottom
of the filler neck. Use plain water if you have to (and
replace it with the right coolant as soon as possible).
10. Replace the radiator cap and tighten it fully. Check the
temperature indicator. You can drive when the indicator
returns to the normal zone.
11. Have your vehicle checked by your authorized Mitsubishi
Motors dealer or a repair facility of your choice.
WA R N I N G
!
Removing the radiator cap could scald you with
escaping hot water or steam. When checking the
radiator level, cover the cap with a cloth before try-
ing to remove it. Turn it slowly counterclockwise,
without pressing down, to the first notch. The pres-
sure in the system will then be let out. When the
pressure is COMPLETELY LET OUT, press down
and keep turning the cap counterclockwise until it
will come off.
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For emergencies
6-11
6
Spare tire information
N00849600285
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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7-2 Vehicle care and maintenance
7Service precautions
N00937300156
Taking regular care of your vehicle will preserve its value and
appearance as long as possible.
You can do some of the maintenance work yourself, and the
rest should only be performed by an authorized Mitsubishi
Motors dealer or a repair facility of your choice.
If you discover a malfunction or other problem, have it cor-
rected by an authorized Mitsubishi Motors dealer or a repair
facility of your choice.
This section describes the maintenance inspections that you
can do yourself, if you so desire. Follow the instructions and
precautions for each procedure.
Have you purchased the Mitsubishi Motors Diamond Care Pro-
tection Plan? The Plan supplements your new vehicle warran-
ties. See your authorized Mitsubishi Motors dealer for details.
WA R N I N G
!
When checking or servicing the inside of the engine
compartment, be sure the engine is stopped and has
had a chance to cool down.
If you need to work in the engine compartment with
the engine running, be especially careful that your
clothing, hair, etc. does not get caught in the fan,
drive belts, or other moving parts.
The fan can turn on automatically even if the engine
is not running. Turn the ignition key to the “LOCK”
position and remove the key to be safe while you
work in the engine compartment.
Do not smoke or allow open flames around fuel or
the battery. The fumes are flammable.

Be extremely careful when working around the bat-
tery. It contains poisonous and corrosive sulfuric
acid.
Do not get under your vehicle while it is on a jack.
Always use properly rated automotive jack stands.
Handling your vehicle’s parts and materials in the
wrong way can injure you. Ask an authorized
Mitsubishi Motors dealer or a repair facility of your
choice if you have questions.
WA R N I N G
!
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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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7-8 Vehicle care and maintenance
7
NOTE
Engine oil consumption is greatly influenced by payload,
engine speed, etc.

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 in accordance with the schedule in the
“WARRANTY AND MAINTENANCE MANUAL”.Engine oil identification markMitsubishi Motors recommends using only engine oils with the
ILSAC certification symbol on the front of the container.If you cannot find oils with the ILSAC certification symbol,
use an API classification SM or higher oil with the following
label.
This mark appears on the top of the oil container and tells you
two important things about the oil.ILSAC certification symbol
1- The top portion shows the quality of the oil.
2- The center portion shows the SAE grade of the oil viscosity.API service symbol
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7-10 Vehicle care and maintenance
7Engine coolant
N00937800281
To check the coolant level The coolant reserve system provides a quick visual method for
determining the coolant level. When the engine is cold, the
level of the coolant in the reserve tank should be between the
“F” (FULL) and “L” (LOW) marks. The radiator normally
remains completely full so there is no need to remove the radi-
ator cap except for checking the coolant freeze point or replac-
ing the antifreeze coolant.To add coolant Use Mitsubishi Genuine Coolant or an equivalent.
Mitsubishi Genuine Coolant provides excellent protection
against corrosion and rust formation on all metals, including
aluminum, and prevents blockages in the radiator, heater, cyl-
inder head, engine block, etc.
If you need to add coolant often, or if the level in the reserve
tank does not drop when the engine cools, the cooling system
should be pressure-tested for leaks. Take your vehicle to an
authorized Mitsubishi Motors dealer or a repair facility of your
choice for testing.
CAUTION
!
Do not use alcohol or methanol antifreeze or any
engine coolants that contain them. Using the wrong
antifreeze can corrode aluminum parts.
When you need to add coolant to the reserve tank,
use at least a 50 % concentration of ethylene-glycol
antifreeze in water. Do not overfill. Use a higher con-
centration (not over 60 %) when the outside temper-
ature is -31 °F (-35 °C) or lower. When the engine is
working very hard (for example, during mountain
driving and/or when the outside temperature is
high), use a 50 % concentration. You can check the
concentration level with a gauge from an automotive
supply store, or your authorized Mitsubishi Motors
dealer or service station can check it for you. Use
only high quality ethylene-glycol antifreeze coolant
that is made to prevent corrosion of all cooling sys-
tem metals.
Do not top off the tank with plain water only. Water
by itself boils at a lower temperature and does not
stop rust or freezing. If the water freezes, it will
damage your cooling system. Do not use tapwater. It
can cause corrosion and rust.
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Vehicle care and maintenance
7-11
7
Radiator capThe radiator cap must be tight sealed to prevent losing coolant
which may result in engine damage. Only use a Genuine
Mitsubishi Parts radiator cap, or an approved equivalent.Points to remember
Do not overfill the reserve tank.

Your vehicle uses a special radiator cap that stays sealed
and lets the coolant flow from the reserve tank back to the
radiator when the engine cools down. If you need to
change the cap, use the exact same kind.

Check the coolant freeze point in the radiator with the
proper gauge, and only when it is safe. If you add anti-
freeze, the contents of the reserve tank must be protected
against freezing.

Keep the front of the radiator and condenser clean.

If the temperature of the engine coolant does not rise after
the engine is warmed-up, take your vehicle to an autho-
rized Mitsubishi Motors dealer or a repair facility of your
choice to have the thermostat checked, and replaced if
necessary.
Air cleaner filter
N00937900165
The air cleaner filter will get dirty and dusty from use and not
filter properly. Replace it with a new filter using the schedule
in the “WARRANTY AND MAINTENANCE MANUAL”. 2.4 liter modelsUnclamp and take out the air cleaner filter.
After replacing the air cleaner filter, put the cover back on in its
original position. 3.8 liter models1. Loosen the bolt of the resonator using a screwdriver.
2. Remove the resonator.
WA R N I N G
!
Wait for the engine to cool down before opening the
radiator cap. Otherwise hot steam or boiling coolant
could spray up from the radiator and scald you.
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7-12 Vehicle care and maintenance
7
3. Unclamp and take out the air cleaner filter.
After replacing the air cleaner filter, install the resonator by fol-
lowing the removal steps in reverse. Fit the resonator with
careful reference to the alignment position (A), and securely
tighten the bolt.NOTE
Genuine Mitsubishi Motors Parts are recommended when
replacing the air cleaner filter.
Automatic transaxle fluid
(if so equipped)
N00938000512
The automatic transaxle should be maintained and serviced by
an authorized Mitsubishi Motors dealer or a repair facility of
your choice to obtain the best performance and longest life. It
is important that the transaxle fluid is kept at the correct level. To check the fluid level The fluid level should be checked when the engine temperature
gauge shows the engine is warmed up and the fluid in the tran-
saxle is heated to its normal working temperature. Driving with
the wrong fluid level will rapidly wear out the transaxle and
destroy the fluid.
CAUTION
!
Take care not to scratch the engine air flow sensor
when removing the air cleaner cover.
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Vehicle care and maintenance
7-13
7
Procedure for checking the fluid level 1. With the brake pedal fully depressed and the engine
idling, select each gear momentarily, ending with the
selector lever in the “P” (PARK) position.
2. The fluid level should be at the HOT mark, but never
above the HOT mark when the engine is warmed up. Add
or drain fluid to get to the correct level.
3. Make certain that the dipstick cap is installed properly to
keep dirt and water out of the transaxle.
Fluid typeUse only “DIAMOND ATF SP III” transaxle fluid to ensure
optimum transaxle performance. Special additives Mitsubishi Motors Corporation does not recommend the addi-
tion of any fluid additives to the transaxle.
WA R N I N G
!
Transaxle fluid is extremely flammable and poison-
ous. Do not spill fluid when adding or draining.
Good (Hot)
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