light MITSUBISHI GALANT 2012 9.G Owners Manual

6-10 For emergencies
6
NOTE
The chocks shown in the illustration do not come with
your vehicle. It is recommended that you purchase chocks
or blocks and keep them in the vehicle for use if needed.

If chocks or blocks are not available, use stones or any
other objects that are large enough to hold the wheel in
position.
6. Get the jack, bar and wheel nut wrench ready.
Refer to “Tools and jack” on page 6-7.Spare tire information
N00849600243
Compact spare tireThe compact spare tire is designed to save space in the 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 recom-
mended 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 9-3.

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 be used only tempo-
rarily. While the compact spare tire is being used,
the tire pressure monitoring system will not function
properly. Have the tire replaced or repaired at an
authorized Mitsubishi Motors dealer or a repair
facility of your choice as soon as possible.
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.
Because the compact spare tire is designed only for
your vehicle, do not use it on any other vehicle.
CAUTION
!
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6-14 For emergencies
6
4. Insert the bar (D) into the wheel nut wrench (E). Then put
the end of the bar into the shaft’s jack end, as shown in the
illustration.
Slowly rotate the wheel nut wrench until the tire is raised
slightly off the ground surface.
5. Remove the wheel nuts with the wheel nut wrench, then
take the wheel off.
WA R N I N G
!
Stop jacking up the vehicle as soon as the tire is
raised off the ground. It is dangerous to raise the
vehicle any higher.
Do not get under your vehicle while using the jack.
Do not bump the raised vehicle or leave it sitting on
the jack for a long time. Both are very dangerous.
Do not use a jack except the one that came with your
vehicle.
The jack should not be used for any purpose other
than to change a tire.

No one should be in your vehicle when using the
jack.
Do not start or run the engine while your vehicle is
on the jack.
Do not turn the raised wheel. The tires that are still
on the ground could turn and make your vehicle fall
off the jack.
CAUTION
!
Handle the wheel carefully when changing the tire,
to avoid scratching the wheel surface.
WA R N I N G
!
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For emergencies
6-23
6 Operation under adverse driving conditions
N00837200688
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 selector lever
rhythmically between “Sports mode” and “R” (REVERSE)
position, while pressing lightly on the accelerator pedal.
Do not rev the engine or 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.
On wet roads
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.
CAUTION
!
Avoid flooded roads. Water is often deeper than it
looks, and you could be seriously hurt by driving
into flood water.
When driving in rain, on water-covered roads, or
through a car wash, water could get into the brake
discs and make them fail temporarily. In such cases,
lightly press the brake pedal to see if they are work-
ing properly. If they are not, press the pedal lightly
several times while driving to dry the brake pads,
then check them again.
When driving in rain, a layer of water may form
between the tires and the road surface (aquaplan-
ing). This loosens your tires’ grip on the road, mak-
ing it difficult to steer or brake properly. When
driving on a wet road:
• Drive your vehicle at a safe speed.
• Do not drive on worn tires.
• Always keep the tires at the correct inflation pres-
sures.
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7
Vehicle care and maintenance
Service precautions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7- 2
Catalytic converter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7- 3
Engine hood . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7- 4
View of the engine compartment . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7- 6
Engine oil and oil filter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7- 6
Engine coolant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7- 9
Air cleaner filter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7- 11
Automatic transaxle fluid. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7- 12
Washer fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7- 13
Brake fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7- 14
Power steering fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7- 15
Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7- 15
Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7- 19
Brake pedal free play . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7- 28
Parking brake lever stroke . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7- 28
Wiper blades . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7- 29
Emission-control system maintenance. . . . . . . . . .7- 29
General maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7- 31
For cold and snowy weather . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7- 34
Fuse links . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7- 34
Fuses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7- 35Replacement of light bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7- 44
Vehicle care precautions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7- 61
Cleaning the inside of your vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . 7- 62
Cleaning the outside of your vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . 7- 63
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Vehicle care and maintenance
7-5
7
Support the engine hood with the hood prop. Insert the hood
prop securely in the opening under the hood marked with an
arrow.
To closeUnlatch the prop from the engine hood and put it back in its
retainer.
Slowly lower the engine hood about 8 inches (20 cm), then let
it drop from its own weight. NOTE
If this does not close the engine hood properly, drop it
again from a slightly higher position.

Do not push down strongly on the engine hood. Depend-
ing on how strongly or where you push down, you could
create a dent in the vehicle body.
CAUTION
!
Always insert the support prop into the hole spe-
cially made for it. Propping the engine hood at any
other place could cause the prop to slip out and lead
to an accident.
The hood prop can fall out if the hood is lifted by a
strong wind.
CAUTION
!
Be careful not to trap your hands or fingers when
closing the engine hood.
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7-14 Vehicle care and maintenance
7Brake fluid
N00938800347
To check the fluid levelThe brake fluid level must be between the “MAX” and “MIN”
marks on the reservoir.
The fluid level falls slightly with wear of the brake pads, but
this does not indicate any abnormality.
If the brake fluid level falls markedly in a short length of time,
it indicates leaks from the brake system.
If this occurs, have the vehicle checked by an authorized Mit-
subishi Motors dealer or a repair facility of your choice.
Fluid typeUse brake fluid conforming to DOT 3 or DOT 4. The reservoir
cap must be tightly sealed to keep dirt and water out.
CAUTION
!
Do not let any petroleum-based fluid touch, mix
with, or get into the brake fluid. This will damage
the seals.
Be careful when handling brake fluid. It can damage
painted surfaces.
Use only the listed brake fluid. Different brands of
brake fluid have different additives, and these can
cause a chemical reaction. Do not mix brands of
brake fluid.
Keep the reservoir tank cap closed to keep the brake
fluid from evaporating.
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Vehicle care and maintenance
7-19
7 Tires
N00939200537
It is important to familiarize yourself with the following terms:

Cold tire pressure:
• The measured pressure after the vehicle has been parked
for at least three hours,
or
• The measured pressure when the vehicle is driven less
than 1 mile (1.6 km) after having been parked for three
hours.

Maximum inflation pressure: the maximum permissible
cold tire inflation pressure for this tire.

Recommended inflation pressure: the inflation pressure
for optimum tire performance.
Intended outboard sidewall:
• The sidewall that contains a whitewall, bears white let-
tering or bears manufacturer, brand, and/or model name
molding that is higher or deeper than the same molding
on the other sidewall of the tire,
or
• The outward facing sidewall of an asymmetrical tire that
has a particular side that must always face outward
when mounted on a vehicle.

Passenger car tire: a tire intended for use on passenger
cars, multipurpose passenger vehicles, and trucks, that
have a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 10,000
pounds or less.

Light truck (LT) tire: a tire designated by its manufacturer
as primarily intended for use on lightweight trucks or mul-
tipurpose passenger vehicles.

Tread: portion of a tire that comes into contact with the
road.

Tread rib: a tread section running circumferentially
around a tire.

Tread separation: pulling away of the tread from the tire
carcass.

Carcass: the tire structure, except tread and sidewall rub-
ber which, when inflated, bears the load.

Sidewall: portion of a tire between the tread and bead.

Section width: the linear distance between the exteriors of
the sidewalls of an inflated tire, excluding elevations due
to labeling, decoration, or protective bands.

Bead: the part of the tire that is made of steel wires,
wrapped or reinforced by ply cords and that is shaped to
fit the rim.

Ply: a layer of rubber-coated parallel cords.
WA R N I N G
!
Driving with tires that are worn, damaged or
improperly inflated is dangerous.
These type tire conditions will adversely affect vehi-
cle performance.
These type tire conditions can also cause a tread sep-
aration or blowout which may result in an accident
causing serious injury or death.
Tires, including spare tire, degrade over time with
age even when they are not being used. It is recom-
mended that tires over 6 years generally be replaced
even if damage is not obvious.
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Vehicle care and maintenance
7-21
7
Size Designation
EXAMPLE:P215/65R15

NOTE

European/Japanese metric tire sizing is based on
European/Japanese design standards. Tires designed
to these standards have the tire size molded into the
sidewall beginning with the section width. The letter
“P” is absent from this tire size designation. Exam-
ple: 215/65R15 96H.

LT (Light Truck) -metric tire sizing is based on
U.S.A. design standards. The size designation for
LT-metric tires is the same as for P-metric tires
except for the letters “LT” that are molded into the
sidewall preceding the size designation. Example:
LT235/85R16.


Temporary spare tires are high pressure compact
spares designed for temporary emergency use only.
Tires designed to this standard have the letter “T”
molded into the sidewall preceding the size designa-
tion. Example: T145/80D18 103M.Service Description
EXAMPLE: 95H

Maximum Load
Maximum load indicates the maximum load this tire is
designed to carry. PPassenger car tire size based on U.S.A. design
standards
215 Section width in millimeters (MM.)
65Aspect ratio in percent (%)
Ratio of section height to section width of tire.
RConstruction code
• “R” means radial construction.
• “D” means diagonal or bias construction.
15 Rim diameter in inches (in)95Load index
A numerical code associated with the maxi-
mum load a tire can carry.
HSpeed symbol
A symbol indicating the range of speeds at
which a tire can carry a load corresponding to
its load index under certain operating condi-
tions.
The maximum speed corresponding to the
speed symbol should only be achieved under
specified operating conditions. (i.e. tire pres-
sure, vehicle loading, road conditions and
posted speed limits)
WA R N I N G
!

Overloading of your tire is dangerous. Over-
loading can cause tire failure, affect vehicle
handling, and increase your stopping distance.
Use tires of the recommended load capacity for
your vehicle. Never overload them.
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7-30 Vehicle care and maintenance
7
NOTE
To meet government regulations and promote cleaner air,
your vehicle is equipped with an onboard diagnostic sys-
tem (OBD). The engine electronic control module that
controls OBD functions stores various data (especially
about the exhaust emissions). This data will be erased if
the battery cable is disconnected, which could make a
rapid diagnosis difficult. Do not disconnect the battery
cable when the malfunction indicator light (“SERVICE
ENGINE SOON” or “Check engine light”) is on.Spark plugs
N00940900127
Spark plugs must fire properly for good engine performance
and emission-control.
Do not reuse them by cleaning or regapping. Change them at
the mileage listed in the “WARRANTY AND MAINTE-
NANCE MANUAL”.
Your vehicle may be equipped with iridium tipped spark plugs,
which are identified by marks on the ceramic. They do not
require replacement as frequently as the conventional type
spare plug and will last much longer.NOTE
Use the spark plugs listed under “Engine specifications”
on page 9-6 or plugs that are exactly the same. Other
plugs could cause engine damage, performance problems
or radio noise.Fuel hoses
N00941000011
Check the hose surfaces for any heat and mechanical damage,
hard and brittle rubber, cracking, tears, cuts and abrasions. Payspecial attention to the hoses closest to high heat sources such
as the exhaust manifold. Check all the hose connections, such
as clamps and couplings, to make sure they are secure and that
there are no leaks. If you see any wear or damage, replace the
hoses immediately.
Fuel system (tank, pipe line and connection, and
fuel tank filler tube cap)
N00941300144
Check these regularly for damage or leaks in the fuel lines and
connections. Check the fuel tank filler tube cap for damage or
looseness. Pay special attention to the fuel lines closest to high
heat sources such as the exhaust manifold.Evaporative emission control system (except
evaporative emission canister)
N00941400158
If the fuel-vapor vent line is clogged or damaged, the fuel-
vapor mixture will escape, polluting the air.
Have the system checked at an authorized Mitsubishi Motors
dealer at the mileage specified in the “WARRANTY AND
MAINTENANCE MANUAL”.
WA R N I N G
!
If you see a fuel leak or if you smell fuel, do not run
the engine. Any spark (including from the ignition),
flame or smoking material could cause an explosion
or fire. Call an authorized Mitsubishi Motors dealer
or a repair facility of your choice for assistance.
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Vehicle care and maintenance
7-33
7
Exhaust system
N00942200010
The best way to keep carbon monoxide gas from entering
inside your vehicle is to have the engine exhaust system prop-
erly serviced.
Have a competent mechanic inspect the complete exhaust sys-
tem and nearby body areas for broken, damaged, deteriorated,
or mispositioned parts if you notice any of the following:

A change in the sound of the exhaust system

The smell of exhaust fumes inside the vehicle

The underside or rear of the vehicle is damaged
Also check the exhaust system each time the vehicle is raised
for lubrication, oil changes, or required service. Any open
seams or loose connections could let dangerous exhaust fumes
seep into the luggage compartment and passenger compart-
ments. Check for any of the following conditions:
Check for holes or exhaust gas leaks caused by corrosion
or damage.

Check the joints and connections for looseness or exhaust
gas leaks.

Check the rubber hangers and brackets for damage.
Timing belt
N00942300040
The timing belt should be replaced with a new one at the mile-
age listed in the “WARRANTY AND MAINTENANCE
MANUAL”.Hood lock release mechanism and safety catch
N00942500042
The hood lock release mechanism and hood safety catch should
be checked, cleaned, and oiled when needed for easy move-
ment and to stop rust and wear. Use Multipurpose Grease
NLGI Grade 2 sparingly for all sliding parts of the hood latch
and release lever. Work the grease into the hood lock mecha-
nism until all the movable surfaces are covered.
Also, put a light coat of the same grease on the safety catch
wherever moving parts touch.
WA R N I N G
!
Carbon monoxide gas from your vehicle’s exhaust is
poisonous. Breathing these fumes can cause uncon-
sciousness or death.
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