check engine light MITSUBISHI GALANT 2012 9.G User Guide

3-78 Features and controls
3Indicator
N00519900042
Turn signal indicators/Hazard warning lights
N00520000157
The arrows will flash in time with the corresponding exterior
turn signals when the turn signal lever is used.
Both arrows will flash when the hazard warning flasher switch
is pressed. NOTE
If the indicator light flashes faster than usual or if the indi-
cator light stays on without flashing, check for a malfunc-
tioning turn signal light bulb or turn signal connection.High beam indicator
N00520100073
A blue light comes on when the headlights are on high beam.Front fog light indicator
(if so equipped)
N00520200104
This indicator comes on while the front fog lights are on.
Warning lights
N00520300118
Brake warning light
N00520400252
This light comes on when the ignition key is turned to the
“ON” position (engine off).
When the engine is started, the light should go off.
The light will illuminate under the following conditions:

When the parking brake lever is engaged.

When the brake fluid level in the reservoir falls to a low
level.

When the brake circuit is not operating correctly.
Before driving your vehicle, release the parking brake and
make certain that the brake warning light has gone out.
CAUTION
!
Brake performance or your ability to control the
vehicle may be compromised or the vehicle may
become unstable if the brakes are applied suddenly
in the following situations:
• The brake warning light does not illuminate when
the parking brake is applied or does not turn off
when the parking brake is released.
• The brake warning light remains illuminated dur-
ing driving.
• If any of the above situations occur, stop the vehi-
cle in a safe location, avoiding any sudden brake
application, and contact your nearest authorized
Mitsubishi Motors dealer or a repair facility of
your choice.
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Features and controls
3-79
3
Engine malfunction indicator (“SERVICE
ENGINE SOON” or “Check engine light”)
N00520500468
This indicator is a part of the onboard diagnostic (OBD) sys-
tem which monitors the emissions, engine, and automatic tran-
saxle control systems. If a problem is detected in one of these
systems, this indicator comes on. When the ignition key is
turned to the “ON” position, this indicator normally comes on
and goes off a few seconds later.
This indicator will come on if the fuel tank filler cap is not
properly tightened. If the indicator comes on and stays on after
refueling, stop the engine and check that the cap is properly
tightened. (Turn the cap clockwise until you hear clicking
sounds.)
If this indicator does not go off after several seconds or lights
up while driving, have the system checked as soon as possible
at an authorized Mitsubishi Motors dealer or a repair facility of
your choice.
NOTE
Do not disconnect the battery cable when the Engine mal-
function indicator (“SERVICE ENGINE SOON” or
“Check engine light”) is on.
The engine electronic control module stores critical OBD
information (especially exhaust emission data), which
may be lost if the battery cable is disconnected while the
engine malfunction indicator is on. This will make it diffi-
cult to diagnose the cause of future problems.

The vehicle should be brought to a stop in the fol-
lowing manner when brake performance has deteri-
orated while driving.
• Press the brake pedal harder than usual.
• Should the brakes fail, shift down to a lower gear
to reduce your speed and slowly pull the parking
brake lever to park your vehicle. Press the brake
pedal to operate your rear brake lights to alert
vehicles behind you.CAUTION
!
CAUTION
!
Driving for a long time with the engine malfunction
indicator on may cause more damage to the emission
control system. This could also affect fuel economy
and drivability.
If this indicator does not come on when the ignition
key is turned to the “ON” position, have the system
checked by an authorized Mitsubishi Motors dealer
or a repair facility of your choice.
If the indicator comes on while the engine is run-
ning, avoid driving at high speeds.
During vehicle operation with the indicator on, the
vehicle may not accelerate when you depress the
accelerator pedal.
When the vehicle is stationary with the indicator on,
you must depress the brake pedal more firmly than
usual since the engine idling speed is higher than
usual and the vehicle with an automatic transaxle
has a stronger tendency to creep forward.
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3-80 Features and controls
3
Charging system warning light
N00520600209
This light comes on in the event of a malfunction in the charg-
ing system or when the ignition key is turned to the “ON” posi-
tion (engine off). When the engine is started, the light should
go out. Check to make sure that the light has gone out before
driving.Oil pressure warning light
N00520700170
This light comes on when the engine oil pressure is below nor-
mal. If the light stays on while driving, stop the engine as soon
as possible. Do not run the engine until the cause of the low oil
pressure is corrected.
Door-ajar warning light and buzzer
N00520900299
This light comes on when any door is open or not completely
closed.
When the vehicle is moving at more than 5 mph (8 km/h) and
any door is open or ajar, a tone will sound 4 times and the
warning light will flash 4 times to inform the driver that a door
is not properly shut.NOTE
The light goes out automatically after about 30 minutes.
Refer to “Interior light auto-shutoff function (dome light
and other lights)” on page 3-130.

For vehicles equipped with the Mitsubishi Multi-Commu-
nication System, Mitsubishi Multi-Communication Sys-
tem can be used to stop the warning lamp from flashing
and to stop the tone from functioning.
For details, refer to the separate owner’s manual.
CAUTION
!
If the charging light stays on after the engine has
started, the battery charging system may be mal-
functioning. In this case, take your vehicle to an
authorized Mitsubishi Motors dealer or a repair
facility of your choice and have the system checked.
CAUTION
!
If this light comes on when the engine oil level is not
low, have your vehicle checked at an authorized Mit-
subishi Motors dealer or a repair facility of your
choice.
This warning light does not show the amount of oil
in the crankcase. This can only be determined by
checking the oil level with the dipstick with the
engine turned off.
CAUTION
!
Before driving, make sure that the door-ajar warn-
ing light is off.
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3-82 Features and controls
3

When it rains, or when the vehicle has been washed, the
inside of the lens sometimes becomes foggy. This is the
same as when window glass mists up on a humid day, and
does not indicate a problem. When the light is switched
on, the heat will dry out the fog. However, if water col-
lects inside the light, have it checked by an authorized
Mitsubishi Motors dealer or a repair facility of your
choice. Light auto-cutout function (headlights and other
lights)
N00532600495

If the ignition key is turned to “LOCK” or “ACC” posi-
tion or removed from the ignition switch and the driver’s
door is opened with the light switch in the “ ” or “ ”
position, the lights automatically turn off.
• If the driver’s door is opened after the key is removed
from the ignition switch, a high-pitched constant tone
will sound to remind you to turn off the lights.
• If the driver’s door is opened with the key in the ignition
switch, a low-pitched tone will sound to remind you to
remove the key.

If the ignition key is turned to “LOCK” or “ACC” posi-
tion or removed from the ignition switch with the driver’s
door closed and the light switch in the “ ” or “ ”
position, the lights will stay on for about 3 minutes and
then turn off automatically.
NOTE
For vehicles equipped with the Mitsubishi Multi-Commu-
nication System, Mitsubishi Multi-Communication Sys-
tem can be used to deactivate the light auto-cutout
function.
For details, refer to the separate owner’s manual.When you want to keep the lights on: If the light switch is turned to the “ ” or “ ” position again
after the engine is turned off, the 3 minute auto-cutout function
described above will not work. The lights (the parking lights,
tail lights and license plate lights) will stay on and will not turn
off automatically. NOTE
For vehicles equipped with the Mitsubishi Multi-Commu-
nication System, Mitsubishi Multi-Communication Sys-
tem can be used to keep the light on for approximately 3
minutes after you leave the vehicle.
For details, refer to the separate owner’s manual.
If the light auto-cutout function is reprogrammed, the 3 min-
utes auto-cutout function can be activated using the following
steps.
1. After turning the ignition key to the “LOCK” or “ACC”
position or removing it from the ignition switch, set the
light switch to the “OFF” position.
2. Put the light switch back to the “ ” or “ ” position
again and get out of the vehicle.
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Features and controls
3-85
3
NOTE
A light in the instrument panel flashes to show when the
front and rear turn signal lights are working properly.
If this light flashes faster than usual, check for a burned
out lamp bulb or malfunctioning connection.
If the panel light does not come on when the lever is
moved, check for a blown fuse or a burned out bulb in the
panel.
Have the vehicle inspected by an authorized Mitsubishi
Motors dealer or a repair facility of your choice.

For vehicles equipped with the Mitsubishi Multi-Commu-
nication System, Mitsubishi Multi-Communication Sys-
tem can be used to select whether the tone will sound or
not sound when the turn signal lights are activated.
For details, refer to the separate owner’s manual.
Hazard warning flasher switch
N00522700262
If you press the flasher switch, the front and rear turn signals
will flash intermittently, and so will the hazard warning lights.
This is an emergency warning system and should not be used
when the vehicle is in motion, except for emergencies.
If you need to leave your vehicle, the flashers will keep work-
ing after the ignition key is removed. NOTE
If you keep the flashers on for several hours with the
engine turned off, the battery will run down.

For vehicles equipped with the Mitsubishi Multi-Commu-
nication System, Mitsubishi Multi-Communication Sys-
tem can be used to select whether the tone will sound or
not sound when the hazard warning flashers are activated.
For details, refer to the separate owner’s manual.
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4-6 Driving safety
4Safe driving techniques
N00629200052
Even this vehicle’s safety equipment, and your safest driving,
cannot guarantee that you can avoid an accident or injury.
However, if you give extra attention to the following areas, you
can better protect yourself and your passengers:

Drive defensively. Be aware of traffic, road and weather
conditions. Leave plenty of stopping distance between
your vehicle and the vehicle ahead.

Before changing lanes, check your mirrors and use your
turn-signal light.

While driving, watch the behavior of other drivers, bicy-
clists, and pedestrians.

Always obey applicable laws and regulations. Be a polite
and alert driver. Always leave room for unexpected
events, such as sudden braking.

If you plan to drive in another country, obey their vehicle
registration laws and make sure you will be able to get the
right fuel.
Driving during cold weather
N00629400272

Check the battery, including terminals and cables. During
extremely cold weather, the battery will not be as strong.
Also, the battery power level may drop because more
power is used for cold starting and driving.
Before driving the vehicle, check to see if the engine runs
at the proper speed and if the headlights are as bright as
normally. Charge or replace the battery if necessary. Dur-
ing extreme cold weather, it is possible that a very low
battery could freeze.

Warm the engine sufficiently. After starting the engine,
allow a short warm-up time to distribute oil to all cylin-
ders. Then drive your vehicle slowly.
Stay at low speeds at first so that the transaxle fluid has
time to spread to all the lubrication points.
WA R N I N G
!
The battery gives off explosive hydrogen gas. Any
spark or flame can cause the battery to explode,
which could cause serious injury or death.
Always wear protective clothes and a face mask
when working with your battery, or let a skilled
mechanic do it.
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Driving safety
4-7
4

Check the engine antifreeze.
If there is not enough coolant because of a leak or from
engine overheating, add high-quality ethylene glycol anti-
freeze and water. The recommended blend is about 50 %
water and 50 % anti-freeze. Use a higher concentration
(not over 60 %) when the outside temperature 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.
This blend will provide adequate protection from corro-
sion and boiling.
Braking
N00629500260
All the parts of the brake system are critical to safety. Have the
vehicle serviced by an authorized Mitsubishi Motors dealer or
a repair facility of your choice at regular intervals according to
the “WARRANTY AND MAINTENANCE MANUAL”.When brakes are wetCheck the brake system while driving at a low speed immedi-
ately after starting, especially when the brakes are wet, to con-
firm they work normally.
A film of water can be formed on the brake discs and prevent
normal braking after driving in heavy rain or through large
puddles, or after the vehicle is washed. If this occurs, dry the
brakes out by driving slowly while lightly depressing the brake
pedal.When driving in cold weatherOn snowy roads, ice can form on the braking system, making
the brakes less effective. While driving in such conditions, pay
close attention to preceding and following vehicles and to the
condition of the road surface. From time to time, lightly
depress the brake pedal and check how effective the brakes are.When driving downhillIt is important to take advantage of the engine braking by shift-
ing to a lower gear while driving on steep downhill roads in
order to prevent the brakes from overheating.
WA R N I N G
!
Never open the radiator cap when the radiator is
hot. You could be seriously burned.
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Comfort controls
5-17
5
Air conditioning switch
N00737300330
Push the switch, and the air conditioning compressor will turn
on. The air conditioning indicator light (A) will come on.
Push the switch again and the air conditioning compressor will
stop and the air conditioning indicator light goes off.
NOTE
If a problem is detected in the air conditioning compres-
sor, the air conditioning indicator light (A) blinks. Press
the air conditioning switch once to turn it off, then once
more to turn it back on. If the air conditioning indicator
light does not blink, there is no problem. If it does blink,
have it checked at an authorized Mitsubishi Motors dealer
or a repair facility of your choice.

Sometimes, for example after using a high-pressure car
wash, the condenser can get wet, and the air conditioning
indicator light (A) blinks temporarily. In this case there is
nothing wrong. Wait for a while, press the air conditioning
switch once to turn the system off, then once more to turn
it back on. Once the water evaporates, the blinking will
stop.
CAUTION
!
Using the air conditioning slightly increases the
engine idle speed. Therefore, make sure your foot is
firmly on the brake pedal when shifting the tran-
saxle into drive.
(Green)
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6-2 For emergencies
6If the vehicle breaks down
N00836300174
If your vehicle breaks down on the road, move to the shoulder
and turn on the hazard warning flashers. If there is no shoulder,
or the shoulder is not safe, drive in the right lane slowly, with
the hazard lights flashing, until you come to a safe stopping
place. Keep the flashers flashing. If the engine stops/fails If the engine stops, there will be no power assist to the steering
and brakes, making these difficult to use.

The brake booster will not work, so the brakes will not
grip well. The brake pedal will be harder to press than
usual.

Since there is no power steering assist, the steering wheel
will be hard to turn.When the engine fails at the intersection Get help from your passengers, bystanders, etc. to push the
vehicle and move it to a safe zone.
Jump-starting the engine
N00836400696
If the engine cannot be started because the battery is weak or
dead, you can start it with the battery from another vehicle
using jumper cables.
1. Take off any metal jewelry such as watch bands or brace-
lets that might make an accidental electrical contact.
2. Position the vehicles close enough together so that the
jumper cables can reach, but be sure the vehicles aren’t
touching each other.
WA R N I N G
!
When using jumper cables to start a vehicle, follow
the procedures and be very cautious.
CAUTION
!
Do not try to start your vehicle by pushing or tow-
ing. Vehicles with automatic transaxles cannot be
started this way. Pushing or towing a vehicle that
has a manual transaxle may overheat and damage
the catalytic converter. Also, there is more risk of an
accident when a vehicle is being pushed or towed.
CAUTION
!
Check the other vehicle. It must have a 12-volt bat-
tery. If the other system isn’t 12-volt, both systems
can be damaged.
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For emergencies
6-5
6
Low battery chargeIf you drive your vehicle with a low battery charge after the
engine has been started by using jumper cables, the engine may
misfire. This can cause the anti-lock braking system warning
light to blink on and off. This is only due to the low battery
voltage. It is not a problem with the brake system. If this hap-
pens, fully charge the battery and ensure the charging system is
operating properly.
Engine overheating
N00836500222
If the engine coolant temperature gauge indicator moves to the
“H” (hot) position (red zone), the engine may be overheated. If
this happens:
1. Stop the vehicle in a safe place. Turn on the hazard warn-
ing flashers.
2. With the engine still running, carefully raise the engine
hood to vent the engine compartment.
3. Check that the cooling fan is running. If the fan is not
turning, stop the engine immediately and contact an
authorized Mitsubishi Motors dealer or a repair facility of
your choice for assistance.
4. If you see steam or spray coming from under the hood,
turn off the engine.
WA R N I N G
!
To avoid personal injury, keep hands, hair, jewelry
and clothes away from the cooling fan. The cooling
fan can start at any time.
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