catalytic converter MITSUBISHI GALANT 2012 9.G Owners Manual

1-2 General information
1Fuel selection
N00301000794
Your vehicle is designed to use unleaded gasoline only. It is
equipped with a fuel filler tube especially designed to accept
only a small diameter unleaded gasoline dispensing nozzle. Gasoline detergent additivesIn the United States, fuel suppliers are required by law to add
detergents to their gasoline to minimize fuel-injector fouling
and minimize intake-valve deposits. Detergent gasoline helps
keep your engine in tune and your emission-control system
working properly.
Octane requirementYour vehicle is designed to operate on unleaded gasoline hav-
ing a minimum octane number of 87 [(MON+RON)/2], or 91
RON.Oxygenated gasoline Gasoline sold at some service stations contains oxygenates
such as ethanol and MTBE, although the oxygenates may not
be identified by those names. Oxygenates are required in some
areas of the country. Such fuel can be used in your vehicle.Ethanol (Gasohol) A mixture of 10 % ethanol (grain alcohol) and 90 % unleaded
gasoline may be used in your vehicle, provided the octane
number is at least as high as that recommended for unleaded
gasoline. Methanol Do not operate your vehicle on gasoline containing methanol
(wood alcohol). Using this type of alcohol could adversely
affect the vehicle’s performance and damage critical parts of
the vehicle’s fuel system. Reformulated gasoline Many areas of the country require the use of cleaner burning
fuel referred to as “Reformulated Gasoline”.
Reformulated gasoline contains oxygenates and is specially
blended to reduce vehicle emissions and improve air quality.
Mitsubishi Motors Corporation strongly supports the use of
reformulated gasoline. Properly blended reformulated gasoline
has no adverse effect on vehicle performance or on the durabil-
ity of the engine and fuel system.
WA R N I N G
!
Gasoline is highly flammable and explosive. You
could be burned, seriously injured or killed when
handling it. Whenever you refuel your vehicle, stop
the engine and keep flames, sparks, and smoking
materials away from the vehicle. Always handle fuel
in well-ventilated outdoor areas.
CAUTION
!
Using leaded gasoline in your vehicle will damage
the engine, catalytic converter, and the oxygen sen-
sors. Also, using leaded gasoline is illegal, and will
void your warranty coverage of the engine, catalytic
converter, and oxygen sensors.
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General information
1-3
1
MMT (methylcyclopentadienyl manganese tri-
carbonyl)MMT is a manganese-containing metallic additive that is
blended into some gasolines to increase the octane number.
Mitsubishi Motors Corporation recommends using gasolines
without MMT.
Use of gasolines blended with MMT may adversely affect per-
formance, and cause the malfunction indicator on your instru-
ment panel to come on. If this happens, contact an authorized
Mitsubishi Motors dealer or a repair facility of your choice for
assistance.Sulfur in gasoline Your vehicle may have been designed to satisfy California’s
low-emission regulations based on clean-burning low-sulfur
gasoline. Gasoline sold in parts of the country other than Cali-
fornia is allowed to have a higher sulfur content. Using such
gasoline could adversely affect the vehicle's catalytic converter
and cause the engine malfunction indicator (“SERVICE
ENGINE SOON” or “CHECK ENGINE”) to come on. Illumi-
nation of this indicator while you are using high-sulfur gaso-
line does not necessarily mean the vehicle’s emission-control
system is malfunctioning. Your authorized Mitsubishi Motors
dealer may suggest you try using a different, lower-sulfur
brand of unleaded gasoline to determine whether the problem
is fuel-related.
NOTE
Poor-quality gasoline can cause problems such as poor
starting, stalling during idling, abnormal engine noise, and
poor acceleration. If you experience any of these prob-
lems, try using a different brand of gasoline. If the engine
malfunction indicator (“SERVICE ENGINE SOON” or
“CHECK ENGINE”) flashes, have the vehicle inspected
as soon as possible by the nearest authorized Mitsubishi
Motors dealer or a repair facility of your choice.

Repeatedly driving short distances at low speeds can
cause deposits to form in the fuel system and engine,
resulting in poor starting and poor acceleration. If these
problems occur, you are advised to add a detergent addi-
tive to the gasoline when you refuel the vehicle. The addi-
tive will remove the deposits, thereby returning the engine
to a normal condition. Be sure to use a genuine Mitsubishi
FUEL SYSTEM CLEANER. Using an unsuitable addi-
tive could make the engine malfunction. For details,
please contact the nearest authorized Mitsubishi Motors
dealer.
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General information
1-5
1
3. Open the fuel tank filler pipe by slowly turning the cap
counterclockwise.4. To fill with fuel correctly depends mainly on correct han-
dling of the fuel filler nozzle. Do not tilt the nozzle. Insert
the nozzle in the tank port as far as it goes.
5. When the nozzle stops automatically, do not try to add
more fuel.
6. To close, turn the fuel tank filler pipe cap slowly clock-
wise until you hear clicking sounds, then gently push the
fuel tank filler door closed.A- Open
B- Close
WA R N I N G
!
Since the fuel system may be under pressure,
remove the fuel tank filler pipe cap slowly. This
relieves any pressure or vacuum that might have
built up in the fuel tank. If the cap is venting vapor
or if you hear a hissing sound, wait until it stops
before removing the cap. Otherwise, fuel may spray
out, injuring you or others.
CAUTION
!
Your vehicle can only be operated using unleaded
gasoline. Serious engine and catalytic converter
damage will result if leaded gasoline is filled into
these vehicles, and consequently, this must never be
attempted.
CAUTION
!
To avoid fuel spillage and overfilling, do not “top-
off” the fuel tank. Spilled fuel could discolor, stain,
or crack the vehicle’s paintwork. If fuel spills on the
paintwork, wipe it off with a soft cloth.
WA R N I N G
!
Make sure the fuel cap is securely closed. If the fuel
cap was loose, fuel could leak, resulting in a fire.
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Features and controls
3-75
3
Fuel gauge
N00519600052
This gauge shows the amount of fuel in the fuel tank when the
ignition key is turned to the “ON” position.NOTE
It takes a little time after refueling for the gauge to register
the newly added fuel.

If you refuel when the ignition key is in the “ON” posi-
tion, the gauge may differ from the actual level.
Fuel tank filler door markThe arrow (A) indicates that the fuel tank filler door is located
on the left side of the vehicle (Refer to “Filling the fuel tank”
on page 1-4).Low-fuel warning light
N00532000239
The warning light comes on with the ignition key in the “ON”
position when the fuel level is getting low.
Refuel as soon as possible.NOTE
On inclines or curves, due to the movement of fuel in the
tank, the low-fuel warning light may indicate incorrectly.
CAUTION
!
Do not drive with an extremely low fuel level. Run-
ning out of gas could cause damage to the catalytic
converter.
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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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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
7-3
7 Catalytic converter
N00937400333
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 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 a 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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Alphabetical index
2Parking brake lever stroke 7-28
Pedal 3-47
Pedal free play 7-28
Power brakes 3-48
Service brake 3-47
Warning light 3-78
Break-in recommendations 3-2
Bulb capacity 7-45
C
California Perchlorate Materials Requirements 1-9
Capacities 9-8
Cargo loads 4-13
Catalytic converter 7-3
Certification label 9-4
Charging system warning light 3-80
Child restraints 2-27
Child safety locks for rear door 3-15
Cleaning
Inside of your vehicle 7-62
Outside of your vehicle 7-63
Clock 3-123
Coat hooks 3-134
Combination headlights and dimmer switch 3-81
Consumer information 8-2
Coolant (engine) 7-9
,9-8
Cruise control 3-57
Indicator light 3-58
Cup holder 3-133
D
Defogger (rear window) 3-90
Digital clock 3-123
Dimensions 9-4
Dimmer (high/low beam change) 3-83
Disc brake pads 7-31
Dome light 3-129
Capacity 7-46
Replacement 7-59
Door-ajar warning buzzer 3-80
Door-ajar warning light 3-80
Doors
Lock 3-12
Power door locks 3-14
Drive belt 7-32
Driving during cold weather 4-6
Driving, alcohol and drugs 4-2
E
Electric rear window defogger switch 3-90
Electronic immobilizer (Anti-theft starting system) 3-3
Emission-control system maintenance 7-29
Engine
Compartment 7-6
Coolant 7-9
,9-8
Coolant temperature gauge 3-76
Hood 7-4
Malfunction indicator light 3-79
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