check engine light MITSUBISHI LANCER SPORTBACK 2011 8.G Owners Manual

Quick index
1
If this warning light comes on or flashes while you’re driving...
N00200701077
NOTE
For information regarding warning displays in the multi-information display, refer to “Multi-information display” on page 3-
167.

These warning lights will come on for a few seconds for a bulb check when the ignition switch is first turned to “ON”.
Warning light
Do this
Ref. page
Charging system warning light
Park your vehicle in a safe place and stop the engine.
Contact an authorized Mitsubishi Motors dealer or a repair facility of
your choice for assistance.P.3-216
or
Brake warning light
If this light comes on while driving, check to see that the parking
brake is fully released.

If this light stays on after releasing the parking brake, stop and check
the brake fluid level.

If the brake fluid level is correct, there may be a system malfunction.
Avoid hard braking and high speeds, and contact an authorized Mit-
subishi Motors dealer or a repair facility of your choice for assistance.P.3-214
or
Engine malfunction indicator
(“SERVICE ENGINE SOON” or “Check
engine light”)
Although your vehicle will usually be drivable and not need towing,
have the engine system checked at an authorized Mitsubishi Motors
dealer or a repair facility of your choice as soon as possible. If the
vehicle is not drivable, contact emergency roadside assistance at 1-
888-648-7820 (for vehicles sold in U.S.A.) or 1-888-576-4878 (for
vehicles sold in Canada), an authorized Mitsubishi Motors dealer, or
local towing company for assistance.P.3-215
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2 Quick index
Anti-lock braking system warning light
When this light comes on, the anti-lock braking system is not func-
tioning and only the ordinary braking system is functioning.

Park your vehicle in a safe place and stop the engine.
Test the system as described on page 3-141.

If the light does not go out after the test, or if it comes on again, we
recommend that you have the system checked at an authorized Mit-
subishi Motors dealer or a repair facility of your choice as soon as
possible.P.3-140,
3-141
SRS warning light
It is not necessary to stop the vehicle immediately, but we recommend
that you have the airbag and the pre-tensioner seat belt system
checked at an authorized Mitsubishi Motors dealer as soon as possi-
ble.P. 2 - 2 4 ,
2-46
Tire pressure monitoring system warning light
If the warning light comes on, you should stop and adjust the tires to
the proper inflation pressure as soon as possible.
(See “Tire inflation pressures” on page 7-33.)
Once adjustments have been made, the warning light will go off after
a few minutes of driving.

If the warning light blinks for approximately 1 minute and then
remains continuously illuminated, the system is not operating prop-
erly. If the system returns to normal, the warning light will go off. If
the warning light does not go off, have the vehicle inspected at an
authorized Mitsubishi Motors dealer.P.3-159
Warning light
Do this
Ref. page
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4 Quick indexCannot shift the selector lever
(CVT) or the gearshift lever
(Twin Clutch SST) from the
“P” (PARK) position.
(for vehicles equipped with
CVT or Twin Clutch SST)Shift the selector lever (CVT) or the gearshift lever (Twin Clutch SST) while pressing the
brake pedal.
Check that the ignition key or ignition switch is in the “ON” position.P.3-95, 3-108
The windows are fogged up.
1. Set the mode selection dial to the “ ” or “ ” position.
2. Turn on the blower.P.5-33, 5-43
The engine does not start.
The lights do not come on.
The lights are dim.
The horn does not honk.
The horn sound is weak.Have the battery checked. Recharge or replace as needed.P. 6 - 2 ,
7-23
Problem
Do this
Ref. Page
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6 Quick index
Problem
Do this
Ref. page
The brakes are not functioning
properly after driving through
water. Dry out the brakes by driving slowly while lightly pressing the brake pedal. P.4-6
The CVT makes no engine
speed to vehicle speed ratio
change when accelerating. The
initial movement of the vehicle
is slow when the vehicle starts
moving.
(for vehicles equipped with
CVT)There may be a problem in the CVT.
If the or warning lights on the multi-information display will not turn off, or if they
are coming on frequently, please have the vehicle checked at your nearest Mitsubishi
Motors dealer.P.3-107
Twin Clutch SST does not
shift.
Vehicle cannot move.
Acceleration is slow.
The vehicle does not creep.
A large shock is felt when
shifting.
Shifting occurs at higher
engine speed.
Response is slow.
(for vehicles equipped with
Tw i n C l u t c h S S T )The temperature of the Twin Clutch SST fluid is high, a safety device in the Twin Clutch
SST has been activated due to a possible malfunction in the Twin Clutch SST, or there is
a possible malfunction in the engine electronic control module.P.3-112,
3-127,
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General information
1-3
1
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 up to 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 the durability
of the engine and fuel system.
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 light”) 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.
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1-4 General information
1
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 light”) 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
cleaning additive. Using an unsuitable additive could
make the engine malfunction. For details, please contact
the nearest authorized Mitsubishi Motors dealer.
Filling the fuel tank
N00301100841
WA R N I N G
!
Gasoline is highly flammable and explosive. You
could be burned, seriously injured or killed when
handling it. When refueling your vehicle, always
turn the engine off and keep away from flames,
sparks, and smoking materials. Always handle fuel
in well-ventilated outdoor areas.
Before removing the fuel cap, be sure to get rid of
your body’s static electricity by touching a metal
part of the car or fuel pump. Any static electricity on
your body could create a spark that ignites fuel
vapor.
Perform the whole refueling process (opening the
fuel tank filler door, removing the fuel cap, etc.) by
yourself. Do not let any other person come near the
fuel tank filler. If you allowed a person to help you
and that person was carrying static electricity, fuel
vapor could be ignited.
Do not move away from the fuel tank filler until
refueling is finished. If you moved away and did
something else (for example, sitting on a seat) part-
way through the refueling process, you could pick
up a fresh charge of static electricity.
Be careful not to inhale fuel vapor. Fuel contains
toxic substances.
Keep the doors and windows closed while refueling
the vehicle. If they were open, fuel vapor could get
into the cabin.
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General information
1-7
1
NOTE
If the fuel tank filler cap is not tight while driving, the
engine malfunction indicator (“SERVICE ENGINE
SOON” or “Check engine light”) may come on when the
onboard diagnostic (OBD) system performs a self check.
Always tighten the fuel tank filler cap until you hear click-
ing sounds.
The indicator will go off after driving several times. If the
indicator does not go off, contact your authorized Mitsub-
ishi Motors dealer or a repair facility of your choice as
soon as possible.
Modifications to and racing of your vehicle
N00301600178
This vehicle should not be modified with non-Mitsubishi
Motors genuine parts. Mitsubishi Motors designs and manufac-
tures high quality vehicles with an emphasis on safety and
durability. Modifications using non-Mitsubishi Motors genuine
parts may affect the performance, safety and/or durability of
your vehicle, and may violate applicable state and/or federal
regulations.
DAMAGE OR PERFORMANCE PROBLEMS RESULTING
FROM MODIFICATIONS TO OR RACING OF YOUR
VEHICLE ARE NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY.
Examples of modifications to your vehicle that can cause dam-
age or performance problems include the following:

Failure to use Mitsubishi Motors genuine parts

Failure to use required fuel and fluids

Failure to use proper size tires and wheels

Modification of the fuel, intake, exhaust, emission, sus-
pension, engine, drive train or electrical wiring systems

Modification of any onboard computer/control module,
including reprogramming, or replacing/adding chips to
any onboard computer/control module
Review the Warranty and Maintenance Manual for further
details regarding warranty coverage.
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3-128 Features and controls
3
If any of these occurs, perform the following procedure.
When warning display is showing
The temperature of Twin Clutch SST fluid is high.
Refer to “Warning display” on page 3-112 and follow the
appropriate measures.
When the engine malfunction indicator (“SERVICE
ENGINE SOON” or “Check engine light”) comes on or
blinking
There could be a malfunction in the engine electronic control
module.
Have the vehicle checked by an authorized Mitsubishi Motors
dealer or a repair facility of your choice as soon as possible.
When the gearshift lever position display is not showing
A safety device in the Twin Clutch SST has been activated due
to a possible malfunction in the Twin Clutch SST.
Refer to “If the gearshift lever position display is not showing”
on page 3-111 and follow the appropriate measures.When warning display is showing or when no warning is
showing in the multi-information display
A safety device in the Twin Clutch SST has been activated due
to a possible malfunction in the Twin Clutch SST or in the
engine electronic control module.
Perform the following procedure.
1. Park your vehicle in a safe place and stop the engine.
2. Restart the engine.
If the vehicle moves and accelerates normally after this proce-
dure is performed, there is no malfunction.
However, if the vehicle does not move or accelerate normally,
or if this problem occurs repeatedly, have the vehicle checked
by an authorized Mitsubishi Motors dealer or a repair facility
of your choice as soon as possible.
CAUTION
!
When the Twin Clutch SST fluid temperature is
high, the engine idle speed when the vehicle is
stopped may increase or the vehicle will have a weak
tendency to creep.
After that, if the Twin Clutch SST fluid temperature
rises even higher, the warning display will
appear.
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Features and controls
3-139
3 Anti-lock braking system
N00517900282
The anti-lock braking system helps prevent the wheels from
locking up when braking. This helps you keep control of your
vehicle and its direction. Driving hints
When using the anti-lock brakes (sudden braking), steer-
ing is slightly different from normal driving conditions.
Use the steering wheel carefully.

Always keep a safe distance from the vehicle in front of
you. Even if your vehicle is equipped with the anti-lock
braking system, leave a greater braking distance when:
• Driving on gravel or snow-covered roads.
• Driving on uneven road surfaces.

Operation of anti-lock braking system is not restricted to
situations where brakes are applied suddenly. This system
may also prevent the wheels from locking when you drive
over manholes, steel roadwork plates, road markings, or
any uneven road surface.

When the anti-lock braking system is in use, you may feel
the brake pedal vibrating and hear a unique sound. You
may also feel as if the pedal resists being pressed.
In this situation, simply hold the brake pedal down
firmly. Do not pump the brake, which will result in
reduced braking performance.
NOTE
After your vehicle is driven a short distance after starting
the engine, you will hear the sound coming from the
engine compartment. These are the normal sounds the
anti-lock braking system makes when performing a self-
check. It does not indicate a malfunction.

The anti-lock braking system can be used after the vehicle
has reached a speed over approximately 6 mph (10 km/h).
It stops working when the vehicle slows below approxi-
mately 3 mph (5 km/h).
CAUTION
!
The anti-lock braking system cannot prevent acci-
dents. It is your responsibility to take safety precau-
tions and to drive carefully.
To prevent failure of the anti-lock braking system,
be sure all four wheels and tires are the same size
and the same type.
Never install a limited-slip differential as the anti-
lock braking system may not function normally.
Please consult an authorized Mitsubishi Motors
dealer.
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Features and controls
3-141
3
If the warning light/display comes on while driv-
ing
N00531700545
If only the anti-lock braking system warning light/dis-
play comes on
Avoid hard braking and high-speed driving. Stop the vehi-
cle in a safe place.
Test the system by restarting the engine and driving at a
speed of about 12 mph (20 km/h) or higher.
If the warning light/display then remain off during driv-
ing, there is no problem.
However, if the warning light/display do not disappear, or
if they come on again when the vehicle is driven, have the
vehicle checked by an authorized Mitsubishi Motors
dealer or repair facility of your choice as soon as possible.
If the anti-lock braking system warning light/display
and brake warning light/display come on at the same
timeWarning light

Warning display type 1

Warning display type 2

The anti-lock braking system and brake force distribution func-
tion may not work, so hard braking could make the vehicle
unstable.
Avoid hard braking and high-speed driving. Stop the vehicle in
a safe place and contact an authorized Mitsubishi Motors
dealer or repair facility of your choice.NOTE
The anti-lock braking system warning light and brake
warning light illuminate at the same time and the warning
displays appear alternately on the information screen in
the multi-information display.
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