check engine light MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER XL 2011 Owners Manual

Quick index
1
If this warning light comes on or flashes while you’re driving...
N00200701064
NOTE
For information regarding warning displays in the multi-information display, refer to “Multi-information display” on page 3-
160.

These warning lights will come on for a few seconds for a bulb check when the ignition switch is first turned to “ON”.
Warning lights
Do this
Ref. Page
Charging system warning light
Park your vehicle in a safe place and stop the engine.
Contact your Mitsubishi Motors dealer or a repair facility of your choice for
assistance.P. 3-208
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, immediately 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 speed, and contact an authorized Mitsubishi Motors
dealer or a repair facility of your choice for assistance.P. 3-206
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, con-
tact 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 Mit-
subishi Motors dealer, or local towing company for assistance.P. 3-207
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2 Quick indexAnti-lock braking system warning
light
When this light comes on, the anti-lock braking system is not functioning 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 3-132.

If the light does not go out after the test, or if it comes on again, we recom-
mend that you have the system checked at an authorized Mitsubishi Motors
dealer or a repair facility of your choice as soon as possible.P. 3-132
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 possible.P. 2-70
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 7-28.)
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 con-
tinuously illuminated, the system is not operating properly. 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. 3-149
Warning lights
Do this
Ref. Page
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4 Quick indexThe windows are fogged up.
1. Set the mode selection dial to the “ ” or “ ” position.
2. Turn on the blower.P. 5-14, 5-23,
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
P. 7 - 2 1
Problem
Do this
Ref. Page
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General information
1-3
1
Reformulated gasolineMany 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 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 gasolineYour 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-controlsystem 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 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.
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1-6 General information
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 at
least 3 clicks.
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
N00301600152
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.
CAUTION
!
If you need to replace the fuel tank filler cap, use
only the cap specified for your model vehicle.
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3-122 Features and controls
3

Note that the stopping distance required of the 4-wheel
drive vehicle differs very little from that of the front-
wheel drive vehicle. When driving on a snow-covered
road or a slippery, muddy surface, make sure that you
keep a sufficient distance between your vehicle and the
one ahead of you.

The driving posture should be more upright; adjust the
seat to a good position for easy steering and pedal opera-
tion. Be sure to wear the seat belt.

After driving on rough roads, check each part of the vehi-
cle and wash it thoroughly with water. Refer to the
“Inspection and maintenance following rough road opera-
tion” section and “Vehicle care and Maintenance” sec-
tions.Turning sharp cornersWhen turning a sharp corner in “4WD LOCK” or “LOCK”
position at low speed, a slight difference in steering may be
experienced similar to feeling as if the brakes were applied.
This is called tight corner braking and results from each of the
four tires being at a different distance from the corner. The phe-
nomenon is typical of 4-wheel drive vehicles. If this occurs,
either straighten out the steering wheel or change to another
mode.
On snowy or icy roadsSet the drive mode-selector to “4WD AUTO”, “4WD LOCK”
or “SNOW” in accordance with the road conditions, and then
gradually depress the accelerator pedal for a smooth start.NOTE
The use of snow tires is recommended.

Maintain a safe distance between vehicles, avoid sudden
braking, and use engine braking (downshifting).Driving on sandy or muddy roadsSet the drive mode-selector to “4WD LOCK” or “LOCK” and
then gradually depress the accelerator pedal for a smooth start.
Keep the pressure on the accelerator pedal as constant as possi-
ble, and drive at low speed.
CAUTION
!
Setting the drive mode-selector to “4WD LOCK” or
“LOCK” position to drive on dry paved road will
increase fuel consumption, with possible noise gen-
eration.
CAUTION
!
Avoid sudden braking, sudden acceleration and
sharp turning. Skidding occurs and control of the
vehicle could be lost.
CAUTION
!
Do not force the vehicle or drive recklessly on sandy
surfaces. In comparison with normal road surfaces,
the engine and other drive-system components are
put under excessive strain when driving on such a
surface. This could lead to accidents.
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3-124 Features and controls
3
Driving through water
N00537800085
If the electrical circuits become wet, further operation of the
vehicle will be impossible; therefore, avoid driving through
water unless absolutely necessary. If driving through water is
unavoidable, use the following procedure:
Check the depth of the water and the terrain before attempting
to drive through it. Drive slowly to avoid creating excessive
water splashing.
Inspection and maintenance following
rough road operation
N00530700085
After operating the vehicle in rough road conditions, be sure to
perform the following inspection and maintenance procedures:

Check that the vehicle has not been damaged by rocks,
gravel, etc.

Carefully wash the vehicle with water.
Drive the vehicle slowly while lightly depressing the
brake pedal in order to dry out the brakes. If the brakes
still do not function properly, contact an authorized Mit-
subishi Motors dealer or a repair facility of your choice as
soon as possible to have the brakes checked.

Remove the insects, dried grass, etc. clogging the radiator
core.

After driving through water, check the engine, transaxle
and differential oil. If the oil or grease is milky or cloudy
because of water contamination, it must be replaced with
new oil.

Check the inside of the vehicle. If water entry is found,
dry the carpet etc.

Inspect the headlights. If water is in the headlight housing,
have it drained at an authorized Mitsubishi Motors dealer
or a repair facility of your choice.
CAUTION
!
Never drive through water that is deep enough to
cover wheel hubs, axles or exhaust pipe. Do not
change the selector lever position while driving
through water.
Frequent driving through water can adversely affect
the life span of the vehicle; consult an authorized
Mitsubishi Motors dealer or a repair facility of your
choice and take the necessary measures to prepare,
inspect, and repair the vehicle.
After driving through water, apply the brakes to be
sure they are functioning properly. If the brakes are
wet and not functioning properly, dry them out by
driving slowly while lightly depressing the brake
pedal. Inspect each part of the vehicle carefully.
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3-132 Features and controls
3
NOTE
A whining sound is emitted from the engine compartment
when driving immediately after starting the engine. These
are the normal sounds the anti-lock braking system makes
when performing a self-check. It does not indicate a mal-
function.

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 3 mph (5
km/h).
Anti-lock braking system warning light / display
N00531600586
Warning light
Warning display type 1
Warning display type 2
If there is a malfunction in the system, the anti-lock braking
system warning light will come on and the warning display
will appear on the information screen in the multi-information
display.
Under normal conditions, the anti-lock braking system warning
light only comes on when the ignition switch is turned to the
“ON” position and goes off a few seconds later.
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 4 wheels and tires are the same size and
the same type.
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Features and controls
3-133
3
If the warning light / display illuminate while
driving
N00531700516
If only the anti-lock braking system warning light/dis-
play illuminate
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 remains off during driv-
ing, there is no abnormal condition.
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.
CAUTION
!
Any of the following indicates that the anti-lock
braking system is not functioning and only the stan-
dard brake system is working. (The standard brake
system is functioning normally.) If this happens,
take your vehicle to an authorized Mitsubishi
Motors dealer or a repair facility of your choice.
• When the ignition switch is in the “ON” position,
the warning light does not come on or it remains
on and does not go off
• The warning light comes on while driving
• The warning display appears while driving
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3-136 Features and controls
3Active stability control (ASC)
(if so equipped)
N00559100105
The Active stability control (ASC) takes overall control of the
anti-lock braking system, traction control function and skid
control function to help maintain the vehicle’s control and trac-
tion. Please read this section in conjunction with the page on
the anti-lock braking system, traction control function and skid
control function.
Anti-lock braking system → P. 3 - 1 3 1
Traction control function → P. 3 - 1 3 7
Skid control function → P. 3 - 1 3 7
NOTE
An operation noise may be emitted from the engine com-
partment in the following situations. The sound is associ-
ated with checking the operations of the ASC. At this
time, you may feel a shock from the brake pedal if you
depress it. These do not indicate a malfunction.
• When the ignition switch is set to the “ON” position.
• When the vehicle is driven for a while after the engine is
turned on.

When the ASC is activated, you may feel a vibration in
the vehicle body or hear a whining sound from the engine
compartment.
This indicates that the system is operating normally. It
does not indicate a malfunction.

When the anti-lock braking system warning light is illu-
minated, the ASC is not active.
CAUTION
!
Do not over-rely on the ASC. Even the ASC cannot
prevent the natural laws of physics from acting on
the vehicle. This system, like any other system, has
limits and cannot help you to maintain traction and
control of the vehicle in all circumstances. Reckless
driving can lead to accidents. It is the driver’s
responsibillty to drive carefully, This means taking
into account the traffic, road and environmental
conditions.
Be sure to use the same specified type and size of tire
on all four wheels. Otherwise, the ASC may not
work properly.
Do not install any aftermarket limited slip differen-
tial (LSD) on your vehicle. The ASC may stop func-
tioning properly.
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