During normal day-to-day operation of the Mitsubishi Outlander, the general maintenance items described in this section should be checked regularly to help preserve safe, reliable, and efficient vehicle operation.
If you notice unusual noises, vibrations, odors, changes in handling, or any other abnormal condition, determine the cause as soon as possible or have the vehicle inspected promptly. If repairs appear to be necessary, it is recommended that you visit an authorized Mitsubishi Motors dealer.
Explanation of general maintenance items
Additional information on the following items with "*" is found in the "9. Do-it-yourself" section of this manual.
Outside the vehicle
The maintenance items listed below should be inspected periodically unless a different interval is specifically stated.
Doors and engine hood: Check that all doors and the engine hood open, close, and operate smoothly. Make sure all latches engage and lock securely. Lubricate hinges, latches, latch pins, rollers, and linkage points when necessary. Also verify that the secondary hood latch prevents the hood from opening if the primary latch is released.
When the Mitsubishi Outlander is driven in areas where road salt, de-icing chemicals, or other corrosive materials are used, inspect and lubricate these components more frequently.
Lights*: Clean the headlights regularly so dirt and road film do not reduce illumination. Confirm that the headlights, stop lights, tail lights, turn signal lights, and all other exterior lamps operate correctly and are mounted securely. Also inspect the headlight aim and have it adjusted if necessary.
Road wheel nuts (lug nuts)*: Whenever the tires are inspected, make sure no wheel nuts are missing and check each wheel for loose nuts.
Tighten any loose wheel nuts to the specified torque as necessary.
Tire rotation*: Rotate the tires every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) to help promote more even tread wear and longer tire service life.
Tires*: Check tire inflation pressure frequently with an accurate pressure gauge and always before beginning a long-distance trip.
Adjust all tires to the specified pressure when necessary. Inspect each tire carefully for cuts, cracks, punctures, bulges, excessive tread wear, uneven wear, or other visible damage.
Tire Pressure Monitoring System [TPMS] transmitter components: When tires are replaced because of wear or age, replace the TPMS transmitter valve as required to help maintain proper Tire Pressure Monitoring System operation.
Wheel alignment and balance: If the Mitsubishi Outlander pulls noticeably to either side while traveling on a straight, level road, or if the tires show unusual or uneven tread wear, the wheel alignment may require inspection and adjustment.
If the steering wheel, seat, or vehicle body vibrates at normal highway speeds, one or more wheels may require balancing.
For additional tire information, refer to "Important Tire Safety Information" for U.S. vehicles or "Tire Safety Information" for Canadian vehicles in the Mitsubishi Motors Warranty and Maintenance Manual.
Windshield: Clean the windshield regularly to maintain clear visibility. Inspect the glass at least every six months for cracks, chips, or other damage. A damaged windshield should be replaced by a qualified repair facility.
It is recommended that windshield replacement on the Mitsubishi Outlander be performed by an authorized Mitsubishi Motors dealer.
Windshield wiper blades*: Inspect the wiper blades for cracking, wear, deformation, or damage whenever they fail to wipe the windshield cleanly or evenly.
Inside the vehicle
The maintenance items listed below should be checked regularly during normal use of the Mitsubishi Outlander, as well as when scheduled maintenance is performed or the interior is being cleaned.
Accelerator pedal: Check that the accelerator pedal moves smoothly through its full range of travel and returns normally without sticking, catching, or requiring uneven effort. Make sure the floor mat is positioned correctly and does not interfere with pedal movement.
Brake pedal: Check that the brake pedal operates smoothly and consistently. If the pedal suddenly travels farther than usual, feels soft or spongy, or the Mitsubishi Outlander appears to require a longer stopping distance, have the braking system inspected immediately.
It is recommended that you visit an authorized Mitsubishi Motors dealer for this service.
Make sure the floor mat remains clear of the brake pedal and cannot restrict its movement.
Brakes: During normal driving, check that the vehicle does not pull noticeably to either side when the brakes are applied.
Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) P (Park) mechanism: On a reasonably steep hill, confirm that the Mitsubishi Outlander remains securely stationary with the shift lever in the P (Park) position without relying on the service brakes.
Parking brake: Check parking brake operation regularly. The parking brake alone should be capable of holding the vehicle securely on a reasonably steep hill. If adjustment or service appears necessary, it is recommended that you visit an authorized Mitsubishi Motors dealer.
Seat belts: Inspect all parts of the seat belt system, including buckles, anchors, adjusters, and retractors, and confirm that they operate smoothly and are securely installed. Examine the seat belt webbing carefully for cuts, fraying, excessive wear, or other damage.
Cleaning the seat belts
1. Moisten a soft cloth, such as gauze, with a cleaning solution containing 2.5% neutral detergent.
2. Gently dab the seat belt webbing with the damp cloth to remove dirt and contamination. If dirt is present on the belt ring, wipe the ring carefully as well.
3. Rinse the soft cloth thoroughly with clean water, wring it out well, and use it to remove any remaining detergent solution from the seat belt and surrounding parts.
4. Before allowing a seat belt that has been pulled out for cleaning to retract, make sure the webbing is completely dry and that no moisture remains.
NOTE
- Clean the seat belts and belt rings whenever they become dirty or when a seat belt does not retract smoothly into the retractor.
Seats: Check all seat adjustment controls, including the seat adjusters and seatback recliners, to make sure they operate smoothly. Confirm that each latch locks securely in every intended position. Check that the head restraints move up and down smoothly and that their locks, if equipped, hold them securely in each latched position.
Steering wheel: Check for any noticeable change in steering operation, including excessive free play, unusually heavy steering effort, vibration, or abnormal noises.
Warning lights and chimes: Confirm that all warning lights, indicators, and audible warning chimes operate correctly when required.
Windshield defroster: Check that air flows properly and in sufficient volume from the windshield defroster outlets when the heater or air conditioner is operating.
Windshield wiper and washer*: Check that the windshield wipers and washer system operate correctly and that the wiper blades clear the glass evenly without streaking, skipping, or leaving areas of reduced visibility.
Under the hood and vehicle
The maintenance items listed below should be checked periodically, such as when checking the engine oil level, refueling the Mitsubishi Outlander, or performing other routine inspections.
Battery*:
NOTE
- Take care to avoid operating conditions that can lead to excessive battery discharge and a possible no-start condition, including:
1. Installing or using electronic accessories for extended periods while the engine is not running, such as phone chargers, GPS units, DVD players, or similar devices.
2. Driving the Mitsubishi Outlander infrequently and/or using it primarily for short trips.
Under these conditions, the battery may require periodic charging to maintain an adequate state of charge and preserve battery performance.
Brake and clutch fluid level*: Check that the brake and clutch fluid level remains between the MAX and MIN marks on the reservoir. If the level is outside the specified range, have the system inspected as necessary.
Engine coolant level*: Check the engine coolant level only when the engine is cold and the Mitsubishi Outlander is parked on a level surface.
Engine drive belt*: Inspect the drive belt and make sure it is not frayed, excessively worn, cracked, damaged, or contaminated with oil.
Engine oil level*: Check the engine oil level after parking the vehicle on a level surface and switching the engine off. Wait more than 10 minutes so the oil can drain back into the oil pan before taking a dipstick reading.
Exhaust system: Inspect the exhaust system for loose supports, cracks, holes, or other visible damage. If the exhaust note becomes unusual or you notice the smell of exhaust fumes, have the system inspected immediately. It is recommended that you visit an authorized Mitsubishi Motors dealer for this service. Fluid leaks: After the Mitsubishi Outlander has been parked for a period of time, check the area underneath the vehicle for signs of fuel, engine oil, coolant, water, or other fluid leakage. Water dripping from the air conditioner after operation is normal. If any other fluid leak is found, or if the smell of gasoline is present, identify the cause and have the problem corrected immediately.
Radiator and hoses: Inspect the front of the radiator and remove accumulated dirt, insects, leaves, and other debris that could obstruct airflow. Check the cooling system hoses for cracks, swelling, deformation, deterioration, or loose connections.
Underbody: The underside of the Mitsubishi Outlander is regularly exposed to corrosive materials such as road salt, de-icing chemicals, and substances used for dust control. These contaminants should be removed because prolonged accumulation can promote rust on the floor pan, frame, fuel lines, and areas around the exhaust system. At the end of winter, thoroughly rinse the underbody with clean water, paying particular attention to recessed areas where mud, salt, and dirt can collect.
Windshield washer fluid*: Check the washer fluid reservoir regularly and make sure it contains enough fluid for normal windshield cleaning and prevailing driving conditions.
