When performing inspection, servicing, or maintenance work on your Mitsubishi Outlander, always take appropriate precautions to prevent accidental injury and avoid damage to the vehicle. The following general safety measures should be observed whenever maintenance work is carried out.
WARNING
- Park the Mitsubishi Outlander on a firm, level surface, apply the parking brake securely, and block the wheels as necessary to prevent the vehicle from moving.
Push the park button to shift the transmission into the P (Park) position before beginning maintenance.
- Make sure the ignition switch is in the OFF or LOCK position before replacing parts or carrying out repairs unless a procedure specifically requires otherwise.
- If it is necessary to work with the engine running, keep your hands, hair, clothing, tools, and other objects away from cooling fans, drive belts, and all other moving components.
- Secure or remove loose clothing before working on the vehicle. Remove rings, watches, bracelets, necklaces, and other jewelry that could become caught in moving parts or contact electrical components.
- Always wear suitable eye protection when performing inspection or maintenance work on the Mitsubishi Outlander.
- If the engine must be operated inside an enclosed or partially enclosed area such as a garage, provide adequate ventilation so exhaust gases can escape safely.
- Never work underneath a vehicle that is supported only by a jack. If work must be performed beneath the Mitsubishi Outlander, support it securely with suitable safety stands.
- The fuel system can remain under high pressure even after the engine has been switched off. For service involving the fuel filter or fuel lines, it is recommended that you visit an authorized Mitsubishi Motors dealer.
- Do not perform work under the hood while the engine is hot. Switch the engine off and allow the engine compartment and related components to cool before beginning service.
- On gasoline-engine models equipped with Multiport Fuel Injection (MFI), the fuel filter and fuel lines require particular care because fuel pressure can remain present even when the engine is not running. It is recommended that these components be serviced by an authorized Mitsubishi Motors dealer.
- The Mitsubishi Outlander is equipped with an automatic engine cooling fan that may start without warning, even when the ignition switch is in the OFF position and the engine is not running. To reduce the risk of injury, disconnect the negative battery cable before working near the cooling fan.
- Avoid direct skin contact with used engine oil, coolant, and other automotive fluids. Improper disposal of engine oil, engine coolant, and other vehicle fluids can harm the environment. Always dispose of these materials in accordance with applicable local regulations.
CAUTION
- Do not work beneath the hood while the engine or surrounding components are hot. Turn the engine off and allow sufficient time for the engine compartment to cool.
- Avoid direct contact with used engine oil and coolant. Engine oil, coolant, and other automotive fluids can damage the environment if discarded improperly, so always follow local regulations governing collection and disposal.
- Never leave engine-control or CVT-related wiring harnesses disconnected while the ignition switch is in the ON position, as this may cause electrical or control-system problems.
- Never connect or disconnect the battery or any transistorized electrical component while the ignition switch is in the ON position.
- The automatic engine cooling fan may begin operating unexpectedly, even when the ignition switch is OFF and the engine is stopped. Before working near the fan, disconnect the negative battery cable to reduce the possibility of personal injury.
This "9. Do-it-yourself" section provides instructions only for maintenance and inspection procedures that are considered reasonably straightforward for an owner to perform.
Incomplete, incorrect, or improperly performed servicing can cause operating problems, increase emissions, damage vehicle components, and may affect warranty coverage. If you are uncertain about any maintenance procedure on your Mitsubishi Outlander, it is recommended that the work be performed by an authorized Mitsubishi Motors dealer.
