Mitsubishi Check Coolant Level or Add Antifreeze
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Is your Mitsubishi dashboard displaying a coolant symbol? Learn how to fix the problem by checking the fluid level of your coolant and adding coolant if the reservoir is low. This guide provides procedures for checking and adding coolant to a Mitsubishi.
At a Glance
- Check only with the engine cool; never open a hot cap.
- The level should sit between the MIN and MAX marks on the reservoir.
- Top up with the coolant listed in the owner’s manual, pre mixed 50/50 or diluted with distilled water.
- Overheating or a coolant warning while driving: stop and let the engine cool.
- Needing to top up repeatedly means a leak; find it.
Your Mitsubishi may be low on coolant if:
- Engine overheats
- The engine coolant light comes on.
- Low coolant level error message on the dashboard
If the Mitsubishi is overheating or the temperature light comes on, there is a high chance that the engine coolant level is low.
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Pull over, turn off the engine, allow it to cool down, and check the engine coolant level. See the instructions below.
What you need
- 50/50 Mixed Long Life Blue Engine Coolant
Procedure
- Allow the engine to cool down.
- Open the hood by pulling the hood release under the dashboard.
- Locate the overflow tank and look at its side to determine the current coolant level.
It should be between MIN and MAX marks. The overflow tank for the radiator should be just behind the radiator or on the passenger side of the engine. - If the level is below the MIN mark, open the cap and add pre-mixed engine coolant.
- Look on the side of the overflow tank again to re-check the coolant level. Ideally, the level should be in the middle.
- Start the engine and ensure the engine does not overheat and the coolant level does not drop.
It should be between MIN and MAX marks. 
The overflow tank for the radiator should be just behind the radiator or on the passenger side of the engine.If the engine coolant reserve tank needs coolant after you refill it, you may need to add coolant to the radiator. Wait for the engine to cool down, then remove the radiator cap and coolant directly to the radiator.
Do not drive if your Mitsubishi continues to overheat or lose coolant. Continuing to drive with an overheated engine can lead to permanent engine damage.
What type/color is Mitsubishi coolant
Mitsubishi recommends using the OEM coolant, Mitsubishi Motors Super Long Life Coolant Premium. Coolant color can vary between products, so choose by type and specification rather than color. An aftermarket coolant must be an ethylene glycol-based non-silicate, non-amine, non-nitrate, and non-borate coolant with long-life hybrid organic acid technology. Do not use alcohol or methanol antifreeze.
The coolant must be mixed with 50% water and 50% antifreeze.
- Long Life Engine Coolant
Why is my Mitsubishi overheating?
Common problems that lead to a Mitsubishi overheating include:
- Faulty thermostat
- Weak radiator cap
- Low engine coolant level
- Cracked radiator housing
- Bad water pump
Before replacing parts, read the engine codes and watch the live coolant temperature and cooling fan status. A scan tool such as the YOUCANIC UCAN-II Pro shows this data on supported models, which helps separate a stuck thermostat from a fan or sensor problem. If you are unsure, have a mechanic pressure test the cooling system.
If the coolant level keeps dropping
Coolant does not get used up, so needing to top it up more than once means there is a leak. Look for dried crust or wet spots around the radiator, hoses, water pump and reservoir, and watch for a sweet smell inside the car or white exhaust smoke, which can point to a heater core or head gasket problem. Use the coolant type listed in your owner’s manual; mixing types can cause sludge.
Frequently Asked Questions
What coolant does Mitsubishi recommend?
Mitsubishi recommends its OEM Super Long Life Coolant Premium. An aftermarket coolant must be ethylene glycol based with hybrid organic acid technology and free of silicate, amine, nitrate and borate.
What is the correct coolant mix for a Mitsubishi?
Use a 50/50 mix of antifreeze and water, or a pre mixed 50/50 coolant.
Can I check the coolant when the engine is hot?
No. Only check the level with the engine cool, and never open a hot radiator or reservoir cap.
Why does my Mitsubishi keep losing coolant?
Coolant does not get used up, so a level that keeps dropping means there is a leak in the radiator, hoses, water pump or reservoir.
Check these troubleshooting and repair guides for more help on your Mitsubishi.
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