Check Engine Fluid Levels on a Mitsubishi Vehicle

It is necessary to have a maintenance regimen. It is important to check the seven automotive fluids at routine maintenance intervals. Fluids may be low, contaminated, or deteriorated and need to be filled or changed. This guide provides instructions on how to check all the automotive fluids on a 2019 Mitsubishi Outlander.

What you will need

• Shop towels
• Brake fluid testing strips
• Engine coolant tester
• Automotive fluids include engine oil, transmission fluid, brake fluid, washer fluid, etc.

Procedure

Follow these steps to check the fluids on the Mitsubishi Outlander:

1. Check the brake fluid level by looking at the side of the master cylinder reservoir. Make sure the brake fluid is between the MIN and MAX markers on the side. If needed, take the cap off the reservoir to see the fluid inside.

Test it with brake testing strips to determine if the brake fluid is contaminated.

2. Check the engine coolant level by seeing if the coolant is between the MIN MAX lines on the side of the coolant overflow tank.

A coolant tester will show whether or not the coolant needs to be replaced. If the coolant has discolored and turned to a rust color, the cooling system will need to be flushed and serviced.

3. Check the transmission fluid level by pulling the transmission dipstick out. Wipe the dipstick off with a shop towel, reinsert it, and pull it back out. Check the fluid level between the MIN MAX markers on the stick. Before checking the dipstick, refer to the owner’s manual to see if the vehicle needs to be running, in park mode, or in neutral.

Make sure the fluid is bright red, not dark or discolored. If the fluid smells burnt, the system will need to be flushed. Rub some of the fluid between your fingers or on a shop towel and hold it under a light to see if there are any shiny metal flakes. If there is a lot, have the fluid flushed.

4. Check the engine oil level with the vehicle off and on a level surface. Pull out the engine oil dipstick and wipe it off. Reinsert the dipstick and pull it back out. Check to ensure the level is between the MIN and MAX markers on the dipstick.

If the engine oil is a very dark brown, it must be changed. If the engine fluid is below MIN, remove the oil fill cap and fill the oil using a funnel. Recheck the level following the same procedure as before.

5. Check the windshield washer fluid level by pulling the cap off the washer fluid reservoir and pulling the dipstick out of the reservoir. The dipstick has perforations on the side that will catch the fluid and show the level at which it is filled. Alternatively, the blue fluid can be seen through the reservoir, filling the fluid up to the top of the filler neck.

How often should I check the automotive fluids on a Mitsubishi Outlander?

We recommend checking all the fluids of the vehicle at routine maintenance intervals. This means any other maintenance is being performed on the vehicle; it is a good time to check all the fluids.

My car is leaking fluid. Is it safe to drive?

It depends on how much and what kind of fluid it is leaking. This is why it is always a good idea to check fluid levels frequently. If the vehicle is low on engine oil, coolant, or transmission fluid, it can lead to excess wear or even failure on the moving parts of the powertrain.

We hope you find the Check Engine Fluid Levels on a Mitsubishi Vehicle guide helpful. Check these troubleshooting and repair guides for more help on your Mitsubishi.