Starting and Operating the Mitsubishi MT14–MT20
How do you start and operate a Mitsubishi MT14, MT15, MT16, MT17, MT18 or MT20 the right way? On this page, we walk through the starting procedure step by step, including preheating, warming up, and the key controls on the dashboard.
Suitable for the entire series: Mitsubishi MT14, MT15, MT16, MT17, MT18 and MT20 (2WD and 4WD/D).
Mitsubishi MT14–MT20 Starting Procedure
The MT series has a diesel engine with glow plug preheating and a starter motor on a 12V electrical system. The correct sequence is:
- Engage the parking brake and put the main gear lever in neutral.
- Set the throttle lever (speed control) to about half throttle.
- Turn the ignition key to the ON position. Check that the oil warning light and the charge warning light are on.
- Turn further to the glow position and wait until the glow indicator goes out — about 6 seconds when the engine is cold.
- Press the clutch and turn the key to START. Release the key as soon as the engine runs; it will automatically return to ON.
If the engine is already warm, or if it's warm outside (summer), you can skip the preheating and turn directly from OFF to START.
Mitsubishi MT14–MT20 Preheating
Preheating warms the combustion chambers so the diesel starts easily even in cold conditions. On the MT series, you don't need to count a fixed time: simply wait until the glow indicator on the dashboard goes out, which takes about six seconds with a cold engine. In severe frost, you can preheat a little longer. If the engine starts poorly when cold and you see little or no glow plug activity, suspect the glow plugs or the glow plug relay (preheating timer).
Mitsubishi MT14–MT20 Warming Up
After a cold start, let the engine warm up for about five minutes at around 1500 RPM before putting it under load. Check immediately after starting that the oil warning light and the charge warning light go out. If either one stays on, turn off the engine and find the cause before continuing — an oil warning light indicates too low oil pressure, while a charge warning light points to a charging problem.
The Mitsubishi MT Dashboard
The clear instrument panel includes a water temperature gauge, a fuel gauge, the charge warning light and glow indicator, and the oil warning light. Around it, you'll find the throttle lever (speed control), the ignition switch, the clutch pedal, the main gear lever, the PTO lever, and the parking brake. Keep an eye on the water temperature gauge during heavy work: if the needle rises, check the coolant, V-belt, and radiator screen.
