Theft Protection Label: Notes

CAUTION: When replacing a part that has the theft protection plate, label or stamp on it, be sure that the part has either A or B shown in the illustration below. It is illegal if both A and B are attached, or neither A nor B is attached.

In order to protect against theft, a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) is attached as a plate or label to the following major parts of the engine and transaxle, as well as main outer panels:

Engine cylinder block, Transaxle housing, Front end upper bar and Front floor crossmember front.

In addition, a theft-protection label is attached to replacement parts for the body outer panel main components, and the same data is stamped into replacement parts for the engine and the transaxle.

Fig 1: Identifying Theft Protection Plate And Label

Courtesy of MITSUBISHI MOTOR SALES OF AMERICA.

CAUTION: Cautions regarding panel repairs:

When repainting original parts, do so after first masking the theft-protection label. After painting, be sure to peel off the masking tape.
The theft-protection label for replacement parts is covered by masking tape, so such parts can be painted as is. The masking tape should be removed after painting is finished.
The theft-protection label should not be removed from original parts or replacement parts.