Page 193 of 392

I34A023A
The rear differential lock indication lamp
When the ignition switch is turned to the
“ON”position, the rear differential lock indi-
cation lamp (A) in the meter cluster illumi-
nates for a few seconds and then indicates
the rear differential lock’s operating sta-
tus (activated or deactivated).
NOTE
The 2WD/4WD indication lamp also illumi-
nates for a few seconds when the igni-
tion switch is turned to the“ON”position,
see page 5-31.
The status of the rear differential lock
(resulting from depression of the rear dif-
ferential lock switch) is shown by flashing
or steady illumination of the rear differen-
tial lock indication lamp.
Transfer shift
lever positionRear differential lock indication
lamp
Rear differen-
tial lock deacti-
vatedSwitching in
progress
Rear differen-
tial lock acti-
vated
BlinkIlluminateRemain offNOTE
(1)
The indication lamp blinks while the rear
differential lock is being switched between
its activated and deactivated condi-
tions. When the switching operation is
complete, the indication lamp is either illu-
minated steadily or not illuminated.
(2)
The anti-lock brake system (ABS) may
not give optimum performance while the
rear differential lock is activated.
(3)
If the indication lamp continues blinking
after the switch has been pressed to
deactivate the rear differential lock, hold
the steering wheel in the straight ahead
position, then slowly depress and release
the accelerator pedal several times.
(4)
If the indication lamp continues blink-
ing after the switch has been pressed
to activate the rear differential lock, bear
in mind the following instructions:•If the vehicle speed is 12 km/h (7 mph)
or higher, decelerate to speed of 6 km/h
(4 mph) or lower. The indication lamp will
illuminate steadily and the rear differen-
tial lock will be activated.
•If the vehicle speed is 12 km/h (7 mph)
or lower, turn the steering wheel from
side to side until the indication lamp illu-
minates steadily. If the vehicle is stuck
in soft ground, make sure the area
around the vehicle is clear then repeat-
edly attempt to drive forward and back-
ward. The indication lamp will illuminate
steadily and the rear differential lock will
be activated.
Starting and driving
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Page 194 of 392
I34B013A
1Examples of effective use of the rear
differential lock
EI34B-Ca
CAUTION
Use the rear differential lock only as
an emergency measure when the
vehicle is stuck and cannot be freed
with the transfer shift lever in“4L”
position (part time 4WD) or in“4LLc”
or“4HLc”position (super select 4WD
II). Deactivate the rear differential lock
immediately after using it.
1- When one of the wheels has fallen in a
ditch.
I34B014A
22- When driving on rocky roads.
When the vehicle is unable to move
because one of the wheels is sus-
pended in the air.
I34B015A
33- When getting out of snow.
When the vehicle is unable to get going
because one of the wheels is on the
snow and the other on a paved road.
Starting and driving
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I34C014A
Examples of incorrect use of the
rear differential lock
EI34C-Ba
WARNING
If the“4L”,“4LLc”or“4HLc”is
selected and it runs with the state of
the rear differential lock, the follow-
ing phenomena appear and it is very
dangerous.
Please be sure to release the rear dif-
ferential lock on normal roads.
(1)If the rear differential lock is used
by mistake when driving on a
paved road: With the rear differ-
ential lock on, the power to drive
the vehicle straight ahead
becomes very strong, which may
make it difficult to turn the steer-
ing wheel.
I34C015A
WARNING
(2) If the rear differential lock is used
by mistake when turning a curve
or making a right or left turn at
a crossing or the like: The
vehicle is unable to make a turn
and may go straight ahead.
I34C016A
WARNING
(3) If the rear differential lock is used
by mistake except when mak-
ing an emergency escape on
snow or frozen road:
It becomes difficult to make a
steady turn.
(4) In the case where the condition
of the road is different for the
right tyre to drive from the left
tyre (such as one tyre on a
paved road and the other on
ice), direction of the vehicle may
change abruptly when engine
braking or accelerating.
Do not use the rear differential
lock except when making an
emergency escape on a snow or
frozen road, but drive with 4WD.
Starting and driving
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Correct 4-wheel drive
operation
EI32ABCa
By shifting lock to 4-wheel drive, both axles
of the vehicle are rigidly connected with
each other. This improves the traction char-
acteristics. When turning sharp corners or
moving forward and backward repeat-
edly, however, the drive line is stressed,
which is felt as a braking effect. A 4-wheel
drive vehicle can accelerate more quickly
and smoothly.
However, note that the braking distance is
not shorter than that of a rear-wheel drive
vehicle.
When using 4-wheel drive on rough roads
(snow, mud, sand, etc.), it is important to
operate the vehicle correctly.
NOTE
(1) The driving posture should be more
upright and closer to the wheel than
usual; adjust the seat to a good posi-
tion for easy steering and pedal opera-
tion. Be sure to wear the seat belt.
(2) After driving on rough roads, check
each part of the vehicle and wash it
thoroughly with water. Refer to the sec-
tions“Vehicle care”and“Inspection and
maintenance following rough road
operation”.
Driving on dry paved road and high-
waySelect“2H”(part time 4WD),“2H”or“4H”
(super select 4WD II) to drive on a dry
paved road. Especially on dry highway,
never select the“4H”or“4L”(part time
4WD),“4HLc”or“4LLc”(super select 4WD
II).
CAUTION
Selecting“4H”or“4L”(part time
4WD),“4HLc”or“4LLc”(super select
4WD II), to drive on dry paved road
will increase the fuel consumption
with possible noise generation and
early tyre wear.
It may also increase the differential
oil temperature, resulting in pos-
sible damage to the driving system.
Further, the drive train will be sub-
jected to excessive loading, possi-
bly leading to oil leakage, component
seizure, or other serious faults.Driving on snowy or icy roadsSet the transfer shift lever to“4H”or“4L”
(part time 4WD),“4H”or“4HLc”(super
select 4WD II) in accordance with the road
conditions, and then gradually depress the
accelerator pedal for a smooth start.NOTE
(1) The use of snow tyres and/or tyre
chains is recommended.
(2) In order to ensure that the anti-lock
brake system (ABS) will operate cor-
rectly in situations where tyre chains
have been fitted, drive in“4H”or“4L”
for part time 4WD, or in“4H”,“4HLc”or
“4LLc”for super select 4WD II.
(3) Maintain a safe distance between
vehicles, avoid sudden braking, and
use engine braking (downshifting).
CAUTION
Avoid sudden braking, sudden accel-
eration, and sharp turning; such
operations could cause skidding and
spinouts.Driving on sandy or muddy roadsSet the transfer shift lever to“4H”or“4L”
(part time 4WD),“4HLc”or“4LLc”(super
select 4WD II), and then gradually depress
the accelerator pedal for a smooth start.
Keep the pressure on the accelerator pedal
as constant as possible, and drive at low
speed.
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CAUTION
(1) Do not force the vehicle or drive
recklessly on sandy surfaces. In
comparison with normal road
surfaces, the engine and other
drive-system components are
put under excessive strain when
driving on such a surface, and
this could lead to accidents.
(2) If any of following conditions
occur while the vehicle is being
driven, immediately park your
vehicle in a safe place and fol-
low these procedures:
•The needle in the tempera-
ture gauge approaches the
overheating zone.
Refer to the“Engine
overheating”on page 8-21.
•A/T fluid temperature warning
lamp illuminates.
Refer to the“A/T fluid tempera-
ture warning lamp”on page
4-11.
WARNING
When attempting to rock your vehicle
out of a stuck position, be sure that
the area around the vehicle is clear of
people and physical objects. The
rocking motion may cause the
vehicle to suddenly launch forward
or backward, causing injury or dam-
age to nearby people or objects.
NOTE
(1) Avoid sudden braking, acceleration, and
turning; such operations could result in
the vehicle becoming stuck.
(2) If the vehicle becomes stuck in sandy
or muddy roads, it can often be moved
a rocking motion. Move the selector
lever rhythmically between the“D”
(DRIVE) and“R”(REVERSE) posi-
tion (with manual transmission,
between 1st and Reverse), while apply-
ing slight pressure to the accelerator
pedal.
(3) It is recommended to start the vehicle
with parking brake partially, but not
completely, applied by slightly pulling
the parking brake lever.
After the vehicle has become free, do
not forget to release the parking brake.NOTE
(4) If it is necessary to drive in extremely
muddy conditions, the use of tyre
chains is recommended. Because the
extent of muddy conditions is difficult to
judge and the vehicle could become
bogged down very deeply, operation
should be at a low speed. If possible,
get out of the vehicle and check the
conditions ahead before proceeding.
(5) Driving over roads in coastal areas or
roads on which anti-skid preparations
have been spread can cause rust on
the vehicle; wash the vehicle thor-
oughly as soon as possible after such
use.
Climbing sharp gradesSet the transfer shift lever to“4L”(part time
4WD) or“4LLc”(super select 4WD II) to
maximize the engine torque.
WARNING
(1) Go straight up. Do not try to
traverse across a steep slope.
(2) If you begin to lose traction, ease
off the accelerator pedal and
gently turn the steering wheel
alternatively left and right to
regain adequate traction again.
Starting and driving
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NOTE
(1) Choose a slope as smooth as pos-
sible with few stones or other
obstacles.
(2) Before attempting to drive up the slope,
walk it up to confirm that the vehicle
can handle the grade.Descending sharp gradesSet the transfer shift lever to“4L”(part time
4WD) or“4LLc”(super select 4WD II), use
the engine brake (downshifting) and
descend slowly.
WARNING
Avoid snaking down a sharp grade.
Descend the grade as straight as
possible.NOTE
(1) When descending a sharp grade, if the
brakes are applied suddenly because
of an obstacle encountered, control of
the vehicle could be lost. Before
descending the slope, walk it down and
confirm the path.
(2) Before descending a grade, it is nec-
essary to choose the appropriate gear.
Avoid changing gears or depressing
the clutch while descending the grade.
(3) MITSUBISHI is not responsible to the
operator for any damage or injury
caused or liability incurred by the
improper and negligent operation of a
vehicle. All techniques of vehicle opera-
tion described herein depend on the
skill and experience of the operator and
other participating parties and any
deviation from the recommended
operation instructions above is at their
own risk.
Turning sharp cornersWhen turning a sharp corner in“4H”or“4L”
position (part time 4WD), or“4HLc”or
“4LLc”position (super select 4WD II) at low
speed, a slight difference in steering may
be experienced similar to as if the brakes
were applied. This is called tight corner
braking and results from each of the four
tyres being at a different distance from the
corner.
The phenomenon is peculiar to 4-wheel
drive vehicles. If this occurs, either
straighten the steering wheel, or change to
rear-wheel drive.
Starting and driving
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Crossing a stream4-wheel drive vehicles are not necessar-
ily waterproof. If the electrical circuits
become wet, further operation of the
vehicle will be impossible; therefore, avoid
crossing streams unless absolutely nec-
essary. If crossing a stream is unavoid-
able, use the following procedure:
(1) Check depths of the stream and geo-
graphical features before attempting to
cross a stream and ford the stream
where the water is as shallow as prac-
ticable.
(2) Cross at a place where the water is less
than 6 cm deep.
(3) Set the transfer shift lever to“4L”(part
time 4WD) or“4LLc”(super select 4WD
II).
(4) Drive slowly at a speed of approxi-
mately 5 km/h (3 mph) to avoid splash-
ing too much water.
CAUTION
Do not attempt to cross a stream at
a place where the water is more than
60 cm deep.
Frequent crossing of streams can
adversely affect the life span of the
vehicle; consult an authorized
MITSUBISHI dealer and take the nec-
essary measures to prepare, inspect,
and repair the vehicle.
After crossing a stream, apply the brakes
to be sure they are functioning properly. If
the brakes are wet and not functioning
properly, dry them out by driving slowly
while lightly depressing the brake pedal.
Inspect each part of the vehicle carefully.
Inspection and maintenance follow-
ing rough road operationAfter operating the vehicle in rough road
conditions, be sure to perform the follow-
ing inspection and maintenance proce-
dures :
(1) Check that the vehicle has not been
damaged by rocks, gravel, etc.
(2) Carefully wash the vehicle with water.
Drive the vehicle slowly while lightly
depressing the brake pedal in order to
dry out the brakes. If the brakes still do
not function properly, contact an autho-
rized MITSUBISHI dealer as soon as
possible to have the brakes checked.
(3) Remove insects, dried grass, etc. clog-
ging the radiator core.
(4) If a stream has been crossed, check
the engine, transmission, and differen-
tial oil. If the oil or grease is milky or
cloudy because of water contamina-
tion, it must be replaced with new oil.
(5) Check the inside of the vehicle. If
ingress of water is found, dry the car-
pet etc.
(6) Inspect the headlamps. If the head-
lamp bulb is flooded with water, have
the bulb drained off at an authorized
MITSUBISHI dealer.
(7) Have an authorized MITSUBISHI
dealer replace grease in the wheel
bearings.
Starting and driving
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Cautions on handling of 4WD
vehicles
EI49A-Xa
Tyre and disc wheelsSince the driving torque can be applied to
the 4 wheels, the performance of the
vehicle when operating in 4WD is greatly
affected by the condition of the tyres.
Pay close attention to the tyres.
•Install specified tyres on all wheels. Refer
to“Tyre and wheels”on page 10-10.
•Be sure to equip the car with all four tyres
and wheels of the same size and type.
When replacement of any of the tyres or
wheels is necessary, replace all of them.
•All tyres should be rotated whenever the
wear difference between front and rear
tyres is recognizable.
Good vehicle performance cannot be
expected if there is a difference in wear
between tyres. Refer to the“Tyre rotation”
on page 9-15.
•Check the tyre inflation pressure regu-
larly.
CAUTION
Always use tyres of the same size,
same type, and same brand, which
have no wear differences.
Using the tyres of differ in size, type,
brand or a different degree of wear
will cause excessive loading, result-
ing in possible damage to the drive
system.Jacking up a 4-wheel drive vehicles
WARNING
Do not crank the engine while jack-
ing up the vehicle.
The tyre on the ground may turn and
the vehicle may roll off the jack.Operate clutch pedal slowly and
positivelyQuick or slight clutch engagement made
while the engine is running at high speed
will cause damage to the clutch and trans-
mission because the tractive force is very
great.
Operate the pedal slowly and positively.
I07A002A
1
Parking brake
EI07AAEd
To park the vehicle, first bring it to a com-
plete stop, fully engage the parking brake,
and then move the gearshift lever to 1st (on
an uphill) or Reverse (on a downhill) posi-
tion, for vehicles with a manual transmis-
sion or set the selector lever to“P”(PARK)
position on automatic transmission
vehicles.To apply1- Pull the lever up without pushing the
button at the end of the hand grip.
Starting and driving
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