
WARNING
(1) Never move the selector lever to
the“N”(NEUTRAL) position
while driving. A serious acci-
dent could occur since you
could accidentally move the
lever into the“P”(PARK) or“R”
(REVERSE) position and engine
braking would not be provided.
(2) On a slope the engine should be
started in the“P”(PARK) posi-
tion, not in the“N”(NEUTRAL)
position to avoid the vehicle
from rolling.
(3) Always keep your right foot on
the brake pedal when the vehicle
is in“N”(NEUTRAL), or when
shifting into or out of“N”
(NEUTRAL), to mininize the risk
of loss of control.D - DRIVE
This position is for normal driving.
The transmission automatically selects a
suitable gear for your speed and accelera-
tion.
Engine braking is automatically applied
when necessary, depending on road con-
ditions.
Please refer to“Uphill/downhill driving”on
page 5-22.
NOTE
For information on manual gate opera-
tion, please refer to“Sports mode”on page
5-20.
Sports mode
EI04S-Jb
Whether the vehicle is stationary or in
motion, sports mode is selected by push-
ing the selector lever from the“D”(DRIVE)
position into the manual gate (A). To return
to“D”range operation, push the selector
lever back into the main gate (B).
In sports mode, gear shifts can be made
rapidly, simply by moving the selector lever
backwards and forward. In contrast to a
manual transmission, the sports mode
allows gear shifts with the accelerator pedal
depressed.
I04S046A
+ (UP) :Push the lever forward once to shift
up one gear.
—(DOWN) :Pull the lever backwards once
to shift down one gear.
Starting and driving
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Operation of the automatic trans-
mission INVECS II Sport Mode 5A/T
EI04D-Ch
CAUTION
(1) Before selecting a gear with the
engine running and the vehicle
stationary, fully depress the
brake pedal to prevent the
vehicle from creeping.
The vehicle will begin to move
as soon as the gear is engaged,
especially when the engine
speed is high, at fast idle or with
the air conditioning operating,
the brakes should only be
released when you are ready to
drive away.
(2) Depress the brake pedal with the
right foot at all times.
Using the left foot could cause
driver movement delay in case
of an emergency.
(3) To prevent sudden accelera-
tion, never race the engine when
shifting from the“P”(PARK) or
“N”(NEUTRAL).
CAUTION
(4) Operating the accelerator pedal
while the other foot is resting on
the brake pedal will affect brak-
ing efficiency and may cause
premature wear of brake pads.
Do not race the engine with
brake pedal pressed.
This can damage the transmis-
sion.Passing acceleration
EI04F-P
To gain extra acceleration in“D”(DRIVE)
position (when passing another vehicle)
push the accelerator to the floor. The auto-
matic transmission will automatically down-
shift.
NOTE
In sports mode, downshifts do not take
place when the accelerator is depressed all
the way to the floor.
Uphill/downhill driving
EI04O-Ia
DRIVING UPHILL
The transmission may not upshift to a
higher gear if the computer determines the
current speed cannot be maintained once
a higher gear is engaged.
For smoother vehicle performance, if you
release the throttle while climbing a steep
grade, the transmission may not upshift.
This is normal, as the computer is tempo-
rarily preventing shifting. After reaching the
top of the hill, normal gear shift function will
resume.
DRIVING DOWNHILL
When travelling down steep grades, the
computer may automatically select a lower
gear. This function assists engine brak-
ing efforts, reducing the need for using the
brakes.
Starting and driving
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Waiting
EI04G-Ee
For short waiting periods, such as at traf-
fic signal, the vehicle can be left in gear and
held stationary with the service brake.
For longer waiting periods with the engine
running, the selector lever should be placed
in the“N”(NEUTRAL) position.
CAUTION
(1) Never hold the vehicle station-
ary while in gear on a hill with
the accelerator, always apply the
parking brake and/or service
brake.
(2) Unexpected acceleration may
occur if the selector lever is in a
position other than“P”(PARK)
or“N”(NEUTRAL).
Prior to moving off after having
stopped the vehicle, make sure
that the selector lever is in“D”
(DRIVE) or“Sports mode”posi-
tion.
Parking
EI04H-Be
To park the vehicle, first bring it to a com-
plete stop, fully engage the parking brake,
and then move the selector lever to the“P”
(PARK) position.
If you are going to leave the vehicle unat-
tended, always switch off the engine and
remove the ignition key.
NOTE
On a slope, be sure to apply the parking
brake before moving the selector lever to
the“P”(PARK) position. If you move the
selector lever to the“P”(PARK) position
without first applying the parking brake, a
stronger than normal resistance force may
be encountered. In this situation, move the
selector lever strongly when you next wish
to drive.
Starting and driving
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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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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.
Starting and driving
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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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