2004 MITSUBISHI L200 Owner's Manual (in English)

STARTING AND DRIVING
Fuel selectionEC20CPF
CAUTIONFor diesel-powered vehicles, fuel ad-
ditives can cause ignition compo-
nents to be damaged and never use
the fuel additives.1. Before filling with fuel, stop the en-
gine.
2. The fuel tank filler is located on the
rear left side of your vehicle.
Type 1
The fuel tank filler door can be opened
from inside the vehicle by using the fuel
tank filler door release lever located be-
side the driver’s seat.
Filling the fuel tankEC20DPF
CAUTIONGasoline is highly flammable and ex-
plosive. You could be burned or seri-
ously injured when handling it.
When refuelling your vehicle, always
turn the engine off and keep away
from flames, sparks and smoking
materials. Always handle fuel in
well-ventilated outdoor areas.
Fuel tank capacity
2WD : 69 litres
4WD : 75 litres
5-3
Recommended
fuel
Petrol-powered vehicles
Unleaded petrol octane rating
(DIN 51607)
91 RON or higher (Normal)
Diesel-powered vehicles
Cetane rating (DIN 51601)
45 or higher
C20A042
Type 1
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STARTING AND DRIVING
Type 2
Slide the cover (1). Insert the key in the
cap (2) and unlock it.
Turn the cap and remove it.A - Remove
B - Close
3. Open the fuel tank filler tube by slowly
turning the cap anticlockwise.
CAUTIONSince the fuel system may be under
pressure, remove the fuel tank filler
tube cap slowly. This relieves any
pressure or vacuum that might have
built up in the fuel tank. If the cap is
venting vapour or if you hear a hiss-
ing sound, wait until it stops before
removing the cap. Otherwise, fuel
may spray out, injuring you or others.
4. To fill with fuel correctly depends
mainly on correct handling of the fuel
filler gun.
Do not tilt the gun. Insert the gun in
the tank port as far as it goes.
CAUTIONPetrol-powered vehicles have a label
located on the fuel tank filler lid that
states “UNLEADED FUEL ONLY”.
The vehicles also have a fuel tank
filler tube especially designed to ac-
cept the smaller diameter of the un-
leaded petrol dispensing nozzles
only.
If the fuel cap must be replaced, use
only a MITSUBISHI original part
specified for your vehicle.
5. When the gun stops automatically, re-
move the gun half the way in the tank
port. After the second automatic stop,
do not fill with fuel anymore.
CAUTIONTo avoid fuel spillage and overfilling,
do not “top-off” the fuel tank.
5-4
C30B001
1
2
Type 2
B A
C20A160
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STARTING AND DRIVING
6. To close, turn the fuel tank filler tube
cap slowly clockwise until you hear
clicking sounds, then gently push the
fuel tank filler door closed.
CAUTIONIf you need to replace the fuel tank
filler tube cap, use only the cap
specified for your model vehicle.
CAUTIONDamage to the catalytic converter
can result if your vehicle is not kept
in proper operating condition. In the
event of an engine malfunction par-
ticularly involving engine misfire or
other apparent loss of performance
have your vehicle serviced prompt-
ly. Continued operation of your
vehicle with a severe overheated
condition may result in possible
damage to the converter and
vehicle.
WARNING(1) As with any vehicle, do not park
or operate this vehicle in areas
where combustible materials
such as dry grass or leaves can
come in contact with a hot
exhaust since a fire could occur.
(2) Undercoating paint should not
be applied to the catalytic con-
verter.
Catalytic converter*EC18A-Pa
In case of the petrol-powered vehicles, for
ordinary use, there are no particular pre-
cautions except that of using unleaded
petrol.
The exhaust gas scavenging device with
catalytic converter is extremely efficient
for the reduction of noxious gases. The
catalytic converter is installed in the ex-
haust system.
It is important to keep the engine properly
tuned to ensure proper catalyst operation
and prevent possible catalyst damage.
5-5
C18A001
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STARTING AND DRIVING
5-6
The catalytic converter itself gets hot
quickly, and may be damaged if overheat-
ed. The following points should be noted
in order to prevent the ignition of unburned
petrol within the catalytic converter.
(1) In case of the petrol-powered vehi-
cles, use UNLEADED PETROL
ONLY of the type of recommended in
“Fuel selection” on page 5-3.
(2) Do not drive with an extremely low
fuel level; running out of fuel could
cause damage to the catalytic con-
verter.
(3) Do not switch OFF the ignition switch
while driving.
(4) Do not try to start the engine by push-
ing the vehicle. If the battery is weak
or discharged, use another battery to
start the engine.
(5) In case of the petrol-powered vehi-
cles, do not idle the engine with any
spark plug wires disconnected or re-
moved such as performing diagnostic
tests.
(6) Do not idle the engine for prolonged
periods during very rough idle or mal-
functioning operating conditions.
(7) Do not race the engine when turning
off the ignition switch to prevent cat-
alytic converter from being damaged
due to unburnt fuel.(8) Stop driving the vehicle if you think
the performance is noticeably low, or
that there is unnecessary engine rota-
tion, or any other engine trouble, such
as with the ignition, etc.
If it is impractical to stop driving imme-
diately, reduce the speed and drive
for only a short time. Have an inspec-
tion made by your nearest authorized
MITSUBISHI dealer as soon as pos-
sible.
(9) In unusual situations involving grossly
malfunctioning engine operation, a
burnt smell may indicate severe and
abnormal catalyst overheating.
If this occurs, the vehicle should be
stopped in a safe place, the engine
switched off and the vehicle allowed
to cool. Once the engine is cool, a
service, including a tune-up to manu-
facturer’s specifications, should be
obtained immediately.Economical drivingEC19AAPa
For economical driving, there are some
technical requirements that have to be
met. The prerequisite for low fuel con-
sumption is a properly adjusted engine. In
order to achieve longer life of the vehicle
and the most economical operation, have
the vehicle serviced by an authorized
MITSUBISHI dealer at regular intervals in
accordance with the service standards.
Fuel economy and generation of exhaust
gas and noise are highly influenced by
personal driving habits as well as the par-
ticular operating conditions. The following
points should be observed in order to min-
imize wear of brakes, tyres and engine as
well as to reduce environmental pollution.
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STARTING AND DRIVING
5-7
(1)Starting
Avoid rapid acceleration and sudden
starts; such operation will result in
higher fuel consumption.
(2)Shifting
Shift only at an appropriate engine
speed. Always use the highest gear
possible.
The transfer shift lever should be set
to “2H” when driving 4WD vehicles on
normal roads and express ways to
obtain best possible fuel economy.
(3)City traffic
Frequent starting and stopping in-
creases the average fuel consump-
tion. Use roads with smooth traffic
flow whenever possible. When driving
on congested roads, avoid use of a
low gear at high engine speeds.
(4)Idling
The vehicle consumes fuel even dur-
ing idling. Avoid extended idling
whenever possible.
(5)Speed
The higher the vehicle speed, the
more fuel consumed. Avoid driving at
full speed. Even a slight release of the
accelerator pedal will save a signific-
ant amount of fuel.Trailer towingEC21APDd
In order to tow a trailer with your vehicle,
have a trailer towing device that meets all
pertinent regulations in your area mount-
ed at an authorized MITSUBISHI dealer.
The regulations concerning the towing of
a trailer may differ from country to country.
It is recommended that you obey the regu-
lations in each area.
CAUTIONDanger of Accident!
A towing bar should be fitted by an
authorized MITSUBISHI dealer.
NOTE
Fitting of a towing bar requires specialized
skills and equipment.
Contact an authorized MITSUBISHI dealer
for details. If you are going to tow a trailer,
pay careful attention to the following
points.
(6)Tyre inflation pressure
Check the tyre inflation pressures at
regular intervals. Low tyre inflation
pressure increases road resistance
and fuel consumption. In addition, low
tyre pressures adversely affect tyre
wear and driving stability.
(7)Load
Do not drive with unnecessary articles
in the luggage compartment. Espe-
cially during city driving where fre-
quent starting and stopping is ne-
cessary, the increased weight of the
vehicle will greatly affect fuel con-
sumption. Also avoid driving with un-
necessary luggage, etc., on the roof;
the increased air resistance will in-
crease more fuel consumption.
(8)Cold engine starting
Starting of a cold engine consumes
more fuel.
Unnecessary fuel consumption is also
caused by keeping a hot engine run-
ning. After the engine is started, com-
mence driving as soon as possible.
(9)Air conditioning*
The use of the air conditioning will in-
crease the fuel consumption.
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STARTING AND DRIVING
5-8 Maximum towable weight with brake
and maximum trailer-nose weight
Never exceed the maximum towable
weight with brake and the maximum trailer-
nose weight as listed in the specifications.
(Refer to page 10-6, 10-12, 10-19.)
If you tow a trailer at an altitude of more
than 1000 m above sea-level, reduce your
weight by 10% of the gross combination
weight for every increase of 1000 m above
sea-level, as the engine output is lowered
owing to decrease in atmospheric pres-
sure.
Towing bar mounting
specifications
See the following table for fixing points (A)
for the towing bar.
12
5
6
7
8
9
11
1210 34
C21A068C21A069
A
A131415
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STARTING AND DRIVING
5-9
mm
*
1: Single cab, double cab
*2: Club cab
NOTE
The values under item 10 are applicable
to unladen vehicles. These values can
also be varied depending on the tyre size,
optional equipment and suspension con-
ditions.
Ignition switchEI01ABGa
1 - The engine is stopped, and the steer-
ing wheel locked. The key can only be
inserted and removed only when the
switch is in this position.
2 - The engine is stopped, but the radio,
cigarette lighter and other electrical
devices can be operated.
3 - The engine is running and all the vehi-
cle’s electrical devices can be oper-
ated.
4 - The starter motor operates. After the
engine has started, release the key
and it will automatically return to the
“ON” position.
Operating hints
(1) Do not let the clutch slip (vehicles with
a manual transmission only) and do
not increase the engine speed more
than necessary when starting.
(2) Be sure that the driving speed does
not exceed the maximum speed for
trailer operation.
(3) To prevent shocks from the overrun
brake, depress the brake pedal lightly
at first and then more strongly.
(4) To make full use of engine braking,
change to a lower gear before de-
scending a slope.
(5) The body, brakes, clutch, and chassis
will be under additional strain when
towing a trailer.
(6) The heavier weight and higher rolling
and air resistance will increase fuel
consumption.
Additional precautions for vehicles
equipped with an automatic transmission
It is recommended to use the “2” position
on slopes or at low speed. Use the “L” po-
sition in mountainous areas in order to
make better use of engine braking and to
assist the brake system. However, be sure
that the speed does not exceed the maxi-
mum speed limit for the selected gear.
For maximum speed, refer to the descrip-
tion of the “Possible driving speed” on
page 5-19.
2WD models4WD models
1 19.5 19.5
214 14
323 23
4 88 188
535 35
660 60
785 85
8 145 145
9 322 275
10 342 to 392 372 to 422
11 965 956*
1, 1,071*2
12 1,287 1,231*1, 1,346*2
13 30 30
14 525 525
15 1,050 1,050
I21A042
2
13
4
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STARTING AND DRIVING
5-10
NOTE
(1) To remove the key, push in the key at
the “ACC” position and keep it de-
pressed until it is turned to the
“LOCK” position and remove it.(2) If your vehicle is equipped with igni-
tion switch illumination, the ignition
switch illumination comes on while
the driver’s door is opened and
remains on for approximately 15 sec-
onds (with keyless entry system,
approximately 30 seconds) after the
driver’s door is closed.
However, it will go off even before a
lapse of 15 seconds (with keyless
entry system, approximately 30 sec-
onds) if the ignition switch is set to the
“ON” position.
[Vehicle with keyless entry system]
When you get out of the vehicle and
remove the ignition key, it will be illu-
minated for about 30 seconds.
(3) If your vehicle is equipped with an elec-
tronic immobilizer, to start the engine,
the ID code which the transponder
inside the key sends must match the
one registered in the immobilizer com-
puter. (Refer to page 2-2.)
(4) If your vehicle is equipped with the
Daytime Running Light, when the
ignition switch is “ON”, the headlamp
low beams etc. are turned on. Refer
to “Headlamps”.
CAUTION(1) Do not remove the ignition key
from the ignition switch while
driving. The steering wheel will
be locked, causing loss of con-
trol.
(2) If the engine is stopped while
driving, the brake servomech-
anism will cease to function and
braking efficiency will deteri-
orate. Also, for vehicles with
power steering, the power steer-
ing system will not function and
it will require greater manual ef-
fort to operate the steering.
(3) Never coast downhill with the
engine OFF. Keep the engine
running whenever the vehicle is
in motion.
(4) Do not leave the key in the “ON”
position for a long time when the
engine is not running; doing so
will cause the battery to be dis-
charged.
(5) Do not turn the key to the
“START” position when the en-
gine is running; doing so could
damage the starter motor.
I21A043
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