2004 MITSUBISHI L200 4WD

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.
05engL2_240082_4 22-01-2004 13:04 Page 5-7

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
05engL2_240082_4 22-01-2004 13:04 Page 5-9

STARTING AND DRIVING
5-13 Starting (diesel-powered vehicles)
EI02BAH
1. Insert the ignition key and fasten the
seat belt.
2. Apply the parking brake.
3. Depress and hold the brake pedal.
4. Place the gearshift lever (manual
transmission) in the “N” (Neutral) or
the selector lever (automatic trans-
mission) in the “P” (PARK) position.
5. Fully depress the clutch pedal (man-
ual transmission).
6. After turning the ignition key to the
“ON” position, make certain that all
warning lamps are functioning prop-
erly before starting the engine.
7. Turn the ignition key to the “START”
position without depressing the accel-
erator pedal, and release it when the
engine starts.8.
Operate the accelerator pedal as de-
scribed below in accordance with the
atmospheric temperature and/or en-
gine condition and then start the en-
gine.
(1) When the atmospheric temperature is
moderate or the engine is warm, start
the engine without depressing the
accelerator pedal.
(2) When the atmospheric temperature is
low and the engine is cold, start the
engine while following the proce-
dures:
• 2WD with turbocharger, 4WD with
catalytic converter
While depressing the accelerator
pedal, start the engine.
• 2WD without turbocharger, 4WD
without catalytic converter
Start the engine without depress-
ing the accelerator pedal. NOTE
(1) If the engine is cold, the diesel pre-
heat warning lamp is on for a longer
time.
(2) When the engine has not been start-
ed within about 5 seconds
after the diesel preheat warning lamp
went out, return the ignition key to the
“LOCK” position. Then, turn the key to
the “ON” position to preheat the en-
gine again.
(3) When the engine is warm, the diesel
preheat warning lamp does not come
on even if the ignition key is placed in
the “ON” position.
Start the engine by turning the
ignition key right to the “START” posi-
tion.
I27A032
PN
05engL2_240082_4 22-01-2004 13:04 Page 5-13

STARTING AND DRIVING
5-15
Diesel-powered vehicles
5th gear is an overdrive ratio and its use
reduces engine speed below that of the
4th gear. Use 5th gear whenever vehicle
speed allows, for maximum fuel economy. 4WD
Petrol-powered vehicles
Diesel-powered vehiclesPossible driving speed
2WD
4WD
Petrol-powered vehicles

Shift point
Speed limit km/h (mph)
2H, 4H4L
1st to 2nd25
(15)10
(6)

2nd to 3rd

50
(31)25
(15)
3rd to 4th

75
(46)40
(24)
4th to 5th

105
(65)55
(34)
Shift point
Speed limit km/h (mph)
Vehicles with
205/80R16
tyre sizeVehicles with
265/70R16
tyre size
2H, 4H4L2H, 4H4L
1st to 2nd10
(6)5
(3)10
(6)5
(3)
2nd to 3rd25
(15)10
(6)25
(15)10
(6)
3rd to 4th40
(24)20
(12)40
(24)20
(12)
4th to 5th55
(34)25
(15)55
(34)30
(18)

Drive range
Speed limit km/h (mph)
With
TurbochargerWithout
Turbocharger
1st 30 (18) 30 (18)

2nd

60 (37) 55 (34)
3rd

95 (59) 85 (52)
4th

130 (80) 130 (80)

Drive range
Speed limit km/h (mph)
2H, 4H4L
1st40
(24)20
(12)

2nd

75
(46)35
(21)
3rd

115
(71)60
(37)
4th

160
(99)80
(49)

Drive range
Speed limit km/h (mph)
Vehicles with
205/80R16
tyre sizeVehicles with
265/70R16
tyre size
2H, 4H4L2H, 4H4L
1st30
(18)15
(9)35
(21)15
(9)

2nd

55
(34)30
(18)60
(37)30
(18)
3rd

95
(59)50
(31)95
(59)50
(31)
4th

130
(80)65
(40)135
(83)70
(43)
05engL2_240082_4 22-01-2004 13:05 Page 5-15

STARTING AND DRIVING
5-19 Passing acceleration
EI04F-Bb
For quick acceleration when passing, de-
pressing the accelerator pedal all the way
to the floor will cause the transmission to
automatically shift from 4th gear to 3rd
gear, from 3rd gear to 2nd gear or from
2nd gear to 1st gear, in accordance with
the driving speed, without having to move
the selector lever from either the “D” or “2”
positions.
Possible driving speedEI04IPDd
In order to avoid damage to the engine
due to excessively high rpm, do not ex-
ceed the possible driving speed when the
selector lever is set to the “2” (SECOND)
position, the “L” (LOW) position or the “D”
(DRIVE) position.
2WD
*1: With overdrive switched OFF
4WD
*1: With overdrive switched OFF
WaitingEI04G-Bj
For short waiting periods, such as at traffic
signals, 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 place
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) position.

Drive range
Speed limit km/h (mph)

“L” (LOW)

40 (24)
“2” (SECOND)

74 (46)
“D” (DRIVE)

115 (71)*
1
Drive range
Speed limit km/h (mph)
Vehicles with
205/80R16
tyre sizeVehicles with
265/70R16
tyre size
2H, 4H4L2H, 4H4L
“L”
(LOW)45 (27) 25 (15) 45 (27) 25 (15)
“2”
(SECOND)85 (52) 45 (27) 90 (55) 45 (27)
“D”
(DRIVE)125 (77)*165 (40)*1130 (80)*170 (43)*1
05engL2_240082_4 22-01-2004 13:05 Page 5-19

STARTING AND DRIVING
5-20 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.
Transfer shift lever
(4WD vehicles)
EI03B-W
Shifting to rear-wheel drive or 4-wheel
drive can be made by operating the trans-
fer shift lever(A). Shift the transfer shift
lever to an appropriate position according
to the road surface conditions. In addition,
the 4WD indication lamp indicates the
transfer shift lever shifting state. Refer to
the “4WD indication lamp” on page 5-22.Lever position
2H (Rear-wheel drive)
When driving on normal roads and ex-
pressway.
4H (High range 4-wheel drive)
When driving on deep snow, sand or
rough roads with normal speed.
4L (Low range 4-wheel drive)
When driving up or descending steep
slopes or rough roads such as muddy
road (Especially when increased drive
power is required).
CAUTIONUse 1st gear in the “4L” position for
very low-speed off-road driving.
I31A015
A
LHD (Vehicles with M/T)
I31A016
A
RHD / LHD (Vehicles with A/T)
05engL2_240082_4 22-01-2004 13:05 Page 5-20

STARTING AND DRIVING
NOTE
(1) When shifting from “2H” to “4H” soon
after driving the vehicle in a cold
weather district, the transmission
gear may make a noise. So try to shift
the gear while the vehicle is stopped.
(2) The 4WD operation indication lamp
will go out momentarily during shifting
process from “4H” to “4L” or vice
versa, as the shift lever passes
through the neutral position.
Be sure to operate the shift lever until
the 4WD operation indicator lamp illu-
minates again.
(3) There may be a case that the transfer
shift lever fees heavy when it is
moved from “4H” to “2H” with the
steering wheel in turned position. This
is normal and not any indication of
trouble.
4WD indication lamp
(4-wheel drive vehicles)
EI48BPDb
When the ignition switch is in the “ON”
position, the 4WD indication lamp in the
meter illuminates in the event that the
transfer shift lever is shifted to the four-
wheel driving position (either the “4H” or
the “4L” position).
NOTE
In case the operation indication lamp does
not change quickly even if the shift lever is
shifted from “4H” to “2H”, depress the
accelerator slowly a few times with the
vehicle running straight ahead.
5-22
I30A007
CAUTION(1) Do not operate the transfer shift
lever while the rear wheels of a
vehicle are slipping on a snow
covered road.
(2) Do not drive your vehicle in the
“4H” or “4L” position on paved
roads and highway; this would
result in early wear of the tyres,
increased fuel consumption and
possible noise generation.
It may also increase the differen-
tial oil temperature, resulting in
possible damage to the driving
system parts. It is necessary to
operate the lever “2H” position
while driving under these condi-
tions.
05engL2_240082_4 22-01-2004 13:05 Page 5-22

STARTING AND DRIVING
5-23
Rear differential lock*EI34A-D
The rear differential lock is a device which
makes it easy for the vehicle to get moving
when, with one of the rear wheels idling,
the vehicle has stuck and can not move
even with transfer shift lever in Low-range
4WD.
In case of operating the rear
differential lock:
1. Turn on the rear differential lock by
pushing the right side (1) of the rear
differential lock switch.
2. Illumination of the operation indication
lamp (A) indicates that the rear differ-
ential lock is operating.
In case of the operating indication
lamp keeps flickerring even if the
rear differential lock switch has
been turned on:
(1) If the vehicle speed is more than
12 km/h (7 mph), reducing the speed
below 6 km/h (4 mph) will make the
rear differential lock operate and the
lamp illuminate.
(2) Move the steering wheel to right and
left if speed of the vehicle speed is
below 12 km/h (7 mph). Repeat mov-
ing the vehicle backward and forward
if it is stuck in muddy roads.
In case of releasing the rear
differential lock:
1. To release the rear differential lock,
push the left hand side (2) of the rear
differential lock switch.
2. When disengaged, lamp (A) will go
off.
NOTE
If the transfer shift lever is set to “2H”
position while the differential lock is
locked, the lock will be automatically
released.
If the operation indicator lamp keeps
flashing even if the rear differential
lock has been turned off:
Keep depressing or easing the acceler-
ator pedal while driving straight ahead. NOTE
Maintain the vehicle speed below 20 km/h
(12 mph) during operation of the rear dif-
ferential lock.
CAUTION(1) The rear differential lock does
not operate when the transfer
shift lever is in “2H” position.
(2) For safety sake, the rear differ-
ential lock can not be locked if
the rear differential lock switch
is operated at the speed of more
than 12 km/h (7 mph). Reduce
speed to lock.
(3) Operate the rear differential
switch after stopping the wheels
idling. Operating the switch with
the wheels idling may cause the
vehicle to dart to unexpected
directions.
(4) When the rear differential lock is
operated on the vehicles with
Anti-lock Brake System (ABS),
the ABS may not function suffi-
ciently. Refer to “Anti-lock Brake
System”on page 5-33.
I34A006
2 1 A
05engL2_240082_4 22-01-2004 13:05 Page 5-23