
Running-in recommendations .................... 5-2
Fuel selection ............................................... 5-3
Filling the fuel tank ...................................... 5-3
Catalytic converter* ..................................... 5-5
Economical driving ...................................... 5-6
Trailer towing ............................................... 5-7
Ignition switch .............................................. 5-9
Starting ......................................................... 5-11
Manual transmission ................................... 5-14
Automatic transmission .............................. 5-16
Operation of the automatic transmission .. 5-18
Transfer shift lever (4WD vehicles) ............ 5-20
Rear differential lock* .................................. 5-23
Correct 4-wheel drive operation ................. 5-26
Cautions on handling of 4WD vehicles ...... 5-29
Parking brake ............................................... 5-30
Parking .......................................................... 5-32
Braking.......................................................... 5-32
Anti-lock brake system (ABS)* ................... 5-33
Limited-slip differential* .............................. 5-35
Steering wheel height adjustment .............. 5-36
Power steering system* .............................. 5-37
Day/Night type inside rearview mirror ....... 5-37
Manual outside rear-view mirrors* ............. 5-37
Electric remote-controlled outside
rear-view mirrors* .................................. 5-38
Starting and driving
5
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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.
05engL2_240082_4 22-01-2004 13:04 Page 5-6

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
05engL2_240082_4 22-01-2004 13:04 Page 5-8

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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STARTING AND DRIVING
5-12
Starting (petrol-powered vehicles)
This vehicle is equipped with an electronic-
ally controlled fuel injection system which
is automatically controlled. When starting
the engine, do not depress the accelerator
pedal.
Normal conditions
The starting procedure is as follows:
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 in the “N”
(Neutral) position.
5. Fully depress the clutch pedal.
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 the key
when the engine starts.
NOTE
A ticking noise may be heard after starting
the engine. This is not an abnormal condi-
tion. The noise will disappear after a short
time of engine running.
If the ticking noise continues after the en-
gine is warmed up, have your vehicle
checked at an authorized MITSUBISHI
dealer.
Flooded engine
If the engine was flooded during starting,
first operate the starter for 5 to 6 seconds
while fully depressing the accelerator
pedal, then start the engine without de-
pressing the accelerator pedal.
At extreme cold ambient
temperature
If the engine won’t start, depress the
accelerator pedal about halfway during
cranking the engine. Once the engine
starts, release the accelerator pedal.
CAUTIONWhen starting the engine, make sure
that you press on the brake pedal. At
extreme cold ambient temperature
move your foot to the brake pedal
immediately after the engine has
started.
I27A088
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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
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STARTING AND DRIVING
5-16
Automatic transmission
EI04ABA
The transmission has 4 forward gears and
1 reverse gear.
The individual gears are selected auto-
matically, depending on the position of the
gear selector lever, the speed of the vehi-
cle and the position of the accelerator
pedal.
The selector lever has 6 positions, and is
equipped with a lock button (A) to avoid in-
advertent selection of the wrong position.
Button must be pressed to move the
lever.
Button need not be pushed to move
the selector lever.
WARNING(1) If the button is always de-
pressed to operate the selector
lever, the lever may be acciden-
tally shifted into the “P”, “R”,
“2”, or “L” position.
Be sure not to depress the but-
ton when performing the opera-
tions indicated by in the illus-
tration.
(2) Always depress the brake pedal
when shifting the selector lever
into another gear from “P”
(PARK) or “N” (NEUTRAL) posi-
tion.
When beginning to drive, do not
shift the selector lever from “P”
(PARK) or “N” (NEUTRAL) posi-
tion while depressing the accel-
erator pedal, doing so is danger-
ous because the vehicle will
“jump” forward or backward.
Indicator lamps
The indicator lamps in the instrument
panel are for indicating the selector lever
position and one of them will illuminate
when the ignition is switched “ON”, de-
pending on the position of the shift lever.
I04A279
A
I04A071
05engL2_240082_4 22-01-2004 13:05 Page 5-16