2004 MITSUBISHI L200 brake

STARTING AND DRIVING
5-17 Selector positions
EI04B-Cp
P - PARK
This position locks the transmission to
prevent the vehicle from moving. The en-
gine can be started in this position.
R - REVERSE
Move the lever to this position only after
the vehicle has come to a complete stop.
CAUTIONNever shift into the “P” (PARK) or
“R” (REVERSE) position while the
vehicle is in motion. If the lever is
shifted into the “P” or “R” position
while the vehicle is in motion, the
transmission may be damaged.
N - NEUTRAL
At this position the transmission is disen-
gaged. It is the same as the neutral posi-
tion on a manual transmission, and should
be used when the vehicle is stationary for
an extended length of time during driving,
such as in a traffic jam.
L - LOW
This position is for driving up very steep
hills and for engine braking at low speeds
when descending steep gradients.
WARNINGThis position can be used for max-
imum engine braking.
Be very careful not to shift into “L”
suddenly. Sudden engine braking
may cause the tyres to slip.
Select this position according to the
road conditions and vehicle speed.
WARNING(1) Never move the selector lever to
the “N” position while driving. A
serious accident could occur
since you could accidentally
move the lever into the “P” or
“R” position, and engine brak-
ing would not be provided.
(2) The engine should be started in
the “P” (PARK) position, not in
the “N” (NEUTRAL) position.
(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” (NEU-
TRAL), to minimize the risk of
loss of control.
D - DRIVE
This position is for normal driving. The
transmission automatically selects a suit-
able gear for your speed and acceleration.
2 - SECOND
This position is for extra power when driv-
ing up moderately steep hills, and for en-
gine braking when descending moder-
ately steep gradients.
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STARTING AND DRIVING
5-18
Operation of the automatic
transmission
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CAUTION(1) Before selecting a gear with the
engine running and the vehicle
stationary, fully depress the
brake pedal to prevent the vehi-
cle from creeping.
The vehicle will begin to move as
soon as the gear is engaged, es-
pecially when the engine speed
is high, at fast idle or the air con-
ditioning 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 acceleration,
never race the engine when
shifting from the “P” (PARK) or
“N” (NEUTRAL).
(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.
Overdrive control switchEI04C-Bc
During ordinary driving, the overdrive
switch should be left in the pressed-in po-
sition (the indicator lamp in the instrument
panel is not illuminated).
Automatic shifting will be performed in the
range from 1st gear through 4th gear if the
selector lever is set at “D”.
When you need quick acceleration or en-
gine braking power on a downhill grade, or
when you are going to go up a long hill,
press the overdrive switch once again to
cancel the overdrive function.The indicator lamp in the instrument panel
illuminates and automatic shifting will be
performed in the range from 1st gear
through 3rd gear only.
I04C033I04C034
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STARTING AND DRIVING
5-19 Passing acceleration
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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
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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)
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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
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.
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2 1 A
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STARTING AND DRIVING
5-27
CAUTIONS(1) Do not force the vehicle to driver
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 follow
this procedure:
• The needle in the temperature
gauge approaches the over-
heating zone.
Refer to the “Engine overheat-
ing” on page 8-23.
• A/T fluid temperature warning
lamp illuminates.
Refer to the “A/T warning
lamp” on page 4-8.
(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 be-
come bogged down very deeply, op-
eration 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
thoroughly as soon as possible after
such use.
WARNINGWhen attempting to rock your vehi-
cle 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 by a rocking motion. Move the
selector lever alternately between the
“D” (DRIVE) and “R” (REVERSE)
position, (with manual transmission,
between 1st and Reverse), while
applying slight pressure to the accel-
erator 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.
05engL2_240082_4 22-01-2004 13:05 Page 5-27

STARTING AND DRIVING
5-28 Climbing sharp grades
Set the transfer shift lever to “4L” to max-
imize 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 alternately left and right to
regain adequate traction again.
NOTE
(1) Choose as smooth a slope as possi-
ble with few stones or other obsta-
cles.
(2) The climbing ability is approximate
35° grade on dry pavement.
(3) Before attempting to drive up the
slope, walk up it to confirm that the
vehicle can handle the gradient.
Descending sharp grades
Set the transfer shift lever to “4L”, use the
engine brake (downshifting) and descend
slowly.
WARNINGAvoid snaking down a sharp gra-
dient. 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 de-
scending the slope, walk down it and
confirm the path.
(2) Before descending a grade, it is neces-
sary 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 im-
proper and negligent operation of a ve-
hicle. 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 oper-
ating instructions above is at their own
risk.
Turning sharp corners
When turning a sharp corner in “4H” or
“4L” position at low speed, a slight differ-
ence 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.
Crossing a stream (fording)
4-wheel drive vehicles are not necessarily
waterproof. If the electrical circuits be-
come wet, further operation of the vehicle
will be impossible; therefore, avoid cross-
ing streams unless absolutely necessary.
If crossing a stream is unavoidable, use
the following procedure:
(1) Check depths of a 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) Set the transfer shift lever to “4L”.
(3) Drive slowly at a speed of approxi-
mately 5 km/h (3 mph) to avoid
splashing too much water.
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STARTING AND DRIVING
5-29
CAUTIONNever cross a stream where the
water is deep.
Do not change gears while crossing
the stream.
Frequent crossing of streams can
adversely affect the life span of the
vehicle; consult an authorized
MITSUBISHI dealer and take the ne-
cessary measures to prepare, in-
spect, 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.
Refer to the “Inspection and maintenance
following rough road operation” section.
Cautions on handling of
4WD vehicles
EI49A-Ce
Tyres and wheels
Since the driving torque can be applied to
the 4 wheels, the performance of the vehi-
cle 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. Re-
fer to the “Tyres and wheels” on page
10-8, 10-14, 10-22.
• 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 rota-
tion” on page 9-11.
• Check the tyre inflation pressure regu-
larly.
Inspection and maintenance
following rough road operation
After operating the vehicle in rough road
conditions, be sure to perform the following
inspection and maintenance procedures:
(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
authorized MITSUBISHI dealer as
soon as possible to have the brakes
checked.
(3) Remove the insects, dried grass, etc.
clogging the radiator core.
(4) If a stream has been crossed, check
the engine, transmission, and differ-
ential oil and propeller shaft grease. If
the oil or grease is milky or cloudy
because of water contamination, 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 headlamp drained off at an autho-
rized MITSUBISHI dealer.
(7) Have an authorized MITSUBISHI
dealer replace grease in the wheel
bearing.
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