2004 MITSUBISHI L200 fuel consumption

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
5-11 How to lock and unlock the
steering wheel
EI01B-Ka
To lock
Remove the key at the “LOCK” position.
Turn the steering wheel until it is locked.
To unlock
Turn the key to the “ACC” position while
moving the steering wheel slightly.
CAUTIONRemove the key when leaving the
vehicle.
NOTE
If the front wheels are turned, the anti-theft
lock may sometimes make it difficult to
turn the key from “LOCK” to “ACC”. Firmly
turn the steering wheel to the left or to the
right as you turn the key.
CAUTION(1) Do not attempt to start the en-
gine by pulling or pushing the
vehicle. This can be very dan-
gerous.
(2) Do not run the engine at high
rpm or drive the vehicle at high
speed until the engine has had a
chance to warm up.
(3) Release the ignition key as soon
as the engine starts to avoid
damaging the starter motor.
(4) If your vehicle is equipped with a
turbocharger, do not stop the
engine immediately after operat-
ing the vehicle at high speeds.
Allow the engine to idle for
approximately 60 seconds or
more to give the turbocharger a
chance to cool down.
NOTE
After replacing the battery, the electronic
control system data for the engine will be
erased. As a result, the engine speed may
become unstable.
If the engine speed becomes unstable, ini-
tial engine adjustments will need to be
performed.
Refer to the section “What to do if the en-
gine speed becomes unstable after the
battery is replaced” on page 8-30.
StartingEI02FAGe
Tips for starting
(1) Do not operate the starter motor con-
tinuously for anything longer than
10 seconds; doing so could run down
the battery. If the engine does not
start, turn the ignition switch back to
“LOCK”, wait a few seconds, and then
try again.
Trying repeatedly with the starter mo-
tor still turning will damage the starter
mechanism.
(2) If the engine cannot be started be-
cause the battery is weak or dead,
refer to the “Emergency starting”
section for instructions on starting the
engine.
(3) The engine is sufficiently warmed up
if the coolant temperature gauge nee-
dle starts to move (the engine speed
decreases). Extended warming-up
operation will result in excessive fuel
consumption.
WARNING
Never run the engine in a closed or
poorly ventilated area any longer
than is needed to move your vehicle
in or out of the area. Carbon monox-
ide
gases are odourless and can be
fatal.
I01B013
05engL2_240082_4 22-01-2004 13:04 Page 5-11

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
5-26
Correct 4-wheel drive
operation
EI32ABDa
By shifting lock to 4-wheel drive (4H, 4L),
both axles of the vehicle are rigidly con-
nected with each other. This improves the
traction characteristics. When turning
sharp corners or moving forward and
backward repeatedly, however, the drive
line is stressed, which is felt as a braking
effect. A 4-wheel drive vehicle can accele-
rate 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 oper-
ation. 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
“Vehicle care” section and “Inspection
and maintenance following rough
road operation” sections.Driving on dry paved road and highway
Select 2WD (2H) to drive on dry paved
roads. Especially on dry highway, never
select the 4WD (4H or 4L).
CAUTIONSelecting 4-wheel drive 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 possible
damage to the driving system. Fur-
ther, the drive train will be subjected
to excessive loading, possibly lead-
ing to oil leakage, component
seizure, or other serious faults.
Driving on snowy or icy roads
Set the transfer shift lever to “4H” or “4L” 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) Maintain a safe distance between
vehicles, avoid sudden braking, and
use engine braking (downshifting).
CAUTIONAvoid sudden braking, sudden ac-
celeration, and sharp turning; such
operations could cause skidding
and spinouts.
Driving on sandy or muddy roads
Set the transfer shift lever to “4H” or “4L”,
and then gradually depress the accelera-
tor pedal for a smooth start. Keep the
pressure on the accelerator pedal as con-
stant as possible, and drive at low speed.
05engL2_240082_4 22-01-2004 13:05 Page 5-26