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
05engL2_240082_4 22-01-2004 13:04 Page 5-1
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
05engL2_240082_4 22-01-2004 13:04 Page 5-10
STARTING AND DRIVING
5-25 Examples of incorrect use of the
rear differential lock
EI34C-Ab
WARNINGDo not use the rear differential lock
when driving on normal roads.
Incorrect use of it may make the
vehicles difficult to turn or may
change its direction abruptly. Be
sure to confirm that the operation
indication lamp is off when driving
on normal roads.
(1) If the rear differential lock is
used by mistake when driving
on a paved road: With the rear
differential lock on, the power to
drive the vehicle straight ahead
becomes very strong, which
may make it difficult to turn the
steering wheel.
(2) If the rear differential lock is
used by mistake when turning a
curve or making a right or left
turn at a crossing or the like: The
vehicle is unable to make a turn
and may go straight ahead.
(3) If the rear differential lock is
used by mistake except when
making an emergency escape
on snow or frozen road: It be-
comes difficult to make a steady
turn.
(4) In the case where the condition
of the road is different for the
right tyre to drive on than that
from the left tyre (such as one
tyre on a paved road and the
other on ice), direction of the
vehicle may change abruptly
when engine braking or acceler-
ating.
Do not use the rear differential
lock except when making an
emergency escape on a snow or
frozen road, but drive with 4WD.
I34B012
(3)
(4)
05engL2_240082_4 22-01-2004 13:05 Page 5-25
STARTING AND DRIVING
5-37
Power steering system*
EC13A-Gc
When the engine is stopped, the power
steering system will not function and it will
require greater manual effort to operate
the steering wheel. Keep this in mind in
particular when towing the vehicle. Never
turn off the engine while driving.
Periodically check the power steering fluid
level.
CAUTIONOn vehicles with power steering, do
not hold the steering wheel in the
fully turned position (either left or
right), for longer than 10 seconds.
This can cause damage to the power
steering pump due to reduced lubri-
cation.
Manual outside rear-view
mirrors*
EI08BAEa
Adjust the mirror surface by hands as indi-
cated by the arrows.
Day/Night Type inside
rearview mirror
EI08A-Hb
The lever (A) at the bottom of the mirror
can be used to adjust the mirror to reduce
the glare from the headlights of vehicles
behind you during night driving.
1. Normal
2. Anti-glare
WARNINGDo not attempt to adjust the rear-
view mirrors while driving. This can
be dangerous.
Be sure to adjust the mirrors before
driving.
I08B139I08A027
1 2 A
05engL2_240082_4 22-01-2004 13:05 Page 5-37
FOR EMERGENCIES
If the vehicle breaks down
EN40B-Dc
If the vehicle breaks down on the road,
move it to the shoulder and use the
hazard warning flashers.
If the engine stops/fails
Vehicle operation and control are affected
if the engine stops. Before moving the ve-
hicle to a safe area, be aware of the fol-
lowing.
(1) The brake booster becomes inopera-
tive and the pedal effort will increase.
Press down the brake pedal harder
than usual.
(2) For vehicles with power steering,
since the power steering pump is no
longer operative, the steering wheel
feels heavy when turning it. Turn the
wheel with more effort than usual.
Operation under adverse
driving conditions
EI43APD
If your vehicle is stuck: in sand,
mud or snow
If the vehicle becomes stuck in snow,
sand, or mud, it can often be moved a
rocking motion. Move the selector lever
alternately between the “L” (LOW) and “R”
(REVERSE) position (with manual trans-
mission, between 1st and Reverse), while
applying slight pressure to the accelerator
pedal.
Avoid racing the engine or spinning the
wheels. Prolonged efforts to free a stuck
vehicle may result in overheating and
transmission failure. Allow the engine to
idle for a few minutes to let the transmis-
sion cool between rocking attempts.
If the vehicle remains stuck after several
rocking attempts, seek other assistance.
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.
On 2WD models, it is recommended to
start the vehicle with parking brake par-
tially, but not completely, applied by
slightly pulling the parking brake lever. Af-
ter the vehicle has become free, do not
forget to release the parking brake.
NOTE
Depress the accelerator pedal gradually
when starting the vehicle.
8-2
08engL2_240082_4 22-01-2004 13:10 Page 8-2
FOR EMERGENCIES
(4) Be sure the towing speed is within the
legal limit. In addition, if the vehicle is
equipped with an automatic transmis-
sion, make sure that the towing speed
and distance given below are never
exceeded.
Towing speed: 50 km/h
Towing distance: 50 km
(5) If the transmission is malfunctioning
or damaged, or if the vehicle is
equipped with an automatic transmis-
sion must be towed farther than
50 km, tow the vehicle by a tow truck.
(6) Turn the ignition switch to the “ACC”
or “ON” position to unlock the steering
wheel.
CAUTION(1) As the engine is not running, the
brake booster and power steer-
ing pump do not operate. This
means higher brake depression
force and higher steering effort
are required. Therefore, vehicle
operation is more difficult than
usual.
(2) Do not leave the key in the
“LOCK” position. If the key is re-
moved while driving, the steer-
ing will be locked causing loss
of control.
(7) Turn on the hazard warning lamps.
(8) During towing make sure that close
contact is maintained between the dri-
vers of both vehicles, and that the ve-
hicles travel at low speed. Avoid
abrupt starting or stopping.
WARNINGAvoid sudden braking, sudden ac-
celeration and sharp turning; such
operation could cause damage to
the towing hooks or the tow rope.
People in the vicinity could be in-
jured as a result.
CAUTIONWhen going down a long slope, the
brakes may overheat, reducing ef-
fectiveness. Have your vehicle
towed on a trailer.
(9) Towing should only be done by a pro-
fessional tow service if it will involve
towing on winding roads, hills or in
heavy traffic. If you have any doubts,
use a professional tow service.
(10) When the towing hooks are used, be
very careful so that the rope may not
cause damage to the body.
CAUTIONTo prevent entry of exhaust gas from
the towing vehicle, set the air selec-
tion lever to the recirculation posi-
tion.
8-22
08engL2_240082_4 22-01-2004 13:10 Page 8-22
Engine oil ................................................................ 9-2
Automatic transmission fluid* .............................. 9-4
Engine coolant ....................................................... 9-5
Battery ..................................................................... 9-6
Brake fluid............................................................... 9-8
Power steering fluid* ............................................. 9-9
Clutch fluid* ............................................................ 9-9
Washer fluid............................................................ 9-10
Wheel condition ..................................................... 9-10
Tyre inflation pressure .......................................... 9-11
Tyre rotation ........................................................... 9-11
Snow tyres .............................................................. 9-12
Tyre chains ............................................................. 9-13
Fuel, engine coolant, oil and exhaust gas
leakage ............................................................. 9-14
Exterior and interior lamp operation .................... 9-14
Meter, gauge and indication/warning lamp
operation .......................................................... 9-14
Clutch pedal free play* .......................................... 9-14
Brake pedal free play ............................................. 9-15
Parking brake lever stroke .................................... 9-15
Hinges and latches lubrication ............................. 9-16
Wiper blades ........................................................... 9-16
Ventilation slots ..................................................... 9-17
Weatherstripping.................................................... 9-17
Additional equipment
(For regions where snow is encountered) .... 9-17
Maintenance
9
09engL2_240082_4 22-01-2004 13:12 Page 9-1
MAINTENANCE
Power steering fluid*EM09A-Jd
Check the fluid level in the reservoir while
the engine is idling.
Unscrew the reservoir cap; the level in this
tank should be kept between the “MAX”
and “MIN” lines.
Use “ATF DEXRON III or DEXRON II”.To replace the fluid
Recommended brake fluid conforming to
DOT 3 or DOT 4 should be used.
The reservoir cap must be fully tightened
to avoid contamination from foreign matter
or moisture.
DO NOT ALLOW PETROLEUM-BASED
FLUID TO CONTACT, MIX WITH, OR
OTHERWISE CONTAMINATE THE
BRAKE FLUID. SEAL DAMAGE WILL
RESULT.
WARNINGTake care in handling brake fluid as
it is harmful to the eyes and may
also cause damage to painted sur-
faces. Wipe up any spills immedi-
ately.
Clutch fluid*EM10A-Eg
To check the clutch fluid
The clutch fluid in the master cylinder
should be checked when performing other
underhood services. In addition, the sys-
tem should be checked for leakage at the
same time.
Check to make certain that the clutch fluid
level is always between the MAX and MIN
level markings on the fluid reservoir and
refill the fluid, if necessary.
A rapid fluid loss indicates a leak in the
clutch system which should be inspected
by your authorized MITSUBISHI dealer
and repaired immediately.
9-9
M10A004M09A005
09engL2_240082_4 22-01-2004 13:13 Page 9-9