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
STARTING AND DRIVING
5-33 Brake pads and linings
(1) With new brake pads or linings, avoid
where possible sudden full applica-
tion of the brakes for the first 200 km
(125 miles) of driving.
(2) The disc brakes are provided with a
warning device which emits a shriek-
ing metallic sound while braking if the
brake pads have reached their limit.
If you hear this sound, have the brake
pads replaced by your MITSUBISHI
dealer.
CAUTION(1) Do not leave any objects or
place a thick floor mat around
the brake pedal; doing so could
prevent the full pedal stroke that
would be necessary in an emer-
gency. Make sure that the pedal
can be operated freely at all
times.
(2) Avoid driving habits that may
lead to sudden braking and
never “ride” the brakes by rest-
ing your foot on the brake pedal
while driving.
It causes brake overheating and
fade.
• Driving on gravel or snow-covered
roads.
• Driving with tyre chains installed.
• Driving on roads where the road
surface is pitted or has other differ-
ences in surface height.
• Driving on bumpy roads or other
poor driving surfaces.
(3) Operation of the ABS is not restricted
to situations where brakes are applied
suddenly. This system may also oper-
ate to prevent wheel lock when you
are driving over manholes, steel road-
work plates, or the vehicle is driven
over steps or level differences in the
road, road markings, or other sur-
faces which are difficult for the wheels
to grip.
(4) When the ABS is activated, you may
feel the brake pedal pulsating and
hear a characteristic noise. Also at
this time, it may feel as if the pedal at-
tempts to resist being depressed.
In this situation, to let the ABS
work for you, just hold the brake
pedal down more firmly. Do not
pump the brake. This will result in
reduced braking performance.Anti-lock brake system
(ABS)*
EI24APD
Environmental conditions can have an ef-
fect on braking. During sudden braking
when there is snow, ice, oil, water etc; on
the road surface, a skid may occur. In this
situation, steering control and braking ef-
fectiveness is reduced and the stopping
distance is increased. The vehicle may
also go into an uncontrolled spin.
The ABS helps prevent the wheels from
locking during braking, thus maintaining
directional stability, ensuring controllabi-
lity, and providing optimum braking force.
Driving hints
(1) With ABS fitted, steering during sud-
den braking (when the ABS functions)
differs slightly from when the brakes
are not being applied.
Steer the vehicle carefully in these
conditions.
(2) Always maintain the same distance
from the vehicle in front of you as you
would for a vehicle not equipped with
an ABS.
Compared with vehicles not fitted
with ABS, your vehicle may require a
longer stopping distance in the follow-
ing cases:
05engL2_240082_4 22-01-2004 13:05 Page 5-33
FOR EMERGENCIES
On a flooded road
(1) Avoid flooded roads. Water could
enter the brake discs, resulting in
temporarily ineffective brakes. In such
cases, lightly depress the brake pedal
to see if the brakes operate properly.
If they do not, lightly depress the
pedal several times while driving in
order to dry the brake pads.
(2) When driving in rain or on a road with
many puddles a layer of water may
form between the tyres and the road
surface.
This reduces a tyre’s frictional
resistance on the road, resulting in
loss of steering stability and braking
capability.
To cope with this, observe the follow-
ing items:
(a) Drive your vehicle at a slow speed.
(b) Do not drive on worn tyres. Always
maintain the specified tyre inflation
pressures.
Tools, jack and jack handle
EN01A-T
The storage location of the tools and jack
should be remembered in case of an
emergency.
Location
1 - Tools
2 - Jack
3 - Jack handle
On a snow-covered or frozen road
(1) When driving on a snow-covered or
frozen road, it is recommended that
you use snow tyres or tyre chains.
Refer to the “Snow tyres” and “Tyre
chains” sections.
(2) Avoid high-speed operation, sudden
acceleration, abrupt brake application
and sharp cornering.
(3) Depressing the brake pedal during
travel on such a road may cause tyre
slippage and skidding. When traction
between the tyres and the road is re-
duced the wheels may skid and the
vehicle cannot readily be brought to a
stop by conventional braking tech-
niques. Braking will differ, depending
upon whether you have anti-lock
brakes (ABS). If you do have ABS,
brake by pressing the brake pedal
hard, and keeping it pressed. If you
do not have ABS, pump the brake
pedal with short rapid jabs, each time
fully applying and fully releasing for
greatest effect.
(4) Allow extra distance between your
vehicle and the vehicle in front of you,
and avoid sudden braking.
8-3
N01A044
3
2
1
Single cab
08engL2_240082_4 22-01-2004 13:10 Page 8-3
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
Tyre chainsEL23APDb
It is recommended that snow chains are
carried in snow regions and fitted when re-
quired to the rear wheels.
On 4WD vehicles, the driving power is dis-
tributed preferentially to the rear wheels. If
tyre chains have to be used, ensure that
they are fitted on the rear.
The tyres fitted to your vehicle as original
equipment allow you to fit tyre chains if
they are required. When replacing your
tyres, check with the tyre distributor or
manufacturer if the fitting of tyre chains will
be detrimental to the tyres being pur-
chased.
Always follow the chain manufacturer’s in-
structions when fitting the chains.
WARNINGDO NOT use a jack when fitting the
chains, as in the conditions, the
tyres may slip on the icy road caus-
ing the vehicle to slip off the jack.
(8) An aluminium wheel can be
damaged by a tyre chain while
driving. When fitting a tyre chain
on an aluminium wheel, take
care that any part of the chain
and fitting cannot be brought
into contact with the wheel disc.
(9) When installing or removing a
tyre chain, take care that hands
and other parts of your body are
not injured by the sharp edges
of the vehicle body.
(10) Install the chains only on the
rear tyres and tighten them as
tightly as possible with the ends
securely fastened.
NOTE
The laws and regulations concerning the
use of tyre chains vary. Find out and follow
the laws and regulations in the driving
area. In most countries, it is prohibited by
the law to use tyre chains on roads without
snow.CAUTION(1) Practice fitting the chains before
you need them. Don’t expect
help from other people in the
cold.
(2) Choose a clear straight stretch
of road where you can pull off
and still be seen while you are
fitting the chains.
(3) Do not fit chains before you
need them. This will wear out
your tyres and the road surface.
(4) After driving around 100-300
meters, stop and retighten the
chains.
(5) Care should be taken with ex-
tremes of steering lock to pre-
vent possible contact between
the chains and the vehicle body.
(6) Drive carefully and do not ex-
ceed 50 km/h. Remember, fitting
chains is not going to stop acci-
dents from happening.
(7) When tyre chains are installed,
take care that they do not dam-
age the wheel disc or body.
9-13
09engL2_240082_4 22-01-2004 13:13 Page 9-13
INDEX
Running-in recommendations ..................... 5-2
Safe driving techniques ............................. 1-16
Seat belts
Child restraint .......................................... 3-11
Inspection................................................ 3-20
Pregnant women restraint....................... 3-20
Seat belts .................................................. 3-8
Seat
Adjustment ................................................ 3-2
Armrest ..................................................... 3-7
Front seat .................................................. 3-3
Head restraints.......................................... 3-5
Heated seats ............................................. 3-7
Rear seat .................................................. 3-5
Snow tyres ................................................. 9-12
Spare wheel............................................... 8-12
Specifications ............................................ 10-2
Speedometer ............................................... 4-2
Starting ...................................................... 5-11
Starting the engine ........................... 5-11, 5-12
Steering
Power steering fluid ....................... 9-9, 10-26
Power steering system............................ 5-37
Steering lock ........................................... 5-11
Steering wheel height adjustment........... 5-36
Sun visors .................................................. 6-32
Supplemental restraint system
(SRS)-air bag .......................................... 3-20Washing....................................................... 7-4
Water temperature gauge ........................... 4-4
Waxing......................................................... 7-5
Weatherstripping ....................................... 9-17
Wheel
Caps........................................................ 8-15
Condition ................................................. 9-10
Windscreen wiper and washer switch ....... 4-15
Wiper blades ...................................... 7-7, 9-16 Tachometer ................................................. 4-3
Thermometer ............................................... 4-5
Tools..................................................... 8-3, 8-4
Towing ....................................................... 8-19
Trailer towing ............................................... 5-7
Transfer shift lever ..................................... 5-20
Transmission
Automatic transmission........................... 5-16
Fluid ............................................... 9-4, 10-26
Manual transmission ............................... 5-14
Tray under seat ......................................... 6-39
Tripmeter ..................................................... 4-3
Turn-signal
Indication lamps ........................................ 4-7
Switch ..................................................... 4-13
Tyre and wheels
Size................................... 10-8, 10-14, 10-22
Spare wheel ............................................ 8-12
Tyre chains ............................................. 9-13
Tyre inflation pressure ............................ 9-11
Tyre rotation .............................................. 9-11
UKW/MW/LW electronic tuning radio
with tape player ......................................... 6-2
Used engine oils safety instructions .......... 1-16
Vanity mirror .............................................. 6-32
Vehicle information code plate .................. 10-3
Ventilators.................................................. 6-18
Visor
Sun visors ............................................... 6-32
Voltage meter .............................................. 4-5
Washer fluid............................................... 9-10
10-29
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