2008 MITSUBISHI COLT Owner's Manual (in English)

Starting and driving4-43
4
Traction control system (TCL)E00611800021
On slippery surfaces, the traction control system (TCL) pre-
vents the drive wheels from exces sive spinning, thus helping
the vehicle to start m oving from a stop. It also provides suffi-
cient driving force and steerin g performance as the vehicle
turns at accelerated speeds.
NOTE● When moving out of mud or fresh snow, pressing the
accelerator pedal may not cause the engine speed to
increase.
Active stability control system (ASC)E00612000020
The active stability control syst em (ASC) is designed to help
maintain the vehicle’s control in slippery conditions, or during
rapid steering manoeuvres. It works by controlling the engine
output and the brake on each wheel.
NOTE● The active stability control system (ASC) functions at
speeds of approximately 10 km/h or higher.CAUTION!
● When driving a vehicle on a snowy or icy road, be
sure to install snow tyre s and drive the vehicle at
moderate speeds.

4-44 Starting and driving
4
Traction control system (TCL)/Active stability
control system (ASC) indicator lamp
E00612100092
The traction control system (TCL ) and active stability control
system (ASC) share the same indicator lamp.
The indicator lamp should illuminate when the ignition switch
is turned to the “ON” position, and should go off after a few
seconds. Always make sure that the lamp goes off before
begining to drive.
If the indicator lamp stays on or does not illuminate when the
ignition switch is turned to the “ON” position, we recommend
that you consult a MITSUBISHI MOTORS Authorized Serv-
ice Point.
indicator lamp blinks when the traction control system
(TCL) or active stability contro l system (ASC) is operating.
CAUTION!
●When the indicator lamp blinks, the traction con-
trol system (TCL) or acti ve stability control system
(ASC) is operating, which means that the road is
slippery or that your vehicle’s wheels are slipping
excessively. If this happens, drive more slowly with
less accelerator input.
● If a malfunction occurs in the device, the indica-
tor lamp will illuminate continuously. Park your
vehicle in a safe place and stop the engine. Then
start the engine again and check whether the
indicator lamp goes out.
If the indicator lamp re mains on even after your
vehicle is driven a short distance after starting the
engine, we recommend that you consult a
MITSUBISHI MOTORS Authorized Service Point.

Starting and driving4-45
4
Cargo loads
E00609900168
Cargo load precautions
CAUTION!
●
If the vehicle is towed with the ignition switch in the
“ON” position and only the front wheels or only the
rear wheels are raised off the ground, the traction
control system (TCL) may operate, resulting in an
accident. When towing th e vehicle with the front
wheels raised, keep the ig nition switch in the
“LOCK” or “ACC” position. When towing the vehi-
cle with the rear wheels raised, keep the ignition
switch in the “ACC” position.
Refer to “Towing” on page 6-36.
CAUTION!
● Do not load cargo or luggage higher than the top of
the seat-back. Be sure that your cargo or luggage
cannot move once your vehicle is moving.
Having either the rear view blocked, or your cargo
being thrown inside the cabin if you suddenly have
to brake can cause a serious accident or injury.
●Load heavy cargo or luggage in the front of the vehi-
cle. If the load in the back of the vehicle is too heavy,
steering may become unstable.

4-46 Starting and driving
4Trailer towing
E00610000260
In order to tow a trailer with you
r vehicle, have a trailer towing
device mounted that meets all th e relevant regulations in your
area. Consult a MITSUBISHI MOTORS Authorized Service
Point.
The regulations concerning the towing of a trailer may differ
from country to country. You are advised to comply with the
regulations in each area.
NOTE● If you are going to tow a trailer, pay careful attention to
the following points.
Maximum towable weight with brake and
maximum trailer-nose weight
Never exceed the maximum towabl e weight with brake and the
maximum trailer-nose weight as listed in the specifications.
(Refer to page 9-9.)
If you tow a trailer at an altitude of more than 1, 000 m above
sea-level, reduce your weight by 10 % of the gross combina-
tion weight for every increase of 1,000 m above sea-level, as
the engine output is lowered owing to the decrease in atmos-
pheric pressure.
Tow bar mounting specifications
See the following table for fixing points (A) for the tow bar.
CAUTION!
● Danger of Accident!
A tow bar should be fitted according to
MITSUBISHI MOTORS guidelines.

Starting and driving4-47
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3-door models
Item 4, 5, 6, 7 or 8: at kerb weight
NOTE●The value of item 4, 5, 6, 7 or 8 applies to unladen vehi-
cles. This value can also vary depending on the tyre size,
optional equipment and suspension conditions.
1 111 mm 15 214 mm
2 195 mm 16 435 mm
3 66.5 mm 17 470 mm
4 451 mm 18 505 mm
5 424 mm 19 458 mm
6 408 mm 20 442 mm
7 442 mm 21 193 mm
8 448 mm 22 9 mm
9 466 mm (unladen)
350 mm (laden) 23 223 mm
10 456 mm 24 110.5 mm 11 445 mm 25 435 mm
12 150 mm 26 470 mm
13 13 mm 27 505 mm
14 137 mm

4-48 Starting and driving
4
5-door models
Item 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 or 9: at kerb weight
NOTE●The value of item 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 or 9 applies to unladen vehi-
cles. This value can also vary depending on the tyre size,
optional equipment and suspension conditions.
1 111 mm 15 278 mm
2 275 mm 16 437 mm
3 72.5 mm 17 470 mm
4 453 mm 18 504 mm
5 428 mm 19 458 mm
6 411 mm 20 442 mm
7 444 mm 21 193 mm
8 452 mm 22 9.5 mm
9 467 mm 23 222.5 mm
10 456 mm 24 183 mm 11 445 mm 25 436 mm
12 150 mm 26 470 mm
13 13 mm 27 504 mm
14 137 mm

Starting and driving4-49
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Operating hints
●Do not let the clutch slip and do not increase the engine
speed more than necessary when starting.
● Be sure that the driving speed does not exceed the 100
km/h (62 mph) for trailer operation.
It is also recommended that you comply with the local
regulations if the driving speed with a trailer is limited to
less than 100 km/h (62 mph).
● To prevent shocks from an overrun brake, depress the
brake pedal lightly at first and then more strongly.
● To make full use of engine braking, change to a lower
gear before descending a slope.
● The body, brakes, clutch, and chassis will be under addi-
tional strain when towing a trailer.
● The heavier weight and high er rolling and air resistance
will increase fuel consumption.