2009 MITSUBISHI ASX Owners Manual

3. Insert a straight blade (or minus) screwdriver
with a cloth over its tip into notch (A) of the
cover. Pry gently as shown to remove the cov-
er. 4. Depress the brake pedal with the right foot.
5. Turn

the ignition switch to the “ACC” posi-
tion or put the operation mode in ACC.
6. Insert a straight blade (or minus) screwdriver in the shiftlock release hole (B). Shift the se-
lector lever to the “N” (NEUTRAL) position
while pressing the straight blade (or minus)
screwdriver down. Selector lever position display
E00602300293
When

the ignition switch is turned to the “ON” po-
sition or the operation mode is put in ON, the posi-
tion of the selector lever is indicated in the multi-
information display. Selector lever positions (Main gate)
E00602400180
“P” PARK
This
position locks the transmission to prevent the
vehicle from moving. The engine can be started in
this position.
“R” REVERSE
This position is to back up. CAUTION
l
Never
shift into the “P” (PARK) or “R”
(REVERSE) position while the vehicle is
in motion to avoid a transmission damage. “N” NEUTRAL
At this position the transmission is disengaged. It is
the

same as the neutral position on a manual trans-
mission, and should only be used when the vehicle
is stationary for an extended length of time during
driving, such as in a traffic jam. WARNING
l Never
move the selector lever to the “N”
(NEUTRAL) position while driving. A se-
rious accident could occur since you
could accidentally move the lever into the
“P” (PARK) or “R” (REVERSE) position
or you will lose engine braking.
l On a gradient the engine should be star-
ted in the “P” (PARK) position, not in the
“N” (NEUTRAL) position.
l Always keep your right foot on the brake
pedal when shifting into or out of “N”
(NEUTRAL), to minimize the risk of loss
of control.
“D” DRIVE
This
position is for normal driving. The transmis-
sion automatically selects a suitable gear ratio for
your speed and acceleration.
Engine braking is automatically applied when nec-
essary, depending on road conditions. CAUTION
l
Never
shift into the “D” (DRIVE) posi-
tion from the “R” (REVERSE) position
while the vehicle is in motion to avoid
transmission damage. Starting and driving
4-25 4

Sports mode
E00602500194
Whether
the vehicle is stationary or in motion,
sports mode is selected by gently pushing the selec-
tor lever from the “D” (DRIVE) position into the
manual gate (A). To return to “D” range operation,
gently push the selector lever back into the main
gate (B).

In sports mode, gear ratio shifts can be made rapid-
ly simply by moving the selector lever backward
and forward. Shift paddles at the steering wheel
can also be used to shift the gear ratio. In contrast
to a manual transmission, the sports mode allows
gear shifts with the accelerator pedal depressed.
NOTE
l You can shift into sports mode with shift pad-
dles when the selector lever is in the main
gate as well. Also, you can return to the “D”
range operation in any of following ways.
When returning to “D” range operation, the
selector lever position display will change to
“D” (DRIVE) position.
• Pull the “+ (SHIFT UP)” side shift pad-dle forward (towards the driver) for over
2 seconds.
• Stop the vehicle.
• Push the selector lever from the “D” (DRIVE) position into the manual gate
(A) and push the selector lever back into
the main gate (B).
SHIFT
UP SHIFT
DOWN SHIFT
UP
SHIFT
DOWN + (SHIFT UP)
The

transmission shifts up once by each opera-
tion.

- (SHIFT DOWN)
The transmission shifts down once by each op-
eration. CAUTION
l
In
sports mode, the driver must execute
upward shifts in accordance with prevail-
ing road conditions, taking care to keep
the engine speed below the red zone.
l Repeated continuous operation of the se-
lector lever or the shift paddles will con-
tinuously switch shift position.
l Do not use the left- and right-hand shift
paddles at the same time. Doing so could
cause a shift of gear ratio that you do not
expect. NOTE
l The

upward shift may be made automatically
in sports mode when the engine revolutions
rises and approaches the tachometer’s red
zone (the red-coloured part of the tachometer
dial).
l In sports mode, only the 6 forward gears can
be selected. To reverse or park the vehicle,
move the selector lever to the “R” (RE-
VERSE) or “P” (PARK) position as required.
l To maintain good running performance, the
transmission may refuse to perform an up-
shift when the selector lever is moved to the
“+ (SHIFT UP)” position at certain vehicle
speeds. Also, to prevent over-revving of the
engine, the transmission may refuse to per-
form a downshift when the lever is moved to
the “- (SHIFT DOWN)” position at certain
vehicle speeds. When this happens, a buzzer
sounds to indicate that a downshift is not go-
ing to take place.
l In sports mode, downward shifts are made au-
tomatically when the vehicle slows down.
When the vehicle stops, 1 st
gear is automati-
cally selected. Starting and driving
4-26
4

Sports mode display
E00612200208
In
sports mode, the currently selected position is dis-
played on the multi-information display. When a malfunction occurs in the CVT
E00602300336
Type 1 or
Type 2
or
When the warning display appears
There

could be a system malfunction if the warn-
ing

display or the warning display is displayed
on
the information screen in the multi-information
display. CAUTION
l
If
malfunction occurs in the CVT while
driving, the warning display or the
warning display will appear on the infor-
mation

screen in the multi-information
display.
In this case, follow these procedures:
[When warning display is showing]
The

CVT fluid is overheating. The engine
control may activate to lower the CVT flu-
id temperature, causing the engine revolu-
tions and vehicle speed to decrease. In
this case, take one of the following meas-
ures. • Slow down your vehicle.
• Stop the vehicle in a safe place, placethe selector lever in the “P” (PARK)
position, and open the bonnet with the
engine running to allow the engine to
cool down.
After a while, confirm that the warn-
ing

display is no longer showing. It is safe
to continue driving if the display is no lon-
ger showing. If the warning display re-
mains or appears frequently, we recom-
mend you to have your vehicle inspected.
[When warning display is showing]
It

may be that there is something unusual
happening in the CVT, causing a safety de-
vice to activate. We recommend you to
have your vehicle inspected as soon as pos-
sible. Operation of the CVT
E00602600182 CAUTION
l
Before
selecting a position with the en-
gine running and the vehicle stationary,
fully depress the brake pedal to prevent
the vehicle from creeping.
The vehicle will begin to move as soon as
the CVT is engaged, especially when the
engine speed is high, at fast idle or with
the air conditioning operating, the brakes
should only be released when you are
ready to drive away.
l Depress the brake pedal with the right
foot at all times.
Using the left foot could cause driver move-
ment delay in case of an emergency.
l To prevent sudden acceleration, never
race the engine when shifting from the
“P” (PARK) or “N” (NEUTRAL) position.
l Operating the accelerator pedal while the
other foot is resting on the brake pedal
will affect braking efficiency and may
cause premature wear of brake pads.
l Use the selector lever in the correct shift
position in accordance with driving condi-
tions.
Never coast downhill backward with the
driving shift position {“D” (DRIVE) or
sports mode} or coast forward with the
“R” (REVERSE) position.
The engine stops and the brake pedal ef-
fort or the steering wheel handling weight
increasing could lead to an accident. Starting and driving
4-27 4

CAUTION
l
Do not race the engine with brake pedal
pressed when the vehicle is stationary.
This can damage the CVT.
Also, when you depress the accelerator
pedal while holding down the brake ped-
al with the selector lever in the “D”
(DRIVE) position, the engine revolutions
may not rise as high as when performing
the same operation with the selector lever
in the “N” (NEUTRAL) position.
Passing acceleration E00602700037
To gain extra acceleration in “D” (DRIVE) posi-
tion,

push the accelerator to the floor. The CVT
will automatically downshift.
NOTE
l In sports mode, downshifts do not take place
when the accelerator is depressed all the way
to the floor.
Uphill/downhill driving E00603000037
DRIVING UPHILL
The
transmission may not upshift to a higher shift
position if the computer determines the current
speed cannot be maintained once a higher shift po-
sition is engaged.
For smoother vehicle performance, if you release
the throttle while climbing a steep grade, the trans-
mission may not upshift.
This is normal, as the computer is temporarily pre-
venting shifting. After reaching the top of the hill,
normal shift function will resume. DRIVING DOWNHILL
When

travelling down steep grades, the computer
may automatically select a lower shift position.
This function assists engine braking efforts, reduc-
ing the need for using the service brakes.
Waiting E00602800126
For short waiting periods, such as at traffic signals
the

vehicle can be left in selector lever position and
held stationary with the service brake.
For longer waiting periods with the engine running,
place the selector lever in the “N” (NEUTRAL) po-
sition and apply the parking brake, while holding
the vehicle stationary with the service brake. CAUTION
l
Never
hold the vehicle stationary while in
CVT on a hill with the accelerator, al-
ways apply the parking brake and/or serv-
ice brake.
Parking E00602900039
To park the vehicle, first bring it to a complete
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 unattended, al-
ways switch off the engine and carry the key. NOTE
l On

a slope, be sure to apply the parking
brake before moving the selector lever to the
“P” (PARK) position. If you move the selec-
tor lever to the “P” (PARK) position before
applying the parking brake, it may be diffi-
cult to disengage the selector lever from the
“P” (PARK) position when next you drive
the vehicle, requiring application of a strong
force to the selector lever to move from the
“P” (PARK) position.
When the CVT makes no speed change E00603100139
If the transmission does not change speeds while
driving,

or your vehicle does not pick up enough
speed when starting on an uphill slope, it may be
that there is something unusual happening in the
transmission, causing a safety device to activate.
We recommend you to have your vehicle checked
as soon as possible. Starting and driving
4-28
4

Electronically controlled 4WD
system* E00604900280
The
electronically controlled 4WD system is a 4-
wheel drive system that allows one of three drive
modes to be selected with a dial, in accordance
with the driving conditions.

The following drive modes are available. Drive mode Function
2WD This mode is for economical
driving on normal dry roads
and motorway.
Driving in front-wheel drive.
4WD AUTO The default mode.
This mode is for automatical-
ly controlling the distribution
of driving torque to all four
wheels according to the driv-
ing conditions.
4WD LOCK This mode is for driving in
slippery conditions such as
on snow-covered roads or
sand.
The large amount of driving
torque that is applied to the
rear tyres enables getting out
of slippery areas and power-
ful driving is possible across
all ranges.4-wheel drive operation requires special driving
skills.
Carefully

read the “4-wheel drive operation” on
page 4-31 and take care to drive safely. Drive mode-selector
The

drive mode can be switched by turning the dial
while the ignition switch or the operation mode is
in ON. 1- 2WD
2-

4WD AUTO
3- 4WD LOCK
The drive mode is displayed as an interrupt display
on the information screen in the multi-information
display when the drive mode is switched.
After a few seconds, the information screen returns
from the drive mode display to the previous screen. Drive mode Display
2WD 4WD AUTO
4WD LOCK
CAUTION
l
Do not operate the drive mode-selector
with the front wheels spinning on a
snowy road or in similar conditions. The
vehicle could lunge in an unexpected di-
rection.
l Driving on dry, paved roads in “4WD
LOCK” mode causes increased fuel con-
sumption and noise.
l Do not drive with the tyres spinning in
“2WD” mode.
Doing so could generate heat in the drive-
system components.
NOTE l The

drive mode can be switched while driv-
ing or stopped.
Drive mode indicator
Type 1 Starting and driving
4-29 4

Type 2
Normally the indicator illuminates when the igni-
tion
switch is turned to the “ON” position or the op-
eration mode is put in ON, and then the drive mode
is displayed a few seconds after the engine is started. Drive mode Drive mode indicator
“4WD” indica-
tor “LOCK” indi-
cator
2WD OFF OFF
4WD AUTO ON OFF
4WD LOCK ON ON CAUTION
l
If
the selected drive mode indicator is
blinking, the vehicle switches automatical-
ly to front-wheel drive in order to protect
the drive-system components, and drive
mode selection is no longer possible with
the drive mode-selector.
The warning display is also displayed in
the information screen in the multi-infor-
mation display.
Reduce speed, and if the indicator goes
out after driving a while, resume driving
as before. If the indicator continues blink-
ing for more than about 5 minutes, have
the vehicle inspected at a MITSUBISHI
MOTORS Authorized Service Point.
Type 1 Type 2
CAUTION
l
If
the warning display on the information
screen in the multi-information display, a
problem has occurred with the electroni-
cally controlled 4WD system and the safe-
ty device has activated. Have an inspec-
tion made by a MITSUBISHI MOTORS
Authorized Service Point. Type 1 Type 2
CAUTION
l
Always
use tyres of the same size, same
type, and same brand, and which have no
wear differences. Using tyres that differ
in size, type, brand, or wear amount may
activate the protection of the drive-sys-
tem components, causing the drive mode
in “4WD AUTO” mode to lock or the
“4WD” and “LOCK” indicators to blink
alternately. Starting and driving
4-30
4

4-wheel drive operation
E00606600887
Your
vehicle has been designed primarily for use
on paved roads.
But its unique 4-wheel drive system allows you to
occasionally travel on unpaved roads, to camp-
grounds, picnic sites, and similar locations.
Not only does this ensure better handling on dry,
paved roads but also permits better traction when
driving on slippery, wet or snow-covered roads and
when moving out of mud.
But it is not suitable for heavy off road use or tow-
ing in rough conditions.
It is particularly important to note that 4-wheel
drive may not give sufficient hill climbing ability
and engine braking on steep slopes. You should try
to avoid driving on steep slopes.
Also, you must exercise caution when driving on
sand and mud and when driving through water be-
cause sufficient traction may not be available in cer-
tain circumstances.
Please avoid driving the vehicle through areas
where the tyres may get stuck in deep sand or mud. WARNING
l Do
not over-rely on the 4-wheel drive ve-
hicles. Even 4-wheel drive vehicles have
limits to the system and ability to main-
tain control and traction. Reckless driv-
ing may lead to accidents. Always drive
carefully, taking account of the road con-
ditions.
l Improperly operating this vehicle on or
off-paved roads can cause an accident or
rollover in which you and your passen-
gers could be seriously injured or killed. WARNING
• Follow
all instructions and guidelines in the owner’s manual.
• Keep your speed low and do not drive faster than conditions allow you to.
NOTE l Driving

on rough roads can be hard on a ve-
hicle. Before you leave paved roads, be sure
all scheduled maintenance and service has
been done, and that you have inspected your
vehicle. Pay special attention to the condi-
tion of the tyres, and check the tyre pressures.
l MITSUBISHI MOTORS is not responsible
to the operator for any damage or injury
caused or liability incurred by improper and
negligent operation of a vehicle. All techni-
ques of vehicle operation depend on the skill
and experience of the operator and other par-
ticipating parties. Any deviation from the rec-
ommended operating instructions above is at
their own risk.
l Note that the stopping distance required of a
4-wheel drive vehicle differs very little from
that of a 2-wheel drive vehicle. When driv-
ing on a snow-covered road or a slippery,
muddy surface, make sure that you keep a suf-
ficient distance between your vehicle and the
one ahead of you.
l The driving posture should be more upright;
adjust the seat to a good position for easy
steering and pedal operation. Be sure to wear
the seat belt. l
After
driving on rough roads, check each
part of the vehicle and wash it thoroughly
with water. Refer to the “Inspection and main-
tenance following rough road operation” sec-
tion and “Maintenance” section. CAUTION
l
Setting
the drive mode-selector to “4WD
LOCK” to drive on dry paved road will
increase fuel consumption, with possible
noise generation.
Turning sharp corners
When
turning a sharp corner in “4WD LOCK” po-
sition at low speed, a slight difference in steering
may be experienced similar to as if the brakes were
applied. This is called tight corner braking and re-
sults from each of the 4 tyres being at a different
distance from the corner. The phenomenon is typi-
cal of 4-wheel drive vehicles. If this occurs, either
straighten out the steering wheel, or change to
“2WD” or “4WD AUTO” mode.
On snowy or icy roads
Set the drive mode-selector to “4WD AUTO” or
“4WD LOCK” in accordance with the road condi-
tions, and then gradually depress the accelerator ped-
al for a smooth start.
NOTE
l The use of snow tyres is recommended.
l Maintain a safe distance between vehicles,
avoid sudden braking, and use engine brak-
ing (downshifting). Starting and driving
4-31 4

CAUTION
l
Avoid sudden braking, sudden accelera-
tion and sharp turning. Skidding occurs
and control of the vehicle could be lost.
Driving on sandy or muddy roads
Set
the drive mode-selector to “4WD LOCK” and
then gradually depress the accelerator pedal for a
smooth start. Keep the pressure on the accelerator
pedal as constant as possible, and drive at low speed. CAUTION
l
Do
not force the vehicle or drive reckless-
ly on sandy surfaces. In comparison with
normal road surfaces, the engine and oth-
er drive-system components are put un-
der excessive strain when driving on such
a surface. This could lead to accidents.
l If the engine coolant temperature display flashes on the information screen in
the
multi-information display or the en-
gine power drops suddenly while the vehi-
cle is being driven, park your vehicle im-
mediately in a safe place.
Refer to “Engine overheating” on page
6-04 for details and take the required meas-
ures. WARNING
l When attempting to rock your vehicle 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 for-
ward or backward, causing injury or dam-
age to nearby people or objects.
NOTE l Avoid

sudden braking, sudden acceleration
and sharp turning; such operations could re-
sult in the vehicle becoming stuck.
l If the vehicle becomes stuck in sandy or mud-
dy roads, it can often be moved with a rock-
ing motion. Move the gearshift lever alter-
nately between the 1 st
and “R” (Reverse) po-
sitions (M/T), the “D” (DRIVE) and “R” (RE-
VERSE) positions (CVT), while pressing
lightly on the accelerator pedal.
l Driving on rough roads can cause rust on the
vehicle; wash the vehicle thoroughly as soon
as possible after such use.
Climbing/descending sharp grades
Your vehicle may not provide sufficient hill climb-
ing ability and engine braking on steep slopes.
Avoid driving on steep slopes even though the vehi-
cle is a 4-wheel drive vehicle.
Driving through water E00618900076
If the electrical circuits become wet, further opera-
tion

of the vehicle will be impossible; therefore,
avoid driving through water unless absolutely nec-
essary. If driving through water is unavoidable, use
the following procedure:
Check

the depth of the water and the terrain before
attempting to drive through it. Drive slowly to
avoid creating excessive water splashing. CAUTION
l
Never
drive through water that is deep
enough to cover wheel hubs, axles or ex-
haust pipe. Do not change the gearshift
lever position (M/T) or the selector lever
position (CVT) while driving through wa-
ter.
Frequent driving through water can ad-
versely affect the life span of the vehicle;
we recommend you to take the necessary
measures to prepare, inspect, and repair
the vehicle.
l After driving through water, 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. Starting and driving
4-32
4