2009 MITSUBISHI ASX light

Economical driving
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For
economical driving, there are some technical re-
quirements that have to be met. The prerequisite
for low fuel consumption is a properly adjusted en-
gine. In order to achieve longer life of the vehicle
and the most economical operation, we recommend
you to have the vehicle checked at regular intervals
in accordance with the service standards.
Fuel economy and generation of exhaust gas and
noise are highly influenced by personal driving hab-
its as well as the particular operating conditions.
The following points should be observed in order
to minimize wear of brakes, tyres and engine as
well as to reduce environmental pollution.
Starting the engine
Avoid sudden acceleration and sudden starts, as
they will increase fuel consumption.
Shifting
Shift only at an appropriate speed and engine
speed. Always use the highest shift position possible.
Selecting the 4WD drive mode (4WD
vehicles)
The drive mode-selector should be set to “2WD”
when driving on normal roads and express ways to
obtain best possible fuel economy.
City traffic
Frequent starting and stopping increases the aver-
age fuel consumption. Use roads with smooth traf-
fic flow whenever possible. When driving on con-
gested roads, avoid use of a low shift position at
high engine speeds. Idling
The
vehicle consumes fuel even during idling.
Avoid extended idling whenever possible.
Speed
At higher vehicle speed, more fuel is consumed.
Avoid driving at full speed. Even a slight release of
the accelerator pedal will save a significant amount
of fuel.
Tyre inflation pressure
Check the tyre inflation pressures at regular inter-
vals. Low tyre inflation pressure increases road re-
sistance and fuel consumption. In addition, low
tyre pressures adversely affect tyre wear and driv-
ing stability.
Cargo loads
Do not drive with unnecessary articles in the lug-
gage compartment. Especially during city driving
where frequent starting and stopping is necessary,
the increased weight of the vehicle will greatly af-
fect fuel consumption. Also avoid driving with un-
necessary luggage or carriers, etc., on the roof; the
increased air resistance will increase fuel consump-
tion.
Cold engine starting
Starting of a cold engine consumes more fuel.
Unnecessary fuel consumption is also caused by
keeping a hot engine running. After the engine is
started, commence driving as soon as possible.
Air conditioning
The use of the air conditioning will increase the
fuel consumption. Driving, alcohol and drugs
E00600200070
Driving
after drinking alcohol is one of the most fre-
quent causes of accidents.
Your driving ability can be seriously impaired even
with blood alcohol levels far below the legal mini-
mum. If you have been drinking, don’t drive. Ride
with a designated non-drinking driver, call a cab or
a friend, or use public transportation.
Drinking coffee or taking a cold shower will not
make you sober.
Similarly, prescription and nonprescription drugs af-
fect your alertness, perception and reaction time.
Consult with your doctor or pharmacist before driv-
ing while under the influence of any of these medi-
cations. WARNING
l NEVER DRINK AND DRIVE.
Your

perceptions are less accurate, your
reflexes are slower and your judgment is
impaired. Starting and driving
4-02
4

Parking brake
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To
park the vehicle, first bring it to a complete
stop, fully engage the parking brake.
To apply 1- Firmly
depress and hold the brake pedal,
then pull the lever up without pushing the but-
ton at the end of hand grip. CAUTION
l
When
you intend to apply the parking
brake, firmly press the brake pedal to
bring the vehicle to a complete stop be-
fore pulling the parking brake lever. Pull-
ing the parking brake lever with the vehi-
cle moving could make the rear wheels
lock up, thereby making the vehicle unsta-
ble. It could also make the parking brake
malfunction. NOTE
l Apply

sufficient force to the parking brake
lever to hold the vehicle stationary after the
foot brake is released.
l If the parking brake does not hold the vehicle
stationary after the foot brake is released,
have your vehicle checked immediately.
To release 1- Firmly
depress and hold the brake pedal,
then pull the lever up slightly.
2- Push the button at the end of hand grip.
3- Lower the lever fully. CAUTION
l
Before
driving, be sure that the parking
brake is fully released and brake warning
lamp is off.
If you drive without the parking brake
fully released, the warning display will ap-
pear on the information screen in the mul-
ti-information display.
If a vehicle is driven without releasing the
parking brake, the brake will be overhea-
ted, resulting in ineffective braking and
possible brake failure.
Warning lamp Warning display type 1
Warning display type 2Starting and driving
4-06
4

screen operations can be used to make the ad-
justment.
Refer
to the separate owner’s manual for de-
tails.
To remove the key E00620400326
1. Set
the selector lever to the “P” (PARK) po-
sition (CVT).
2. Push the key in at the “ACC” position and keep it depressed until it is turned to the
“LOCK” position and remove it. CAUTION
l
Do
not remove the ignition key from the
ignition switch while driving. The steer-
ing wheel will be locked, causing loss of
control. CAUTION
l
If
the engine is stopped while driving, the
brake servomechanism will cease to func-
tion and braking efficiency will deterio-
rate. Also, the power steering system will
not function and it will require greater
manual effort to operate the steering.
l Do not leave the key in the “ON” position
for a long time when the engine is not run-
ning, doing so will cause the battery to be
discharged.
l Do not turn the key to the “START” posi-
tion while the engine is running. Doing so
could damage the starter motor. Steering wheel lock
E00601500676
[For

vehicles equipped with keyless op-
eration system]
For information on operations for vehicles equip-
ped with the keyless operation system, refer to
“Keyless operation system: Steering wheel lock”
on page 1-14.
[Except for vehicles equipped with key-
less operation system]
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 right and left. Starting and driving
4-12
4

Fuel injection amount learning proc-
ess (diesel-powered vehicles)
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To
keep exhaust emissions and engine noise low,
the engine very occasionally performs a learning
process for the fuel injection amount.
The engine sounds slightly different from usual
while the learning process is taking place. The
change in the engine sound does not indicate a fault. Diesel particulate filter (DPF)*
E00619800199
The
diesel particulate filter (DPF) is a device that
captures most of the particulate matter (PM) in the
exhaust emissions of the diesel engine. The DPF au-
tomatically burns away trapped PM during vehicle
operation. Under certain driving conditions, howev-
er, the DPF is not able to burn away all of the trap-
ped PM and, as a result, an excessive amount of
PM accumulates inside it. WARNING
l The DPF reaches very high temperatures.
Do

not park your vehicle in areas where
combustible materials such as dry grass
or leaves can come in contact with a hot
exhaust system since a fire could occur. CAUTION
l
Do
not use any type of fuel or engine oil
that is not specified for your vehicle. Al-
so, do not use any moisture-removing
agent or other fuel additive. Such substan-
ces could have a detrimental effect on the
DPF.
Refer to “Fuel selection” on page 02 and
“Engine oil” on page 8-04.
NOTE l To

minimize the likelihood of excessive ac-
cumulation of PM, try to avoid driving for
long periods at low speeds and repeatedly
driving short distances. l
The
engine sounds slightly different than usu-
al while the DPF automatically burns away
trapped PM. The change in the engine sound
does not indicate a fault.
DPF warning display Type 1 Type 2
The DPF warning display illuminates in the event
of an abnormality in the DPF system.
If the DPF warning display illumi-
nates during vehicle operation
Steady

illumination of the DPF warning display
shows that the DPF has not been able to burn away
all of the trapped PM and that, as a result, an exces-
sive amount of PM has accumulated inside it. To en-
able the DPF to burn away the PM, try to drive the
vehicle as follows:
l With the bar graph of engine coolant temper-
ature display stabilized in roughly the middle
of the scale, drive for about 20 minutes at a
speed of at least 40 km/h (25 mph). Starting and driving
4-15 4

Turbocharger
The
turbocharger increases engine power by push-
ing large amounts of air into the engine’s cylinders.
The finned parts inside the turbocharger turn at ex-
tremely high speeds and are subjected to extremely
high temperatures. They are lubricated and cooled
by engine oil. If the engine oil is not replaced at the
specified intervals, the bearings may seize or emit
abnormal noise. 1- Air compressor
2-

Compressed air
3- Cylinder
4- Turbo fin
5- Turbine
6- Exhaust gas Auto Stop & Go (AS&G) system*
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The

Auto Stop & Go (AS&G) system automatical-
ly stops and restarts the engine without operating
the ignition switch or the engine switch when the
vehicle is stopped, such as at a traffic light or in a
traffic jam, to reduce exhaust gases and increase
fuel efficiency. CAUTION
l
If
the vehicle will be stopped for a long
time or if you will leave the vehicle unat-
tended, turn the ignition switch to the
“LOCK” position and press the engine
switch to stop the engine.
Automatically stopping the engine E00627500036
The Auto Stop & Go (AS&G) system is automati-
cally activated when the ignition switch is turned to
the

“ON” position or the operation mode is put in
ON.
You can deactivate the system by pressing the “Au-
to Stop & Go (AS&G) OFF” switch.
Refer to “To deactivate” on page 4-20. 1. Stop the vehicle. While depressing the brake pedal, fully de-
press

the clutch pedal and place the gearshift
lever in the “N” (Neutral) position.
Vehicles with 5M/T
Vehicles with 6M/T 2.
Release
the clutch pedal. The “ ” display/in-
dicator
will turn on and the engine will stop
automatically. Starting and driving
4-17 4

4-wheel drive operation
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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
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4

Inspection and maintenance
following rough road operation E00606700338
After
operating the vehicle in rough road condi-
tions, be sure to perform the following inspection
and maintenance procedures:
l Check that the vehicle has not been damaged
by rocks, gravel, etc.
l Carefully wash the vehicle with water.
Drive the vehicle slowly while lightly depress-
ing the brake pedal in order to dry out the
brakes. If the brakes still do not function prop-
erly, we recommend you to have the brakes
checked as soon as possible.
l Remove the insects, dried grass, etc. clog-
ging the radiator core.
l After driving through water, check the en-
gine, transmission and differential oil. If the
oil or grease is milky or cloudy because of
water contamination, it must be replaced
with new oil or grease.
l Check the inside of the vehicle. If water en-
try is found, dry the carpet etc.
l Inspect the headlamps, If the headlamp bulb
is flooded with water, we recommend you to
have it drained. Cautions on handling of 4-wheel
drive vehicles E00606800746
Tyres and wheels
Since
the driving torque can be applied to the 4
wheels, the driving performance of the vehicle
when operating in 4-wheel drive is greatly affected
by the condition of the tyres.

Pay close attention to the tyres.
l Install only the specified tyres on all wheels.
Refer to “Tyres and wheels” on page 9-12.
l Be sure all 4 tyres and wheels are the same
size and type.
When it is necessary to replace any of the
tyres or wheels, replace all 4 tyres.
l All tyres should be rotated before the wear
difference between the front and rear tyres is
recognizable.
Good vehicle performance cannot be expected if
there is a difference in wear between tyres. Refer to
“Tyre rotation” on page 8-13. l Check the tyre inflation pressure regularly. CAUTION
l
Always
use tyres of the same size, same
type, and same brand, and which have no
wear differences. Using tyres of different
size, type, brands or degree of wear, will
increase the differential oil temperature,
resulting in possible damage to the driv-
ing system. Further, the drive train will
be subjected to excessive loading possibly
leading to oil leakage, component seizure,
or other serious faults.
Towing Starting and driving
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