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    
8. After adding oil, close the cap securely.
9.
Confirm the oil level by repeating step 4 to 6. CAUTION
l
In 
 diesel-powered vehicles, when burning
away  and  removing  soot  accumulated  in
the  DPF,  fuel  can  mix  with  the  engine  oil
and  an  increase  in  the  engine  oil  level
may  occur.  This  does  not  indicate  an  ab-
normality.
However,  if  the  engine  oil  level  is  at  or
over  the  “X”  mark  (B)  on  the  engine  oil
dipstick (A), change the engine oil.
MAX. MIN. NOTE
l The 
engine  oil  will  deteriorate  rapidly  if  the
vehicle  is  subjected  to  severe  conditions,  re-
quiring earlier oil replacement.
Please refer to the maintenance schedule.
l For information on how to dispose of used en-
gine oil, refer to page 05. Recommended engine oil viscosity
Petrol-powered vehicles
l
Select 
 engine oil of the proper SAE viscosity
number according to the atmospheric temper-
ature.
SAE 0W-20, 0W-30, 5W-30, and 5W-40 en-
gine  oils  can  only  be  used  if  they  meet
ACEA A3/B3, A3/B4 or A5/B5 and API SM
specifications.
l Use  engine  oil  conforming  to  the  following
classification:
• API classification: “For service SM”
• ILSAC certificated oil
• ACEA classification:“For  service  A1/B1,  A3/B3,  A3/B4  or
A5/B5”
l Use  of  additives  is  not  recommended  since
they  may  reduce  the  effectiveness  of  addi-
tives  already  included  in  the  engine  oil.  It
may result in failure of the mechanical assem-
bly. Diesel-powered vehicles
l
Select 
 engine oil of the proper SAE viscosity
number according to the atmospheric temper-
ature.
l Use  engine  oil  conforming  to  the  following
classification:
• ACEA classification:“For service C1, C2, C3 or C4”
• JASO classification: “For service DL-1”
If  those  classifications  are  not  available,
contact  a  MITSUBISHI  MOTORS  Au-
thorized Service Point.
NOTE l Use  of  additives  is  not  recommended  since
they  may  reduce  the  effectiveness  of  addi-
tives  already  included  in  the  engine  oil.  It
may result in failure of the mechanical assem-
bly. Maintenance
8-05 8