Features and controls
3-79
3
When pulling away from a standstill on a slippery road,
push the selector lever forward to the + (SHIFT UP) posi-
tion. This causes the transaxle to select 2nd gear, which is
better for safe driving on slippery roads. Push the selector
lever to the - (SHIFT DOWN) side to shift back to 1st
gear.
Move the selector lever gently between the manual and
main gates and between positions in the manual gate.
Excessive force could damage the selector lever.
Operation of the automatic transaxle
N00514500186
CAUTION
!Before selecting a gear with the engine 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 gear 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.Depress the brake pedal with the right foot at all
times.
Using the left foot could cause driver movement
delay in case of an emergency.To prevent sudden acceleration, never run the
engine at high rpms when shifting from the “P”
(PARK) or “N” (NEUTRAL) position.Operating the accelerator pedal while the other foot
is resting on the brake pedal will affect braking effi-
ciency and may cause premature wear of brake
pads.
Do not rev the engine with the brake pedal pressed.
This can damage the transaxle.
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3-80 Features and controls
3
Passing acceleration
N00514900047
To gain extra acceleration in “D” (DRIVE) position (when
passing another vehicle) push the accelerator to the floor. The
automatic transaxle will automatically downshift.NOTEIn sports mode, downshifts do not take place when the
accelerator is depressed all the way to the floor.Waiting
N00515000058
For short waiting periods, such as at traffic lights, the vehicle
can be left in gear and held stationary with the service brake.
For longer waiting periods with the engine running, the selec-
tor lever should be placed in the “N” (NEUTRAL) position.
Parking
N00515100017
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.When the automatic transaxle makes no speed change
N00515300064
If the transaxle does not change gears 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 happen-
ing in the transaxle, causing a safety device to activate. Have
your vehicle checked at an authorized Mitsubishi Motors
dealer or a repair facility of your choice as soon as possible.
1. If your vehicle has difficulty moving uphill, shift the
selector lever into 2nd gear of the sports mode.
This method might not work depending on the type of
transaxle malfunction.
2. Once the vehicle is moving on a level road, move the
selector lever back to “D” (DRIVE) position.NOTEWhen the selector lever position indicator in the instru-
ment cluster flashes, it means that there is an abnormal
condition in the transaxle. Refer to “Selector lever posi-
tion indicator” on page 3-75.
CAUTION
!To avoid transaxle overheating, never try to keep
your vehicle stationary on a hill by using the acceler-
ator pedal. Always apply the parking brake and/or
service brake.Unexpected acceleration may occur if the selector
lever is in a position other than “P” (PARK) or “N”
(NEUTRAL).
Prior to moving off after having stopped the vehicle,
make sure that the selector lever is in “D” (DRIVE)
position or “Sports mode” position.
BK0098300US.book 80 ページ 2008年12月8日 月曜日 午前11時37分
3-82 Features and controls
3
Brake pad wear alarm
N00532500087
The disc brakes have an alarm that makes a metallic squeal
when the brake pads have worn down enough to need service.
If you hear this sound, have the brake pads replaced at an
authorized Mitsubishi Motors dealer or a repair facility of your
choice.
Anti-lock braking system
N00517900224
The anti-lock braking system helps prevent the wheels from
locking up when braking. This helps you keep control of your
vehicle and its direction. Driving hints When using the anti-lock brakes (sudden braking), steer-
ing is slightly different from normal driving conditions.
Use the steering wheel carefully.
Always keep a safe distance from the vehicle in front of
you. Even if your vehicle is equipped with the anti-lock
braking system, leave a greater braking distance when:
• Driving on gravel or snow-covered roads.
• Driving on uneven road surfaces.
Operation of anti-lock braking system is not restricted to
situations where brakes are applied suddenly. This system
may also prevent the wheels from locking when you drive
over manholes, steel roadwork plates, road markings, or
any uneven road surface.
When the anti-lock braking system is in use, you may feel
the brake pedal vibrating and hear a unique sound. You
may also feel as if the pedal resists being pressed.
In this situation, simply hold the brake pedal down
firmly. Do not pump the brake, which will result in
reduced braking performance.
WA R N I N G
!Driving with worn brake pads will make it harder to
stop, and can cause an accident.
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3-84 Features and controls
3
If the warning light illuminates while driving
N00531700473
Since there is always a risk of your vehicle becoming
unstable if you apply the brakes suddenly, be sure to brake
gently and do not attempt high-speed driving. Be sure to
stop the vehicle in a safe place. Test the system by restart-
ing the engine and driving at a speed of about 12 mph (20
km/h) or higher.
If the light goes out, there is no abnormal condition. If the
light does not go out after driving as instructed here, or if
it comes on again, the anti-lock braking system is not
functioning. Only the ordinary braking system is function-
ing. If this happens, take your vehicle to an authorized
Mitsubishi Motors dealer or a repair facility of your
choice and have the system checked as soon as possible.
NOTEAfter your vehicle is driven a short distance after starting
the engine, you will hear a whining sound and the sound
of a motor operating coming from the engine compart-
ment. These are the normal sounds the anti-lock braking
system makes when performing a self-check. It does not
indicate a malfunction.
The anti-lock braking system can be used after the vehicle
has reached a speed over approximately 6 mph (10 km/h).
It stops working when the vehicle slows below approxi-
mately 3 mph (5 km/h).
After driving on snow or icy roads, remove any snow and
ice which may have been left around the wheels. On vehi-
cles that have an anti-lock braking system, be careful not
to damage the wheel speed sensors (A) or the cables
located at each wheel.
BK0098300US.book 84 ページ 2008年12月8日 月曜日 午前11時37分
Features and controls
3-89
3
NOTEWhen a spare tire has been put on your vehicle, the grip-
ping ability of the tire will be lower, making it more likely
that the indicator will blink.
CAUTION
!When indicator blinks, the ASC is operating,
which means that the road is slippery or that your
vehicle’s wheels are beginning to slip. If this hap-
pens, drive slower.
CAUTION
!If an abnormal condition occurs in the system while
driving, the and indicators will illuminate at
the same time, or the indicator will blink.
In these cases, follow these procedures:
[If the and indicators continuously illuminate]• Park your vehicle in a safe place and stop the
engine. Restart the engine again and check
whether the and indicators go out. If these
indicators go out, there is no abnormal condition.
If the and indicators remain on even after
your vehicle is driven a short distance after re-
starting the engine, have the vehicle inspected by
an authorized Mitsubishi Motors dealer or a
repair facility of your choice as soon as possible.
[If the indicator blinks]• If the temperature of the braking system increases
excessively, due to continuous brake control on a
slippery road surface, the indicator will blinks
and operation of the traction control function will
be suspended to protect the brake system. (Normal
operation of the vehicle will not be affected.) Park
your vehicle in a safe place. When the temperature
in the braking system has come down, the indi-
cator will be turned off and the traction control
function will start operating again.CAUTION
!
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Features and controls
3-103
3
Whenever the tires and wheels are replaced with
new ones
N00532900036
If you use new wheels with new tire inflation pressure sensors,
their ID codes must be programmed into the tire pressure mon-
itoring system. Have tire and wheel replacement performed by
an authorized Mitsubishi Motors dealer to avoid the risk of
damaging the tire inflation pressure sensors. If the wheel
replacement is not done by an authorized Mitsubishi Motors
dealer, it is not covered by your warranty.
General information
N00533000092
Your tire pressure monitoring system operates on a radio fre-
quency subject to Federal Communications Commission
(FCC) Rules (For vehicles sold in U.S.A.) and Industry Canada
Rules (For vehicles sold in Canada). This device complies with
Part 15 of the FCC Rules and RSS- 210 of the Industry Canada
Rules.
Operation is subject to the following two conditions.
This device may not cause harmful interference.
This device must accept any interference received, includ-
ing interference that may cause undesired operation.
CAUTION
!The use of non-genuine wheels will prevent the
proper fit of the tire inflation pressure sensors,
resulting air leakage or damage of the sensors.
CAUTION
!Changes or modifications not expressly approved by
the manufacturer for compliance could void the
user’s authority to operate the equipment.
BK0098300US.book 103 ページ 2008年12月8日 月曜日 午前11時37分
Features and controls
3-113
3 Indicator
N00519900042
Turn signal indicators/Hazard warning lights
N00520000173
The arrows will flash in time with the corresponding exterior
turn signals when the turn signal lever is used.
Both arrows will flash when the hazard warning flasher switch
is pressed. NOTEIf the indicator flashes faster than usual or if the indicator
stays on without flashing, check for a malfunctioning turn
signal light bulb or turn signal connection.High beam indicator
N00520100060
A blue light comes on when the headlights are on high beam.Front fog light indicator
(if so equipped)
N00520200146
This indicator comes on while the front fog lights are on.
Warning lights
N00520300062
Brake warning light
N00520400210
This light comes on when the ignition key is turned to the
“ON” position (engine off).
When the engine is started, the light should go off.
The light will illuminate under the following conditions:
When the parking brake lever is engaged.
When the brake fluid level in the reservoir falls to a low
level.
When the brake circuit is not operating correctly.
Before driving your vehicle, release the parking brake and
make certain that the brake warning light has gone out.
CAUTION
!Brake performance or your ability to control the
vehicle may be compromised or the vehicle may
become unstable if the brakes are applied suddenly
in the following situations:
• The brake warning light does not illuminate when
the parking brake is applied or does not turn off
when the parking brake is released.
• The brake warning light remains illuminated dur-
ing driving.
• If any of the above situations occur, stop the vehi-
cle in a safe location, avoiding any sudden brake
application, contact and your nearest authorized
Mitsubishi Motors dealer or a repair facility of
your choice.
BK0098300US.book 113 ページ 2008年12月8日 月曜日 午前11時37分
4-4 Driving safety
4
DefrostersCheck these by selecting the defroster mode, and set the blower
switch on high. You should be able to feel the air blowing
against the windshield.
(Refer to “Defrosting or defogging the windshield and door
windows” on page 5-12, 5-20.)TiresCheck all the tires for heavy tread wear or uneven wear pat-
terns. Look for stones, nails, glass, or other objects stuck in the
tread. Look for any tread cuts or sidewall cracks. Check the
wheel nuts for tightness, and the tires (including spare tire) for
proper pressures. Replace your tires before they are heavily
worn out.
As your vehicle is equipped with a tire pressure monitoring
system, there is a risk of damage to the tire inflation pressure
sensors when the tire is replaced on the rim. Tire replacement
should, therefore, be performed only by an authorized Mitsub-
ishi Motors dealer.LightsHave someone watch while you turn all the exterior lights on
and off. Also check the turn signal indicators and high-beam
indicators on the instrument panel. Fluid leaksCheck the ground under the vehicle after parking overnight, for
fuel, water, oil, or other leaks. Make sure all the fluid levels are
correct. Also, if you can smell fuel, you need to find out why
immediately and have it fixed.
Safe driving techniques
N00629200078
Even this vehicle’s safety equipment, and your safest driving,
cannot guarantee that you can avoid an accident or injury.
However, if you give extra attention to the following areas, you
can better protect yourself and your passengers:
Drive defensively. Be aware of traffic, road and weather
conditions. Leave plenty of stopping distance between
your vehicle and the vehicle ahead.
Before changing lanes, check your mirrors and use your
turn signal light.
While driving, watch the behavior of other drivers, bicy-
clists, and pedestrians.
Always obey applicable laws and regulations. Be a polite
and alert driver. Always leave room for unexpected
events, such as sudden braking.
If you plan to drive in another country, obey their vehicle
registration laws and make sure you will be able to get the
right fuel.
BK0098300US.book 4 ページ 2008年12月8日 月曜日 午前11時37分