3-30 Features and controls
3Inside day/night rearview mirror
N00511600216
Adjust the inside rearview mirror only after making any seat
adjustments so as to have a clear view to the rear of the vehicle.
WA R N I N G
!After adjusting, make sure the lock lever is secured
in the locked (1) position. Do not attempt to adjust the steering wheel while
driving. This can be dangerous.When releasing the tilt lock lever {moving it to the
position (2)}, be sure to hold the steering wheel
firmly. Otherwise, the steering wheel may slip down
too suddenly.
WA R N I N G
!Do not attempt to adjust the inside rearview mirror
while driving. This can be dangerous.
Be sure to adjust the mirror before driving.
BK0102600US.book 30 ページ 2009年3月30日 月曜日 午後2時2分
3-34 Features and controls
3Ignition switch
N00512400530
LOCKThe engine is off and the steering wheel is locked. The key can
be inserted and removed only when the switch is in this posi-
tion. ACCAllows operation of electrical accessories with the engine off. ON The engine runs and all accessories can be used.
START Engages the starter. After the engine starts, release the key and
it will return automatically to the “ON” position.NOTEIf your vehicle is equipped with ignition switch illumina-
tion, the ignition switch will be illuminated:
• The ignition switch illumination comes on while the
driver’s door is opened and remains on for about 30 sec-
onds after the driver’s door is closed.
• When you remove the ignition key from the ignition
switch, it will be illuminated for about 30 seconds.
However, it will go off even while the illumination
comes on if the ignition switch is turned to “ON” posi-
tion.
Your vehicle is equipped with an electronic immobilizer.
To start the engine, the ID code which the transponder
inside the key sends must match the one registered to the
immobilizer computer.
(Refer to the section “Electronic immobilizer” on page
3-3.)
Your vehicle is equipped with Daytime Running Lights.
When the ignition key is in the “ON” position, the low
beam of the headlight will illuminate dimly. (Refer to
“Combination headlights and dimmer switch” on page
3-153.)
BK0102600US.book 34 ページ 2009年3月30日 月曜日 午後2時2分
3-36 Features and controls
3Steering wheel lock
N00512500081
To l o c kRemove the key at the “LOCK” position.
Turn the steering wheel until it is locked.To unlockTurn the key to the “ACC” position while moving the steering
wheel slightly.
NOTEIf the front wheels are turned, the anti-theft lock may
sometimes make it difficult to turn the key from “LOCK”
to “ACC”. Firmly turn the steering wheel to the left or to
the right as you turn the key.
CAUTION
!Remove the key when leaving the vehicle.If your vehicle needs to be towed, turn the key to the
“ACC” position to unlock the steering wheel.
BK0102600US.book 36 ページ 2009年3月30日 月曜日 午後2時2分
Features and controls
3-47
3
When the automatic transaxle makes no gear changeIf 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).NOTEWhen the “N” indicator in the instrument cluster blinks, it
means that there is an abnormal condition in the transaxle.
Refer to “Selector lever position indicator/“N” indicator”
on page 3-42.
Full-time all-wheel drive
(if so equipped)
N00517200025
Your vehicle has been designed primarily for use on pavement.
But its unique all-wheel drive system allows you to occasion-
ally travel on unpaved roads, to campgrounds, 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 towing in rough
conditions.
It is particularly important to note that full-time all-wheel drive
may not give sufficient hill climbing ability and engine braking
on steep slopes. You should try to avoid driving on steep slopes
with full-time all-wheel drive.
Also, you must exercise caution when driving on sand and mud
and when driving through water because sufficient traction
may not be available in certain circumstances.
Please avoid driving the vehicle through areas where the tires
may get stuck in deep sand or mud.
All-wheel drive operation requires special driving skills.
Carefully read the “All-wheel drive operation” section on page
3-48 and take care to drive safely.
BK0102600US.book 47 ページ 2009年3月30日 月曜日 午後2時2分
3-48 Features and controls
3All-wheel drive operation
N00530600101
All-wheel drive vehicles provide better traction and control
than front-wheel drive vehicles on slippery surfaces (for exam-
ple, snow, sand, mud etc.). However, their capabilities are not
without limits.
When using all-wheel drive on rough roads (snow, sand, mud
etc.), it is important to operate the vehicle correctly.
NOTEDriving on rough roads can be hard on a vehicle. Before
you leave the pavement, be sure all scheduled mainte-
nance and service has been done, and that you have
inspected your vehicle. Pay special attention to the condi-
tion of the tires, and check the tire pressures.
Mitsubishi is not responsible to the operator for any dam-
age or injury caused or liability incurred by improper and
negligent operation of a vehicle. All techniques of vehicle
operation depend on the skill and experience of the opera-
tor and other participating parties. Any deviation from the
recommended operating instructions above is at their own
risk.
Note that the stopping distance required of the all-wheel
drive vehicle differs very little from that of the front-
wheel drive vehicle. When driving on a snow-covered
road or a slippery, muddy surface, make sure that you
keep a sufficient distance between your vehicle and the
one ahead of you.
The driving posture should be more upright; adjust the
seat to a good position for easy steering and pedal opera-
tion. Be sure to wear the seat belt.
After driving on rough roads, check each part of the vehi-
cle and wash it thoroughly with water. Refer to the
“Inspection and maintenance following rough road opera-
tion” section and “Vehicle care and maintenance” sec-
tions.Driving on snowy or icy roadsGradually depress the accelerator pedal for a smooth start.NOTEThe use of snow tires is recommended.
WA R N I N G
!Do not over-rely on the all-wheel drive vehicles.The
all-wheel drive vehicles, like any other system, has
limits and cannot help you to maintain traction and
control of the vehicle in all circumstances.
Reckless driving can lead to accidents. Always drive
carefully, taking into account the traffic, road and
environmental conditions.Improperly operating this vehicle on or off-pave-
ment can cause an accident or rollover in which you
and your passengers could be seriously injured or
killed.
• Follow all instructions and guidelines in the
owner’s manual.
• Keep your speed low and don’t drive faster than
conditions permit.
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Features and controls
3-49
3
Maintain a safe distance between vehicles, avoid sudden
braking, and use engine braking (downshifting).Driving on sandy or muddy roads Gradually depress the accelerator pedal for a smooth start.
Keep the pressure on the accelerator pedal as constant as possi-
ble, and drive at low speed.
NOTEAvoid sudden braking, acceleration, and turning; such
operations could result in the vehicle becoming stuck.
If the vehicle becomes stuck in sandy or muddy roads, it
can often be moved with a rocking motion. Move the
selector lever alternately between “Sports mode” and “R”
(REVERSE) position, while applying slight pressure to
the accelerator pedal.
Driving rough road can cause rust on the vehicle; wash the
vehicle thoroughly as soon as possible after such use.Climbing/descending sharp gradesYour vehicle may not provide sufficient hill climbing ability
and engine braking on steep slope. Avoid driving on steep
slopes even though your vehicle has full-time all-wheel drive.Turning sharp cornersOn rough roads, the basic turning technique is to drive at a low
speed and gradually steer to suit the surface.
CAUTION
!Avoid sudden braking, sudden acceleration, and
sharp turning; such operations could cause skidding
and loss of control.
CAUTION
!Do not force the vehicle or drive recklessly on sandy
surfaces. In comparison with normal road surfaces,
the engine and other drive-system components are
put under excessive strain when driving on such a
surface. This could lead to accidents.If the needle in the temperature gauge approaches
the overheating zone or the “N” indicator starts to
blink quickly (i.e., about twice every second) while
the vehicle is being driven, immediately locate a safe
place, stop the vehicle there, and begin the appropri-
ate procedure to rectify the overheating problem.
(Refer to the “Engine overheating” on page 6-5 and
the “Automatic transaxle fluid temperature warning
light” on page 3-43.)
WA R N I N G
!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
forward or backward, causing injury or damage to
nearby people or objects.
BK0102600US.book 49 ページ 2009年3月30日 月曜日 午後2時2分
3-50 Features and controls
3
Driving through water
N00537800069
If the electrical circuits become wet, further operation of the
vehicle will be impossible; therefore, avoid driving through
water unless absolutely necessary. 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.
Inspection and maintenance following
rough road operation
N00530700072
After operating the vehicle in rough road conditions, be sure to
perform the following inspection and maintenance procedures:
Check that the vehicle has not been damaged by rocks,
gravel, etc.
Carefully wash the vehicle with water.
Drive the vehicle slowly while lightly depressing the
brake pedal in order to dry out the brakes. If the brakes
still do not function properly, contact an authorized Mit-
subishi Motors dealer or a repair facility of your choice as
soon as possible to have the brakes checked.
Remove the insects, dried grass, etc. clogging the radiator
core.
After driving through water, check the engine, transaxle
and differential oil. If the oil or grease is milky or cloudy
because of water contamination, it must be replaced with
new oil.
Check the inside of the vehicle. If water entry is found,
dry the carpet etc.
Inspect the headlights. If water is in the headlight housing,
have it drained at an authorized Mitsubishi Motors dealer
or a repair facility of your choice.
Have an authorized Mitsubishi Motors dealer or a repair
facility of your choice replace the grease in the wheel
bearings.
CAUTION
!Never drive through water that is deep enough to
cover wheel hubs, axles or exhaust pipe. Do not
change gears while driving through water.
Frequent driving through water can adversely affect
the life span of the vehicle; consult an authorized
Mitsubishi Motors dealer or a repair facility of your
choice and take the necessary measures to prepare,
inspect, and repair the vehicle.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.
BK0102600US.book 50 ページ 2009年3月30日 月曜日 午後2時2分
Features and controls
3-51
3 Cautions on the handling of all-wheel drive
vehicles
N00530800129
Tires and wheelsSince the driving torque can be applied to the four wheels, the
driving performance of the vehicle when operating in all-wheel
drive is greatly affected by the condition of the tires.
Pay close attention to the tires.
Install only the specified tires on all wheels. Refer to
“Tires and wheels” on page 9-7.
Be sure all four tires and wheels are the same size and
type.
When it is necessary to replace any of the tires or wheels,
replace all four.
All tires should be rotated before the wear difference
between the front and rear tires is recognizable.
Good vehicle performance cannot be expected if there is a dif-
ference in wear between tires. Refer to the “Tire rotation” on
page 7-27.
Check the tire inflation pressure regularly.
CAUTION
!Always use tires of the same size, type, and brand
that have no wear differences. Using tires of differ-
ent size, type, brand or degree of wear, will increase
the differential oil temperature and result in possi-
ble damage to the driving system. Further, the drive
train will be subject to excessive loading, possibly
leading to oil leakage, component seizure, or other
serious problems.
BK0102600US.book 51 ページ 2009年3月30日 月曜日 午後2時2分