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3-208 Features and controls
3Tonneau cover
(if so equipped)
N00528300114
To u s e1. Draw out the spring-loaded cover and insert it in the
mounting grooves (A).
2. Remove the cover from the mounting grooves, and the
cover will be rolled back into the retracted position.NOTEDo not place anything on the tonneau cover.
To remove1. Roll back the tonneau cover.
2. Move one of the sliders (B) toward the inside of the vehi-
cle and lift it to remove the tonneau cover.
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Features and controls
3-209
3 Luggage hooks
N00528500246
There are hooks on the floor and the side of the luggage area
for use in securing luggage.
CAUTION
!Do not load the luggage higher than the top of the
seatback.
Be sure that luggage is firmly secured.
Restricted rear vision or flying objects entering the
passenger compartment during sudden braking
could result in a serious accident.Floor
Side (Type 1) Side (Type 2)
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3-210 Features and controls
3
NOTEDo not hang any heavy items {more than about 6.6 pound
(3 kg)} on the hook {Side (type 2)}. Doing so could dam-
age the hook.
Coat hook
N00553600078
There is a hook on the rear driver’s side assist grip for use in
hanging clothes.
WA R N I N G
!Do not put a hanger or any heavy or pointed object
on the coat hook. If the curtain air bag was acti-
vated, any such item could be propelled away with
great force and could prevent the curtain air bag
from inflating correctly. Hang clothes directly on the
coat hook (without using a hanger). Make sure there
are no heavy or sharp objects in the pockets of
clothes that you hang on the coat hook.
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4
Driving safety
Driving precaution . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4- 2
Fuel economy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4- 2
Driving, alcohol and drugs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4- 3
Vehicle preparation before driving. . . . . . . . . . . . .4- 3
Safe driving techniques . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4- 5
Driving during cold weather . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4- 5
Braking. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4- 6
Parking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4- 7
Loading information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4- 8
Cargo loads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4- 12
Trailer towing. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4- 15
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4-2 Driving safety
4Driving precaution
N00629300040
Utility vehicles have higher ground clearance and a narrower
track, which enables them to perform in a wide variety of off-
road situations. Because of the higher ground clearance, these
vehicles have a higher center of gravity, which makes them
handle differently than ordinary vehicles when driving on
pavement. They are not designed to maneuver or corner at the
same speed on pavement as conventional 2-wheel drive pas-
senger cars any more than low-slung sports cars are designed
to perform satisfactorily in off-road conditions.
Always drive safely and steer the vehicle carefully. Avoid oper-
ating the vehicle in a manner that might require sharp turns or
abrupt maneuvers. As with other vehicles of this type, failure
to operate this vehicle correctly can result in loss of control or
vehicle rollover.
In a rollover crash, an unbelted person is significantly more
likely to die than a person wearing a seat belt. Before starting
the vehicle, always make certain that you and all your passen-
gers are properly wearing their seat belts (with children in the
rear seat, in appropriate restraints).
Fuel economy
N00628800080
Fuel economy is dependent on many factors. Your personal
driving habits can have a significant effect on your fuel use.
Several recommendations for achieving the greatest fuel econ-
omy are listed below.
Whenever accelerating from a stop, always accelerate
slowly and smoothly.
When parked for even a short period, do not idle the
engine. Shut it off.
Plan your trips to avoid unnecessary stops.
Keep your tires inflated to the recommended pressures.
For freeway driving, maintain a speed of approximately
50 mph (80 km/h) when traffic, roadway and weather con-
ditions safely permit.
Keep your air filter clean and your vehicle lubricated
according to the recommendations in this manual.
Always keep your vehicle well maintained. A poorly
maintained engine wastes fuel and costs money.
Do not overload your vehicle.
WA R N I N G
!Utility vehicles have a significantly higher rollover
rate than other types of vehicles. Avoid abrupt
maneuvers and excessive speed. Always buckle up.
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Driving safety
4-3
4 Driving, alcohol and drugs
N00628900010
Drunk driving is one of the most frequent causes of accidents.
Your driving ability can be seriously impaired even with blood
alcohol levels far below the legal minimum. 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 affect your
alertness, perception and reaction time. Consult with your doc-
tor or pharmacist before driving while under the influence of
any of these medications.
Vehicle preparation before driving
N00629000513
For a safer and more enjoyable trip, always observe the follow-
ing: Seat belts and seatsBefore starting the vehicle, make certain that you and all
passengers are seated and wearing their seat belts properly
(with children in the rear seat, in appropriate restraints),
and that all the doors and the liftgate are locked.
Move the driver’s seat as far backward as possible, while
still keeping good visibility, and good control of the steer-
ing wheel, brakes, accelerator, and controls. Check the
instrument panel indicators for any possible problem.
Move the front passenger seat as far back as possible.
Make sure that infants and small children are properly
restrained in accordance with all laws and regulations.
WA R N I N G
!NEVER DRINK AND DRIVE.
Your perceptions are less accurate, your reflexes are
slower and your judgment is impaired.
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4-4 Driving safety
4
Floor mats Defrosters
Check 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, 5-23.)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.
WA R N I N G
!Keep floor mats clear of the pedals by correctly lay-
ing floor mats that are suitable for the vehicle.
To prevent the floor mats from slipping out position,
securely retain them using the hooks etc.
Note that laying a floor mat over a pedal or laying
one floor mat on top of another can obstruct pedal
operation and lead to a serious accident.
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Driving safety
4-5
4 Safe driving techniques
N00629200052
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.
Driving during cold weather
N00629400315
Check the battery, including terminals and cables. During
extremely cold weather, the battery will not be as strong.
Also, the battery power level may drop because more
power is used for cold starting and driving.
Before driving the vehicle, check to see if the engine runs
at the proper speed and if the headlights are as bright as
normally. Charge or replace the battery if necessary. Dur-
ing extreme cold weather, it is possible that a very low
battery could freeze.
Warm the engine sufficiently. After starting the engine,
allow a short warm-up time to distribute oil to all cylin-
ders. Then drive your vehicle slowly.
Stay at low speeds at first so that the transaxle, transfer
case and rear axle oil have time to spread to all the lubri-
cation points.
WA R N I N G
!The battery gives off explosive hydrogen gas. Any
spark or flame can cause the battery to explode,
which could cause serious injuries or death.
Always wear protective clothes and a face mask
when working with your battery, or let a skilled
mechanic do it.
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