2010 MITSUBISHI LANCER SPORTBACK traction control

Features and controls
3-101
3
NOTE

Shift ranges can only be selected in a forward direction
from 1st to 6th. To reverse or park the vehicle, move the
selector lever to the “R” (REVERSE) or “P” (PARK)
position.


To maintain good running performance, the transmission
may refuse to perform an upshift when the selector lever
or sportronic steering wheel paddle shifter is moved to the
“+ (SHIFT UP)” position at certain vehicle speeds. Also,
to prevent over-revving of the engine, the transmission
may refuse to perform a downshift when the shift lever or
sportronic steering wheel paddle shifter is moved to the “-
(SHIFT DOWN)” position at certain vehicle speeds.
When this happens, a buzzer sounds to indicate that a
downshift is not going to take place.


Move the selector lever gently between the manual and
main gates and between positions in the manual gate. And
do not operate sportronic steering wheel paddle shifter
violently. Excessive force could damage the selector lever
or sportronic steering wheel paddle shifter.
Sports mode display
N00538800138
In sports mode, the currently selected shift range is displayed
on the information screen in the multi-information display.


By rapidly moving the selector lever or sportronic
steering wheel paddle shifter to the “- (SHIFT
DOWN)” side twice, it is possible to skip one shift
range (i.e., 3rd to 1st or 4th to 2nd). Since sudden
engine braking or acceleration can cause a loss of
traction, downshifts must be made carefully in
accordance with the vehicle’s speed.


Shift ranges may not change when the lateral paddle
shifters are operated at the same time.CAUTION
!
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Features and controls
3-125
3 All-wheel drive system
(if so equipped)
N00516400046
All-wheel drive vehicles are propelled by engine power distrib-
uted constantly and appropriately to all four wheels.
Not only does this ensure enhanced 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.
These vehicles, however, are not designed for off-road use,
and are unsuitable for driving on bumpy ground that may
cause excessive strain. All-wheel drive vehicles should be
driven only under the same conditions as are suitable for ordi-
nary front-wheel drive vehicles.
Cautions on handling of all-wheel drive
vehicles
N00530800158
Tires and wheelsSince 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 9-9.


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 “Tire rotation” on page
7-36.


Check the tire inflation pressure regularly.
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Features and controls
3-127
3
Jacking up all-wheel drive vehicles
ACD (Active center differential system)
(if so
equipped)N00538500047
The ACD is a system that improves acceleration performance
and straight-ahead stability by regulating the differential limit-
ing action and power drive distribution of the center differen-
tial.NOTE

If the parking brake lever is pulled up while the vehicle is
moving, the center differential is designed to switch to a
free state condition which will allow the rear wheel to
lock easier.
WA R N I N G
!

Do not start or run the engine while the vehicle is on
the jack. The jack could slip out of position and
result in an accident.
CAUTION
!

Do not over-rely on the ACD. Even the ACD cannot
prevent the natural laws of physics from acting on
the vehicle. This system, 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. It is the driver’s
responsibility to drive carefully. This means taking
into account the traffic, road and environmental
conditions.


Be sure to use tires that are the same specified size,
type, and brand, and have no difference in the
amount of wear for all four wheels. Otherwise, the
ACD may not work properly.
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3-130 Features and controls
3
NOTE

If the ambient temperature drops and the viscosity of the
AWC control fluid increases, the warning may be dis-
played.
At this time, ACD control is temporarily suspended, but
this will not affect normal driving.
After the vehicle is driven for a while, if the engine is
restarted after the AWC control fluid warms up or the
ambient temperature increases, the ACD control will start
operating again if the warning display goes out.
Limited-slip differential
(if so equipped)
N00517400072
A limited-slip differential is applied for rear wheel differential.
The features of this limited-slip differential are described
below:
Just as with a conventional differential, the wheel on one side
is allowed to turn at a different speed from the wheel on the
other side when the vehicle is cornering. The difference
between the limited-slip differential and a conventional differ-
ential is that if the wheel on one side of the vehicle loses trac-
tion, a greater amount of torque is applied to the wheel on the
other side to improve traction.NOTE

Even if there is a difference in the amount of traction the
wheels can get, if both of them are spinning, the limited-
slip differential will not be effective.
CAUTION
!

The system may be malfunctioning.
Park your vehicle in a safe place and stop the engine.
Restart the engine and check whether the warn-
ing display goes out.
If the warning display and goes out, there is no
abnormal condition. If the warning display does
not go out or appears frequently, it is not necessary
to stop the vehicle immediately, but we recommend
that you have your vehicle inspected.
CAUTION
!

Never start the engine while one of the rear wheels is
jacked up and the other in contact with the ground;
doing so may cause the vehicle to jump forward.


Continuously attempting to extract the vehicle from
snow, mud, etc. while using high engine rpm may
damage the limited-slip differential.


Using a compact spare wheel will adversely affect
the limited-slip differential; replace the compact
spare wheel with a standard size wheel as soon as
possible.
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Features and controls
3-139
3 Power steering system
N00518000206
The power steering system has mechanical steering capability
in case the power assist is lost. If the hydraulic pressure is
interrupted for some reason (such as engine stalling), you will
still be able to steer your vehicle.
If the power assist is lost, you will notice it takes much more
effort to steer and that there is much more “free play” in the
steering wheel. If this happens, take your vehicle to an autho-
rized Mitsubishi Motors dealer or a repair facility of your
choice.
Active stability control (ASC)
N00559100091
The active stability control (ASC) takes overall control of the
anti-lock braking system, traction control function and skid
control function to help maintain the vehicle’s control and trac-
tion. Please read this section in conjunction with the page on
the anti-lock braking system, traction control function and skid
control function.
Anti-lock braking system → P. 3 - 1 3 5
Traction control function → P. 3 - 1 4 0
Skid control function → P. 3 - 1 4 0
WA R N I N G
!

Never turn off the engine while the vehicle is mov-
ing, or your ability to steer the vehicle may be seri-
ously reduced.CAUTION
!

Do not leave the steering wheel turned all the way in
one direction. This can cause damage to the power
steering system.
CAUTION
!

Do not over-rely on the ASC. Even the ASC cannot
prevent the natural laws of physics from acting on
the vehicle. This system, 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. It is the driver’s
responsibillty to drive carefully, This means taking
into account the traffic, road and environmental
conditions.


Be sure to use the same specified type and size of tire
on all four wheels. Otherwise, the ASC may not
work properly.


Do not install any aftermarket limited-slip differen-
tial (LSD) on your vehicle. The ASC may stop func-
tioning properly.
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3-140 Features and controls
3
NOTE

An operation noise may be emitted from the engine com-
partment in the following situations. The sound is associ-
ated with checking the operations of the ASC. At this
time, you may feel a shock from the brake pedal if you
depress it. These do not indicate a malfunction.
 When the ignition switch is set to the “ON” position.
 When the vehicle is driven for a while after the engine is
turned on.


When the ASC is activated, you may feel a vibration in
the vehicle body or hear a whining sound from the engine
compartment.
This indicates that the system is operating normally. It
does not indicate a malfunction.


When the anti-lock braking system warning light is illu-
minated, the ASC is not active.
Traction control function
N00559200047
On slippery surfaces, the traction control function prevents the
drive wheels from spinning excessive, thus helping the vehicle
to start moving from a stopped condition. It also provides suffi-
cient driving force and steering performance as the vehicle
turns while pressing the acceleration pedal.Skid control function
N00546800023
The skid control function is designed to help the driver main-
tain control of the vehicle on slippery roads or during rapid
steering maneuvers. It works by controlling the engine output
and the brake on each wheel.NOTE

The skid control function operates at speeds of about 9
mph (15 km/h) or higher.
CAUTION
!

When driving a vehicle on a snowy or icy road, be
sure to install snow tires and drive the vehicle at
moderate speeds.
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Features and controls
3-141
3
“ASC OFF” switch
N00559400140
The ASC is automatically activated when the ignition switch is
turned to the “ON” position. You can deactivate the system by
pressing down the “ASC OFF” switch for 3 seconds or longer.
When the ASC is deactivated, the display will be illumi-
nated. To reactivate the ASC, momentarily press the “ASC
OFF” switch ; the display is turned off.
NOTE

Using the “ASC OFF” switch turns off both the skid con-
trol function and the traction control function.


When moving out of mud, sand or fresh snow, pressing
the accelerator pedal may not allow the engine speed to
increase. In such situations, temporarily turning off ASC
with the “ASC OFF” switch will make it easier to move
out your vehicle.


If you continue to press the “ASC OFF” switch after the
ASC is turned off, the “mistaken operation protection
function” will activate and the ASC will turn back on.
CAUTION
!

For safety reasons, the “ASC OFF” switch should be
operated when your vehicle is stopped.


Be sure to keep the ASC on while driving in normal
circumstances.
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3-142 Features and controls
3
ASC operation display, ASC OFF display or ASC
indicator
(if so equipped)
N00546500059
Indicator (if so equipped)
Display type 1
Display type 2
NOTE

The display may come on when you start the engine.
This means that the battery voltage momentarily dropped
when the engine was started. It does not indicate a mal-
function, provided that the display goes out immediately.


When 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 display will blink.
-ASC operation display
When the ASC is operating, the information screen in the
multi-information display will change and the ASC opera-
tion display will blink.
-ASC OFF display
The display is displayed when the ASC has been deac-
tivated with the “ASC OFF” switch.
-ASC indicator (if so equipped)
Indicator blinks when the ASC is operating.
CAUTION
!

When display blinks, ASC is operating, which
means that the road is slippery or that your vehicle’s
wheels are beginning to slip. If this happens, drive
slower.


If the temperature in the braking system continues
to increase due to continuous brake control on a
slippery road surface, the display will blink. To
prevent the brake system from overheating, the
brake control of the traction control function will be
temporarily suspended. The engine control of the
traction control function and normal brake opera-
tion will not be affected. Park your vehicle in a safe
place. When the temperature in the braking system
has come down, the display will be turned off and
the traction control function will start operating
again.
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