3-102 Features and controls
3
Passing accelerationTo gain extra acceleration in “D” (DRIVE) position (when
passing another vehicle) push the accelerator to the floor. The
automatic transaxle will automatically downshift.NOTE
In sports mode, downshifts do not take place when the
accelerator is depressed all the way to the floor.
WaitingFor 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, place the
selector lever in the “N” (NEUTRAL) position and apply the
parking brake, while holding the vehicle stationary with the
service brake.
Prior to moving off after having stopped the vehicle, make sure
that the selector lever is in “D” (DRIVE) position or Sports
mode position.
ParkingTo 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 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.NOTE
When the warning display and “SLOW DOWN” or the
warning display and “SERVICE REQUIRED” appear
on the information screen in the multi-information dis-
play, there could be a malfunction in the automatic tran-
saxle. Refer to “Automatic transaxle: Warning display”
on page 3-97.
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.
Do not rev the engine unnecessarily while the vehicle
is stationary. Unexpected acceleration may occur if
the selector lever is in a position other than “P”
(PARK) or “N” (NEUTRAL).
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Features and controls
3-111
3
Operation of the CVT
N00560800014
Passing accelerationTo gain extra acceleration in “D” (DRIVE) position (when
passing another vehicle) push the accelerator to the floor. The
CVT will automatically downshift.NOTE
In sports mode, downshifts do not take place when the
accelerator is depressed all the way to the floor.
WaitingFor short waiting periods, such as at traffic lights, the vehicle
can be left in selector lever position and held stationary with
the service brake.
For longer waiting periods with the engine running, place the
selector lever in the “N” (NEUTRAL) position and apply the
parking brake, while holding the vehicle stationary with the
service brake.
Prior to moving off after having stopped the vehicle, make sure
that the selector lever is in “D” (DRIVE) position or Sports
mode position.
CAUTION
!
Before selecting a position with the engine running
and the vehicle stationary, firmly depress the brake
pedal to prevent the vehicle from creeping.
The vehicle will begin to move as soon as the CVT is
engaged, especially when the engine speed or idle
speed is high, or with the air conditioning operating.
Do not release the brake pedal until 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).
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
when the vehicle is stationary.
This can damage the CVT.
Also, when you depress the accelerator pedal while
holding down the brake pedal with the selector lever
in the “D” (DRIVE) position, the engine revolutions
may not rise as high as when performing the same
operation with the selector lever in the “N” (NEU-
TRAL) position.
CAUTION
!
To avoid transmission 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.
Do not rev the engine unnecessarily while the vehicle
is stationary. Unexpected acceleration may occur if
the selector lever is in a position other than “P”
(PARK) or “N” (NEUTRAL).
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3-122 Features and controls
3
Note that the stopping distance required of the 4-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.
Turning sharp cornersWhen turning a sharp corner in “4WD LOCK” or “LOCK”
position at low speed, a slight difference in steering may be
experienced similar to feeling as if the brakes were applied.
This is called tight corner braking and results from each of the
four tires being at a different distance from the corner. The phe-
nomenon is typical of 4-wheel drive vehicles. If this occurs,
either straighten out the steering wheel or change to another
mode.
On snowy or icy roadsSet the drive mode-selector to “4WD AUTO”, “4WD LOCK”
or “SNOW” in accordance with the road conditions, and then
gradually depress the accelerator pedal for a smooth start.NOTE
The use of snow tires is recommended.
Maintain a safe distance between vehicles, avoid sudden
braking, and use engine braking (downshifting).
Driving on sandy or muddy roadsSet the drive mode-selector to “4WD LOCK” or “LOCK” and
then 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.
CAUTION
!
Setting the drive mode-selector to “4WD LOCK” or
“LOCK” position to drive on dry paved road will
increase fuel consumption, with possible noise gen-
eration.
CAUTION
!
Avoid sudden braking, sudden acceleration and
sharp turning. Skidding occurs and control of the
vehicle could be lost.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.
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3-124 Features and controls
3
Driving through water
N00537800085
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
N00530700085
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.
CAUTION
!
Never drive through water that is deep enough to
cover wheel hubs, axles or exhaust pipe. Do not
change the selector lever position 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.
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Features and controls
3-127
3 Service brake
N00517500275
Brake pedalOveruse of the brake can cause weakening, resulting in poor
brake response and premature wear of the brake pads.
When driving down a long or steep hill, use engine braking by
downshifting.
Power brakes
N00517600364
Your vehicle is equipped with power brakes for more braking
force with less brake pedal effort.
Your brakes are designed to operate at full capacity, even if the
power assist is not being used.
If the power assist is not being used, the effort needed to press
the brake pedal is greater.
If you should lose the power assist for some reason, the brakes
will still work.
If the power brake unit or either of the two brake hydraulic sys-
tems stops working properly, the rest of the brake system will
still work, but the vehicle will not slow down as quickly.
You will know this has happened if you find you need to press
the brake down farther, or harder when slowing down or stop-
ping, or if the brake warning light and the warning display in
the multi-information display come on.
WA R N I N G
!
Do not leave any objects near the brake pedal or let
a floor mat slide under it; doing so could prevent the
full pedal stroke that would be necessary in an emer-
gency. Make sure that the pedal can be operated
freely at all times. Make sure the floor mat is
securely held in place.CAUTION
!
It is important not to drive the vehicle with your foot
resting on the brake pedal when braking is not
required. This practice can result in very high brake
temperatures, premature lining wear, and possible
damage to the brakes.
WA R N I N G
!
Never coast downhill with the engine OFF. Keep the
engine running whenever your vehicle is in motion.
If you turn off the engine while driving, the power
brake booster will stop working and your brakes
will not work as well.
If the power assist is lost or if either brake hydraulic
system stops working properly, take your vehicle to
an authorized Mitsubishi Motors dealer or a repair
facility of your choice immediately.
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Features and controls
3-131
3 Anti-lock braking system
N00517900240
The anti-lock braking system helps prevent the wheels from
locking up when braking. This helps maintain vehicle drivabil-
ity and steering wheel handling.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 sit-
uations 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. It 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.
NOTE
A whining sound is emitted from the engine compartment
when driving immediately after starting the engine. These
are the normal sounds the anti-lock braking system makes
when performing a self-check. It does not indicate a mal-
function.
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 3 mph (5
km/h).
CAUTION
!
The anti-lock braking system cannot prevent acci-
dents. It is your responsibility to take safety precau-
tions and to drive carefully.
To prevent failure of the anti-lock braking system,
be sure all 4 wheels and tires are the same size and
the same type.
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3-132 Features and controls
3
Anti-lock braking system warning light / display
N00531600586
Warning light
Warning display type 1
Warning display type 2
If there is a malfunction in the system, the anti-lock braking
system warning light will come on and the warning display
will appear on the information screen in the multi-information
display.
Under normal conditions, the anti-lock braking system warning
light only comes on when the ignition switch is turned to the
“ON” position and goes off a few seconds later.
CAUTION
!
Any of the following indicates that the anti-lock
braking system is not functioning and only the stan-
dard brake system is working. (The standard brake
system is functioning normally.) If this happens,
take your vehicle to an authorized Mitsubishi
Motors dealer or a repair facility of your choice. When the ignition switch is in the “ON” position,
the warning light does not come on or it remains
on and does not go off
The warning light comes on while driving
The warning display appears while driving
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Features and controls
3-133
3
If the warning light / display illuminate while
driving
N00531700516
If only the anti-lock braking system warning light/dis-
play illuminate
Avoid hard braking and high-speed driving. Stop the vehi-
cle in a safe place.
Test the system by restarting the engine and driving at a
speed of about 12 mph (20 km/h) or higher.
If the warning light / display then remains off during driv-
ing, there is no abnormal condition.
However, if the warning light / display do not disappear,
or if they come on again when the vehicle is driven, have
the vehicle checked by an authorized MITSUBISHI
MOTORS dealer or repair facility of your choice as soon
as possible.
If the anti-lock braking system warning light / display
and brake warning light / display illuminate at the same
timeWarning light
Warning display type 1
Warning display type 2
The anti-lock braking system and brake force distribution func-
tion may not work, so hard braking could make the vehicle
unstable.
Avoid hard braking and high-speed driving. Stop the vehicle in
a safe place and contact an authorized MITSUBISHI
MOTORS dealer or repair facility of your choice.NOTE
The anti-lock braking system warning light and brake
warning light illuminate at the same time and the warning
displays appear alternately on the information screen in
the multi-information display.
BK0115300US.book 133 ページ 2009年7月16日 木曜日 午前9時13分