2011 MITSUBISHI COLT ESP

The front airbags are designed to deploy when the
vehicle suffers a moderate to severe frontal impact.
A typical condition is shown in the illustration.

The front airbags will deploy if the severity of im-
pact is above the designed threshold level, compa-
rable to an approximately 25 km/h (16 mph) colli-
sion when impacting straight into a solid wall that
does not move or deform. If the severity of the im-
pact is below the above threshold level, the front air-
bags may not deploy. However, this threshold
speed will be considerably higher if the vehicle
strikes an object that absorbs the impact by either
deforming or moving (for example, another station-
ary vehicle, pole or a guard rail).

Because frontal collisions can easily move you out
of position, it is important to always properly wear
your seat belts. Your seat belts will help keep you
in a safe distance from the steering wheel and in-
strument panel during the initial stages of airbag de-
ployment. The initial stage of airbag inflation is the
most forceful, and can possibly cause serious or fa-
tal injuries. Moreover, the seat belts in your vehicle
are your primary means of protection in a collision.
The SRS airbags are designed to provide additional
protection. Therefore, for your safety and the safe-
ty of all occupants, be sure to always properly wear
your seat belts.
The front airbags MAY NOT DEPLOY when…
With certain types of frontal collisions, the vehi-
cle’s body structure is designed to absorb the shock
to help protect the occupants from harm. (The vehi-
cle body’s front area may deform significantly as it
absorbs the impact.) Under such circumstances, the
front airbags may not deploy irrespective of the de-
formation and damage to the vehicle body.Examples of some typical conditions are shown in
the illustration.

Because the front airbags do not protect the occu-
pant in all types of frontal collisions, be sure to al-
ways properly wear your seat belts.Collision with a utility pole, tree or other narrow objectsVehicle slides under the rear body of a truckOblique frontal impactsThe front airbags ARE NOT DESIGNED TO DE-
PLOY when...
The front airbags are not designed to deploy in con-
ditions where they cannot typically provide protec-
tion to the occupant. Such conditions are shown in
the illustration.

Because the front airbags do not protect the occu-
pant in all types of collisions, be sure to always prop-
erly wear your seat belts.Rear end collisionsSide collisionsVehicle rolls onto its side or roof
Seat and seat belts
2-28
2

The side airbags and curtain airbags MAY NOT
DEPLOY when…
With certain types of side collisions, the vehicle’s
body structure is designed to absorb the shock to
help protect the occupants from harm. (The vehicle
body’s side area may deform significantly as it ab-
sorbs the impact.) Under such circumstances, the
side airbags and curtain airbags may not deploy ir-
respective of the deformation and damage to the ve-
hicle body.
Examples of some typical conditions are shown in
the illustration.
Because the side airbags and curtain airbags do not
protect the occupant in all types of collisions, be
sure to always properly wear your seat belts.Side impacts in an area away from the passenger
compartmentMotorcycle or other similar small vehicle collides with the
side of vehicleCollision with a utility pole, tree or other narrow objectOblique side impactsVehicle rolls onto its side or roof
Seat and seat belts
2-31
2

3.Lightly press the multi-information meter
switch while the icon is flashing to change
the display from “---” to “cLEAr”. After this,
the time until the next periodic inspection
will be displayed.CAUTIONl The customer is responsible for making
sure that periodic inspection and mainte-
nance are performed. Inspections and
maintenance must be performed to pre-
vent accidents and malfunctions.
NOTE
l “
---”display cannot be reset when the igni-
tion switch is “ON”.
l When “---” is displayed, after a certain dis-
tance and a certain period of time, the dis-
play is reset and the time until the next peri-
odic inspection is displayed.
l If you accidentally reset the display, we rec-
ommend you to consult a MITSUBISHI
MOTORS Authorized Service Point.Changing the function settings (when
the ignition switch is “ON”)* E00522700146
The multi-information display fuel consumption
unit, average fuel consumption reset mode and
speed reset mode and temperature unit, can be modi-
fied as desired.
CAUTIONl The driver should not operate the display
while the vehicle is in motion.
l When operating the system, stop the vehi-
cle in a safe area.
NOTE
l For vehicles equipped with multi-informa-
tion displays that show figures in miles, the
fuel consumption can only be displayed in
miles per gallon (“mpg”).
Changing the reset mode for average fuel con-
sumption and average speed E00522900281
The mode conditions for the average fuel consump-
tion and average speed display can be switched be-
tween “Auto reset” and “Manual reset”.
1. When you lightly press the MODE/SET
switch a few times, the information display
switches to the driving range display.
2. Press and hold the MODE/SET switch for
about 2 seconds or more to display “A” and
make it flash.
Instruments and controls
3-12
3

CAUTIONFurthermore, the vehicle
should be brought immediately
to a stop in a safe location and
we recommend you to have it
checked. •The brake warning lamp
does not illuminate when
the parking brake is applied
or does not turn off when
the parking brake is re-
leased.
• The ABS warning lamp and
brake warning lamp illumi-
nate at the same time.
For details, refer to “ABS
warning lamp” on page
4-28.
• The brake warning lamp re-
mains illuminated during
driving.
l The vehicle should be brought
to a halt in the following man-
ner when brake performance
has deteriorated. •Depress the brake pedal
harder than usual.
Even if the brake pedal
moves down to the very end
of its possible stroke, keep it
pressed down hard.CAUTION• Should the brakes fail, use
engine braking to reduce
your speed and pull the park-
ing brake lever.
Depress the brake pedal to
operate the stop lamp to
alert the vehicles behind you.Check engine warning lamp E00502601683

This lamp is a part of an onboard diag-
nostic system which monitors the emis-
sions, engine or automated manual trans-
mission control system/AS&G control
system.
If a problem is detected in one of these
systems, this lamp illuminates and a buz-
zer sounds.
Although your vehicle will usually be
drivable and not need towing, we recom-
mend you to have the system checked as
soon as possible.
This lamp will also illuminate for a few
seconds when the ignition switch is
turned to the “ON” position. If it does
not go off after a few seconds, we recom-
mend you to have the vehicle checked.CAUTIONl Prolonged driving with this
lamp on may cause further dam-
age to the emission control sys-
tem. It could also affect fuel
economy and drivability.
l If the lamp does not illuminate
when the ignition switch is
turned to the “ON” position,
we recommend you to have the
system checked.
l If the lamp illuminates while
the engine is running, avoid
driving at high speeds and we
recommend you to have the sys-
tem checked.
During vehicle operation with
the lamp illuminated, the vehi-
cle may not accelerate when
you depress the accelerator ped-
al.
NOTE
l The engine electronic control mod-
ule accommodating the onboard di-
agnostic system has various fault
data (especially about the exhaust
emission) stored.
This data will be erased if a bat-
tery cable is disconnected which
will make a rapid diagnosis diffi-
cult. Do not disconnect a battery
cable when the check engine warn-
ing lamp is ON.
Instruments and controls
3-18
3

Keep the lever in the “” (OFF) position if the
windscreen is dirty and the weather is dry.
Wiper operation under these conditions can scratch
the windscreen and damage the wipers.CAUTIONl With the ignition switch in the “ON” posi-
tion and the lever in the “---” position,
the wipers may automatically operate in
the situations described below.
If your hands get trapped, you could suf-
fer injuries or the wipers could malfunc-
tion. Be sure to turn the ignition switch to
the “OFF” position or move the lever to
the “
” (OFF) position to deactivate the
rain sensor. •When cleaning the outside surface of
the windscreen, if you touch the rain
sensor.
• When cleaning the outside surface of
the windscreen, if you wipe with a
cloth the rain sensor.
• When using an automatic car wash.
• A physical shock is applied to the wind-
screen.
• A physical shock is applied the rain
sensor.
NOTE
l To protect the rubber parts of the wipers, this
operation of the wipers does not take place
when the vehicle is stationary and the ambi-
ent temperature is about 5 °C or lower.
l Do not cover the sensor by affixing a sticker
or label to the windscreen. Also, do not put
any water-repellent coating on the wind-
screen. The rain sensor would not be able to
detect the extent of rain, and the wipers
might stop working normally.
l In the following cases, the rain sensor may
be malfunctioning. For further information,
please contact your authorized MITSUBISHI
MOTORS dealer. •When the wipers operate at a constant in-
terval despite changes in the extent of rain.
• When the wipers do not operate even
though it is raining.
l The wipers may automatically operate when
things such as rain, dust, mud, insects, tree
sap, oil or salt are affixed to the windscreen
on top of the rain sensor or when the wind-
screen is frozen. (Wrong operation may also
occur due to strong electromagnetic waves,
etc.) Objects affixed to the windscreen will
stop the wipers when the wipers cannot re-
move them.
To make the wipers operate again, place the
lever in the “1” or “2” position.
l Contact an authorized
MITSUBISHI
MOTORS dealer when replacing the wind-
screen or reinforcing the glass around the sen-
sor.
Instruments and controls
3-27
3

Economical drivingE00600100763
For economical driving, there are some technical re-
quirements that have to be met. The prerequisite
for low fuel consumption is a properly adjusted en-
gine. In order to achieve longer life of the vehicle
and the most economical operation, we recommend
you to have the vehicle checked at regular intervals
in accordance with the service standards.
Fuel economy and generation of exhaust gas and
noise are highly influenced by personal driving hab-
its as well as the particular operating conditions.
The following points should be observed in order
to minimize wear of brakes, tyres and engine as
well as to reduce environmental pollution.
Starting
Avoid rapid acceleration and sudden starts; such op-
eration will result in higher fuel consumption.
Shifting
Shift only at an appropriate speed and engine
speed. Always use the highest gear possible.
City traffic
Frequent starting and stopping increases the aver-
age fuel consumption. Use roads with smooth traf-
fic flow whenever possible. When driving on con-
gested roads, avoid use of a low gear at high en-
gine speeds.
Idling
The vehicle consumes fuel even during idling.
Avoid extended idling whenever possible.Speed
The higher the vehicle speed, the more fuel con-
sumed. Avoid driving at full speed. Even a slight re-
lease of the accelerator pedal will save a significant
amount of fuel.
Tyre inflation pressure
Check the tyre inflation pressures at regular inter-
vals. Low tyre inflation pressure increases road re-
sistance and fuel consumption. In addition, low
tyre pressures adversely affect tyre wear and driv-
ing stability.
Load
Do not drive with unnecessary articles in the lug-
gage compartment. Especially during city driving
where frequent starting and stopping is necessary,
the increased weight of the vehicle will greatly af-
fect fuel consumption. Also avoid driving with un-
necessary luggage, etc., on the roof; the increased
air resistance will increase fuel consumption.
Cold engine starting
Starting of a cold engine consumes more fuel.
Unnecessary fuel consumption is also caused by
keeping a hot engine running. After the engine is
started, commence driving as soon as possible.
Air conditioning*
The use of the air conditioning will increase the
fuel consumption.Driving, alcohol and drugs E00600200012
Driving after drinking alcohol is one of the most fre-
quent causes of accidents.
Your driving ability can be seriously impaired even
with blood alcohol levels far below the legal mini-
mum. 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 af-
fect your alertness, perception and reaction time.
Consult with your doctor or pharmacist before driv-
ing while under the influence of any of these medi-
cations.WARNINGl NEVER DRINK AND DRIVE.
Your perceptions are less accurate, your
reflexes are slower and your judgment is
impaired.
Starting and driving
4-02
4

CAUTIONlWhen leaving the vehicle, be sure to stop
the engine and remove the key from the
ignition switch. If you were to leave the en-
gine running with the allshift lever in the
“S” (Stand by) or “R” position, the trans-
mission’s creep effect could cause the ve-
hicle to move by itself. Also, the vehicle
could suddenly move if you accidentally
pressed the accelerator pedal when get-
ting back in the vehicle.
NOTE
l Sit in the correct position for driving even if
you plan to move just a short distance. Make
sure you are able to depress the brake pedal
and accelerator pedal properly.
l Reversing involves twisting to look rearward
in a position that makes operation of the ped-
als more difficult. Make sure you are able to
depress the brake pedal.
Braking E00607001801
All the parts of the brake system are critical to safe-
ty. We recommend you to have the vehicle
checked at regular intervals according to the serv-
ice booklet.CAUTIONl Avoid driving habits that cause heavy
braking and never “ride” the brakes by
resting your foot on the brake pedal
while driving.
It causes brake overheating and fade.
Brake system
The service brake is divided into two brake cir-
cuits. And your vehicle is equipped with power
brakes. If one brake circuit fails, the other is availa-
ble to stop the vehicle. If you should lose the pow-
er assist for some reason, the brakes will still work.
In these situations, even if the brake pedal moves
down to the very end of its possible stroke or re-
sists being depressed, keep depressing the brake ped-
al down harder and further than usual; stop driving
as soon as possible and have the brake system re-
paired.
WARNINGl Do not turn off the engine while your ve-
hicle is in motion. If you turn off the en-
gine while driving, the power assistance
for the braking system will stop working
and your brakes will not work effectively.WARNINGl If the power assist is lost or if either
brake hydraulic system stops working
properly, have your vehicle checked im-
mediately.
Warning lamp
The brake warning lamp illuminates to indicate a
fault in the braking system. Read “Brake warning
lamp” on page 3-17.
When brakes are wet
Check the brake system while driving at a low
speed immediately after starting, especially when
the brakes are wet, to confirm they work normally.
A film of water can be formed on the brake discs
or brake drums and prevent normal braking after
driving in heavy rain or through large puddles, or
after the vehicle is washed. If this occurs, dry the
brakes out by driving slowly while lightly depress-
ing the brake pedal.
When driving downhill
It is important to take advantage of the engine brak-
ing by shifting to a lower shift position while driv-
ing on steep downhill roads in order to prevent the
brakes from overheating.
Starting and driving
4-25
4

To listen to the radioE00709000711
1. Press the PWR switch (1) to turn the audio
system on and off.
Press the FM/AM button (3) to turn on the ra-
dio if a CD is being played.
2. Press the FM/AM button (3) to select the de-
sired band.
3. Press the TUNE/SEEK button (4 or 5) to
tune to a station, or press one of the memory
select button (2) to recall a station memo-
rised for that button.To tune the radio E00709100073
Automatic tuning
After keeping the TUNE/SEEK button (4 or 5) de-
pressed until it beeps, release the button, and the se-
lected station reception will start.
Manual tuning
The frequency changes every time the TUNE/
SEEK button (4 or 5) is pressed. Press the button to
select the desired station.
To enter frequencies into the memory E00716100974
Manual setting
You can assign to the memory select buttons (2) a
maximum of 18 stations in the FM band (6 FM1, 6
FM2 and 6 FM3 stations) and 6 stations each in the
MW and LW band. (Stations already assigned to
the memory select buttons are replaced by any new-
ly assigned stations.)
Follow the steps described below. 1.Press either the TUNE/SEEK button (4 or 5)
to tune the frequency to be entered in the mem-
ory.
2. Press one of the memory select buttons (2)
for 2 seconds or longer. The sound will be
momentarily interrupted while the frequency
is being entered into the memory.
The number of the button corresponding to
the entry in the memory and the frequency
are displayed.
3. The preset memory setting is retrieved by
pressing the button and then releasing it with-
in 2 seconds.
NOTE
l Disconnecting the battery terminal erases all
the radio frequencies stored in the memory.
Automatic setting
With the method, all manually set stations in the
band currently selected for reception are replaced
with stations in the same band that are automatical-
ly selected in order of signal strength. The radio au-
tomatically selects 6 stations in the FM band (FM3
station only) and 6 stations each in the MW and
LW band.

Follow the steps described below. 1.With the radio mode selected, hold down the
AM/FM button (3) for 2 seconds or longer.
The 6 stations with the best signal strength
will automatically be assigned to the memo-
ry select buttons (2), with the lowest-frequen-
cy station being assigned to the lowest-num-
ber button.
2. When you subsequently press a memory se-
lect button to select a channel number, the ra-
dio will begin receiving the station assigned
to that number.
NOTE l If you press the AM/FM button (3) for 2 sec-
onds or longer while tuning in the FM1 or
FM2 band, the radio will automatically
switch to the FM3 band, where the automatic
seeking/storing will be activated.
For pleasant driving
5-16
5