Features and controls
3-43
3
Selector lever positions (Main gate)
N00514200213
“P” PARKThis position locks the transaxle to prevent the vehicle from
moving. The engine can be started from the “PARK” position.“R” REVERSEMove the lever to this position only after the vehicle has come
to a complete stop.
“N” NEUTRALAt this position, the transaxle is disengaged. It is the same as
the neutral position on a manual transaxle and should be used
when the vehicle is not moving for an extended length of time
during driving, such as in a traffic jam.“D” DRIVEThis position is used for most city and highway driving. Engine
shifting and braking are done automatically as needed, depend-
ing on road conditions.NOTEFor information on manual gate operation, please refer to
“Sports mode” on page 3-44.
CAUTION
!If the light comes on while driving, reduce the
engine speed and stop the vehicle in a safe area.
Then set the selector lever to “P” (PARK) position
and idle the engine until the warning light goes off.
When the warning light goes off, resume normal
driving. If the warning light does not go off, have
your vehicle inspected by an authorized Mitsubishi
Motors dealer or a repair facility of your choice.
CAUTION
!Never shift into the “P” (PARK) or “R”
(REVERSE) position while the vehicle is in motion.
If the lever is shifted into the “P” or “R” position
while the vehicle is in motion, the transaxle may be
damaged.
WA R N I N G
!Never move the selector lever to the “N” (NEU-
TRAL) position while driving since you could acci-
dentally slip it into the “P” (PARK) or “R”
(REVERSE) position, damaging the transaxle.To prevent the vehicle from rolling when stopped on
a slope, the engine should be started in the “P”
(PARK) position, not in “N” (NEUTRAL).Always keep your foot on the brake pedal when the
vehicle is in “N” (NEUTRAL), or when shifting into
or out of “N” (NEUTRAL), to prevent rolling.
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3-46 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.NOTEIn 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, the selec-
tor lever should be placed in the “N” (NEUTRAL) 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.
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.Unexpected acceleration may occur if the selector
lever is in a position other than “P” (PARK) or “N”
(NEUTRAL).
Prior to moving off after having stopped the vehicle,
make sure that the selector lever is in “D” (DRIVE)
position or “Sports mode” position.
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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.
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Features and controls
3-53
3 Service brake
N00517500204
Brake pedalOveruse of the brake can cause poor brake response and pre-
mature wear of the brake pads.
When driving down a long or steep hill, use engine braking by
shifting the transaxle into a lower gear of the sports mode.
Power brakes
N00517600247
Your vehicle is equipped with power brakes for more braking
force with minimal brake pedal effort.
Your brakes are designed to operate at full capacity, even if the
power assist is lost.
If the power assist is lost, the effort needed to press the brake
pedal is greater.
If you should loose 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
depress the brake pedal down further, or harder when slowing
down or stopping, or if the brake warning light comes 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 pad 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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3-54 Features and controls
3
Brake pad wear alarm
N00532500087
The disc brakes have an alarm that makes a metallic squeal
when the brake pads have worn down enough to need service.
If you hear this sound, have the brake pads replaced at an
authorized Mitsubishi Motors dealer or a repair facility of your
choice.
Anti-lock braking system
N00517900224
The anti-lock braking system helps prevent the wheels from
locking up when braking. This helps you keep control of your
vehicle and its direction. 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 to
situations 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. You
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.
WA R N I N G
!Driving with worn brake pads will make it harder to
stop, and can cause an accident.
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Features and controls
3-55
3
Anti-lock braking system warning light
N00531600414
This light comes on in the event of a malfunction in the anti-
lock braking system. It will also come on as a self-check for a
few seconds when the ignition key is turned to the “ON” posi-
tion. Always make sure that the light goes out before beginning
to drive.
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 four wheels and tires are the same size
and the same type.
CAUTION
!If the anti-lock braking system warning light comes
on and stays on after starting the engine or while
driving, it means that the anti-lock braking system is
not working and that only the standard brake sys-
tem is available. (The standard brake system will
still work properly.) If this happens, take your vehi-
cle to an authorized Mitsubishi Motors dealer or a
repair facility of your choice as soon as possible.
or
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3-56 Features and controls
3
If the warning light illuminates while driving
N00531700356
Since there is always a risk of your vehicle becoming
unstable if you apply the brakes suddenly, be sure to brake
gently and do not attempt high-speed driving. Be sure to
stop the vehicle in a safe place. Test the system by restart-
ing the engine and driving at a speed of about 12 mph
(20 km/h) or higher.
If the light goes out, there is no abnormal condition. If the
light does not go out after driving as instructed here, or if
it comes on again, the anti-lock braking system is not
functioning. Only the ordinary braking system is function-
ing. If this happens, take your vehicle to an authorized
Mitsubishi Motors dealer or a repair facility of your
choice and have the system checked as soon as possible.
NOTEAfter your vehicle is driven a short distance after starting
the engine, you will hear a whining sound and the sound
of a motor operating coming from the engine compart-
ment. These are the normal sounds the anti-lock braking
system makes when performing a self-check. It does not
indicate a malfunction.
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 approxi-
mately 3 mph (5 km/h).
After driving on snow or icy roads, remove any snow and
ice which may have be left around the wheels. On vehi-
cles that have an anti-lock braking system, be careful not
to damage the wheel speed sensors (A) or the cables
located at each wheel.
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3-68 Features and controls
3
To deactivate
N00518800510
The cruise control can be turned off as follows:
1. Push the main switch (A) at the end of the lever.
(Main switch OFF)
2. Pull the cruise control lever (B) toward you.
3. By slightly tapping the brake pedal or pressing down on it
to slow your speed.
The cruise control is turned off automatically in any of the fol-
lowing ways:
1. When your speed slows to about 10 mph (15 km/h) or
more below the set speed because of a hill, etc.
2. When your speed slows to about 25 mph (40 km/h) or
less.3. When the active stability control starts (ASC) operating.
Refer to “Active stability control (ASC) system” on page
3-58.
WA R N I N G
!Although the cruise control will be disengaged when
shifting to the “N” position, never move the selector
lever to the “N” position while driving.
You would have no engine braking and could cause
a serious accident.
BK0121600US.book 68 ページ 2010年4月12日 月曜日 午前10時39分