Driving safety
4-17
4
After you’ve loaded your trailer, weigh the trailer and then the
tongue, separately, to see if the weights are proper.
Keep the trailer tongue load at 10 % of the loaded trailer
weight for dead weight hitches. Tongue loads can be adjusted
by proper distribution of the load in the trailer. This can be
checked by separately weighing the loaded trailer and then the
tongue.Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR)The GAWRs are printed on the certification label which is riv-
eted on the door sill on the driver’s side.
Refer to “Vehicle labeling” on page 9-2.Trailer hitchesChoose a proper hitch and ball, and make sure it is installed at a
height that is compatible with the trailer.
Use a good equalizing hitch which uniformly distributes the
trailer tongue load throughout the frame.NOTEMitsubishi recommends that sway control be used when-
ever you are towing, to improve towing stability.
For details, please consult your authorized Mitsubishi
Motors dealer.
Safety chainsA safety chain must always be used between the towing vehi-
cle and the trailer. Leave sufficient slack in the chain for turns.
The chain should cross under the trailer tongue to prevent the
tongue from dropping to the ground in case it becomes dam-
aged or separated.
For correct safety chain procedures, consult your authorized
Mitsubishi Motors dealer.Maintenance when trailer towingYour vehicle will need service more often when you’re towing
a trailer. Refer to “WARRANTY AND MAINTENANCE
MANUAL”. Especially important in trailer operation are auto-
matic transaxle fluid, engine oil, rear axle oil, belt, cooling sys-
tem and brake system. Each of these is covered in this manual.
For details, please refer to the “Vehicle care maintenance” sec-
tion.
Check periodically to see that all hitch nuts and bolts are tight.
WA R N I N G
!If you make any holes in the body of your vehicle for
installing a trailer hitch, be sure to seal the holes
later when you remove the hitch. If you don’t seal
them, deadly carbon monoxide (CO) from your
exhaust can enter your vehicle. Refer to “Exhaust
system” on page 7-34.
CAUTION
!Never tow a trailer without using a safety chain
securely attached to both the trailer and the vehicle.
If the coupling unit or hitch ball experiences a prob-
lem, the trailer may separate from your vehicle.
BK0121600US.book 17 ページ 2010年4月12日 月曜日 午前10時39分
4-18 Driving safety
4
Trailer brakesMitsubishi recommends that any trailer having a total weight
of 1,500 lbs (680 kg) or more be equipped with its own electric
or surge-type brakes.
If you choose electric brakes, be sure they are electrically actu-
ated. Do not attempt to tap into your vehicle’s hydraulic sys-
tem. No matter how successful it may seem, any attempt to
attach trailer brakes to your vehicle’s hydraulic system will
lower braking effectiveness and create a potential hazard.Trailer lightsTrailer lights and equipment must comply with federal, state,
and local regulations. Check with your local recreational vehi-
cle dealer for the requirements in your area, and use only
equipment designed for your vehicle.
Since lighting and wiring vary by trailer type and brand, you
should have a qualified technician install a suitable connector
between the vehicle and the trailer. Improper equipment or
installation can cause damage to your vehicle’s electrical sys-
tem and affect your vehicle warranty.Additional trailer equipmentMany states and Canadian provinces require special outside
mirrors when towing a trailer. Even if they do not, you should
install special mirrors if you cannot clearly see behind you, or
if the trailer creates a blind spot.
Ask your trailer sales or rental agency if any other items are
recommended or required for your towing situation.
Operating hints
Driver preparationTowing a trailer requires a certain amount of experience.
Before setting out for the open road, you’ll want to get to know
your trailer. Acquaint yourself with the feel of handling and
braking with the added weight of the trailer. And always keep
in mind that the vehicle you are driving is now a good deal
longer and not nearly as responsive as your vehicle is without a
trailer.
WA R N I N G
!If you have a rear window open and you tow a
trailer with your vehicle, carbon monoxide gas
which you cannot see or smell could come into your
vehicle. It can cause unconsciousness or death. Refer
to “Exhaust system” on page 7-34.
To maximize your safety when towing a trailer:
• Have your exhaust system inspected for leaks, and
make necessary repairs before starting on your
trip.
• Keep the rear windows closed.
• If exhaust does come into your vehicle through a
window or another opening, drive with your front,
main heating or cooling system on and with the
blower on any speed. This will bring fresh, outside
air into your vehicle. Do not use recirculation
because it only recirculates the air inside your
vehicle. Refer to “Air selection switch” on page 5-
8, 5-19.
BK0121600US.book 18 ページ 2010年4月12日 月曜日 午前10時39分
Driving safety
4-19
4
Vehicle preparationBefore you start, check the trailer hitch, safety chains, tires and
mirror adjustment.TiresBe sure your vehicle’s tires are inflated to the cold inflation
pressure listed in the manual. You’ll find these numbers on the
tire and loading information placard at the sill of the driver’s
door.
Refer to “Tire inflation pressures” on page 7-24.Following distanceStay at least twice as far behind the vehicle ahead as you would
when driving your vehicle without a trailer. This can help you
avoid situations that require heavy braking and sudden turns.PassingYou’ll need more passing distance up ahead when you’re tow-
ing a trailer. And, because the combined vehicle and trailer are
longer, you’ll need to go much farther beyond the passed vehi-
cle before you can return to your lane.Backing upHold the bottom of the steering wheel with one hand. Then, to
move the trailer to the left, just move that hand to the left. To
move the trailer to the right, move your hand to the right.
Always back up slowly and, if possible, have someone guide
you.
Making turnsWhen you’re turning with a trailer, make wider turns than nor-
mal to help prevent the trailer from striking shoulders, curbs,
road signs, trees or other objects.
Avoid jerky or sudden maneuvers. Signal well in advance.OverheatingTowing a trailer puts additional burden on the engine and tran-
saxle, which may cause overheating. Following are some sug-
gestions to reduce overheating:
CAUTION
!Making sharp turns while towing a trailer could
cause the trailer to come in contact with the vehicle.
Your vehicle could be damaged. Avoid making sharp
turns while towing a trailer. Overheating Situation
Solution
Air conditioning on Turn off
Highway speeds Reduce speed
Going up hills Select lower gear
Stop-and-go city traffic When stopped, shift transaxle to
neutral and idle engine at higher
speed
BK0121600US.book 19 ページ 2010年4月12日 月曜日 午前10時39分
4-20 Driving safety
4
When towing at high altitudes, engine coolant and automatic
transaxle fluid will overheat at a lower temperature than at nor-
mal altitudes.
If you turn your engine off immediately after towing at high
altitude on steep uphill grades, your vehicle may show signs
similar to overheating. To avoid this, let the engine run while
parked (preferably on level ground) with the automatic tran-
saxle in “P” (PARK) position for a few minutes before turning
the engine off.
If the needle in the engine coolant temperature gauge
approaches the overheating zone, refer to “Engine over-
heating” on page 6-5.
If the automatic transaxle fluid temperature warning light
illuminates, refer to “Automatic transaxle fluid tempera-
ture warning light” on page 3-42.Driving on hillsReduce speed and shift to a lower gear before you start down a
long or steep downgrade. If you don’t shift down, over using
the brakes can cause reduced brake efficiency.
You can tow in “D” (DRIVE) position. You may want to shift
the transaxle to 3rd gear or a lower gear, under heavy loads or
hilly conditions.
ParkingAlways place chocks or blocks under both the vehicle and
trailer wheels when parking. Apply the parking brake firmly.
Move the selector lever to the “P” (PARK) position. Avoid
parking on a hill with a trailer, but if it cannot be avoided, do so
only after performing the following:
1. Apply the brakes and keep them applied.
2. Have someone place chocks or blocks under both the
vehicle and trailer wheels.
3. When the chocks or blocks are in place, release your
brakes slowly until the chocks or blocks absorb the load.
4. Apply the parking brake firmly.
5. Move the selector lever to the “P” (PARK) position and
turn off the engine.
When restarting out after parking on a hill:
1. Make sure the selector lever is in the “P” (PARK) posi-
tion, and start the engine. Be sure to keep the brake pedal
depressed.
2. Move the selector lever to the 2nd gear, 1st gear or “R”
(REVERSE) position.
3. Release the parking brake and brake pedal and slowly pull
or back away from the chocks or blocks. Stop and apply
your brakes.
4. Have someone retrieve the chocks or blocks.
BK0121600US.book 20 ページ 2010年4月12日 月曜日 午前10時39分
Vehicle care and maintenance
7-41
7
Some fuses may not be installed on your vehicle, depend-
ing on the vehicle model or specifications.
The table above shows the main equipment corresponding
to each fuse.Identification of fuse
6Front fog lights/
Daytime running lights15 A
7 Heated seat 20 A
8 Horn 15 A
9 Engine control 20 A
10 Air conditioning 10 A
11 Stop lights 15 A
12 Trailer 20 A
13 Alternator 7.5 A
14 Hazard warning flasher 10 A
15 Automatic transaxle 20 A
16 Headlight high beam (right) 10 A
17 Headlight high beam (left) 10 A
18 Headlight low beam (right) 10 A
19 Headlight low beam (left) 10 A
20 Tail light (right) 7.5 A
21 Tail light (left) 7.5 A
22 Dome light 15 A
23 Radio 15 A
24
Fuel pump 15 A No.
Symbol
Electrical system
Capacity
25 Front wiper 30 A
26 Radio 40 A Capacity
Color
5 A Yellowish brown
7.5 A Brown
10 A Red
15 A Blue
20 A Yellow
30 A Green (fuse type) / Pink (fusible link type)
40 A Green
50 A Red
60 A Yellow
80 A White
No.
Symbol
Electrical system
Capacity
BK0121600US.book 41 ページ 2010年4月12日 月曜日 午前10時39分
Specifications
9-5
9 Vehicle weights
N01147600728
NOTERoof load is important because it affects the vehicle capacity weight. Refer to “Loading cargo on the roof” on page 4-13.
GVWR: maximum total weight (load) limit specified for the vehicle
GAWR: maximum weight (load) limit specified for the front or rear axle
Seating capacity: the number of maximum occupants
Item
FWD
AW D
Gross vehicle weight rating 5,159 lb (2,340 kg) 5,346 lb (2,425 kg)Gross axle weight
rating
Front 2,745 lb (1,245 kg)Rear 2,800 lb (1,270 kg)
Gross combination weight rating 8,309 lb (3,769 kg) 8,496 lb (3,854 kg)Total trailer weight
Without Towing kit
Trailer without brake 1,500 lb (680 kg)Trailer with brake 2,000 lb (907 kg)
With Towing kit
Trailer without brake 1,500 lb (680 kg)Trailer with brake 3,500 lb (1,588 kg)
Vehicle capacity weight 970 lb (440 kg)Maximum roof load
Without crossbars
Vehicles with
17 inch tires200 lb (91 kg)Vehicles with
18 inch tires100 lb (45 kg)
With crossbars 100 lb (45 kg)
Seating capacity5 persons
BK0121600US.book 5 ページ 2010年4月12日 月曜日 午前10時39分
Alphabetical index
7
Timer function 3-24
,3-26
Timing belt 7-34
Tire pressure monitoring system 3-69
Tires 7-20
Compact spare tire 6-14
How to change a tire 6-12
Inflation pressure 7-24
Maintenance 7-26
Quality grading 8-2
Replacing tires and wheels 7-26
Rotation 7-27
Size (tire and wheel) 9-7
Snow tires 7-28
Spare tire information 6-13
Tire and loading information placard 4-9
,9-3
Tire chains 7-29
Tread wear indicators 7-26
Tissue holder 3-204
Tonneau cover 3-208
Tools 6-8
Storage 6-7
Towing 6-23
Trailer towing 4-15
Transfer oil 7-13
,9-8
Trip odometer 3-78
Turn signal light
Bulb capacity 7-45
Indicators 3-83
Lever 3-157Replacement 7-48
,7-51
V
Vanity mirror 3-195
Vehicle care precautions 7-57
Vehicle dimensions 9-4
Vehicle labeling 9-2
Vehicle preparation before driving 4-3
Vehicle weights 9-5
Vents 5-2
W
Warning lights 3-83
Washer
Fluid 7-14
,9-8
Rear window washer 3-161
Switch 3-161
Windshield washer 3-161
Waxing 7-61
Weights 9-5
Wheel
Specification 9-7
Wiper
Rear window wiper 3-161
Switch 3-159
Windshield 3-159
Wiper blades 7-31
BK0121600US.book 7 ページ 2010年4月12日 月曜日 午前10時39分