Features and controls
3-35
3
To remove the key
N00550900012
First set the selector lever to the “P” (PARK) position, and then
turn the key to the “LOCK” position and remove it.NOTEThe key cannot be removed unless the selector lever is set
in the “P” (PARK) position.
Key reminder buzzer
N00551000065
If the driver’s door is opened while the ignition key is in the
“LOCK” or “ACC” position, a tone will sound.
CAUTION
!If the engine is turned off while driving, the power
brake booster will stop functioning and braking effi-
ciency will be reduced. Also, the power steering sys-
tem will not function and it will require greater
effort to manually steer the vehicle.
Do not leave the key in the “ON” position for a long
time when the engine is not running. This will cause
the battery to run down. Do not turn the key to the “START” position when
the engine is running. It will damage the starter
motor.
CAUTION
!
BK0121600US.book 35 ページ 2010年4月12日 月曜日 午前10時39分
3-36 Features and controls
3Steering wheel lock
N00512500081
To l o c kRemove the key at the “LOCK” position.
Turn the steering wheel until it is locked.To unlockTurn the key to the “ACC” position while moving the steering
wheel slightly.
NOTEIf the front wheels are turned, the anti-theft lock may
sometimes make it difficult to turn the key from “LOCK”
to “ACC”. Firmly turn the steering wheel to the left or to
the right as you turn the key.
CAUTION
!Remove the key when leaving the vehicle.If your vehicle needs to be towed, turn the key to the
“ACC” position to unlock the steering wheel.
BK0121600US.book 36 ページ 2010年4月12日 月曜日 午前10時39分
Features and controls
3-45
3
Move the selector lever gently between the manual and
main gates and between positions in the manual gate.
Excessive force could damage the selector lever.
When sports mode is selected, the “D” indicator goes out.Sports mode indicator
N00538800024
In sports mode, the currently selected gear is indicated by the
indicator shown on the instrument cluster.
Operation of the automatic transaxle
N00514500304
CAUTION
!Before selecting a gear with the engine running and
the vehicle stationary, fully depress the brake pedal
to prevent the vehicle from creeping.
The vehicle will begin to move as soon as the gear is
engaged, especially when the engine speed is high, at
fast idle or with the air conditioning operating, the
brakes should only be released when 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.
This can damage the transaxle.Use the selector lever in the correct shift position in
accordance with driving conditions.
Never coast downhill backward in the driving shift
position {“D” (DRIVE) or sports mode} or coast for-
ward in the “R” (REVERSE) position.
Engine stopping and increased brake pedal and
steering effort could lead to an accident.
BK0121600US.book 45 ページ 2010年4月12日 月曜日 午前10時39分
3-48 Features and controls
3All-wheel drive operation
N00530600101
All-wheel drive vehicles provide better traction and control
than front-wheel drive vehicles on slippery surfaces (for exam-
ple, snow, sand, mud etc.). However, their capabilities are not
without limits.
When using all-wheel drive on rough roads (snow, sand, mud
etc.), it is important to operate the vehicle correctly.
NOTEDriving on rough roads can be hard on a vehicle. Before
you leave the pavement, be sure all scheduled mainte-
nance and service has been done, and that you have
inspected your vehicle. Pay special attention to the condi-
tion of the tires, and check the tire pressures.
Mitsubishi is not responsible to the operator for any dam-
age or injury caused or liability incurred by improper and
negligent operation of a vehicle. All techniques of vehicle
operation depend on the skill and experience of the opera-
tor and other participating parties. Any deviation from the
recommended operating instructions above is at their own
risk.
Note that the stopping distance required of the all-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.Driving on snowy or icy roadsGradually depress the accelerator pedal for a smooth start.NOTEThe use of snow tires is recommended.
WA R N I N G
!Do not over-rely on the all-wheel drive vehicles.The
all-wheel drive vehicles, 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. Always drive
carefully, taking into account the traffic, road and
environmental conditions.Improperly operating this vehicle on or off-pave-
ment can cause an accident or rollover in which you
and your passengers could be seriously injured or
killed.
• Follow all instructions and guidelines in the
owner’s manual.
• Keep your speed low and don’t drive faster than
conditions permit.
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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
3-57
3 Power steering system
N00518000189
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.
FrontRear
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.
BK0121600US.book 57 ページ 2010年4月12日 月曜日 午前10時39分
3-58 Features and controls
3Active stability control (ASC)
N00505900083
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. Also refer to the following pages on the anti-lock braking
system, traction control function and skid control function.
Anti-lock braking system → P. 3 - 5 4
Traction control function → P. 3 - 5 8
Skid control function → P. 3 - 6 0
NOTEA whining sound may be heard from the engine compart-
ment in the following situations. The sound is associated
with the ASC self-check operations. It does not indicate a
malfunction.
• When the ignition key 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
N00506000036
On slippery surfaces, the traction control function prevents the
drive wheels from spinning excessively, thus helping the vehi-
cle to start moving from a stopped condition. It also provides
sufficient driving force and steering performance as the vehicle
turns while pressing the accelerator pedal.
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
responsibility 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.
CAUTION
!When driving a vehicle on a snowy or icy road, be
sure to install snow tires and drive the vehicle at
moderate speeds.When a tire such as a compact spare tire that is dif-
ferent in size from the standard tire has been
installed, make sure that the traction control func-
tion is turned off.
BK0121600US.book 58 ページ 2010年4月12日 月曜日 午前10時39分
3-60 Features and controls
3
Skid control function
N00506200012
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.NOTEThe skid control function operates at speeds of about
12 mph (20 km/h) or higher.
ASC indicator, TCL OFF indicator
N00506300042
The indicators should illuminate when the ignition key is
turned to the “ON” position, and should turn off after a few
seconds.
If the indicator stays on or does not illuminate when the igni-
tion key is turned to the “ON” position, have the vehicle
inspected by an authorized Mitsubishi Motors dealer or a repair
facility of your choice as soon as possible.
indicator blinks when the ASC is operating.
indicator is illuminated when the traction control function
is deactivated.
BK0121600US.book 60 ページ 2010年4月12日 月曜日 午前10時39分