
WARNINGlWhen attempting to rock your vehicle out
of  a  stuck  position,  be  sure  that  the  area
around  the  vehicle  is  clear  of  people  and
physical objects. The rocking motion may
cause  the  vehicle  to  suddenly  launch  for-
ward or backward, causing injury or dam-
age to nearby people or objects.
NOTE
l Avoid sudden braking, acceleration, and turn-
ing;  such  operations  could  result  in  the  vehi-
cle becoming stuck.
l If the vehicle becomes stuck in sandy or mud-
dy roads, it can often be moved a rocking mo-
tion. Move the selector lever rhythmically be-
tween  the  “D”  (DRIVE)  and  “R”  (RE-
VERSE) position (with M/T, between 1 st
 and
Reverse),  while  applying  slight  pressure  to
the accelerator pedal.
l It  is  recommended  to  start  the  vehicle  with
parking  brake  partially,  but  not  completely,
applied  by  slightly  pulling  the  parking  brake
lever.
After the vehicle has become free, do not for-
get to release the parking brake.
l If it is necessary to drive in extremely muddy
conditions,  the  use  of  tyre  chains  is  recom-
mended. Because the extent of muddy condi-
tions  is  difficult  to  judge  and  the  vehicle
could become bogged down very deeply, op-
eration  should  be  at  a  low  speed.  If  possible,
get  out  of  the  vehicle  and  check  the  condi-
tions ahead before proceeding.
l Driving  over  roads  in  coastal  areas  or  roads
on  which  anti-skid  preparations  have  been
spread  can  cause  rust  on  the  vehicle;  wash
the vehicle thoroughly as soon as possible af-
ter such use.
Climbing sharp grades
Set the transfer shift lever to “4L” position (easy se-
lect  4WD),  “4LLc”  position  (super  select  4WD)  to
maximize the engine torque.WARNINGl Go  straight  up.  Do  not  try  to  traverse
across a steep slope.
l If  you  begin  to  lose  traction,  ease  off  the
accelerator  pedal  and  gently  turn  the
steering  wheel  alternatively  left  and  right
to regain adequate traction again.
NOTE
l Choose  as  smooth  a  slope  as  possible  with
few stones or other obstacles.
l Before attempting to drive up the slope, walk
up  it  to  confirm  that  the  vehicle  can  handle
the grade.
Descending sharp grades
Set the transfer shift lever to “4L” position (easy se-
lect  4WD),  “4LLc”  position  (super  select  4WD),
use  the  engine  brake  (downshifting)  and  descend
slowly.
WARNINGl Avoid  snaking  down  a  sharp  grade.  De-
scend the grade as straight as possible.
NOTE
l When descending a sharp grade, if the brakes
are  applied  suddenly  because  of  an  obstacle
encountered,  control  of  the  vehicle  could  be
lost. Before descending the slope, walk down
it and confirm the path.
l Before  descending  a  grade,  it  is  necessary  to
choose the appropriate gear. Avoid changing
gears or depressing the clutch while descend-
ing the grade.
l MITSUBISHI
 MOTORS   is  not  responsible
to  the  operator  for  any  damage  or  injury
caused  or  liability  incurred  by  improper  and
negligent  operation  of  a  vehicle.  All  techni-
ques of vehicle operation described herein de-
pend on the skill and experience of the opera-
tor and other participating parties and any de-
viation  from  the  recommended  operation  in-
structions above is at their own risk.
Turning sharp corners
When turning a sharp corner in “4H” or “4L” posi-
tion  (easy  select  4WD),  “4HLc”  or  “4LLc”  posi-
tion  (super  select  4WD)  at  low  speed,  a  slight  dif-
ference  in  steering  may  be  experienced  similar  to
as if the brakes were applied. This is called tight cor-
ner braking and results from each of the 4 tyres be-
ing at a different distance from the corner.
The phenomenon is peculiar to 4-wheel drive vehi-
cles.  If  this  occurs,  either  straighten  the  steering
wheel, or change to rear-wheel drive.
Starting and driving
4-39
4    

Crossing a stream
4-wheel  drive  vehicles  are  not  necessarily  water-
proof.  If  the  electrical  circuits  become  wet,  further
operation  of  the  vehicle  will  be  impossible;  there-
fore,  avoid  crossing  streams  unless  absolutely  nec-
essary.  If  crossing  a  stream  is  unavoidable,  use  the
following procedure: 1.Check  depths  of  a  stream  and  geographical
features  before  attempting  to  cross  a  stream
and ford the stream where the water is as shal-
low as practicable.
2. Set  the  transfer  shift  lever  to  “4L”  position
(easy select 4WD), “4LLc” position (super se-
lect 4WD).
3. Drive  slowly  at  a  speed  of  approximately
5  km/h  (3  mph)  to  avoid  splashing  too  much
water.CAUTIONl Never  cross  a  stream  where  the  water  is
deep.
Do  not  change  gears  while  crossing  the
stream.
Frequent crossing of streams can adverse-
ly affect the life span of the vehicle; we rec-
ommend  you  to  take  the  necessary  meas-
ures to prepare, inspect, and repair the ve-
hicle.
After crossing a stream, apply the brakes to be sure
they are functioning properly. If the brakes are wet
and not functioning properly, dry them out by driv-
ing slowly while lightly depressing the brake pedal.
Inspect each part of the vehicle carefully.
Inspection and maintenance
following rough road operation E00606700048
After  operating  the  vehicle  in  rough  road  condi-
tions,  be  sure  to  perform  the  following  inspection
and maintenance procedures:
l Check that the vehicle has not been damaged
by rocks, gravel, etc.
l Carefully wash the vehicle with water.
After  washing,  drive  the  vehicle  slowly
while lightly depressing the brake pedal in or-
der  to  dry  out  the  brakes.  If  the  brakes  still
do not function properly, we recommend you
to have the brakes checked as soon as possible.
l Remove  the  insects,  dried  grass,  etc.  clog-
ging the radiator core.
l After  crossing  a  stream,  be  sure  to  have  the
following items inspected at a  MITSUBISHI
MOTORS  Authorized Service Point and take
the necessary measures. •Check the brake system and, if necessary,
have it serviced.
• Check  the  engine,  transmission,  transfer,
and differential oil or grease level and tur-
bidity. If the oil or grease is milky, it indi-
cates  water  contamination.  Replace  it
with new oil or grease.
• Grease the propeller shaft.
• Check the inside of the vehicle. If ingress
of water is found, dry the carpet etc.
• Inspect  the  headlamps.  If  the  headlamp
bulb  is  flooded  with  water,  we  recom-
mend you to have it drained.Cautions on handling of 4-wheel
drive vehicles E00606800368
Tyres and wheels
Since  the  driving  torque  can  be  applied  to  the  4
wheels,  the  performance  of  the  vehicle  when  oper-
ating in 4-wheel drive is greatly affected by the con-
dition of the tyres.
 
Pay close attention to the tyres.
l Install  specified  tyres  on  all  wheels.  Refer  to
“Tyres and wheels” on page 9-17.
l Be  sure  to  fit  all  4  tyres  and  wheels  of  the
same size and type.
When  replacement  of  any  of  the  tyres  or
wheels is necessary, replace all of them.
l All  tyres  should  be  rotated  whenever  the
wear  difference  between  the  front  and  rear
tyres is recognizable.
Good  vehicle  performance  cannot  be  expected  if
there is a difference in wear between tyres. Refer to
“Tyre rotation” on page 8-13.
l Check the tyre inflation pressure regularly.
Starting and driving
4-40
4  

Limited-slip differential*E00606900037
A  limited-slip  differential  is  applied  for  the  rear
wheel differential only. The features of this limited-
slip differential are described below:
 
Just  as  with  a  conventional  differential,  the  wheel
on  one  side  is  allowed  to  turn  at  a  different  speed
from  the  wheel  on  the  other  side  when  the  vehicle
is  cornering.  The  difference  between  the  limited-
slip  differential  and  a  conventional  differential  is
that if the wheel on one side of the vehicle loses trac-
tion,  a  greater  amount  of  torque  is  applied  to  the
wheel on the other side to improve traction.
NOTE l Even if there is a difference in the amount of
traction  the  wheels  can  get,  if  both  of  them
are spinning, the limited-slip differential will
not be effective.CAUTIONl Never  start  the  engine  while  one  of  the
rear  wheels  is  jacked  up  and  the  other  in
contact  with  the  ground;  doing  so  may
cause the vehicle to jump forward.
l When  attempting  to  extract  the  vehicle
from  snow,  mud,  etc.,  and  the  engine  is
run  continuously  at  high  speed,  the  limi-
ted-slip  differential  will  be  adversely  af-
fected.Braking E00607001494
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.  Refer  to  “Brake  warn-
ing lamp” on page 3-08.
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
4-42
4     

CAUTIONlNever  install  a  limited-slip  differential,
which  is  not  a  MITSUBISHI MOTORS
genuine  part,  as  the  ABS  may  not  func-
tion normally.
We  recommend  you  to  consult  a
MITSUBISHI  MOTORS   Authorized
Service Point.ABS warning lamp E00607201164
The ABS warning lamp should illuminate when the
ignition  switch  is  turned  “ON”,  and  should  go  off
in a few seconds.
CAUTIONl If  the  warning  lamp  stays  on  or  does  not
illuminate when you start the vehicle, it in-
dicates  that  the  ABS  is  not  functioning
and  that  only  the  standard  brake  system
is in operation. (In this condition the stand-
ard hydraulic brake system will still func-
tion.) We recommend you to have your ve-
hicle inspected as soon as possible.
NOTE
l On  vehicles  with  the  rear  differential  lock,
ABS  and  the  active  stability  &  traction  con-
trol  (ASTC)  functions  are  suspended  while
the rear differential lock is activated.
ASTC indication lamp, Active Stability Con-
trol function OFF indication lamp, ABS warn-
ing lamp and brake warning lamp are illumi-
nated while these functions are suspended.
It does not indicate a problem. When the rear
differential  lock  is  disengaged,  these  lamps
go out and function again.
Refer to “ ASTC indication lamp, ASTC OFF
indication lamp” on page 4-47.
l On  vehicles  with  rear  differential  lock,  ABS
functionality is suspended while the rear dif-
ferential lock is operating.
The  ABS  warning  lamp  is  illuminated  while
ABS  functionality  is  suspended.  It  does  not
indicate  a  problem.  When  the  rear  differen-
tial  lock  is  disengaged,  the  ABS  warning
lamp goes off and the ABS functions again.
Refer  to  “Rear  differential  lock”  on  page
4-34.
If the warning lamp illuminates while
driving E00607300663
If only the ABS warning lamp illuminates l Avoid  hard  braking  and  high-speed  driving.
Stop the vehicle in a safe place.
Restart  the  engine  and  check  to  see  whether
the  lamp  goes  out  after  a  few  minutes  driv-
ing;  if  it  then  remains  off  during  driving,
there is no problem.
However, if the lamp does not go out, or if it
lights  up  again  when  the  vehicle  is  driven,
we  recommend  you  to  have  the  vehicle
checked as soon as possible.
l The  ABS  warning  lamp  can  illuminate  if  the
battery  voltage  is  insufficient  when  the  en-
gine  is  started.  In  this  case,  it  does  not  indi-
cate an ABS fault.
Charge  the  battery  by  allowing  the  engine  to
idle for a while.
If  the  battery  has  been  charged  but  the  ABS
warning lamp continues to illuminate or illu-
minates  intermittently,  have  the  vehicle  in-
spected.
If the ABS warning lamp and brake warning
lamp illuminate at the same time
l The  ABS  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 a
MITSUBISHI MOTORS  Authorized Service
Point.
Starting and driving
4-44
4    

NOTEl Immediately  after  the  vehicle  starts  moving
after engine start up, a whining sound of a mo-
tor  will  be  heard  from  the  engine  compart-
ment.  If  the  brake  pedal  is  depressed  at  that
moment, you can feel the brake pedal pulsat-
ing.
This pulsation is due to the self-diagnosis op-
eration  of  the  ABS  and  does  not  indicate  a
malfunction.
l After  driving  on  snowy  roads,  remove  any
snow  and  ice  which  may  have  become  ad-
hered to the wheel areas.
When  doing  this,  be  careful  not  to  damage
the wheel speed sensors (A) and cables loca-
ted  at  each  wheel  on  vehicles  equipped  with
an ABS.FrontRear
l The ABS becomes operative after the vehicle
has accelerated to a speed in excess of approx-
imately  10  km/h  (6  mph).  It  stops  operating
when  the  vehicle  decelerates  to  a  speed  be-
low approximately 7 km/h (4 mph).
Power steering system E00607400071
When the engine is stopped, the power steering sys-
tem will not function and it will require greater man-
ual  effort  to  operate  the  steering  wheel.  Keep  this
in mind in particular when towing the vehicle. Nev-
er turn off the engine while driving.
Periodically check the power steering fluid level.CAUTIONl Do not hold the steering wheel in the fully
turned  position  (either  left  or  right),  for
longer than 10 seconds.
This can cause damage to the power steer-
ing system.
Starting and driving
4-45
4  

Active Stability & TractionControl (ASTC)* E00616700344
The  active  stability  &  traction  control  (ASTC)
takes  overall  control  of  the  anti-lock  brake  system,
traction  control  function  and  Active  Stability  Con-
trol  function  to  help  maintain  the  vehicle’s  control
and traction. Please read this section in conjunction
with  the  page  on  the  anti-lock  brake  system,  trac-
tion  control  function  and  Active  Stability  Control
function.
 
Anti-lock brake system (ABS)  ® p. 4-43
Active Traction Control function  ® p. 4-47
Active Stability Control function  ® p. 4-46CAUTIONl Do  not  over-rely  on  the  ASTC.  This  sys-
tem, like any other system, has limits and
cannot  help  you  to  maintain  traction  and
control  of  the  vehicle  in  all  circumstan-
ces.  Reckless  driving  may  lead  to  acci-
dents.  Always  drive  carefully,  taking  into
account the traffic, road and environmen-
tal conditions.
l Be sure to use the same specified type and
size of tyre on all 4 wheels. Otherwise, the
ASTC may not work correctly.
NOTE
l After  your  vehicle  is  driven  a  short  distance
after starting the engine, a click is heard from
the engine compartment; however, this is on-
ly the sound of ASTC being checked.
l Some  vibration  will  be  felt  in  the  vehicle
body and a whining sound of a motor will be
heard  from  the  engine  compartment  when
the  ASTC  functions.  This  is  a  normal  result
of the ASTC operation, and does not indicate
a malfunction.
l The  ASTC  does  not  operate  while  the  ABS
warning lamp is illuminated.
l On  vehicles  with  the  rear  differential  lock,
the  ASTC  and  ABS  functions  are  suspended
while  the  rear  differential  lock  is  activated.
ASTC  indication  lamp,  ASTC  OFF  indica-
tion lamp and ABS warning lamp are illumi-
nated while these functions are suspended. It
does  not  indicate  a  problem.  When  the  rear
differential  lock  is  disengaged,  these  lamps
go out and function again.
Refer  to  “ABS  warning  lamp”  on  page  4-44,
“ ASTC  indication  lamp,  ASTC  OFF  indica-
tion lamp” on page 4-47.Driving hints E00616800039
When  extricating  the  vehicle  from  mud,  sand  or
fresh  snow,  you  may  find  that  operation  of  the
ASTC  prevents  the  engine  speed  from  increasing
in  response  to  depression  of  the  accelerator  pedal.
If  this  happens  and  the  vehicle  remains  stuck  as  a
result, deactivate the ASC function by pressing the
“ASC OFF” switch. The vehicle will then be easier
to  extricate.  (Brake  control  of  the  ATC  function  is
still working to prevent wheel spins when the ASC
function is deactivated by pressing the “ASC OFF”
switch.)
Active Stability Control function E00616900056
The  Active  Stability  Control  function  is  designed
to  improve  the  vehicle’s  stability  by  restraining  its
tendency to slip sideways (for example, when round-
ing a curve in slippery conditions, or when the driv-
er takes rapid steering action to avoid an obstacle).
It works by controlling the engine output and brake
on each wheel.
NOTE l On  vehicles  with  the  rear  differential  lock,
the  Active  Stability  Control  function  does
not  operate  when  the  rear  differential  lock  is
activated.
Starting and driving
4-46
4  

CAUTION•If  the  temperature  in  the  braking  sys-
tem  continues  to  increase  due  to  con-
tinuous  brake  control  on  a  slippery
road  surface,  the 
  indication  lamp
will  illuminate,  and  operation  of  the
Active  Stability  Control  function  and
active traction control function will be
suspended  to  protect  the  brake  sys-
tem.  (Normal  operation  of  the  vehicle
will  not  be  affected.)  Park  your  vehi-
cle in a safe place. When the tempera-
ture  in  the  braking  system  has  come
down,  the 
  indication  lamp  will  go
off  and  the  Active  Stability  Control
function  and  active  traction  control
function will start operating again.
• If  the 
  indication  lamp  does  not  go
out  even  though  the  above  procedure
is  followed,  there  could  be  a  problem
in the system.
Stop  the  engine  and  start  the  engine
again  and  check  whether  the 
  indi-
cation  lamp  goes  out.  If  the  indication
lamp  goes  out,  there  is  no  abnormal
condition.
If  the 
  indication  lamp  illuminates
even  after  your  vehicle  is  driven  a
short  distance  after  restarting  the  en-
gine, we recommend you to have your
vehicle checked as soon as possible.
CAUTIONl If  the  vehicle  is  towed  with  the  ignition
switch  in  the  “ON”  position  and  only  the
front  wheels  or  only  the  rear  wheels
raised  off  the  ground,  the  ASTC  may  op-
erate, resulting in an accident. When tow-
ing  the  vehicle  with  the  front  wheels
raised,  keep  the  ignition  switch  in  the
“LOCK”  or  “ACC”  position.  When  tow-
ing  the  vehicle  with  the  rear  wheels
raised,  keep  the  ignition  switch  in  the
“ACC” position.
Refer to “Towing” on page 6-20.Cruise control* E00609100779
Cruise control is an automatic speed control system
that  keeps  a  set  speed.  It  can  be  activated  at  about
40 km/h (25 mph) or more.CAUTIONl When  you  do  not  wish  to  drive  at  a  set
speed, turn off the cruise control for safety.
l Do  not  use  cruise  control  when  driving
conditions  will  not  allow  you  to  stay  at
the  same  speed,  such  as  in  heavy  traffic
or  on  roads  that  are  winding,  icy,  snow-
covered,  wet,  slippery,  on  a  steep  down-
hill slope.
l On vehicles with manual transmission, do
not  move  the  gearshift  lever  to  the  “N”
(Neutral)  position  while  driving  at  a  set
speed  without  depressing  the  clutch  ped-
al. The engine will run too fast and might
be damaged.
NOTE
l Cruise  control  may  not  be  able  to  keep  your
speed on uphills or downhills.
l Your  speed  may  decrease  on  a  steep  uphill.
You  may  use  the  accelerator  pedal  if  you
want to stay at your set speed.
l Your  speed  may  increase  to  more  than  the
set  speed  on  a  steep  downhill.  You  must  use
the  brake  to  control  your  speed.  As  a  result,
the set speed driving is deactivated.
Starting and driving
4-48
4          

LW/MW/FM electronic tuning radio with CD player*E00708501745
The audio system can be used when the ignition switch is in the “ON” or “ACC” position.A- Display windowB- Audio system
NOTE
l To listen to the audio system while the engine is stopped, turn the ignition key to the “ACC” position.
l If  a  cellular  phone  is  used  inside  the  vehicle,  it  may  create  noise  from  the  audio  equipment.  This  does  not  mean  that  anything  is  wrong  with  your  audio
equipment. In such a case, use the cellular phone at a place as far away as possible from the audio equipment.
l If  foreign  objects  or  water  get  into  the  audio  equipment,  or  if  smoke  or  a  strange  odour  comes  from  it,  immediately  turn  off  the  audio  system.  We  recom-
mend your to have it checked. Never try to repair it by yourself. Avoid continuous usage without inspection by a qualified person.
l The audio system’s control knob can be removed to deter thieves. For details, refer to “Audio system anti-theft feature” on page 5-32.
l The audio amplifier (if so equipped) is located under the front right seat.
Do not subject the amplifier to a strong impact.
It could damage the amplifier or malfunctioning could result.
For pleasant driving
5-13
5