2011 MITSUBISHI L200 steering wheel

•If the vehicle speed is 12 km/h (7 mph)
or higher, decelerate to a speed of 6 km/h
( 4 mph) or lower. The indication lamp
will illuminate steadily and the rear differ-
ential lock will be activated.
• If the vehicle speed is 12 km/h (7 mph)
or lower, turn the steering wheel from
side to side until the indication lamp illu-
minates steadily. If the vehicle is stuck in
soft ground, make sure the area around
the vehicle is clear then repeatedly at-
tempt to drive forward and backward.
The indication lamp will illuminate stead-
ily and the rear differential lock will be ac-
tivated.Examples of effective use of the rear
differential lock E00606400058CAUTIONlUse the rear differential lock only as an
emergency measure when the vehicle is
stuck and cannot be freed with the trans-
fer shift lever in “4L” or “4H” position
(easy select 4WD) or in “4LLc” or
“4HLc” position (super select 4WD). De-
activate the rear differential lock immedi-
ately after using it.When one of the wheels has fallen in a ditch
When driving on rocky roads
When the vehicle is unable to move because one of
the wheels is suspended in the air.
When getting out of snow
When the vehicle is unable to get going because
one of the wheels is on the snow and the other on a
paved road.Examples of incorrect use of the rear
differential lock E00606500059WARNINGlIf the “4L” or “4H” position (easy select
4WD), “4LLc” or “4HLc” position (super
select 4WD) is selected along with the
rear differential lock, the following phe-
nomena appear and it is very dangerous.
Please be sure to release the rear differen-
tial lock on normal roads.
Starting and driving
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4

WARNING•If the rear differential lock is used by
mistake when driving on a paved
road: With the rear differential lock
on, the power to drive the vehicle
straight ahead becomes very strong,
which may make it difficult to turn
the steering wheel.WARNINGl If the rear differential lock is used by mis-
take when turning a curve or making a
right or left turn at a crossing or the like:
The vehicle is unable to make a turn and
may go straight ahead.WARNINGl If the rear differential lock is used by mis-
take except when making an emergency
escape on snow or frozen road: It be-
comes difficult to make a steady turn.
l In the case where the condition of the
road is different for the right tyre to
drive from the left tyre (such as one tyre
on a paved road and the other on ice), di-
rection of the vehicle may change abrupt-
ly when engine braking or accelerating.
Do not use the rear differential lock ex-
cept when making an emergency escape
on a snow or frozen road, but drive with
4WD.
Starting and driving
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4

4-wheel drive operationE00606600920
By selecting 4-wheel drive, both axles of the vehi-
cle are rigidly connected with each other. This im-
proves the traction characteristics. When turning
sharp corners or moving forward and backward re-
peatedly, however, the drive line is stressed, which
is felt as a braking effect. A 4-wheel drive vehicle
can accelerate more quickly and smoothly.
However, note that the braking distance is not short-
er than that of a rear-wheel drive vehicle.
When using 4-wheel drive on rough roads (snow,
mud, sand, etc.), it is important to operate the vehi-
cle correctly.
NOTE l The driving posture should be more upright
and closer to the wheel than usual; adjust the
seat to a good position for easy steering and
pedal operation. Be sure to wear the seat belt.
l After driving on rough roads, check each
part of the vehicle and wash it thoroughly
with water. Refer to the “Vehicle care” sec-
tion and “Inspection and maintenance follow-
ing rough road operation” on page 4-40.
Driving on dry paved road and highway
Select “2H” position (easy select 4WD), “2H” or
“4H” position (super select 4WD) to drive on the
dry paved road. Especially on dry highway, never
select the “4H” or “4L” position (easy select
4WD), “4HLc” or “4LLc” position (super select
4WD).CAUTIONl Selecting “4H” or “4L” position (easy se-
lect 4WD), “4HLc” or “4LLc” position (su-
per select 4WD) to drive on dry paved
road will increase the fuel consumption
with possible noise generation and early
tyre wear.
It may also increase the differential oil
temperature, resulting in possible dam-
age to the driving system.
Further, the drive train will be subjected
to excessive loading, possibly leading to
oil leakage, component seizure, or other
serious faults.
Driving on snowy or icy roads
Set the transfer shift lever to “4H” or “4L” position
(easy select 4WD), “4H” or “4HLc” position (su-
per select 4WD) in accordance with the road condi-
tions, and then gradually depress the accelerator ped-
al for a smooth start.
NOTE l The use of snow tyres and/or tyre chains is
recommended.
l Maintain a safe distance between vehicles,
avoid sudden braking, and use engine brak-
ing (downshifting).
CAUTIONl Avoid sudden braking, sudden accelera-
tion, and sharp turning; such operations
could cause skidding and spinouts.Driving on sandy or muddy roads
Set the transfer shift lever to “4H” or “4L” position
(easy select 4WD), “4HLc” or “4LLc” position (su-
per select 4WD) and then gradually depress the ac-
celerator pedal for a smooth start. Keep the pres-
sure on the accelerator pedal as constant as possi-
ble, and drive at low speed.CAUTIONl Do not force the vehicle or drive reckless-
ly on sandy surfaces. In comparison with
normal road surfaces, the engine and oth-
er drive-system components are put un-
der excessive strain when driving on such
a surface, and this could lead to accidents.
l If any of following conditions occur while
the vehicle is being driven, immediately
park your vehicle in a safe place and fol-
low these procedures: •The needle in the temperature gauge
approaches the overheating zone.
Refer to “Engine overheating” on
page 6-04.
• Automatic transmission fluid temper-
ature warning lamp comes on.
Refer to “When the A/T (automatic
transmission) fluid temperature warn-
ing lamp comes on” on pages 4-18,
4-23.
Starting and driving
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4

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
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4

WARNINGlDo not leave any objects near the brake
pedal or let a floor mat slide under it; do-
ing so could prevent the full pedal stroke
that would be necessary in an emergency.
Make sure that the pedal can be operated
freely at all times. Make sure the floor
mat is securely held in place.
Brake pads and linings
l Avoid hard braking situations.
New brakes need to be broken-in by moder-
ate use for the first 200 km (124 miles).
l The disc brakes are provided with a warning
device which emits a shrieking metallic
sound while braking if the brake pads have
reached their wear limit.
If you hear this sound, have the brake pads re-
placed immediately.
WARNINGl Driving with worn brake pads will make
it harder to stop, and can cause an acci-
dent.Anti-lock brake system (ABS)* E00607100775
Environmental conditions can have an effect on
braking. During sudden braking when there is
snow, ice, oil, water etc. on the road surface, a skid
may occur. In this situation, steering control and
braking effectiveness is reduced and the stopping
distance is increased. The vehicle may also go into
an uncontrolled spin.
The ABS helps prevent the wheels from locking dur-
ing braking, thus maintaining directional stability,
ensuring controllability and providing optimum
braking force.
Driving hints l With ABS fitted, steering during sudden brak-
ing (when the ABS functions) differs slightly
from when the brakes are not being applied.
Steer the vehicle carefully in these conditions.
l Always maintain the same distance from the
vehicle in front of you as you would for a ve-
hicle not equipped with ABS.
Compared with vehicles not fitted with ABS,
your vehicle may require a longer stopping
distance in the following cases: • Driving on gravel or snow-covered roads.
• Driving with tyre chains installed.
• Driving on roads where the road surface
is pitted or has other differences in sur-
face height.
• Driving on bumpy roads or other poor driv-
ing surfaces.l Operation of ABS is not restricted to situa-
tions where brakes are applied suddenly.
This system may also operate to prevent
wheel lock when you are driving over man-
holes, steel road-work plates, or the vehicle
is driven over steps or level differences in
the road, road markings, or other surfaces
which are difficult for the wheels to grip.
l When the ABS is activated, you may feel the
brake pedal pulsation and hear a characteris-
tic noise. Also at this time, you may feel as if
the pedal attempts to resist being depressed.
In this situation, to let the ABS work for
you, just hold the brake pedal down more
firmly. Do not pump the brake. This pump-
ing will result in reduced braking perform-
ance.CAUTIONl Even the ABS cannot prevent the natural
laws of physics from acting on the vehi-
cle. It cannot for instance avoid accidents
that may result from excessive speed on
bends or following another vehicle too
closely or aquaplaning. It should remain
the driver’s task to observe safety precau-
tions to judge speeds and brake applica-
tions correctly in such conditions.
l Be sure to use tyres of the same type and
size on 4 wheels.
If tyre types or sizes are mixed, ABS may
not function normally.
Starting and driving
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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
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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

“ASC OFF” switch
The Active Stability Control function is automati-
cally activated when the ignition switch is turned to
the “ON” position. You can deactivate the system
by pressing the “ASC OFF” switch when the vehi-
cle speed is below about 40 km/h (25 mph). To re-
activate the Active Stability Control function, press
the “ASC OFF” switch again. It is strongly recom-
mended that the Active Stability Control function
normally be kept activated.Type 1Type 2
NOTE
l If the vehicle speed increases to about
120 km/h (74 mph) with the Active Stability
Control function deactivated, the Active Sta-
bility Control function automatically starts op-
erating. To subsequently stop the Active Sta-
bility Control function, stop the vehicle and
press the “ASC OFF” switch again.
Active Traction Control function E00617000025
On slippery surfaces, active traction control func-
tion prevents the drive wheels from excessive spin-
ning, thus helping the vehicle to start moving from
a stop. It also provides sufficient driving force and
steering performance as the vehicle turns at acceler-
ated speeds.CAUTIONl When driving a vehicle on a snowy or icy
road, be sure to install snow tyres and
drive the vehicle at moderate speeds.ASTC indication lamp, ASTC OFF in-
dication lamp E00617100071
The Active Stability Control function and active
traction control function share the same indication
lamp.
The indication lamps should illuminate when the ig-
nition switch is turned to the “ON” position and
should go off after a few seconds.
If the indication lamps stay on or do not illuminate
when the ignition switch is turned to the “ON” po-
sition, we recommend you to have your vehicle in-
spected as soon as possible.
indication lamp blinks when the Active Stabili-
ty Control function or active traction control func-
tion is operating.
indication lamp is illuminated when the Active
Stability Control function is OFF.CAUTIONl When indication lamp blinks, Active
Stability Control function or active trac-
tion control function is operating, which
means that the road is slippery or that
your vehicle’s wheels are slipping exces-
sively. If this happens, drive slower with
less accelerator input.
l If an abnormal condition occurs in the sys-
tem while driving, the
indication lamp
will illuminate.
In these cases, follow these procedures:
Starting and driving
4-47
4