
StartingE00601600404
Tips for starting l Do  not  operate  the  starter  motor  continuous-
ly  for  anything  longer  than  10  seconds;  do-
ing  so  could  run  down  the  battery.  If  the  en-
gine  does  not  start,  turn  the  ignition  switch
back  to  “LOCK”  position,  wait  a  few  sec-
onds, and then try again.
Trying  repeatedly  with  the  starter  motor  still
turning will damage the starter mechanism.
l If  the  engine  cannot  be  started  because  the
battery  is  weak  or  dead,  refer  to  the  “Emer-
gency  starting”  section  for  instructions  on
starting the engine.
l The  engine  is  well  warmed  up  if  the  coolant
temperature gauge needle starts to move (the
engine speed decreases). Extended warming-
up operation will result in excessive fuel con-
sumption.WARNINGl Never run the engine in a closed or poor-
ly  ventilated  area  any  longer  than  is  nee-
ded  to  move  your  vehicle  in  or  out  of  the
area.  Carbon  monoxide  gases  are  odour-
less and can be fatal.CAUTIONl Never attempt to start the engine by push-
ing  or  pulling  the  vehicle.  Especially  the
automatic  transmission,  since  the  struc-
ture is different from a manual transmis-
sion,  it  is  not  possible  to  start  the  engine
by  using  this  technique.  Never  attempt
this  or  it  could  damage  the  automatic
transmission.
l Do  not  run  the  engine  at  high  rpm  or
drive the vehicle at high speed until the en-
gine has had a chance to warm up.
l Release the ignition key as soon as the en-
gine  starts  to  avoid  damaging  the  starter
motor.
l Do  not  stop  the  engine  immediately  after
high-speed  or  uphill  driving.  First  allow
the  engine  to  idle  to  give  the  turbocharg-
er a chance to cool down.Starting the engine E00601701792
1.Insert the ignition key and fasten the seat belt.
2. Make sure the parking brake is applied.
3. Depress and hold the brake pedal.
4. On  vehicles  with  manual  transmission,  place
the  gearshift  lever  in  the  “N”  (Neutral)  posi-
tion and depress the clutch pedal all the way.
On  vehicles  with  automatic  transmission,
make  sure  the  selector  lever  in  the  “P”
(PARK) position.Vehicles with manual
transmissionVehicles with automatic
transmission
NOTE
l On vehicles with automatic transmission, the
engine will not start if the selector lever is in
any  position  other  than  “P”  (PARK)  or  “N”
(NEUTRAL) position.
For  safety,  start  the  engine  with  the  selector
lever  in  the  “P”  (PARK)  position  because  in
this  position  the  rear  wheels  are  locked  in
place.
5. Turn the ignition key to the “ON” position. The  diesel  preheat  indication  lamp  will  first
illuminate, and then after a short time go out,
indicating that preheating is completed.
NOTE l If  the  engine  is  cold,  the  diesel  preheat  indi-
cation lamp is on for a longer time.
Starting and driving
4-13
4   

lWhen  the  engine  has  not  been  started  within
about 5 seconds after the diesel preheat indi-
cation  lamp  went  out,  return  the  ignition  key
to  the  “LOCK”  position.  Then,  turn  the  key
to  the  “ON”  position  to  preheat  the  engine
again.
l When  the  engine  is  warm,  the  diesel  preheat
indication lamp does not come on even if the
ignition key is placed in the “ON” position.
Start  the  engine  by  turning  the  ignition  key
right to the “START” position.
 
6. Operate the accelerator pedal as described be-
low in accordance with the atmospheric tem-
perature  and/or  engine  condition  and  then
start the engine.
l When  the  atmospheric  temperature  is
moderate  or  the  engine  is  warm,  start  the
engine without depressing the accelerator
pedal.
l When the atmospheric temperature is low
and  the  engine  is  cold,  start  the  engine
while depressing the accelerator pedal.Fuel injection amount learning process E00616000028
To  keep  exhaust  emissions  and  engine  noise  low,
the  engine  very  occasionally  performs  a  learning
process for the fuel injection amount.
The  engine  sounds  slightly  different  from  usual
while  the  learning  process  is  taking  place.  The
change in the engine sound does not indicate a fault.
Manual transmission E00602000199
The  shift  pattern  is  shown  on  the  gearshift  lever
knob. Be sure to always fully depress the clutch ped-
al before attempting to shift the lever.CAUTIONl Do  not  move  the  gearshift  lever  into  re-
verse  while  the  vehicle  is  moving  for-
ward; doing so will damage the transmis-
sion.
l Do  not  rest  your  foot  on  the  clutch  pedal
while driving as this will cause premature
clutch wear or damage.CAUTIONl If  the  clutch  is  engaged  suddenly  while
the engine revolution is high, an extreme-
ly large load will be applied instantaneous-
ly  to  the  power  train,  possibly  leading  to
the breakage of that component. Please en-
sure, therefore, that the clutch pedal is al-
ways applied in a slow yet firm manner.
Your  vehicle  has  a  special  feature  to  pro-
tect the power train from damage; the en-
gine is controlled in such a way that exces-
sive  increase  in  engine  revolution  is  pre-
vented in situations where the accelerator
pedal is depressed while the gearshift lev-
er is in the 1 st
 position and the clutch ped-
al has been depressed.
NOTE
l If  it  is  hard  to  shift  into  1 st
,  depress  the
clutch pedal again; the shift will then be eas-
ier to make.
l To  shift  into  reverse  from 
5th
  gear,  move  the
gearshift  lever  to  the  “N”  (Neutral)  position,
and then shift it into reverse.
Changing gears E00610600136
Always take care to change the gear with the vehi-
cle speed matched to the engine speed. Proper shift-
ing will prolong engine life.
Avoid  shifting  down  at  high  speed,  as  this  may
cause  excessive  engine  speed  (the  tachometer  nee-
dle into the red zone) and damage the engine.
Starting and driving
4-14
4    

Transfer shift lever operationE00614900111
The shift pattern is shown on the transfer shift lev-
er knob.The  transfer  shift  lever  should  be  positioned  in  ac-
cordance with the following operating conditions:To shift fromToProcedureVehicles with manual transmissionVehicles with automatic transmission2H4HThe transfer shift lever can be operated while the vehicle is
either moving or stationary.
When the vehicle is not in motion, shift the gearshift lever
to the “N” (Neutral) position before operating the transfer
shift lever.
When the vehicle is moving, and only while it can be
steered straight ahead, release the accelerator pedal before
operating the transfer shift lever.The transfer shift lever can be operated while the vehicle
is either moving or stationary.
When the vehicle is not in motion, shift the selector lever
to the “N” (NEUTRAL) position before operating the
transfer shift lever.
When the vehicle is moving, and only while it can be
steered straight ahead, shift the selector lever to the “D”
(DRIVE) position, and release the accelerator pedal be-
fore operating the transfer shift lever.
4H2H
4H4L
Stop the vehicle, depress the clutch pedal to the floor and
operate the transfer shift lever.
Stop the vehicle, shift the selector lever to the “N” (NEU-
TRAL) position, and operate the transfer shift lever.
If operation is made with the selector lever placed in any
other position than “N” (NEUTRAL) position, a gear
noise may be generated, with a possible failure to shift in-
to a proper gear.
4L4H
Starting and driving
4-26
4 

“4H” ↔ “4L”Transfer shift lever posi-tion2WD/4WD operationindication lamp
 4HDrive mode switching in progress 4L
: Illuminate: Remain off
NOTE
l The  2WD/4WD  operation  indication  lamp
will go out momentarily during shifting proc-
ess  from  “4H”  to  “4L”  or  vice  versa,  as  the
transfer shift lever passes through the neutral
position.
Be sure to operate the transfer shift lever un-
til  the  2WD/4WD  operation  indication  lamp
illuminates again.
l If,  after  a  “4H”  ↔  “4L”  selection  has  been
made,  the  2WD/4WD  operation  indication
lamp remains off and the desired range is not
actually selected, return the transfer shift lev-
er  to  its  previous  position.  Place  the  steering
wheel  in  the  straight  ahead  position,  drive
the vehicle forward, and release the accelera-
tor  pedal.  Next,  hold  down  the  clutch  pedal
(with manual transmission) or place the selec-
tor  lever  in  the  “N”  (NEUTRAL)  position
(with  automatic  transmission)  and  make  the
range selection again.Super select 4WD* E00605700197
Shifting  to  rear-wheel  drive  or  4-wheel  drive  can
be  made  by  operating  the  transfer  shift  lever  (A).
Shift the transfer shift lever to an appropriate posi-
tion according to the road surface conditions. In ad-
dition, the 2WD/4WD operation indication lamp in-
dicates  the  transfer  shift  lever  shifting  state.  Refer
to  “2WD/4WD operation indication lamp” on page
4-32.
Vehicles with manual transmissionVehicles with automatic transmission
Starting and driving
4-29
4        

To shift fromToProcedureVehicles with manual transmissionVehicles with automatic transmission2H4HThe transfer shift lever can be operated while the vehicle is
either moving or stationary.
When the vehicle is not in motion, shift the gearshift lever
to the “N” (Neutral) position before operating the transfer
shift lever.
When the vehicle is moving, and only while it can be
steered straight ahead, and release the accelerator pedal be-
fore operating the transfer shift lever.The transfer shift lever can be operated while the vehicle
is either moving or stationary.
When the vehicle is not in motion, shift the selector lever
to the “N” (NEUTRAL) position before operating the
transfer shift lever.
When the vehicle is moving, and only while it can be
steered straight ahead, shift the selector lever to the “D”
(DRIVE) position, and release the accelerator pedal be-
fore operating the transfer shift lever.4H2H or 4HLc
4HLc4H
4HLc4LLcStop the vehicle, depress the clutch pedal to the floor and
operate the transfer shift lever while keeping the transfer
shift lever pushed down.
Keep depressing the clutch pedal while the 2WD/4WD op-
eration indication lamp continues to blink.Stop the vehicle, shift the selector lever to the “N” (NEU-
TRAL) position, and operate the transfer shift lever
while keeping the transfer shift lever pushed down.
If operation is made with the selector lever placed in any
other position than “N” (NEUTRAL) position, a gear
noise may be generated, with a possible failure to shift in-
to a proper gear.
4LLc4HLc
NOTE
l Shifting  of  the  transfer  shift  lever  between
“2H” ↔ “4H” should only be done at speeds
below 100 km/h (62 mph).
l During  driving,  never  attempt  to  shift  from
“4HLc” to “4LLc”.
l When  shifting  from  “2H”  to  “4H”  in  cold
weather  while  the  vehicle  is  in  motion,  the
transmission  gear  may  make  some  noise.  In
cold  weather,  try  to  shift  the  gear  while  the
vehicle is stopped.l When  the  transfer  shift  lever  is  shifted  from
“4H” to “4HLc” while the vehicle is stopped,
the  2WD/4WD  operation  indication  lamp
blinks while the selection is in process. Drive
slowly  and  normally  after  confirming  that
the  lamp  is  illuminated.  (Refer  to  “2WD/
4WD  operation  indication  lamp”  on  page
4-32.)
l Do not move the selector lever while the 2WD/
4WD operation indication lamp is blinking.
l The  2WD/4WD  operation  indication  lamp
will go out momentarily during shifting proc-
ess from “4HLc” to “4LLc” or vice versa, as
the transfer shift lever passes through the neu-
tral position.
Be sure to operate the transfer shift lever un-
til  the  2WD/4WD  operation  indication  lamp
illuminates again.l There may be a case that the transfer shift lev-
er  feels  heavy  when  it  is  moved  from  “2H”
to “4H” with the steering wheel in turned po-
sition.
This is normal and not any indication of trou-
ble.CAUTIONl Do  not  operate  the  transfer  shift  lever
while  the  rear  wheels  of  the  vehicle  are
slipping on snow or ice.
Starting and driving
4-31
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
4-39
4    

CAUTIONlAlways  use  tyres  of  the  same  size,  same
type, and same brand, and which have no
wear  differences.  Using  tyres  of  different
size,  type,  brands  or  degree  of  wear,  will
increase  the  differential  oil  temperature,
resulting  in  possible  damage  to  the  driv-
ing  system.  Further,  the  drive  train  will
be subjected to excessive loading, possibly
leading to oil leakage, component seizure,
or other serious faults.
Towing
If towing is necessary, we recommend you to have
it  done  by  your  MITSUBISHI MOTORS   Author-
ized Service Point or a commercial tow truck service.
In the following cases, transport the vehicle using a
tow truck.
l The  engine  runs  but  the  vehicle  does  not
move or abnormal noise is produced.
l Inspection  of  the  vehicle’s  underside  reveals
that oil or some other fluid is leaking.
Only  when  you  cannot  receive  a  towing  service
from  a  MITSUBISHI  MOTORS   Authorized  Serv-
ice  Point  or  commercial  tow  truck  service,  tow
your  vehicle  carefully  in  accordance  with  the  in-
structions given in “Towing” on page 6-20 .CAUTIONl Be  sure  to  shift  the  transfer  shift  lever  to
“2H”  position  and  transport  the  vehicle
with  the  driving  wheels  on  a  carriage
(Type A, C or D) as illustrated.
Never try to tow with the transfer shift lev-
er  in  “4H”  or  “4L”  position  (easy  select
4WD), “4H”, “4HLc” or “4LLc” position
(super  select  4WD)  and  with  the  front  or
rear  wheels  on  the  ground  (Type  A  or  B)
as  illustrated.  This  could  result  in  dam-
age to the drivetrain, or unstable towing.
If you cannot shift the transfer shift lever
to  “2H”  position  or  the  transmission  is
malfunctioning  or  damaged,  transport
the  vehicle  with  all  the  wheels  on  a  car-
riage (Type C or D) as illustrated.
Jacking up a 4-wheel drive vehicle
WARNINGl Do not crank the engine while jacking up
the vehicle.
The tyre on the ground may turn and the
vehicle may roll off the jack.
Clutch operation
Quick  or  slight  clutch  engagement  made  while  the
engine  is  running  at  high  speed  will  cause  damage
to  the  clutch  and  transmission  because  the  tractive
force is very great.
Operate the pedal slowly and positively.
Starting and driving
4-41
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