
Indication and warning lampsE00501502002
Type 1Type 21.CRUISE indication lamp*  ® p. 4-49
2. Turn-signal indication lamps/Hazard warning indication lamps  ® p. 3-07
3. High-beam indication lamp  ® p. 3-07
4. Front fog lamp indication lamp*  ® p. 3-07
5. Rear fog lamp indication lamp  ® p. 3-07
6. Seat belt reminder/warning lamp  ® p. 2-10
7. Low fuel warning lamp  ® p. 3-04
8. 2WD/4WD operation indication lamp*  ® p. 4-27, 4-32
9. Rear differential lock indication lamp*  ® p. 4-34
10. Check engine warning lamp  ® p. 3-08
11. Diesel preheat indication lamp  ® p. 3-07
12. Oil pressure warning lamp  ® p. 3-0913.
Fuel filter indication lamp  ® p. 3-07
14. Charge warning lamp  ® p. 3-09
15. A/T  (automatic  transmission)  fluid  temperature  warning  lamp  (vehicles
with A/T)  ® p. 4-18
16. Overdrive off indication lamp (vehicles with 4A/T)  ® p. 4-18
17. Selector lever position indicator (vehicles with A/T)  ® p. 4-16, 4-23
18. Brake warning lamp  ® p. 3-08
19. Active  Stability  &  Traction  Control  (ASTC)  OFF  indication
lamp*  ® p. 4-47
20. Anti-lock brake system (ABS) warning lamp*  ® p. 4-44
21. Active Stability & Traction Control (ASTC) indication lamp*  ® p. 4-47
22. Door ajar warning lamp  ® p. 3-09
23. Supplement Restraint System (SRS) warning lamp  ® p. 2-38
Instruments and controls
3-06
3 

Economical driving.......................................................................4-02
Driving, alcohol and drugs ........................................................... 4-02
Safe driving techniques ................................................................ 4-03
Running-in recommendations.......................................................4-04
Parking brake ................................................................................ 4-07
Parking .......................................................................................... 4-08
Steering wheel height adjustment .................................................4-09
Inside rear-view mirror ................................................................. 4-09
Outside rear-view mirrors ............................................................. 4-10
Ignition switch .............................................................................. 4-11
Steering wheel lock ...................................................................... 4-12
Starting..........................................................................................4-13
Manual transmission ..................................................................... 4-14
Automatic transmission 4A/T ....................................................... 4-16
Automatic transmission Sports Mode 5A/T .................................4-20
Easy select 4WD* ......................................................................... 4-25
Super select 4WD* ....................................................................... 4-29
Rear differential lock* .................................................................. 4-34
4-wheel drive operation ................................................................ 4-38
Inspection and maintenance following rough road oper- ation .......................................................................................... 4-40
Cautions on handling of 4-wheel drive vehicles ..........................4-40
Limited-slip differential* .............................................................. 4-42
Braking ......................................................................................... 4-42
Anti-lock brake system (ABS)* ................................................... 4-43
Power steering system .................................................................. 4-45
Active Stability & Traction Control (ASTC)* .............................4-46
Cruise control* ............................................................................. 4-48
Cargo loads ................................................................................... 4-52
Trailer towing ............................................................................... 4-53Starting and driving4 

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    

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        

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          

Brake pedal
While driving at the set speed, use the brake pedal,
which  disengages  the  cruise  control,  then  press  the
“COAST  SET”  switch  (B)  and  release  the  switch
momentarily to set a new desired cruising speed.To temporarily increase or decrease
the speed E00619500154
To temporarily increase the speed
Depress the accelerator pedal as you would normal-
ly.  When  you  release  the  pedal,  you  will  return  to
your set speed.
To temporarily decrease the speed
Depress  the  brake  pedal  to  decrease  the  speed.  To
return  to  the  previously  set  speed,  press  the  “ACC
RES” switch (C).
Refer to “To resume the set speed” on page 4-52.
To deactivate E00609701088
The set speed driving can be deactivated as follows:
l Press the “ON OFF” switch (A). (Cruise con-
trol will be turned off.)
l Press the “CANCEL” switch (D).
l Depress the brake pedal.
The  set  speed  driving  is  deactivated  automatically
in any of the following ways.
l When you depress the clutch pedal (on vehi-
cles with M/T).
l When  your  speed  slows  to  about  15  km/h
(9 mph)  or more below the set speed because
of a hill, etc.
l When  your  speed  slows  to  about  40  km/h
(25 mph) or less.
l When  the  active  stability  &  traction  control
(ASTC) starts operating. (if so equipped)
Refer  to  “Active  Stability  &  Traction  Con-
trol (ASTC)” on page 4-46.
Starting and driving
4-51
4     

The regulations concerning towing may differ from
country  to  country.  It  is  recommended  that  you
obey the regulations of the area where you are driv-
ing your vehicle.Towing the vehicle by a tow truckCAUTIONl This  vehicle  must  not  be  towed  by  a  tow
truck  using  sling  lift  type  equipment
(Type  A)  as  illustrated.  Using  a  sling  lift
will damage the bumper and front end.
l On 4WD vehicles, be sure to shift the trans-
fer shift lever to “2H” position and trans-
port  the  vehicle  with  the  driving  wheels
on a carriage (Type C, D or E) as illustra-
ted.  Never  try  to  tow  with  the  transfer
shift  lever  in  “4H”  or  “4L”  positions  and
with  the  front  or  rear  wheels  on  the
ground (Type B or Type C) as illustrated.
This  could  result  in  driving  system  dam-
age  or  the  vehicle  may  jump  at  the  car-
riage.  If  you  cannot  shift  the  transfer
shift  lever  to  “2H”  position  or  the  trans-
mission  is  malfunctioning  or  damaged,
transport  the  vehicle  with  all  the  wheels
on a carriage (Type D or E) as illustrated.
l If  vehicles  equipped  with  the  Active  Sta-
bility & Traction Control system (ASTC)
are  towed  with  the  ignition  switch  in  the
“ON”  position  and  only  the  front  wheels
or  only  the  rear  wheels  raised  off  the
ground,  the  active  Traction  Control  Sys-
tem may operate, resulting in an accident.
l On  2WD  vehicles,  if  the  transmission  is
malfunctioning  or  damaged,  transport
the  vehicle  with  the  driving  wheels  on  a
carriage (Type C, D or E) as illustrated.CAUTIONl If you tow a vehicle with automatic trans-
mission  with  the  driving  wheels  on  the
ground (Type B) as illustrated, make sure
that  the  towing  speed  and  distance  given
below  are  never  exceeded,  causing  dam-
age to the transmission.
 
Towing speed: 50 km/h (30 mph)
Towing distance: 50 km (30 miles)
 
For  the  towing  speed  and  the  towing  dis-
tance,  follow  the  local  driving  laws  and
regulations.
Towing with front wheels off the ground (Type B)
Place  the  gearshift  lever  in  the  “N”  (Neutral)  posi-
tion  (manual  transmission)  or  the  selector  lever  in
the “N” (NEUTRAL) position (automatic transmis-
sion).
Release the parking brake.
CAUTIONl Never  tow  an  automatic  transmission  ve-
hicle  with  the  front  wheels  up  (and  the
rear  wheels  on  the  ground)  (Type  B)
when the automatic transmission fluid lev-
el  is  low.  This  may  cause  serious  and  ex-
pensive damage to the transmission.
For emergencies
6-21
6