Features and controls
3-91
3
3. Press and hold the brake pedal down with your right foot.
4. Make sure the selector lever is in the “P” (PARK) posi-
tion.
5. Turn the ignition switch to the “ON” position and make
certain that all warning lights are functioning properly
before starting the engine.
6. Turn the ignition switch to the “START” position without
pressing the accelerator pedal. Release the ignition switch
when the engine starts.NOTEMinor noises may be heard on engine start-up. These will
disappear as the engine warms up.Startability of automatic transaxle vehicle and CVT
vehicle with ambient temperature of -22
°F (-30
°C) or
lower
When the ambient temperature is -22 °F (-30 °C) or lower, it
may not be possible to start from a standstill even with the
selector lever in the “D” (DRIVE) position.
This occurs because the transaxle has not warmed up suffi-
ciently; it does not indicate a problem. If this occurs, place the
selector lever in the “P” (PARK) position and let the engine
idle for at least 10 minutes.
The transaxle will warm up, and you will be able to start nor-
mally.
Do not leave the vehicle during warm-up operation.
Using the MIVEC engine (3.0 liter models)The MIVEC engine automatically switches its intake-valve
control between a low-speed mode and a high-speed mode in
accordance with driving conditions for maximum engine per-
formance.NOTETo protect the engine, the high-speed mode may not be
selected while the engine coolant temperature is low. In
such a case, the engine revolutions do not rise to over
5,000 rpm even if the accelerator pedal is depressed.
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3
Passing accelerationTo gain extra acceleration in “D” (DRIVE) position (when
passing another vehicle) push the accelerator to the floor. The
automatic transaxle will automatically downshift.NOTEIn sports mode, downshifts do not take place when the
accelerator is depressed all the way to the floor.WaitingFor short waiting periods, such as at traffic lights, the vehicle
can be left in gear and held stationary with the service brake.
For longer waiting periods with the engine running, place the
selector lever in the “N” (NEUTRAL) position and apply the
parking brake, while holding the vehicle stationary with the
service brake.
Prior to moving off after having stopped the vehicle, make sure
that the selector lever is in “D” (DRIVE) position or Sports
mode position.
Do not rev the engine with the brake pedal pressed
when the vehicle is stationary.
This can damage the transaxle.
Also, when you depress the accelerator pedal while
holding down the brake pedal with the selector lever
in the “D” (DRIVE) position, the engine revolutions
may not rise as high as when performing the same
operation with the selector lever in the “N” (NEU-
TRAL) position.
CAUTION
!
CAUTION
!To avoid transaxle overheating, never try to keep
your vehicle stationary on a hill by using the acceler-
ator pedal. Always apply the parking brake and/or
service brake.Do not rev the engine unnecessarily while the vehicle
is stationary. Unexpected acceleration may occur if
the selector lever is in a position other than “P”
(PARK) or “N” (NEUTRAL).
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3
Passing accelerationTo gain extra acceleration in “D” (DRIVE) position (when
passing another vehicle) push the accelerator to the floor. The
CVT will automatically downshift.NOTEIn sports mode, downshifts do not take place when the
accelerator is depressed all the way to the floor.WaitingFor short waiting periods, such as at traffic lights, the vehicle
can be left in selector lever position and held stationary with
the service brake.
For longer waiting periods with the engine running, place the
selector lever in the “N” (NEUTRAL) position and apply the
parking brake, while holding the vehicle stationary with the
service brake.
Prior to moving off after having stopped the vehicle, make sure
that the selector lever is in “D” (DRIVE) position or Sports
mode position.
Do not rev the engine with the brake pedal pressed
when the vehicle is stationary.
This can damage the CVT.
Also, when you depress the accelerator pedal while
holding down the brake pedal with the selector lever
in the “D” (DRIVE) position, the engine revolutions
may not rise as high as when performing the same
operation with the selector lever in the “N” (NEU-
TRAL) position.
CAUTION
!
CAUTION
!To avoid transmission overheating, never try to keep
your vehicle stationary on a hill by using the acceler-
ator pedal. Always apply the parking brake and/or
service brake.Do not rev the engine unnecessarily while the vehicle
is stationary. Unexpected acceleration may occur if
the selector lever is in a position other than “P”
(PARK) or “N” (NEUTRAL).
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3-122 Features and controls
3
Note that the stopping distance required of the 4-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.Turning sharp cornersWhen turning a sharp corner in “4WD LOCK” or “LOCK”
position at low speed, a slight difference in steering may be
experienced similar to feeling as if the brakes were applied.
This is called tight corner braking and results from each of the
four tires being at a different distance from the corner. The phe-
nomenon is typical of 4-wheel drive vehicles. If this occurs,
either straighten out the steering wheel or change to another
mode.
On snowy or icy roadsSet the drive mode-selector to “4WD AUTO”, “4WD LOCK”
or “SNOW” in accordance with the road conditions, and then
gradually depress the accelerator pedal for a smooth start.NOTEThe use of snow tires is recommended.
Maintain a safe distance between vehicles, avoid sudden
braking, and use engine braking (downshifting).Driving on sandy or muddy roadsSet the drive mode-selector to “4WD LOCK” or “LOCK” and
then gradually depress the accelerator pedal for a smooth start.
Keep the pressure on the accelerator pedal as constant as possi-
ble, and drive at low speed.
CAUTION
!Setting the drive mode-selector to “4WD LOCK” or
“LOCK” position to drive on dry paved road will
increase fuel consumption, with possible noise gen-
eration.
CAUTION
!Avoid sudden braking, sudden acceleration and
sharp turning. Skidding occurs and control of the
vehicle could be lost.
CAUTION
!Do not force the vehicle or drive recklessly on sandy
surfaces. In comparison with normal road surfaces,
the engine and other drive-system components are
put under excessive strain when driving on such a
surface. This could lead to accidents.
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3-124 Features and controls
3
Driving through water
N00537800085
If the electrical circuits become wet, further operation of the
vehicle will be impossible; therefore, avoid driving through
water unless absolutely necessary. If driving through water is
unavoidable, use the following procedure:
Check the depth of the water and the terrain before attempting
to drive through it. Drive slowly to avoid creating excessive
water splashing.
Inspection and maintenance following
rough road operation
N00530700085
After operating the vehicle in rough road conditions, be sure to
perform the following inspection and maintenance procedures:
Check that the vehicle has not been damaged by rocks,
gravel, etc.
Carefully wash the vehicle with water.
Drive the vehicle slowly while lightly depressing the
brake pedal in order to dry out the brakes. If the brakes
still do not function properly, contact an authorized Mit-
subishi Motors dealer or a repair facility of your choice as
soon as possible to have the brakes checked.
Remove the insects, dried grass, etc. clogging the radiator
core.
After driving through water, check the engine, transaxle
and differential oil. If the oil or grease is milky or cloudy
because of water contamination, it must be replaced with
new oil.
Check the inside of the vehicle. If water entry is found,
dry the carpet etc.
Inspect the headlights. If water is in the headlight housing,
have it drained at an authorized Mitsubishi Motors dealer
or a repair facility of your choice.
CAUTION
!Never drive through water that is deep enough to
cover wheel hubs, axles or exhaust pipe. Do not
change the selector lever position while driving
through water.
Frequent driving through water can adversely affect
the life span of the vehicle; consult an authorized
Mitsubishi Motors dealer or a repair facility of your
choice and take the necessary measures to prepare,
inspect, and repair the vehicle.After driving through water, apply the brakes to be
sure they are functioning properly. If the brakes are
wet and not functioning properly, dry them out by
driving slowly while lightly depressing the brake
pedal. Inspect each part of the vehicle carefully.
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3 Service brake
N00517500275
Brake pedalOveruse of the brake can cause weakening, resulting in poor
brake response and premature wear of the brake pads.
When driving down a long or steep hill, use engine braking by
downshifting.
Power brakes
N00517600364
Your vehicle is equipped with power brakes for more braking
force with less brake pedal effort.
Your brakes are designed to operate at full capacity, even if the
power assist is not being used.
If the power assist is not being used, the effort needed to press
the brake pedal is greater.
If you should lose the power assist for some reason, the brakes
will still work.
If the power brake unit or either of the two brake hydraulic sys-
tems stops working properly, the rest of the brake system will
still work, but the vehicle will not slow down as quickly.
You will know this has happened if you find you need to press
the brake down farther, or harder when slowing down or stop-
ping, or if the brake warning light and the warning display in
the multi-information display come on.
WA R N I N G
!Do not leave any objects near the brake pedal or let
a floor mat slide under it; doing so could prevent the
full pedal stroke that would be necessary in an emer-
gency. Make sure that the pedal can be operated
freely at all times. Make sure the floor mat is
securely held in place.
CAUTION
!It is important not to drive the vehicle with your foot
resting on the brake pedal when braking is not
required. This practice can result in very high brake
temperatures, premature lining wear, and possible
damage to the brakes.
WA R N I N G
!Never coast downhill with the engine OFF. Keep the
engine running whenever your vehicle is in motion.
If you turn off the engine while driving, the power
brake booster will stop working and your brakes
will not work as well.If the power assist is lost or if either brake hydraulic
system stops working properly, take your vehicle to
an authorized Mitsubishi Motors dealer or a repair
facility of your choice immediately.
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3
NOTEOnce the brake assist system is operational, it maintains
great braking force even if the brake pedal is lightly
released.
To stop its operation, completely remove your foot from
the brake pedal.
The brake assist system may become operational when the
brake pedal is fully depressed even if it has not been
depressed suddenly.
When the brake assist system is in use while driving, you
may feel as if the depressed brake pedal is soft, the pedal
moves in small motions in conjunction with the operation
noise, or the vehicle body and the steering wheel vibrate.
This occurs when the brake assist system is operating nor-
mally and does not indicate faulty operation. Continue to
depress the brake pedal.
You may hear an operation noise when the brake pedal is
depressed suddenly while stationary. This does not indi-
cate a malfunction and the brake assist system is operating
normally.
Anti-lock braking system
N00517900240
The anti-lock braking system helps prevent the wheels from
locking up when braking. This helps maintain vehicle drivabil-
ity and steering wheel handling.Driving hintsWhen 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 sit-
uations 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. It 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.
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3
If the warning light / display illuminate while
driving
N00531700516
If only the anti-lock braking system warning light/dis-
play illuminateAvoid hard braking and high-speed driving. Stop the vehi-
cle in a safe place.
Test the system by restarting the engine and driving at a
speed of about 12 mph (20 km/h) or higher.
If the warning light / display then remains off during driv-
ing, there is no abnormal condition.
However, if the warning light / display do not disappear,
or if they come on again when the vehicle is driven, have
the vehicle checked by an authorized MITSUBISHI
MOTORS dealer or repair facility of your choice as soon
as possible.
CAUTION
!Any of the following indicates that the anti-lock
braking system is not functioning and only the stan-
dard brake system is working. (The standard brake
system is functioning normally.) If this happens,
take your vehicle to an authorized Mitsubishi
Motors dealer or a repair facility of your choice.
• When the ignition switch is in the “ON” position,
the warning light does not come on or it remains
on and does not go off
• The warning light comes on while driving
• The warning display appears while driving
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