3-116 Features and controls
3S-AWC (Super-All Wheel Control)
(if so
equipped)N00541300049
S-AWC is an integrated vehicle dynamics control system that
enhances driving performance, cornering performance and
vehicle stability over a wide range of driving conditions. It
does this by integrated controls over the front-rear distribution
of driving torque to the wheels and the left-right distribution of
driving torque to the front wheels.NOTEIf the parking brake lever is pulled up while the vehicle is
moving, the front-rear distribution of driving torque con-
trol will be forced to turn OFF which will allow the rear
wheel to lock easier.
S-AWC control mode
N00542400034
Select the control mode from the following three types to suit
the driving conditions.
CAUTION
!Do not over-rely on the S-AWC. Even the S-AWC
cannot prevent the natural laws of physics from act-
ing on the vehicle. This system, like any other sys-
tem, has limits and cannot help you to maintain
traction and control of the vehicle in all circum-
stances. Reckless driving can lead to accidents. It is
the driver’s responsibility to drive carefully. This
means taking into account the traffic, road and envi-
ronmental conditions.Be sure to use tires that are the same specified size,
type, and brand, and have no difference in the
amount of wear for all four wheels. Otherwise, the
S-AWC may not work properly.
S-AWC control
mode
Operation
TA R M A CNormally, use this control mode. Use this
mode for paved roads.
SNOWUse this control mode when driving on slip-
pery road surfaces, such as snow-covered
roads.
LOCKUse this control mode when driving on rough
roads where tires may slip or when necessary
to get out of mud or deep snow.
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Features and controls
3-117
3
S-AWC control mode-selectorThe control mode can be selected by turning the dial while the
ignition switch is in the “ON” position.
NOTEThe control mode can be changed while the vehicle is
moving.
1- TARMAC
2- SNOW
3- LOCK
CAUTION
!Do not operate the dial while the tires are spinning.
The vehicle might suddenly move in an unantici-
pated direction.Driving on dry, paved roads in “LOCK” mode will
increase fuel consumption and noise, and cause pre-
mature tire wear.When the tires spin, especially if “LOCK” mode has
been selected and the ASC has been turned off, you
may experience strong steering feedback. Grip the
steering wheel firmly.
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Features and controls
3-121
3 4-wheel drive operation
N00530600143
Your vehicle has been designed primarily for use on pavement.
But its unique 4 -wheel drive system allows you to occasion-
ally travel on unpaved roads, to campgrounds, picnic sites, and
similar locations.
Not only does this ensure better handling on dry, paved roads
but also permits better traction when driving on slippery, wet or
snow-covered roads and when moving out of mud.
But it is not suitable for heavy off road use or towing in rough
conditions.
It is particularly important to note that 4-wheel drive may not
give sufficient hill climbing ability and engine braking on steep
slopes. You should try to avoid driving on steep slopes.
Also, you must exercise caution when driving on sand and mud
and when driving through water because sufficient traction
may not be available in certain circumstances.
Please avoid driving the vehicle through areas where the tires
may get stuck in deep sand or mud.
NOTEDriving on rough roads can be hard on a vehicle. Before
you leave the pavement, be sure all scheduled mainte-
nance and service has been done, and that you have
inspected your vehicle. Pay special attention to the condi-
tion of the tires, and check the tire pressures.
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 tech-
niques of vehicle operation depend on the skill and experi-
ence of the operator and other participating parties. Any
deviation from the recommended operating instructions
above is at their own risk.
WA R N I N G
!Do not over-rely on the 4-wheel drive vehicles. Even
4-wheel drive vehicles have limits to the system and
ability to maintain control and traction. Reckless
driving may lead to accidents. Always drive care-
fully, taking account of the road conditions.Improperly operating this vehicle on or off-pave-
ment can cause an accident or rollover in which you
and your passengers could be seriously injured or
killed.
• Follow all instructions and guidelines in the
owner’s manual.
• Keep your speed low and do not drive faster than
conditions.
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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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Features and controls
3-125
3 Cautions on the handling of 4-wheel drive
vehicles
N00530800161
Tires and wheelsSince the driving torque can be applied to the four wheels, the
driving performance of the vehicle when operating in 4-wheel
drive is greatly affected by the condition of the tires.
Pay close attention to the tires.
Install only the specified tires on all wheels. Refer to
“Tires and wheels” on page 9-10.
Be sure all four tires and wheels are the same size and
type.
When it is necessary to replace any of the tires or wheels,
replace all four.
All tires should be rotated before the wear difference
between the front and rear tires is recognizable.
Good vehicle performance cannot be expected if there is a dif-
ference in wear between tires. Refer to “Tire rotation” on page
7-31.
Check the tire inflation pressure regularly.
CAUTION
!Always use tires of the same size, type, and brand
that have no wear differences. Using tires of differ-
ent size, type, brands or degree of wear, will increase
the differential oil temperature and result in possi-
ble damage to the driving system. Further, the drive
train will be subject to excessive loading, possibly
leading to oil leakage, component seizure, or other
serious failures.
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3-132 Features and controls
3
NOTEA whining sound is emitted from the engine compartment
when driving immediately after starting the engine. These
are the normal sounds the anti-lock braking system makes
when performing a self-check. It does not indicate a mal-
function.
The anti-lock braking system can be used after the vehicle
has reached a speed over approximately 6 mph (10 km/h).
It stops working when the vehicle slows below 3 mph (5
km/h).
Anti-lock braking system warning light / display
N00531600586
Warning light
Warning display type 1
Warning display type 2
If there is a malfunction in the system, the anti-lock braking
system warning light will come on and the warning display
will appear on the information screen in the multi-information
display.
Under normal conditions, the anti-lock braking system warning
light only comes on when the ignition switch is turned to the
“ON” position and goes off a few seconds later.
CAUTION
!The anti-lock braking system cannot prevent acci-
dents. It is your responsibility to take safety precau-
tions and to drive carefully.To prevent failure of the anti-lock braking system,
be sure all 4 wheels and tires are the same size and
the same type.
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Features and controls
3-137
3
Traction control function
N00559200021
On slippery surfaces, the traction control function prevents the
drive wheels from spinning excessive, thus helping the vehicle
to start moving from a stopped condition. It also provides suffi-
cient driving force and steering performance as the vehicle
turns while pressing the acceleration pedal.Skid control function
N00559300019
The skid control function is designed to help the driver main-
tain control of the vehicle on slippery roads or during rapid
steering maneuvers. It works by controlling the engine output
and the brake on each wheel.NOTEThe skid control function operates at speeds of about 9
mph (15 km/h) or higher.
ASC OFF switch
N00559400195
The ASC is automatically activated when the ignition switch is
turned to the “ON” position. You can deactivate the system by
pressing down the “ASC OFF” switch for 3 seconds or longer.
When the ASC is deactivated, the display/indicator will turn
on. To reactivate the ASC, momentarily press the “ASC OFF”
switch ; the display/indicator is turned off.
CAUTION
!When driving a vehicle on a snowy or icy road, be
sure to install snow tires and drive the vehicle at
moderate speeds.
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3-138 Features and controls
3
NOTEUsing the “ASC OFF” switch turns off both the stability
control function and the traction control function.
When moving out of mud, sand or fresh snow, pressing
the accelerator pedal may not allow the engine speed to
increase. In such situations, temporarily turning off ASC
with the “ASC OFF” switch will make it easier to move
out your vehicle.
If you continue to press the “ASC OFF” switch after the
ASC is turned off, the “mistaken operation protection
function” will activate and the ASC will turn back on.
ASC operation display or ASC OFF display
N00559500213
NOTEThe combination of items shown on the display varies
depending on the vehicle model.
CAUTION
!For safety reasons, the “ASC OFF” switch should be
operated when your vehicle is stopped. Be sure to keep the ASC on while driving in normal
circumstances.If the ASC is deactivated, the driver may lose their
grip on the steering wheel when the tires spin. Grip
the steering wheel firmly while driving.
- ASC operation display/ASC indicator
The display/indicator will blink when the ASC is operat-
ing.
-ASC OFF display/ASC OFF indicator
This display/indicator will turn on when the ASC is
turned off with the “ASC OFF” switch.
CAUTION
!When display/indicator blinks, ASC is operating,
which means that the road is slippery or that your
vehicle’s wheels are beginning to slip. If this hap-
pens, drive slower.If the temperature in the braking system continues
to increase due to continuous brake control on a
slippery road surface, the display/indicator will
blink. To prevent the brake system from overheat-
ing, the brake control of the traction control func-
tion will be temporarily suspended. The engine
control of the traction control function and normal
brake operation will not be affected.
Park your vehicle in a safe place. When the temper-
ature in the braking system has come down, the
display/indicator will be turned off and the traction
control function will start operating again.
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