2012 MITSUBISHI L200 Owner's Manual (in English)

Rear differential lock*
E00606200115
If
one wheel starts to spin freely and the vehicle be-
comes stuck and cannot be freed even using 4-
wheel drive, the rear differential lock switch (A)
can be used to activate the rear differential lock for
extra traction. Operating the rear differential lock
1. Move
the transfer shift lever to “4L” or “4H”
position (easy select 4WD), “4LLc” or
“4HLc” position (super select 4WD).
2. To activate the rear differential lock, press the rear differential lock switch (1). 3. To
deactivate the rear differential lock, press
the rear differential lock switch (2). CAUTION
l
Operate
the rear differential lock switch
after the wheels are stopped. Operating
the switch with the wheels turning may
cause the vehicle to dart in unexpected di-
rections.
NOTE l The

rear differential lock does not operate
when the transfer shift lever is in “2H” posi-
tion (easy select 4WD), “2H” or “4H” posi-
tion (super select 4WD).
l When the rear differential is locked with the
transfer shift lever in “4L” or “4H” position
(easy select 4WD), “4LLc” or “4HLc” posi-
tion (super select 4WD) changing the shift
lever to “2H” position (easy select 4WD),
“2H” or “4H” position (super select 4WD)
makes the rear differential unlock automati-
cally. The rear differential lock indication
lamp
E00606300350
When

the ignition switch is turned to the “ON” po-
sition, the rear differential lock indication lamp (A)
in the meter cluster illuminates for a few seconds
then indicates the rear differential lock’s operating
status (activated or deactivated).
Easy select 4WD
Super select 4WD Starting and driving
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NOTE
l The
2WD/4WD operation indication lamp al-
so illuminates for a few seconds when the ig-
nition switch is turned to the “ON” position.
Refer to “2WD/4WD operation indication
lamp” on pages 4-28, 4-33.
The status of the rear differential lock (result-
ing from depression of the rear differential
lock switch) is shown by blinking or steady
illumination of the rear differential lock indi-
cation lamp. The operation
state of rear dif-
ferential lock Rear differential lock indication
lamp
Easy select 4WDSuper select
4WD
Rear differen-
tial lock deacti- vated
Switching in
progress
Rear differen-
tial lock activa- ted : Blink
: Illuminate (steady)
: Remain offNOTE
l The indication lamp blinks while the rear dif-
ferential
lock is being switched between its
activated and deactivated conditions. When
the switching operation is complete, the indi-
cation lamp is either illuminated steadily or
not illuminated.
l On vehicles with the active stability & trac-
tion control (ASTC) and anti-lock brake sys-
tem (ABS), the ASTC and ABS functions
are suspended while the rear differential lock
is activated. ASTC indication lamp, ASTC
OFF indication lamp and ABS warning lamp
are illuminated while these functions are sus-
pended. 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 4-45,
“ASTC indication lamp, ASTC OFF indica-
tion lamp” on page 4-48.
l On vehicles with the anti-lock brake system
(ABS), the ABS function is suspended while
the rear differential lock is activated.
The ABS warning lamp is illuminated while
ABS functionality is suspended.
Refer to “ABS warning lamp” on page 4-45.
l If the indication lamp continues blinking af-
ter the switch has been pressed to deactivate
the rear differential lock, hold the steering
wheel in the straight ahead position then slow-
ly depress and release the accelerator pedal
several times.
l If the indication lamp continues blinking af-
ter the switch has been pressed to activate
the rear differential lock, bear in mind the fol-
lowing instructions: Starting and driving
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• 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 E00606400058CAUTION
l
Use
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
E00606500059 WARNING
l If
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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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. WARNING
l 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. WARNING
l 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-wheel drive operation
E00606600920
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 4-41.
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). CAUTION
l
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). CAUTION
l
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. CAUTION
l
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 gaugeapproaches 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 4-19,
4-24. Starting and driving
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WARNING
l When 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. WARNING
l 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. WARNING
l 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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Crossing a stream
4-wheel
drive vehicles are not necessarily water-
proof. If the electrical circuits become wet, further
operation of the vehicle will be impossible; there-
fore, avoid crossing streams unless absolutely nec-
essary. If crossing a stream is unavoidable, use the
following procedure: 1. Check depths of a stream and geographicalfeatures before attempting to cross a stream
and ford the stream where the water is as shal-
low as practicable.
2. Set the transfer shift lever to “4L” position (easy select 4WD), “4LLc” position (super se-
lect 4WD).
3. Drive slowly at a speed of approximately 5 km/h (3 mph) to avoid splashing too much
water. CAUTION
l
Never
cross a stream where the water is
deep.
Do not change gears while crossing the
stream.
Frequent crossing of streams can adverse-
ly affect the life span of the vehicle; we rec-
ommend you to take the necessary meas-
ures to prepare, inspect, and repair the ve-
hicle.
After crossing a stream, apply the brakes to be sure
they
are functioning properly. If the brakes are wet
and not functioning properly, dry them out by driv-
ing slowly while lightly depressing the brake pedal.
Inspect each part of the vehicle carefully. Inspection and maintenance
following rough road operation E00606700048
After

operating the vehicle in rough road condi-
tions, be sure to perform the following inspection
and maintenance procedures:
l Check that the vehicle has not been damaged
by rocks, gravel, etc.
l Carefully wash the vehicle with water.
After washing, drive the vehicle slowly
while lightly depressing the brake pedal in or-
der to dry out the brakes. If the brakes still
do not function properly, we recommend you
to have the brakes checked as soon as possible.
l Remove the insects, dried grass, etc. clog-
ging the radiator core.
l After crossing a stream, be sure to have the
following items inspected at a MITSUBISHI
MOTORS Authorized Service Point and take
the necessary measures.
• Check the brake system and, if necessary,have it serviced.
• Check the engine, transmission, transfer, and differential oil or grease level and tur-
bidity. If the oil or grease is milky, it indi-
cates water contamination. Replace it
with new oil or grease.
• Grease the propeller shaft.
• Check the inside of the vehicle. If ingress of water is found, dry the carpet etc.
• Inspect the headlamps. If the headlamp bulb is flooded with water, we recom-
mend you to have it drained. Cautions on handling of 4-wheel
drive vehicles E00606800368
Tyres and wheels
Since
the driving torque can be applied to the 4
wheels, the performance of the vehicle when oper-
ating in 4-wheel drive is greatly affected by the con-
dition of the tyres.

Pay close attention to the tyres.
l Install specified tyres on all wheels. Refer to
“Tyres and wheels” on page 9-18.
l Be sure to fit all 4 tyres and wheels of the
same size and type.
When replacement of any of the tyres or
wheels is necessary, replace all of them.
l All tyres should be rotated whenever the
wear difference between the front and rear
tyres is recognizable.
Good vehicle performance cannot be expected if
there is a difference in wear between tyres. Refer to
“Tyre rotation” on page 8-13. l Check the tyre inflation pressure regularly. Starting and driving
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CAUTION
l
Always 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 . CAUTION
l
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 WARNING
l 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
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