2012 MITSUBISHI L200 brakes

Warning lamps
E00502400017Brake warning lamp
E00502501637
This
lamp illuminates when the ignition
switch is turned to the “ON” position,
and goes off after a few seconds.
Always make sure that the lamp goes off
before driving.
With the ignition switch in the “ON” po-
sition, the brake warning lamp illumi-
nates under the following conditions:
l When the parking brake lever has
been engaged.
l When the brake fluid level in the
reservoir falls to a low level.
l When the brake force distribution
function is not operating correctly.
(vehicles with anti-lock brake sys-
tem) CAUTION
l
In
the situations listed below,
brake performance may be com-
promised or the vehicle may be-
come unstable if brakes are ap-
plied suddenly; consequently,
avoid driving at high speeds or
applying the brakes suddenly.
Furthermore, immediately the
vehicle should be brought to a
stop in a safe location and to
have it checked. CAUTION
• The
brake warning lamp
does not illuminate when
the parking brake is applied
or does not turn off when
the parking brake is re-
leased.
• The ABS warning lamp and brake warning lamp illumi-
nate at the same time.
For details, refer to “ABS
warning lamp” on page
4-45. (vehicles with anti-lock
brake system)
• The brake warning lamp re- mains illuminated during
driving.
l The vehicle should be brought
to a halt in the following man-
ner when brake performance
has deteriorated.
• Depress the brake pedalharder than usual.
Even if the brake pedal
moves down to the very end
of its possible stroke, keep it
pressed down hard.
• Should the brakes fail, use engine braking to reduce
your speed and carefully
pull the parking brake lever
to park your vehicle.
Depress the brake pedal to
operate the stop lamp to
alert the vehicles behind you. Check engine warning lamp
E00502601797
This

lamp is a part of an onboard diag-
nostic system which monitors the emis-
sions, engine and automatic transmission
control systems.
If a problem is detected in one of these
systems, this lamp illuminates.
Although your vehicle will usually be
drivable and not need towing, we recom-
mend you to have the system checked as
soon as possible.

[Vehicles to comply with the Euro 3 and
Euro 4 regulation]
This lamp will also illuminate for a few
seconds when the ignition switch is
turned to the “ON” position. If it does
not go off after a few seconds, we recom-
mend you to have the vehicle checked.

[Vehicles to comply with the Euro 5]
This lamp will also illuminate when the
ignition switch is turned to the “ON” po-
sition, and goes off after the engine has
started. If it does not go off after the en-
gine has started, we recommend you to
have the system checked. CAUTION
l
Prolonged
driving with this
lamp on may cause further dam-
age to the emission control sys-
tem. It could also affect fuel
economy and drivability. Instruments and controls
3-08
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Economical driving
E00600100620
For
economical driving, there are some technical re-
quirements that have to be met. The prerequisite
for low fuel consumption is a properly adjusted en-
gine. In order to achieve longer life of the vehicle
and the most economical operation, we recommend
you to have the vehicle checked at regular intervals
in accordance with the service standards.
Fuel economy and generation of exhaust gas and
noise are highly influenced by personal driving hab-
its as well as the particular operating conditions.
The following points should be observed in order
to minimize wear of brakes, tyres and engine as
well as to reduce environmental pollution.
Starting
Avoid rapid acceleration and sudden starts; such op-
eration will result in higher fuel consumption.
Shifting
Shift only at an appropriate speed and engine
speed. Always use the highest gear possible.
The transfer shift lever should be set to “2H” when
driving 4WD vehicles on normal roads and express
ways to obtain best possible fuel economy.
City traffic
Frequent starting and stopping increases the aver-
age fuel consumption. Use roads with smooth traf-
fic flow whenever possible. When driving on con-
gested roads, avoid use of a low gear at high en-
gine speeds.
Idling
The vehicle consumes fuel even during idling.
Avoid extended idling whenever possible. Speed
The
higher the vehicle speed, the more fuel con-
sumed. Avoid driving at full speed. Even a slight re-
lease of the accelerator pedal will save a significant
amount of fuel.
Tyre inflation pressure
Check the tyre inflation pressures at regular inter-
vals. Low tyre inflation pressure increases road re-
sistance and fuel consumption. In addition, low
tyre pressures adversely affect tyre wear and driv-
ing stability.
Load
Do not drive with unnecessary articles in the cargo
area. Especially during city driving where frequent
starting and stopping is necessary, the increased
weight of the vehicle will greatly affect fuel con-
sumption.
Cold engine starting
Starting of a cold engine consumes more fuel.
Unnecessary fuel consumption is also caused by
keeping a hot engine running. After the engine is
started, commence driving as soon as possible.
Air conditioning*
The use of the air conditioning will increase the
fuel consumption. Driving, alcohol and drugs
E00600200012
Driving
after drinking alcohol is one of the most fre-
quent causes of accidents.
Your driving ability can be seriously impaired even
with blood alcohol levels far below the legal mini-
mum. If you have been drinking, don’t drive. Ride
with a designated non-drinking driver, call a cab or
a friend, or use public transportation.
Drinking coffee or taking a cold shower will not
make you sober.
Similarly, prescription and nonprescription drugs af-
fect your alertness, perception and reaction time.
Consult with your doctor or pharmacist before driv-
ing while under the influence of any of these medi-
cations. WARNING
l NEVER DRINK AND DRIVE.
Your

perceptions are less accurate, your
reflexes are slower and your judgment is
impaired. Starting and driving
4-02
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CAUTION
l
If the warning lamp comes on, reduce the
engine speed and stop the vehicle in a safe
area.
Then set the selector lever to “P” (PARK)
position and idle the engine until the warn-
ing lamp goes off.
When the warning lamp goes off, resume
normal driving.
If the warning lamp does not go off, we
recommend you to have your vehicle in-
spected.
Operation of the automatic transmis-
sion E00604200515CAUTION
l
Before
selecting a gear with the engine
running and the vehicle stationary, fully
depress the brake pedal to prevent the ve-
hicle from creeping.
The vehicle will begin to move as soon as
the gear is engaged, especially when the
engine speed is high, at fast idle or with
the air conditioning operating, the brakes
should only be released when you are
ready to drive away.
l Depress the brake pedal with the right
foot at all times.
Using the left foot could cause driver move-
ment delay in case of an emergency. CAUTION
l
To
prevent sudden acceleration, never
race the engine when shifting from the
“P” (PARK) or “N” (NEUTRAL) position.
l Operating the accelerator pedal while the
other foot is resting on the brake pedal
will affect braking efficiency and may
cause premature wear of brake pads.
Do not race the engine with brake pedal
pressed.
This can damage the transmission.
l Use the selector lever in the correct shift
position in accordance with driving condi-
tions.
Never coast downhill backward with the
“D” (DRIVE) position or coast forward
with the “R” (REVERSE) position.
The engine stops and the brake pedal ef-
fort or the steering wheel handling weight
increasing could lead to an accident.
Passing acceleration E00604500127
To gain extra acceleration in “D” (DRIVE) posi-
tion

(when passing another vehicle), push the accel-
erator to the floor. The automatic transmission will
automatically downshift.
Waiting E00604600128
For short waiting periods, such as at traffic signals,
the

vehicle can be left in gear and held stationary
with the service brake.
For longer waiting periods with the engine running,
the selector lever should be placed in the “N” (NEU-
TRAL) position. CAUTION
l
Never
hold the vehicle stationary on a hill
using the accelerator pedal (without us-
ing the brake pedal). Always apply the
parking brake and/or service brakes.
l Unexpected acceleration may occur if the
selector lever is in a position other than
“P” (PARK) or “N” (NEUTRAL) position.
Prior to moving off after having stopped
the vehicle, make sure that the selector lev-
er is in “D” (DRIVE) position.
Parking E00604700246
To park the vehicle, first bring it to a complete
stop,

fully engage the parking brake, and then
move the selector lever to the “P” (PARK) position.
If you are going to leave the vehicle unattended, al-
ways switch off the engine and remove the ignition
key.
NOTE
l On a slope, be sure to apply the parking
brake before moving the selector lever to the
“P” (PARK) position. If you move the selec-
tor lever to the “P” (PARK) position before
applying the parking brake, it may be diffi-
cult to disengage the selector lever from the
“P” (PARK) position when next you drive
the vehicle, requiring application of a strong
force to the selector lever to move from the
“P” (PARK) position. Starting and driving
4-20
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When a malfunction occurs in the au-
tomatic transmission
E00615100152
When the selector lever position indicator blinks E00615200179
When the selector lever position indicator blinks
while
you are driving, there could be a malfunction
in the automatic transmission system.
through
or CAUTION
l
If
the selector lever position indicator
blinks while you are driving, it is likely
that a safety device is operating because
of a malfunction in the automatic trans-
mission. We recommend you to have
your vehicle inspected as soon as possible. CAUTION
l
The
selector lever position indicator warn-
ing function does not operate with the se-
lector lever in the “P” (PARK), “R” (RE-
VERSE) or “N” (NEUTRAL) position.
When the A/T (automatic transmission) fluid tem-
perature warning lamp comes on E00615300141
The automatic transmission fluid temperature warn-
ing

lamp comes on when the automatic transmis-
sion fluid temperature becomes abnormally high.
Normally the warning lamp comes on when the ig-
nition switch is turned to the “ON” position, and
then will go out after a few seconds. CAUTION
l
If
the lamp comes on, reduce the engine
speed and stop the vehicle in a safe area.
Then set the selector lever to the “P”
(PARK) position and idle the engine until
the warning lamp goes off. When the warn-
ing lamp goes off, resume normal driving.
If the warning lamp does not go off, we
recommend you to have your vehicle in-
spected.
Operation of the automatic transmis-
sion E00604200528 CAUTION
l
Before
selecting a gear with the engine
running and the vehicle stationary, fully
depress the brake pedal to prevent the ve-
hicle from creeping.
The vehicle will begin to move as soon as
the gear is engaged, especially when the
engine speed is high, at fast idle or with
the air conditioning operating, the brakes
should only be released when you are
ready to drive away.
l Depress the brake pedal with the right
foot at all times.
Using the left foot could cause driver move-
ment delay in case of an emergency.
l To prevent sudden acceleration, never
race the engine when shifting from the
“P” (PARK) or “N” (NEUTRAL) position. Starting and driving
4-24
4
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CAUTION
l
Operating the accelerator pedal while the
other foot is resting on the brake pedal
will affect braking efficiency and may
cause premature wear of brake pads.
l Use the selector lever in the correct shift
position in accordance with driving condi-
tions.
Never coast downhill backward with the
driving shift position {“D” (DRIVE) or
sports mode} or coast forward with the
“R” (REVERSE) position.
The engine stops and the brake pedal ef-
fort or the steering wheel handling weight
increasing could lead to an accident.
l Do not race the engine with brake pedal
pressed when the vehicle is stationary.
This can damage the automatic transmis-
sion.
Passing acceleration E00604500329
To gain extra acceleration in “D” (DRIVE) posi-
tion,

push the accelerator to the floor. The automat-
ic transmission will automatically downshift.
NOTE
l In “Sports mode”, downshifts do not take
place when the accelerator is depressed all
the way to the floor.
Waiting E00604600304
For short waiting periods, such as at traffic signals,
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) po-
sition.. CAUTION
l
Never
hold the vehicle stationary on a hill
using the accelerator pedal (without us-
ing the brake pedal). Always apply the
parking brake and/or service brakes.
l Unexpected acceleration may occur if the
selector lever is in a position other than
“P” (PARK) or “N” (NEUTRAL). Prior
to moving off after having stopped the ve-
hicle, make sure that the selector lever is
in the “D” (DRIVE) position.
Parking E00604700262
To park the vehicle, first bring it to a complete
stop,

fully engage the parking brake, and then
move the selector lever to the “P” (PARK) position.
If you are going to leave the vehicle unattended, al-
ways switch off the engine and remove the ignition
key. NOTE
l On

a slope, be sure to apply the parking
brake before moving the selector lever to the
“P” (PARK) position. If you move the selec-
tor lever to the “P” (PARK) position before
applying the parking brake, it may be diffi-
cult to disengage the selector lever from the
“P” (PARK) position when next you drive
the vehicle, requiring application of a strong
force to the selector lever to move from the
“P” (PARK) position.
When the automatic transmission makes no speed
change E00604800683
If the transmission does not change speeds while
driving,

or your vehicle does not pick up enough
speed when starting on an uphill slope, it may be
that there is something unusual happening in the
transmission, causing a safety device to activate.
We recommend you to have your checked as soon
as possible. 1. If your vehicle has difficulty moving uphill,
shift the selector lever into 2 nd
gear of the
“Sports mode”.
This method might not work depending on
the type of transmission malfunction.
2. Once the vehicle is moving on a level road, move the selector lever back to “D” (DRIVE).
NOTE l When the selector lever position indicator in
the instrument panel blinks, it means that
there is an abnormal condition in the trans-
mission. Refer to “When the selector lever po-
sition indicator blinks” on page 4-19. Starting and driving
4-25 4
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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
4-40
4
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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
4-41 4
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Limited-slip differential*
E00606900037
A
limited-slip differential is applied for the rear
wheel differential only. The features of this limited-
slip differential are described below:

Just as with a conventional differential, the wheel
on one side is allowed to turn at a different speed
from the wheel on the other side when the vehicle
is cornering. The difference between the limited-
slip differential and a conventional differential is
that if the wheel on one side of the vehicle loses trac-
tion, a greater amount of torque is applied to the
wheel on the other side to improve traction.
NOTE
l Even if there is a difference in the amount of
traction the wheels can get, if both of them
are spinning, the limited-slip differential will
not be effective. CAUTION
l
Never
start the engine while one of the
rear wheels is jacked up and the other in
contact with the ground; doing so may
cause the vehicle to jump forward.
l When attempting to extract the vehicle
from snow, mud, etc., and the engine is
run continuously at high speed, the limi-
ted-slip differential will be adversely af-
fected. Braking
E00607001494
All

the parts of the brake system are critical to safe-
ty. We recommend you to have the vehicle
checked at regular intervals according to the serv-
ice booklet. CAUTION
l
Avoid
driving habits that cause heavy
braking and never “ride” the brakes by
resting your foot on the brake pedal
while driving.
It causes brake overheating and fade.
Brake system
The
service brake is divided into two brake cir-
cuits. And your vehicle is equipped with power
brakes. If one brake circuit fails, the other is availa-
ble to stop the vehicle. If you should lose the pow-
er assist for some reason, the brakes will still work.
In these situations, even if the brake pedal moves
down to the very end of its possible stroke or re-
sists being depressed, keep depressing the brake ped-
al down harder and further than usual; stop driving
as soon as possible and have the brake system re-
paired. WARNING
l Do
not turn off the engine while your ve-
hicle is in motion. If you turn off the en-
gine while driving, the power assistance
for the braking system will stop working
and your brakes will not work effectively. WARNING
l If
the power assist is lost or if either
brake hydraulic system stops working
properly, have your vehicle checked im-
mediately.
Warning lamp
The
brake warning lamp illuminates to indicate a
fault in the braking system. Refer to “Brake warn-
ing lamp” on page 3-08.
When brakes are wet
Check the brake system while driving at a low
speed immediately after starting, especially when
the brakes are wet, to confirm they work normally.
A film of water can be formed on the brake discs
or brake drums and prevent normal braking after
driving in heavy rain or through large puddles, or
after the vehicle is washed. If this occurs, dry the
brakes out by driving slowly while lightly depress-
ing the brake pedal.
When driving downhill
It is important to take advantage of the engine brak-
ing by shifting to a lower shift position while driv-
ing on steep downhill roads in order to prevent the
brakes from overheating. Starting and driving
4-43 4
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