2012 MITSUBISHI LANCER RALLIART Owners Manual

3-138 Features and controls
3
CAUTION
!
The warning display on the information screen in
the multi-information display, a problem has
occurred with the electronically controlled 4WD sys-
tem and the safety device has activated. Have an
inspection made by an authorized Mitsubishi
Motors dealer or a repair facility of your choice as
soon as possible.Type 1 Type 2
CAUTION
!
Always use tires of the same size, type, and brand
that have no wear differences. Using tires that differ
in size, type, brand, or wear amount may activate
the protection of the drive-system components, caus-
ing the drive mode in “4WD AUTO” mode to lock or
the “4WD” and “LOCK” indicators to blink alter-
nately.
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Features and controls
3-139
3 All-wheel driving operation
N00530600169
For vehicles with full-time 4WDFull-time 4WD vehicles are propelled by engine power distrib-
uted constantly and appropriately to all 4 wheels.
Not only does this ensure enhanced 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.
These vehicles, however, are not designed for off-road use,
and are unsuitable for driving on bumpy ground that may
cause excessive strain. Full-time 4WD vehicles should be
driven only under the same conditions as are suitable for ordi-
nary front-wheel drive vehicles.For vehicles with electronically controlled 4WD
systemElectronically controlled 4WD system vehicles are propelled
by engine power distributed constantly and appropriately to all
4 wheels.
Not only does this ensure enhanced 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.
These vehicles, however, are not designed for off-road use,
and are unsuitable for driving on bumpy ground that may
cause excessive strain. Electronically controlled 4WD system
vehicles should be driven only under the same conditions as
are suitable for ordinary front-wheel drive vehicles.
Turning sharp cornersWhen turning a sharp corner in “4WD LOCK” position at low
speed, a slight difference in steering may be experienced simi-
lar 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 phenomenon is typical
of 4-wheel drive vehicles. If this occurs, either straighten out
the steering wheel, or change to “2WD” or “4WD AUTO”
mode.On snowy or icy roadsSet the drive mode-selector to “4WD AUTO” or “4WD
LOCK” in accordance with the road conditions, and then grad-
ually depress the accelerator pedal for a smooth start.NOTE
The use of snow tires is recommended.

Maintain a safe distance between vehicles, avoid sudden
braking, and use engine braking (downshifting).
CAUTION
!
Avoid sudden braking, sudden acceleration, and
sharp turning. Skidding occurs and control of the
vehicle could be lost.
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3-140 Features and controls
3
Moving out of mudSet the drive mode-selector to “4WD LOCK” and then gradu-
ally 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.
NOTE
Avoid sudden braking, sudden acceleration and sharp
turning; such operations could result in the vehicle
becoming stuck.

If the vehicle becomes stuck in muddy roads, it can often
be moved with a rocking motion. Move the selector lever
alternately between “D” (DRIVE) and “R” (REVERSE)
positions, while pressing lightly on the accelerator pedal.Climbing/descending sharp gradesYour vehicle may not provide sufficient hill climbing ability
and engine braking on steep slopes. Avoid driving on steep
slopes even though the vehicle is a 4-wheel drive vehicle.
CAUTION
!
If any of the following conditions occur, follow these
procedures:
• The engine coolant temperature display
appears on the information screen in the multi-
information display or the engine power drops
suddenly.
Refer to “Engine overheating” on page 6-5.
• The “ ” warning display or the “ ” warning
display appear on the information screen in the
multi-information display.
Refer to “Warning display” on page 3-103.WA R N I N G
!
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
forward/backward, causing injury or damage to
nearby people or objects.
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Features and controls
3-141
3 Cautions on handling of all-wheel drive
vehicles
N00530800190
Tires and wheelsSince driving torque can be applied to all four wheels, the per-
formance of the vehicle when operating in all-wheel drive is
greatly affected by the condition of the tires.
Pay close attention to the tires.

Install specified tires on all wheels. Refer to “Tires and
wheels” on page 9-9.

Be sure to fit all four tires and wheels of the same size and
type.
When replacement of any of the tires or wheels is neces-
sary, replace all of them.

All tires should be rotated whenever 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
7-35.

Check the tire inflation pressure regularly.
CAUTION
!
Always use tires of the same size, same type, and
same brand, and which have no wear differences.
Using tires that differ in size, type, brands or the
degree of wear, will increase the differential oil tem-
perature, resulting in possible damage to the driving
system. Further, the drive train will be subjected to
excessive loading, possibly leading to oil leakage,
component seizure, or other serious problems.
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3-142 Features and controls
3
To w i n g
Jacking up a all-wheel drive vehicles
CAUTION
!
Do not tow all-wheel drive vehicles with the front or
rear wheels on the ground (Type A or Type B) as
illustrated. This could result in damage to the driv-
etrain, or unstable towing.
If you tow all-wheel drive vehicles, use Type C or
Type D equipment.

[For vehicle equipped with the Electronically con-
trolled 4WD system]
Even in “2WD” mode, the vehicle cannot be towed
with the front or the rear wheels on the ground.
WA R N I N G
!
Do not start or run the engine while the vehicle is on
the jack.
The jack could slip out of position and result in an
accident.
CAUTION
!
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Features and controls
3-143
3 Limited-slip differential
(if so equipped)
N00517400069
A limited-slip differential is applied for rear wheel differential.
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 differ-
ential 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
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.
Service brake
N00517500262
Brake pedalOveruse of the brake can cause poor brake response and pre-
mature wear of the brake pads and linings.
When driving down a long or steep hill, use engine braking by
downshifting.
CAUTION
!
Never start the engine while one of the front or rear
wheels is jacked up and the other in contact with the
ground; doing so may cause the vehicle to jump for-
ward.
Continuously attempting to extract the vehicle from
snow, mud, etc. while using high engine rpm may
damage the limited-slip differential.
Using a compact spare wheel will adversely affect
the limited-slip differential; replace the compact
spare wheel with a standard size wheel as soon as
possible.
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 pad and lining wear, and
possible damage to the brakes.
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3-144 Features and controls
3
Power brakes
N00517600377
Your vehicle is equipped with power brakes for more braking
force with minimal brake pedal effort.
Your brakes are designed to operate at full capacity, even if the
power assist is lost.
If the power assist is lost, the effort needed to press the brake
pedal is greater.
If you should loose 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
depress the brake pedal down further, or harder when slowing
down or stopping, or if the brake warning light and the warning
display in the multi-information display come on.
Brake pad wear alarm
N00532500087
The disc brakes have an alarm that makes a metallic squeal
when the brake pads have worn down enough to need service.
If you hear this sound, have the brake pads replaced at an
authorized Mitsubishi Motors dealer or a repair facility of your
choice.
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.
WA R N I N G
!
Driving with worn brake pads will make it harder to
stop, and can cause an accident.
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Features and controls
3-145
3 Brake assist system
N00567300018
The brake assist system is a device assisting drivers who can-
not depress the brake pedal firmly such as in emergency stop
situations and provides greater braking force.
If the brake pedal is depressed suddenly, the brakes will be
applied with more force than usual.
NOTE
Once 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.
CAUTION
!
The brake assist system is not a device designed to
exercise braking force greater than its capacity.
Make sure to always keep a sufficient distance
between vehicles in front of you without relying too
much on the brake assist system.
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