2012 MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER SPORT Owners Manual

3-88 Features and controls
3
CAUTION
!
If the selected drive mode indicator is blinking, the
vehicle switches automatically to front-wheel drive
in order to protect the drive-system components,
and drive mode selection is no longer possible with
the dial.
The warning display is also displayed in the infor-
mation screen in the multi-information display.
Reduce speed, and if the indicator goes out after
driving a while, resume driving as before. If the indi-
cator continues blinking for more than about 5 min-
utes, have the vehicle inspected at an authorized
Mitsubishi Motors dealer or a repair facility of your
choice as soon as possible.Type 1 Type 2
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.Ty p e 1 Ty p e 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
3-89
3 4-wheel drive operation
N00530600156
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.
NOTE
Driving 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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3-90 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.NOTE
The 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
3-91
3
NOTE
Avoid sudden braking, sudden acceleration and sharp
turning; such operations could result in the vehicle
becoming stuck.

If the vehicle becomes stuck in sandy or muddy roads, it
can often be moved with a rocking motion. Move the
gearshift lever alternately between the 1st and “R”
(Reverse) positions (M/T), the “D” (DRIVE) and “R”
(REVERSE) positions (CVT), while pressing lightly on
the accelerator pedal.

Driving on rough road can cause rust on the vehicle; wash
the vehicle thoroughly as soon as possible after such use.Climbing/descending sharp gradesYour vehicle may not provide sufficient hill climbing ability
and engine braking on steep slope. Avoid driving on steep
slopes even though the vehicle is an 4-wheel drive vehicle.

If any of the following conditions occur while the
vehicle is being driven, immediately park your vehi-
cle in a safe place and follow these procedures:
• If the engine coolant temperature display
flashes on the information screen in the multi-
information display or the engine power drops
suddenly.
Refer to “Engine overheating” on page 6-5.
• If the “ ” warning display and “SLOW DOWN”
or the “ ” warning display and “SERVICE
REQUIRED” appear on the information screen in
the multi-information display.
Refer to “Warning display” on page 3-80.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.
CAUTION
!
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3-92 Features and controls
3
Driving through water
N00537800098
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
N00530700098
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.

Have an authorized Mitsubishi Motors dealer replace
grease in the wheel bearings.
CAUTION
!
Never drive through water that is deep enough to
cover wheel hubs, axles or exhaust pipe. Do not
change the gearshift lever position (M/T) or the
selector lever position (CVT) 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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Features and controls
3-93
3 Cautions on the handling of 4-wheel drive
vehicles
N00530800187
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 9-8.

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
7-30.

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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3-94 Features and controls
3
To w i n g
Jacking up a 4-wheel drive vehicle
CAUTION
!
Do not tow 4-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 4-wheel drive vehicles, use Type C or
Type D equipment.

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 crank the engine while jacking up the vehi-
cle.
The tire on the ground may turn and the vehicle
may roll off the jack.
CAUTION
!
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Features and controls
3-95
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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