Page 153 of 362

“4H” ↔ “4HLc”Transfer shift lever posi-tion2WD/4WD operationindication lamp
4H
 
Drive mode switching in progress
 
4HLc
: Blink: Illuminate: Remain off
“4HLc” ↔ “4LLc”Transfer shift lever posi- tion2WD/4WD operationindication lamp
4HLc
 
Drive mode switching in progress
 
4LLc
: Blink: Illuminate: Remain off
NOTE l The  2WD/4WD  operation  indication  lamp
blinks while the selection is in process. Take
the  following  precautions  when  the  indica-
tion lamp is blinking or remains off. •Keep  the  steering  wheel  in  the  straight
ahead position while making range selec-
tions.  If  you  attempt  to  drive  forward
with  the  steering  wheel  turned,  gear  rat-
tling  may  occur  and  the  desired  range
may not actually be selected.
• If  you  move  the  transfer  shift  lever  from
“4H”  to  “4HLc”  while  the  vehicle  is  sta-
tionary,  keep  your  speed  initially  very
low when you subsequently make a stand-
ing  start.  Before  driving  at  normal
speeds,  confirm  that  the  centre  differen-
tial  lock  lamp  has  changed  from  blinking
to steady illumination.
• If  you  move  the  transfer  shift  lever  from
“4HLc”  to  “4H”  and  the  centre  differen-
tial  lock  lamp  does  not  stop  blinking,
place  the  steering  wheel  in  the  straight
ahead position and slowly depress the ac-
celerator pedal several times.
• If  you  move  the  transfer  shift  lever  from
“4H”  to  “2H”  and  the  front  wheel  lamp
does  not  stop  blinking,  confirm  safety
around the vehicle then accelerate, decel-
erate,  and  reverse  until  the  front  wheel
lamp  goes  off.  When  the  front  wheel
lamp  goes  off,  you  can  then  proceed  to
drive the vehicle.
If  you  accelerate,  decelerate,  and  reverse
but  the  front  wheel  lamp  still  does  not
stop blinking, return the transfer shift lev-
er to “4H” then have your vehicle inspec-
ted.
Starting and driving
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lWhen you move the transfer shift lever from
“4H” to “4HLc”, there may be a slight delay
before  the  centre  differential  lock  lamp  illu-
minates.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).CAUTIONl 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.
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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 4WDSuper select 4WDNOTE
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 4-24, 4-28.
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 lockRear differential lock indication lamp Easy select4WDSuper select 4WDRear differen-
tial lock deacti- vated 
Switching inprogress
 The operation
state of rear dif- ferential lockRear differential lock indication lampRear differen-
tial lock activa- ted
: Blink: Illuminate (steady): Remain off
NOTE 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  4-40,
“ ASTC  indication  lamp,  ASTC  OFF  indica-
tion lamp” on page 4-43.
Starting and driving
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lOn  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 4-40.
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: •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 E00606400058CAUTIONlUse  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.
Starting and driving
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Examples of incorrect use of the rear
differential lock E00606500059WARNINGlIf  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. •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.WARNINGl 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.WARNINGl 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.
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4-wheel drive operationE00606601028
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 4-36.
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).CAUTIONl 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).
CAUTIONl 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.CAUTIONl 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  gauge
approaches 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 page 4-20.
Starting and driving
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WARNINGlWhen 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.WARNINGl 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.
WARNINGl 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  geographical
features  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.CAUTIONl 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 9-17.
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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