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NOTElIf the front and rear wheel lamps blink rapid-
ly (twice per second) when you attempt to make a “4HLc” ↔ “4LLc” selection, the se- lection cannot be made. Stop the vehicle and
release the accelerator pedal. Next, hold
down the clutch pedal (with M/T) or place
the selector lever in the “N” (NEUTRAL)
position (with A/T) and make the range se-
lection again.CAUTIONl If a problem is detected in the transfer sys-
tem, a safety device will activate. The front and rear wheel lamps will go out, the centre
differential lock lamp will blink, and transfer shifting will become impossible. Park your vehicle in a safe place, turn off the engine
for a few moments. Restart the engine.
The lamps should resume normal operation. If the lamps continue to blink, we recom-
mend you to have the vehicle checked as soon as possible.Rear differential lock*
E00606200043
If one wheel starts to spin freely and the vehi-
cle becomes 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 “4LLc”
or “4HLc” position.
2. To activate the rear differential lock,
press the rear differential lock switch
(1).
Rear differential lock*
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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 vehi- cle to dart in unexpected directions.NOTEl The rear differential lock does not operate
when the transfer shift lever is in “4H” or
“2H” position.
l When the rear differential is locked with the
transfer shift lever in “4LLc” or “4HLc” po- sition, changing the shift lever to “4H” or“2H” position makes the rear differential un- lock automatically.The rear differential lock indi-
cation lamp
E00606300233
When the ignition switch is turned to the
“ON” position, the rear differential lock indi- cation lamp (A) in the meter cluster illumi-nates for a few seconds then indicates the
rear differential lock’s operating status (acti-
vated or deactivated).
NOTEl The 2WD/4WD operation indication lamp
also illuminates for a few seconds when the
ignition switch is turned to the “ON” posi- tion.
Refer to “2WD/4WD operation indication
lamp” on page 6-28.
The status of the rear differential lock (re- sulting from depression of the rear differen-
tial lock switch) is shown by blinking or steady illumination of the rear differential
lock indication lamp.The operation state
of rear differential lock2WD/4WD opera-
tion indication lamp
Rear differential lock deactivated Switching in pro- gressRear differential lock*
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The operation stateof rear differential lock2WD/4WD opera-
tion indication lampSwitching in pro- gressRear differential lockactivated
: Blink
: Illuminate (steady)
: Remain off
NOTElThe indication lamp blinks while the rear
differential lock is being switched between
its activated and deactivated conditions. When the switching operation is complete,
the indication lamp is either illuminated steadily or not illuminated.NOTEl The active stability & traction control
(ASTC) and anti-lock brake system (ABS)
functions are suspended while the rear dif- ferential lock is activated. ASTC indication
lamp, Active Stability Control function OFF indication lamp, ABS warning lamp and
brake warning lamp are illuminated while
these functions are suspended. It does not in- dicate a problem. When the rear differential lock is disengaged, these lamps go out and
function again.
Refer to “Brake warning lamp” on page
5-10 , “ABS warning lamp” on page 6-43,
“ASTC indication lamp” on page 6-45,
“Active stability control function OFF indi- cation lamp” on page 6-47.
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
slowly 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 thefollowing 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 switching opera-tion will be completed and the indication lamp will illuminate steadily.NOTE• If the vehicle speed is
12 km/h (7 mph) or
lower, turn the steering wheel from side to
side until the indication lamp illuminates
steadily. If the vehicle is stuck in soft ground, make sure the area around the ve- hicle is clear then repeatedly attempt to
drive forward and backward. The switch- ing operation will be completed and the
indication lamp will illuminate steadily.CAUTIONl If a problem is detected in the rear differen-
tial lock system, a safety device will acti- vate. The centre differential lock lamp, front and rear wheel lamps will go out, the reardifferential lock indication lamp will blink,
and the rear differential lock will deactivate.
Park your vehicle in a safe place, turn off the engine for a few moments. Restart the en-gine.
It is safe to continue driving if the lamps re- sume normal operation. If the rear differen-
tial lock indication lamp blinks when the rear differential lock is reactivated, we rec-
ommend you to have the vehicle checked as soon as possible.
Rear differential lock*
6-32OVWE16E1Starting and driving6
Page 172 of 404
Examples of effective use of therear differential lock
E00606400045
CAUTIONl Use the rear differential lock only as an
emergency measure when the vehicle is stuck and cannot be freed with the transfer
shift lever in “4LLc” or “4HLc” position.
Deactivate the rear differential lock immedi- ately after using it.When one of the wheels has fall-
en 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 be-
cause one of the wheels is on the snow and
the other on a paved road.
Examples of incorrect use of
the rear differential lock
E00606500046
WARNINGl If the “4LLc” or “4HLc” position is selec-
ted along with the rear differential lock,the following phenomena appear and it is
very dangerous.
Please be sure to release the rear differen-
tial lock on normal roads.
Rear differential lock*
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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, thepower 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 emergencyescape 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), direc- tion of the vehicle may change abruptly
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.4-wheel drive operation
E00606600627
By selecting 4-wheel drive, both axles of the
vehicle are rigidly connected with each other. This improves the traction characteristics. When turning sharp corners or moving for-
ward and backward repeatedly, however, the drive line is stressed, which is felt as a brak-
ing effect. A 4-wheel drive vehicle can accel-
erate more quickly and smoothly.
However, note that the braking distance is not shorter than that of a rear-wheel drive ve-hicle.
When using 4-wheel drive on rough roads
(snow, mud, sand, etc.), it is important to op- erate the vehicle correctly.
4-wheel drive operation
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NOTElThe 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 seatbelt.
l After driving on rough roads, check each
part of the vehicle and wash it thoroughlywith water. Refer to the “Vehicle care” sec-
tion and “Inspection and maintenance fol-
lowing rough road operation” on page 6-37.
Driving on dry paved road and
highway
Select the “2H” or “4H” position to drive on
the dry paved road. Especially on dry high- way, never select the “4HLc” or “4LLc” po-sition.
CAUTIONl Selecting the “4HLc” or “4LLc” position to
drive on dry paved road will increase the
fuel consumption with possible noise gener- ation and early tyre wear.
It may also 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 faults.
Driving on snowy or icy roads
Set the transfer shift lever to the “4H” or
“4HLc” position in accordance with the road conditions, and then gradually depress the ac-
celerator pedal for a smooth start.
NOTEl The use of snow tyres and/or tyre chains is
recommended.
l In order to ensure that the anti-lock brake
system (ABS) will operate correctly in situa-tions where tyre chains have been fitted, drive in the “4H”, “4HLc” or “4LLc” posi-tion.
l Maintain a safe distance between vehicles,
avoid sudden braking, and use engine brak- ing (downshifting).CAUTIONl Avoid sudden braking, sudden acceleration,
and sharp turning; such operations could
cause skidding and spinouts.
Driving on sandy or muddy
roads
Set the transfer shift lever to the “4HLc” or “4LLc” position and then gradually depress
the accelerator pedal for a smooth start. Keep
the pressure on the accelerator pedal as con- stant as possible, and drive at low speed.
CAUTIONl Do not force the vehicle or drive recklessly
on sandy surfaces. In comparison with nor-
mal road surfaces, the engine and other
drive-system components are put under ex- cessive strain when driving on such a sur-
face, 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 follow these procedures:
• The needle in the temperature gauge ap-
proaches the overheating zone.
Refer to “Engine overheating” on page
8-04.
4-wheel drive operation
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CAUTION•A/T fluid temperature warning lamp illu-
minates.
Refer to “When the A/T fluid temperature
warning lamp comes on” on page 6-23.WARNINGl 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 damage to nearby people or objects.NOTEl Avoid sudden braking, acceleration, and
turning; such operations could result in thevehicle becoming stuck.
l If the vehicle becomes stuck in sandy or
muddy roads, it can often be moved with a
rocking motion. Move the selector lever rhythmically between the “D” (DRIVE) and
“R” (REVERSE) position (with M/T, be-
tween 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 forget to release the parking brake.NOTEl If it is necessary to drive in extremely mud-
dy conditions, the use of tyre chains is rec-
ommended. Because the extent of muddy conditions is difficult to judge and the vehi- cle could become bogged down very deeply,
operation should be at a low speed. If possi-
ble, get out of the vehicle and check the con-
ditions 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 after such use.
Climbing sharp grades
Set the transfer shift lever to the “4LLc” po-
sition 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.NOTEl Choose as smooth a slope as possible with
few stones or other obstacles.NOTEl Before attempting to drive up the slope,
walk it up to confirm that the vehicle canhandle the grade.
Descending sharp grades
Set the transfer shift lever to the “4LLc” po-
sition, use the engine brake (downshifting)
and descend slowly.
WARNINGl Avoid snaking down a sharp grade. De-
scend the grade as straight as possible.NOTEl 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 it down 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 de- scending the grade.
4-wheel drive operation
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NOTElMITSUBISHI
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 depend on the skill and experience of the op- erator and other participating parties and any
deviation from the recommended operation
instructions above is at their own risk.
Turning sharp corners
When turning a sharp corner in the “4HLc”
or “4LLc” position at low speed, a slight dif-
ference in steering may be experienced simi- lar to as if the brakes were applied. This is
called tight corner braking and results from each of the 4 tyres being at a different dis-tance from the corner.
The phenomenon is peculiar to 4-wheel drive vehicles. If this occurs, either straighten the steering wheel, or change to rear-wheel drive.
Crossing a stream
4-wheel drive vehicles are not necessarily waterproof. If the electrical circuits become
wet, further operation of the vehicle will be impossible; therefore, avoid crossing streams
unless absolutely necessary. If crossing a
stream is unavoidable, use the following pro- cedure:
1. Check depths of a stream and geographi-
cal features before attempting to cross a
stream and ford the stream where the
water is as shallow as practicable.
2. Cross at a place where the water is less
than 70 cm deep.
3. Set the transfer shift lever to the “4LLc”
position.
4. Drive slowly at a speed of approximate-
ly 5 km/h (3 mph) to avoid splashing too
much water.CAUTIONl Do not attempt to cross a stream at a place
where the water is more than 70 cm deep.
l Cross a stream temporarily for emergencies
and avoid doing so for a long period of time.
l 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 driving slowly while lightly
depressing the brake pedal.
Inspect each part of the vehicle carefully.NOTEl Because the inside of the vehicle is flooded
with water when crossing at a place where
the water is more than 50 cm deep, we rec- ommend you to have your vehicle inspected.NOTEl Frequent crossing of streams can adversely
affect the life span of the vehicle; we recom-mend you to take the necessary measures toprepare, inspect, and repair the vehicle.Inspection and maintenance
following rough roadoperation E00606700048
After operating the vehicle in rough road
conditions, be sure to perform the following inspection and maintenance procedures:
l Check that the vehicle has not been dam-
aged by rocks, gravel, etc.
l Carefully wash the vehicle with water.
After washing, 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, we
recommend you to have the brakes
checked as soon as possible
l Remove the insects, dried grass, etc.
clogging 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.
Inspection and maintenance following rough road operation
6-37OVWE16E1Starting and driving6