CAUTIONlIf the diesel preheat indication lamp comes
on after the engine is started, the engine speed may not rise above the idling speedbecause of fuel freezing. In this case, keep
the engine idling for about ten minutes, then turn off the ignition switch and immediately
turn it on again to confirm that the diesel
preheat indication lamp is off.NOTEl If the engine is cold, the diesel preheat indi-
cation lamp is on for a longer time.
l When the engine has not been started within
about 5 seconds after the diesel preheat indi- cation lamp went out, return the ignition
switch to the “LOCK” position. Then, turn
the switch to the “ON” position to preheat the engine again.
l When the engine is warm, the diesel preheat
indication lamp does not come on even if the
ignition switch is placed in the “ON” posi-
tion.Fuel filter indication lamp (die-
sel-powered vehicles)
E00509901337
This indication lamp illumi-
nates when the ignition
switch is turned to the “ON” position and goes off after
the engine has started. If it lights up while the engine is
running, it indicates that water has accumula-
ted inside the fuel filter; if this happens, re- move the water from the fuel filter. Refer to
“ Removal of water from the fuel filter (die- sel-powered vehicles only) ” on page 8-06.
When the lamp goes out, you can resume
driving. If it either does not go out or comes on from time to time, we recommend you to
have the vehicle inspected.
Warning lamps
E00502400017Brake warning lamp (brake
warning buzzer)
E00502501712
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” posi-
tion, the brake warning lamp illuminates un- der the following conditions:
l When the parking brake lever has been
engaged.
l When the brake fluid level in the reser-
voir falls to a low level.
l When the brake force distribution func-
tion or the brake system is not operating
correctly.Brake warning buzzer
When there is a danger of brake performance
becoming compromised, a buzzer will sound
to alert the driver. If this buzzer should con-
tinue to sound, park your vehicle in a safe place and we recommend you to have itchecked.
NOTEl Depressing the brake pedal repeatedly may
turn on the brake warning lamp, ABS warn-ing lamp and brake warning buzzer. It is
normal if the lamp goes out and the buzzer stops sounding after a few seconds.CAUTIONl In the situations listed below, brake perform-
ance may be compromised or the vehicle may become unstable if brakes are applied
Warning lamps
5-10OVWX17E1Instruments and controls5
3.After setting the barometer default, press
the “INFO” button to return to the infor-
mation display.Care of the monitor
E00519700012
If the monitor becomes covered in finger-
prints or otherwise dirty, clean it with a soft and dry cloth.
NOTEl Don’t use a wet cloth or abrasive cleaner as
this may cause damage.Combination headlamps
and dipper switch E00506003621
HeadlampsNOTEl Do not leave the lights on for a long time
while the engine is stationary (not running).A rundown battery could result.
l When it rains, or when the vehicle has been
washed, the inside of the lens sometimes be-
comes foggy, but this does not indicate a functional problem. When the lamp is
switched on, the heat will remove the fog. However, if water gathers inside the lamp,
we recommend you to have it checked.
Type 1
Rotate the switch to turn on the lamps.
OFF
All lamps off {except day-
time running lamps (if so
equipped)}Position, tail, licence plate
and instrument panel lamps
onHeadlamps and other lamps
go on
Type 2
Rotate the switch to turn on the lamps.
OFF
All lamps off {except day-
time running lamps (if so
equipped)}
Combination headlamps and dipper switch
5-34OVWX17E1Instruments and controls5
AUTO
With the ignition switch in
the “ON” position, head-
lamps, position, tail, licence
plate, and instrument panel
lamps turn on and off auto-
matically in accordance with
outside light level. {Day-
time running lamps (if so
equipped) will be turned on
while the tail lamps are off.}
All lamps turn off automati-
cally when the ignition
switch is turned to the
“OFF” position.Position, tail, licence plate
and instrument panel lamps
onHeadlamps and other lamps
onNOTEl The sensitivity of the automatic on/off con-
trol can be adjusted.
For further information, we recommend you
to consult a MITSUBISHI MOTORS Au-
thorized Service Point.NOTEl When the headlamps are turned off by the
automatic on/off control with the ignition
switch in the “ON” position, the front fog lamps (if so equipped) and rear fog lamp al-
so go off. When the headlamps are subse- quently turned back on by the automatic
on/off control, the front fog lamps also come on but the rear fog lamp stays off. If you wish to turn the rear fog lamp back on, oper-
ate the switch again.
l Do not cover the sensor (A) for the automat-
ic on/off control by affixing a sticker or label
to the windscreen.
l If the lamps do not turn on or off with the
switch in the “AUTO” position, manually
operate the switch and we recommend you
to have your vehicle checked.
Daytime running lamps*
E00530601109
The daytime running lamps come on when
the engine is running and the lamp switch is in the “OFF” or “AUTO” position and the
tail lamps are off.NOTEl If the lamp switch is in the “” or “”
position, or if the tail lamps are on when the lamp switch is in the “AUTO” position, the
daytime running lamps come on as position lamps.Lamps (headlamps, fog lamp,
etc.) auto-cutout function
E00532700178
l If the ignition key is turned to the
“LOCK” or “ACC” position or removed from the ignition switch, and without
opening the driver’s door for 3 minutes with the lamp switch in the “
” posi-
tion, the lamps will turn off automatical-
ly.
l If the ignition key is turned to the
“LOCK” or “ACC” position or removed from the ignition switch and the driver’s
door is opened within 3 minutes with the
lamp switch in the “
” position, a buz-
zer will sound to warn the driver that the
lamps have not been turned off, and these lamps will automatically turn off.
Combination headlamps and dipper switch
5-35OVWX17E1Instruments and controls5
Economical drivingE00600100561
For economical driving, there are some tech- nical requirements that have to be met. Theprerequisite for low fuel consumption is a
properly adjusted engine. In order to achieve longer life of the vehicle and the most eco- nomical operation, we recommend you tohave 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 habits as well as the particular operat- ing conditions. The following points shouldbe 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 operation will result in higher fuel con-
sumption.
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 on normal roads and express
ways to obtain best possible fuel economy.
City traffic
Frequent starting and stopping increases the
average fuel consumption. Use roads with smooth traffic flow whenever possible. When driving on congested roads, avoid use of a
low gear at high engine speeds.
Idling
The vehicle consumes fuel even during
idling. Avoid extended idling whenever pos- sible.
Speed
At higher vehicle speed, more fuel is con-
sumed. Avoid driving at full speed. Even a
slight release of the accelerator pedal will save a significant amount of fuel.
Tyre inflation pressure
Check the tyre inflation pressures at regularintervals. Low tyre inflation pressure increa-ses road resistance and fuel consumption. In addition, low tyre pressures adversely affect
tyre wear and driving stability.
Load
Do not drive with unnecessary articles in the
luggage compartment. Especially during city
driving where frequent starting and stopping is necessary, the increased weight of the ve-
hicle will greatly affect fuel consumption. Al- so avoid driving with unnecessary luggage or carriers, etc., on the roof; the increased air re- sistance will increase fuel consumption.
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
E00600200067
Driving after drinking alcohol is one of the
most frequent causes of accidents.
Economical driving
6-02OVWX17E1Starting and driving6
CAUTIONlAvoid 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.CAUTION• A/T fluid temperature warning lamp illu-
minates.
Refer to “When the A/T fluid temperature
warning lamp comes on” on page 6-19.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, 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.
4-wheel drive operation
6-31OVWX17E1Starting and driving6
NOTElBefore 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.NOTEl 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 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.
4-wheel drive operation
6-32OVWX17E1Starting and driving6
NOTElFrequent 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.
• Check the brake system and, if neces-
sary, have it serviced.
• Check the engine, transmission, trans-
fer, and differential oil or grease level
and turbidity. If the oil or grease is
milky, it indicates water contamina-
tion. Replace it with new oil or grease.
• Grease the propeller shaft.
• Check the inside of the vehicle. If in-
gress of water is found, dry the carpetetc.
• Inspect the headlamps. If the head-
lamp bulb is flooded with water, we
recommend you to have it drained.Cautions on handling of 4-
wheel drive vehicles E00606802144
Tyres and wheels
Since the driving torque can be applied to the
4 wheels, the performance of the vehicle when operating in 4-wheel drive is greatly af- fected by the condition of the tyres.
Pay close attention to the tyres.
l Install specified tyres on all wheels. Re-
fer to “Tyres and wheels” on page
11-11.
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 expec- ted if there is a difference in wear between
tyres. Refer to “Tyre rotation” on page 10-13.
l Check the tyre inflation pressure regular-
ly.
l If the tyre inflation pressure is inappro-
priate, the transfer gear may make some
noise and shock while changing the drive mode.CAUTIONl Always use tyres of the same size, same
type, and same brand, and which have no wear differences. Using tyres which differ in
size, type, brand or the degree of wear will
cause excessive loading, resulting in possi- ble damage to the drive system.
Inspection and maintenance following rough road operation
6-33OVWX17E1Starting and driving6
NOTElOnce 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.
l When the brake assist system is in use while
driving, you may feel the brake pedal at-
tempt to resist, the pedal moves in small mo- tions in conjunction with the operation
noise, or the vehicle body and the steering wheel vibrate. This occurs when the brake
assist system is operating normally and does not indicate faulty operation. Continue to
firmly depress the brake pedal.
l When the anti-lock brake system warning
lamp is illuminated, the brake assist system is not functioning.Anti-lock brake system
(ABS) E00607101248
Environmental conditions can have an effect
on braking. During sudden braking when
there is snow, ice, oil, water etc. on the road
surface, a skid may occur. In this situation, steering control and braking effectiveness is
reduced and the stopping distance is in-
creased. The vehicle may also go into an un- controlled spin.
The ABS helps prevent the wheels from lock-
ing during braking, thus maintaining direc-
tional stability, ensuring controllability and
providing optimum braking force.
Driving hints
l Always maintain the same distance from
the vehicle in front of you as you would
for a vehicle not equipped with ABS.
Compared with vehicles not fitted with ABS, your vehicle may require a longer
stopping distance in the following cases: • Driving on gravel or snow-covered
roads.
• Driving with tyre chains installed.
• Driving on roads where the road sur-
face is pitted or has other differencesin surface height.
• Driving on bumpy roads or other poor
driving surfaces.
l In order to ensure that the ABS will op-
erate correctly in situations where tyre chains have been fitted, drive in the“4H”, “4HLc”, or “4LLc” position.
l Operation of ABS is not restricted to sit-
uations where brakes are applied sud- denly. This system may also operate to
prevent wheel lock when you are driving over manholes, steel road-work plates,
or the vehicle is driven over steps or lev-
el differences in the road, road markings,
or other surfaces which are difficult for the wheels to grip.
l When the ABS is activated, you may
feel the brake pedal pulsation and the vi- brations of the vehicle body and steering
wheel. You may also hear a characteris-
tic noise. At this time, you may feel as if
the pedal attempts to resist being de- pressed.
This is a normal result of the ABS oper- ation, and does not indicate a problem.
In this situation, to let the ABS work for you, just hold the brake pedal
down more firmly. Do not pump the brake. This will result in reduced
braking performance.
l When the engine starts and after starting
to drive, you might hear operation noise from the engine compartment or feel a shock from the brake pedal. This is nor-
mal. The ABS is performing self-check.
l The ABS will operate after the vehicle
has accelerated to a speed in excess ofapproximately 10 km/h (6 mph). It stops
operating when the vehicle decelerates
to a speed below about 5 km/h (3 mph).
Anti-lock brake system (ABS)
6-37OVWX17E1Starting and driving6