NOTElThe 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 6-23.
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- gress
The operation stateof rear differential lock2WD/4WD opera-
tion indication lamp
Rear differential lock activated
: 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 6-38,
“ASTC indication lamp” on page 6-40,
“Active stability control function OFF indi- cation lamp” on page 6-42.
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.
Rear differential lock*
6-27OVWX17E1Starting and driving6
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 softground, 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.Examples of effective use of the
rear 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.
Rear differential lock*
6-28OVWX17E1Starting and driving6
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.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.
Rear differential lock*
6-29OVWX17E1Starting and driving6
4-wheel drive operationE00606602344
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.
NOTEl 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 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 6-33.
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).
4-wheel drive operation
6-30OVWX17E1Starting 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
lOn vehicles with the rear differential
lock, the active stability & traction con- trol (ASTC) and anti-lock brake system
(ABS) functions are suspended while the
rear differential lock is activated. ASTC indication lamp, Active Stability Controlfunction OFF indication lamp, ABS
warning lamp and brake warning lamp are illuminated while these functions are
suspended. It does not indicate a prob- lem. 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
6-38 , “ASTC indication lamp” on page
6-40 , “Active stability control function
OFF indication lamp” on page 6-42.
When brakes are wet
Check the brake system while driving at a
low speed immediately after starting, espe- cially when the brakes are wet, to confirmthey work normally.
A film of water can be formed on the brake
discs and prevent normal braking after driv-
ing in heavy rain or through large puddles, or after the vehicle is washed. If this occurs, dry
the brakes out by driving slowly while lightly depressing the brake pedal.
When driving downhill
It is important to take advantage of the en-
gine braking by shifting to a lower shift posi- tion while driving on steep downhill roads in order to prevent the brakes from overheating.
WARNINGl Do not leave any objects near the brake
pedal or let a floor mat slide under it; do- ing so could prevent the full pedal strokethat would be necessary in an emergency.
Make sure that the pedal can be operated freely at all times. Make sure the floor mat is securely held in place.
Brake pads
l Avoid hard braking situations.
New brakes need to be broken-in by
moderate use for the first 200 km (125 miles).
l The disc brakes are provided with a
warning device which emits a shrieking
metallic sound while braking if the brake pads have reached their wear limit.
If you hear this sound, have the brake pads replaced immediately.
WARNINGl Driving with worn brake pads will make
it harder to stop, and can cause an acci-
dent.Brake assist system
E00627001852
The brake assist system is a device assistingdrivers who cannot depress the brake pedalfirmly when it is necessary to do so (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 thanusual.
CAUTIONl The brake assist system is not a device de-
signed to exercise braking force greater than its capacity. Make sure to always keep a suf-
ficient distance between your vehicle and a
vehicle in front of you without relying too much on the brake assist system.
Brake assist system
6-36OVWX17E1Starting and driving6
CAUTIONlEven the ABS cannot prevent the natural
laws of physics from acting on the vehicle. Itcannot for instance avoid accidents that may
result from excessive speed on bends or fol- lowing another vehicle too closely or aqua- planing. It should remain the driver’s task to
observe safety precautions to judge speeds and brake applications correctly in such con-
ditions.
l Be sure to use tyres of the same type and
size on 4 wheels.
If tyre types or sizes are mixed, ABS may not function normally.
l Never install a limited-slip differential,
which is not a MITSUBISHI MOTORS gen-
uine part, as the ABS may not function nor-
mally.
We recommend you to consult a MITSUBISHI MOTORS Authorized Serv-
ice Point.ABS warning lamp
E00607200532
The ABS warning lamp should illuminate
when the ignition switch is turned “ON”, and
should go off in a few seconds.
CAUTIONl If the warning lamp stays on or does not illu-
minate when you start the vehicle, it indi-
cates that the ABS is not functioning and
that only the standard brake system is in op-
eration. (In this condition the standard hy- draulic brake system will still function.) We
recommend you to have your vehicle inspec- ted as soon as possible.NOTEl Depressing the brake pedal repeatedly may
turn on the brake warning lamp, ABS warn-ing lamp and brake warning buzzer. (The
ASTC indication lamp and Active Stability
Control function OFF indication lamp also
turn on.) It is normal if the lamp goes out and the buzzer stops sounding after a few
seconds.
l On vehicles with the rear differential lock,
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 , “ASTC indication lamp” on page
6-40 , “Active stability control function OFF
indication lamp” on page 6-42.
Anti-lock brake system (ABS)
6-38OVWX17E1Starting and driving6
CAUTIONlDo not leave the steering wheel turned all
the way in one direction. This can causedamage to the power steering system.Active stability & traction
control (ASTC) E00613800230
The active stability & traction control(ASTC) takes overall control of the anti-lockbrake system, Active Stability Control func-
tion and active traction control function to
maintain the vehicle’s stability and traction. Please read this section in conjunction withthe pages on the anti-lock brake system, Ac-
tive Stability Control function and active
traction control function.
Anti-lock brake system (ABS) ® p. 6-37
Active stability control function ® p. 6-42
Active traction control function ® p. 6-43
CAUTIONl Do not over-rely on the ASTC. Even when
the ASTC is operating, there are limits to how far it can ensure vehicle stability; reck-
less driving may lead to accidents. Always
drive carefully, taking account of the road conditions.CAUTIONl Be sure to use the same specified type and
size of tyre on all 4 wheels. Otherwise, there
is a possibility that the ASTC will not work properly.NOTEl An operation noise may be emitted from the
engine compartment in the following situa-
tions. The sound is associated with checking the operations of the ASTC. At this time,
you may feel a shock from the brake pedal if
you depress it. These do not indicate a mal- function.
• When the ignition switch is set to the
“ON” position.
• When the vehicle is driven for a while af-
ter the engine is turned on.
l When the ASTC is activated, you may feel a
vibration in the vehicle body or hear a whin-ing sound from the engine compartment.
This indicates that the system is operating
normally. It does not indicate a malfunction.
l When the anti-lock brake system warning
lamp is illuminated, the ASTC is not active.NOTEl On vehicles with the rear differential lock,
the ASTC and ABS functions are suspended
while the rear differential 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 sus- pended. It does not indicate a problem.
When the rear differential lock is disengag- ed, these lamps go out and function again.
Refer to “Brake warning lamp” on page
5-10 , “ABS warning lamp” on page 6-38,
“Active stability control function OFF indi- cation lamp” on page 6-42.ASTC indication lamp
E00618000035
The ASTC indication lamp shows the operat-
ing status of the Active Stability Controlfunction and active traction control function.
For details, see these sections of this owner’s
manual:
Active stability control function indication
lamp ® p. 6-42
Active stability & traction control (ASTC)
6-40OVWX17E1Starting and driving6