CAUTIONlIf the selector lever position display blinks
while you are driving, it is likely that a safe-
ty device is operating because of a malfunc- tion in the automatic transmission. Immedi-
ately have the vehicle inspected at a MITSUBISHI MOTORS Authorized Serv-
ice Point.When the A/T (automatic trans-
mission) fluid temperature warning lamp comes on
E00615301236
The automatic transmission fluid temperature warning lamp comes on and a buzzer may
sound, when the automatic transmission fluid
temperature becomes abnormally high. Nor- mally the warning lamp comes on when the
ignition switch is turned to the “ON” position or the operation mode is put in ON, and then
will go off after a few seconds.
CAUTIONl If the lamp comes on, reduce the engine
speed and stop the vehicle in a safe area.Then set the selector lever to “P” (PARK)
position and idle the engine until the warn-
ing lamp goes off. When the warning lamp goes off, resume normal driving. If the
warning lamp does not go off, we recom- mend you to have your vehicle inspected.Operation of the A/T
E00604201697
CAUTIONl Before selecting a gear with the engine run-
ning and the vehicle stationary, fully depress
the brake pedal to prevent the vehicle from
creeping.
The vehicle will begin to move as soon as the gear is engaged, especially when the en- gine speed is high, at fast idle or with the airconditioner operating, the brakes should on-
ly be released when you are ready to drive
away.
l Depress the brake pedal with the right foot at
all times.
Using the left foot could cause driver move- ment delay in case of an emergency.
l To prevent sudden acceleration, never race
the engine when shifting from the “P”
(PARK) or “N” (NEUTRAL) position.CAUTIONl Operating the accelerator pedal while the
other foot is resting on the brake pedal will affect braking efficiency and may cause pre-
mature wear of brake pads.
l Use the selector lever in the correct shift po-
sition in accordance with driving conditions.Never coast downhill backward with the se-
lector lever in the {“D” (DRIVE) or sports mode} or coast forward with the selector
lever in the “R” (REVERSE) position.
The engine may stop and the unexpected in- crease in brake pedal effort and steering
wheel weight could lead to an accident.
l Do not race the engine with brake pedal
pressed when the vehicle is stationary.
This can damage the A/T.
Also, when you depress the accelerator ped- al while holding down the brake pedal withthe selector lever in the “P” (PARK), “N”
(NEUTRAL) or “D” (DRIVE) position, the
engine revolutions may not rise as high as when performing the same operation with
the selector lever in the “N” (NEUTRAL)
position.Passing acceleration
E00604501342
To gain extra acceleration in “D” (DRIVE)
position, push the accelerator to the floor.The A/T will automatically downshift.
Automatic transmission Sports Mode 5A/T
6-34OKTE18E1Starting and driving6
NOTElIn sports mode, downshifts do not take place
when the accelerator is depressed all the way to the floor.Waiting
E00604601372
For short waiting periods, such as at traffic
signals, the vehicle can be left in gear and held stationary with the service brake.
For longer waiting periods with the engine
running, place the selector lever in the “N” (NEUTRAL) position and apply the parking
brake, while holding the vehicle stationary with the service brake.
CAUTIONl Never hold the vehicle stationary on a hill
using the accelerator pedal (without using
the brake pedal). Always apply the parking brake and/or service brakes.Parking
E00604700187
To park the vehicle, first bring it to a com-
plete stop, fully engage the parking brake,and then move the selector lever to the “P”
(PARK) position.
If you are going to leave the vehicle unatten-
ded, always switch off the engine and carry the key.
NOTEl On a slope, be sure to apply the parking
brake before moving the selector lever to the
“P” (PARK) position. If you move the selec- tor lever to the “P” (PARK) position before applying the parking brake, it may be diffi-
cult to disengage the selector lever from the
“P” (PARK) position when next you drive the vehicle, requiring application of a strong
force to the selector lever to move from the
“P” (PARK) position.When the automatic transmis-
sion makes no speed change
E00604801882
If the transmission does not change speeds
while driving, or your vehicle does not pick up enough speed when starting on an uphillslope, it may be that there is something un-
usual happening in the transmission, causing a safety device to activate. Immediately have
your vehicle checked at a MITSUBISHI
MOTORS Authorized Service Point. 1. If your vehicle has difficulty moving up-
hill, shift the selector lever into 2 nd
gear
of the sports mode. This method might
not work depending on the transmission malfunction.
2. Once the vehicle is moving on a level
road, move the selector lever back to“D” (DRIVE).
NOTEl When the selector lever position display in
the instrument panel blinks, it means that
there is an abnormal condition in the trans- mission.
Refer to “When the selector lever position
display blinks” on page 6-33.Easy Select 4WD*
E00614701259
Shifting to rear-wheel drive or 4-wheel drivecan be made by operating the drive mode-se-
lector (A). Set the drive mode-selector to an appropriate position according to the roadsurface conditions. In addition, the 2WD/4WD operation indication lamp and the
low-range indication lamp indicates the drive
mode-selector setting state. Refer to “2WD/4WD operation indication lamp and low-range indication lamp” on page 6-38.
Easy Select 4WD*
6-35OKTE18E1Starting and driving6
Drive mode-se-lector positionIndication lamp
Drive mode
switching in pro- gress
and
4Landand
: Blink
: Illuminate
: Remain off
NOTElThe 2WD/4WD operation indication lamp
will blink during shifting process from “4H”to “4L” or vice versa, as the transfer passes
through the neutral position.
Be sure to operate the drive mode-selector
until the 2WD/4WD operation indication lamp illuminates again.NOTEl When parking, apply the parking brake be-
fore stopping the engine and make sure that the 2WD/4WD operation indicator and the low range lamp are not blinking during shift-ing process between “4H” ↔ “4L”. Other- wise, the vehicle could unexpectedly move
even if the automatic transmission is in the
“P” (PARK) position.
l If, after a “4H” ↔ “4L” selection has been
made, the 2WD/4WD operation indicator
continues blinking and the desired range is not actually selected, return the drive mode- selector to its previous position. Place the steering wheel in the straight ahead position,
drive the vehicle forward, and release the ac- celerator pedal. Next, hold down the clutch
pedal (with manual transmission) or place the selector lever in the “N” (NEUTRAL)
position (with automatic transmission) and make the range selection again.
l If the low range lamp blinks when you at-
tempt to make a “4H” ↔ “4L” selection, a
“4H” ↔ “4L” selection cannot be made. Stop the vehicle and release the accelerator
pedal. Next, hold down the clutch pedal (with manual transmission) or place the se-lector lever in the “N” (NEUTRAL) position(with automatic transmission) and make the range selection again.NOTEl The Active Stability Control function is sus-
pended while “4L” is selected. The indi-
cation lamp illuminates while these func- tions are suspended. It does not indicate a
problem. When “2H” or “4H” is selected,
this lamp goes out and function again. Refer to “ASTC indication lamp, ASTC OFF indi- cation lamp” on page 6-61.CAUTIONl If a problem is detected in the transfer sys-
tem, a safety device will activate. The 2WD/4WD operation indicator blinks (twiceper second), and transfer shifting will be-
come impossible. Park your vehicle in a safe place, turn off the engine for a few moments.Restart the engine. The lamp should resume normal operation. If the lamps continue to
blink, have the vehicle checked by a MITSUBISHI MOTORS Authorized Serv-
ice Point as soon as possible.
Easy Select 4WD*
6-39OKTE18E1Starting and driving6
NOTElWhen the drive mode-selector is set between
“2H”, “4H” and “4HLc”, the front wheel
and/or centre differential lock lamps blink
while the selection is in process. Take the following precautions when the indicationlamp is blinking.
• 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 rattling or
shock may occur, cornering may not be smooth and the desired range may not ac-tually be selected.
• When the drive mode-selector is set be-
tween “2H”, “4H” and “4HLc”, while the
vehicle is stopped, the front wheel and/or centre differential lock lamps blink whilethe selection is in process. Drive slowly and normally after confirming that the
lamp is switched.
• If the front wheel and/or centre differen-
tial lock lamps blinking after a “2H” ↔ “4H” ↔ “4HLc” selection has been made
with the vehicle moving, hold the steering wheel in the straight ahead position andslowly depress the accelerator pedal sev-
eral times.
l The front and the rear wheel lamps will
blink during shifting process from “4HLc” to “4LLc” or vice versa, as the transfer pass-
es through the neutral position. Be sure to
operate the drive mode-selector until the
front and the rear wheel lamps illuminate
again.NOTEl When parking, apply the parking brake be-
fore stopping the engine and make sure that the front and the rear wheel lamps and the low range lamp are not blinking during shift-ing process between “4HLc” ↔ “4LLc”.
Otherwise, the vehicle could unexpectedly move even if the automatic transmission is
in the “P” (PARK) position.
l If, after a “4HLc” ↔ “4LLc” selection has
been made, front and the rear wheel lamps continue blinking and the desired range isnot actually selected, return the drive mode-selector to its previous position. Place the
steering wheel in the straight ahead position, drive the vehicle forward, and release the ac-
celerator pedal. Next, hold down the clutch pedal (with manual transmission) or place
the selector lever in the “N” (NEUTRAL)
position (with automatic transmission) and make the range selection again.
l If the low range lamp blinks when you at-
tempt to make a “4HLc” ↔ “4LLc” selec-
tion, a “4HLc” ↔ “4LLc” selection cannot
be made. Stop the vehicle and release the ac- celerator pedal. Next, hold down the clutch pedal (with manual transmission) or placethe selector lever in the “N” (NEUTRAL)
position (with automatic transmission) and make the range selection again.NOTEl The Active Stability Control function is sus-
pended while “4LLc” is selected. The in-
dication lamp illuminates while these func- tions are suspended. It does not indicate a
problem. When “2H” or “4H” or “4HLc” is selected, this lamp goes out and functionagain. Refer to “ASTC indication lamp,
ASTC OFF indication lamp” on page 6-61.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 rapidly (twice per second), and transfer shifting will
become impossible. Park your vehicle in a safe place, turn off the engine for a few mo-
ments. Restart the engine. The lamp should resume normal operation. If the lamps con-tinue to blink, have the vehicle checked by aMITSUBISHI MOTORS Authorized Serv-
ice Point as soon as possible.
Super Select 4WD II*
6-44OKTE18E1Starting and driving6
CAUTIONlDo 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
8-09.
• Automatic transmission fluid temperature
warning lamp comes on.
Refer to “When the A/T (automatic trans-
mission) fluid temperature warning lamp comes on” on page 6-34.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 a rock-
ing motion. Move the selector lever rhythmi- cally between the “D” (DRIVE) and “R”
(REVERSE) 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 forget to release the parking brake.
l 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 drive mode-selector to “4L” position
(Easy Select 4WD), “4LLc” position (Super
Select 4WD II) to maximize the engine tor-
que.
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.
l Before attempting to drive up the slope,
walk up it to confirm that the vehicle canhandle the grade.
Descending sharp grades
Set the drive mode-selector to “4L” position
(Easy Select 4WD), “4LLc” position (Super
Select 4WD II), use the engine brake (down- shifting) and descend slowly.
4-wheel drive operation*
6-50OKTE18E1Starting and driving6
WARNINGlAvoid 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 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 de- scending 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 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 “4H” or “4L”
position (Easy Select 4WD), “4HLc” or “4LLc” position (Super Select 4WD II) at
low speed, a slight difference in steering may be experienced similar to as if the brakes were applied. This is called tight corner brak- ing and results from each of the 4 tyres being
at a different distance from the corner.
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. Set the drive mode-selector to “4L” po-
sition (Easy Select 4WD), “4LLc” posi-
tion (Super Select 4WD II).
3. Drive slowly at a speed of approximate-
ly 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 adversely
affect the life span of the vehicle; we recom- mend you to take the necessary measures toprepare, inspect, and repair the vehicle.
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.Inspection and maintenance
following rough roadoperation E00606701566
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.
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.
Inspection and maintenance following rough road operation
6-51OKTE18E1Starting and driving6
lRemove the insects, dried grass, etc.
clogging the radiator core and A/T oil
cooler.
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, have
the headlamp drained off.Cautions on handling of 4-
wheel drive vehicles E00606802102
Tyres and wheels
Since the driving torque can be applied to the 4 wheels, the performance of the vehiclewhen 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 11-15.
l Be sure to the appropriate tyre inflation
pressure according to no cargo or cargo.
Refer to “Tyre inflation pressures” on
page 10-12.
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.
CAUTIONl Always use tyres of the same size, same
type, and same brand, and which have no wear differences. Using the tyres which dif-
fer in size, type, brands or the degree of wear or the inappropriate tyre inflation pres-
sure, will increase the differential oil tem- perature and may be impossible to shift the transfer, 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.
Towing
If towing is necessary, we recommend you to
have it done by your MITSUBISHI
MOTORS Authorized Service Point or a
commercial tow truck service.
In the following cases, transport the vehicle
using a tow truck.
l The engine runs but the vehicle does not
move or abnormal noise is produced.
l Inspection of the vehicle’s underside re-
veals that oil or some other fluid is leak- ing.
Cautions on handling of 4-wheel drive vehicles
6-52OKTE18E1Starting and driving6
Only when you cannot receive a towing serv-ice from a MITSUBISHI MOTORS Author-
ized Service Point or commercial tow truck service, tow your vehicle carefully in accord-ance with the instructions given in “Towing”
on page 8-23.CAUTIONl Transport the vehicle with the driving
wheels on a carriage (Type C or D) as illus- trated.
Never try to tow with the front or rear
wheels on the ground (Type A or B) as illus-
trated.
This could result in damage to the drivetrain,
or unstable towing.
Jacking up a 4-wheel drive ve-
hicle
WARNINGl Do not crank the engine while jacking up
the vehicle.
The tyre on the ground may turn and the
vehicle may roll off the jack.Braking
E00607003065
All the parts of the brake system are critical
to safety. We recommend you to have the ve- hicle checked at regular intervals according
to the service booklet.
CAUTIONl Avoid driving habits that cause heavy brak-
ing and never “ride” the brakes by resting
your foot on the brake pedal while driving.
It causes brake overheating and fade.
Brake system
The service brake is divided into two brake
circuits. And your vehicle is equipped with
power brakes. If one brake circuit fails, the other is available to stop the vehicle. If you
should lose the power assist for some reason, the brakes will still work. In these situations,
even if the brake pedal moves down to the very end of its possible stroke or resists being
depressed, keep depressing the brake pedal
down harder and further than usual; stop
driving as soon as possible and have the brake system repaired.
WARNINGl Do not turn off the engine while your ve-
hicle is in motion. If you turn off the engine while driving,
the power assistance for the braking sys-
tem will stop working and your brakes will not work effectively.
l If the power assist is lost or if either brake
hydraulic system stops working properly,
have your vehicle checked immediately.
Braking
6-53OKTE18E1Starting and driving6