check engine MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER XL 2011 User Guide

3-102 Features and controls
3
ParkingTo park the vehicle, first bring it to a complete stop, fully
engage the parking brake, and then move the selector lever to
the “P” (PARK) position.When the automatic transaxle makes no gear changeIf the transaxle does not change gears while driving, or your
vehicle does not pick up enough speed when starting on an
uphill slope, it may be that there is something unusual happen-
ing in the transaxle, causing a safety device to activate. Have
your vehicle checked at an authorized Mitsubishi Motors
dealer or a repair facility of your choice as soon as possible.NOTE
When the warning display and “SLOW DOWN” or the
warning display and “SERVICE REQUIRED” appear
on the information screen in the multi-information dis-
play, there could be a malfunction in the automatic tran-
saxle. Refer to “Automatic transaxle: Warning display”
on page 3-96.
Continuously variable transmission (CVT)

(if so equipped)
N00560200021
The CVT is capable of changing the engine speed to vehicle
speed ratio automatically and steplessly to suit driving condi-
tions in all phases of vehicle operation. It therefore realizes
smooth, shock-free operation and excellent fuel efficiency.DRIVING UPHILLThe transmission may not shift to a higher ratio if the computer
determines your current speed would be affected.
For smoother operation, the transmission may not shift if you
release the throttle while climbing a steep hill. This is normal
because the computer controls the shifting. After reaching the
top of the hill, your normal shift function will resume.DRIVING DOWNHILLWhen traveling down steep grades and using the brakes, the
computer may automatically shift to a lower ratio. This helps
engine braking efforts, reducing your need to use the brakes.
CAUTION
!
Automatic downshifts may not take place if the con-
tinuously variable transmission (CVT) fluid is still
cool immediately after you start driving. To cause a
downshift, depress the brake pedal or shift down
manually.
Always drive safely in accordance with road condi-
tions.
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Features and controls
3-105
3
When the selector lever cannot be shifted from the “P”
(PARK) position
N00563300010
When the selector lever cannot be shifted from the “P” (PARK)
position to another position while the brake pedal is pressed
and held down with the ignition switch at the “ON” position,
the battery may be flat or the shift-lock mechanism may be
malfunctioning.
Immediately have your vehicle checked by an authorized Mit-
subishi Motors dealer or a repair facility of your choice.
If you need to move the vehicle, shift the selector lever as fol-
lows.
1. Make sure the parking brake is fully applied.
2. Stop the engine if it is running.
3. Insert a screwdriver with a cloth over its tip into the notch
(A) of the cover. Pry gently as shown to remove the cover.4. Depress the brake pedal with the right foot.
5. Turn the ignition switch to the “ACC” position.
NOTE
For vehicles with the Free-hand Advanced Security
Transmitter (F.A.S.T.-key), turn the ignition switch to the
“ACC” position with the emergency key if the vehicle
battery is flat.
6. Insert a screwdriver in the shift-lock release hole (B).
Shift the selector lever to the “N” (NEUTRAL) position
while pressing the screwdriver down.
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3-120 Features and controls
3
S-AWC warning display
N00542600036
When there is a malfunction in the system, the warning dis-
play will appear on the information screen in the multi-infor-
mation display.
In addition, the S-AWC control mode display in section (A)
will go out at the same time.
After that, the “4WD” display in section (A) will blink.
WA R N I N G
!
Always concentrate on your driving first. Keep your
eyes and mind on the road. Distractions while driv-
ing can lead to an accident.
CAUTION
!
The system may be malfunctioning.
Park your vehicle in a safe place and stop the engine.
Restart the engine and check whether the warn-
ing display goes out.
If the warning display and “SERVICE
REQUIRED” go out, there is no abnormal condi-
tion. If the warning display does not go out or
appears frequently, it is not necessary to stop the
vehicle immediately, but we recommend that you
have your vehicle inspected.
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Features and controls
3-121
3 4-wheel drive operation
N00530600143
Your vehicle has been designed primarily for use on pavement.
But its unique 4 -wheel drive system allows you to occasion-
ally travel on unpaved roads, to campgrounds, picnic sites, and
similar locations.
Not only does this ensure better handling on dry, paved roads
but also permits better traction when driving on slippery, wet or
snow-covered roads and when moving out of mud.
But it is not suitable for heavy off road use or towing in rough
conditions.
It is particularly important to note that 4-wheel drive may not
give sufficient hill climbing ability and engine braking on steep
slopes. You should try to avoid driving on steep slopes.
Also, you must exercise caution when driving on sand and mud
and when driving through water because sufficient traction
may not be available in certain circumstances.
Please avoid driving the vehicle through areas where the tires
may get stuck in deep sand or mud.
NOTE
Driving on rough roads can be hard on a vehicle. Before
you leave the pavement, be sure all scheduled mainte-
nance and service has been done, and that you have
inspected your vehicle. Pay special attention to the condi-
tion of the tires, and check the tire pressures.

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 tech-
niques of vehicle operation depend on the skill and experi-
ence of the operator and other participating parties. Any
deviation from the recommended operating instructions
above is at their own risk.
WA R N I N G
!
Do not over-rely on the 4-wheel drive vehicles. Even
4-wheel drive vehicles have limits to the system and
ability to maintain control and traction. Reckless
driving may lead to accidents. Always drive care-
fully, taking account of the road conditions.
Improperly operating this vehicle on or off-pave-
ment can cause an accident or rollover in which you
and your passengers could be seriously injured or
killed.
• Follow all instructions and guidelines in the
owner’s manual.
• Keep your speed low and do not drive faster than
conditions.
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3-122 Features and controls
3

Note that the stopping distance required of the 4-wheel
drive vehicle differs very little from that of the front-
wheel drive vehicle. When driving on a snow-covered
road or a slippery, muddy surface, make sure that you
keep a sufficient distance between your vehicle and the
one ahead of you.

The driving posture should be more upright; adjust the
seat to a good position for easy steering and pedal opera-
tion. Be sure to wear the seat belt.

After driving on rough roads, check each part of the vehi-
cle and wash it thoroughly with water. Refer to the
“Inspection and maintenance following rough road opera-
tion” section and “Vehicle care and Maintenance” sec-
tions.Turning sharp cornersWhen turning a sharp corner in “4WD LOCK” or “LOCK”
position at low speed, a slight difference in steering may be
experienced similar to feeling as if the brakes were applied.
This is called tight corner braking and results from each of the
four tires being at a different distance from the corner. The phe-
nomenon is typical of 4-wheel drive vehicles. If this occurs,
either straighten out the steering wheel or change to another
mode.
On snowy or icy roadsSet the drive mode-selector to “4WD AUTO”, “4WD LOCK”
or “SNOW” in accordance with the road conditions, and then
gradually depress the accelerator pedal for a smooth start.NOTE
The use of snow tires is recommended.

Maintain a safe distance between vehicles, avoid sudden
braking, and use engine braking (downshifting).Driving on sandy or muddy roadsSet the drive mode-selector to “4WD LOCK” or “LOCK” and
then gradually depress the accelerator pedal for a smooth start.
Keep the pressure on the accelerator pedal as constant as possi-
ble, and drive at low speed.
CAUTION
!
Setting the drive mode-selector to “4WD LOCK” or
“LOCK” position to drive on dry paved road will
increase fuel consumption, with possible noise gen-
eration.
CAUTION
!
Avoid sudden braking, sudden acceleration and
sharp turning. Skidding occurs and control of the
vehicle could be lost.
CAUTION
!
Do not force the vehicle or drive recklessly on sandy
surfaces. In comparison with normal road surfaces,
the engine and other drive-system components are
put under excessive strain when driving on such a
surface. This could lead to accidents.
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3-124 Features and controls
3
Driving through water
N00537800085
If the electrical circuits become wet, further operation of the
vehicle will be impossible; therefore, avoid driving through
water unless absolutely necessary. If driving through water is
unavoidable, use the following procedure:
Check the depth of the water and the terrain before attempting
to drive through it. Drive slowly to avoid creating excessive
water splashing.
Inspection and maintenance following
rough road operation
N00530700085
After operating the vehicle in rough road conditions, be sure to
perform the following inspection and maintenance procedures:

Check that the vehicle has not been damaged by rocks,
gravel, etc.

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, contact an authorized Mit-
subishi Motors dealer or a repair facility of your choice as
soon as possible to have the brakes checked.

Remove the insects, dried grass, etc. clogging the radiator
core.

After driving through water, check the engine, transaxle
and differential oil. If the oil or grease is milky or cloudy
because of water contamination, it must be replaced with
new oil.

Check the inside of the vehicle. If water entry is found,
dry the carpet etc.

Inspect the headlights. If water is in the headlight housing,
have it drained at an authorized Mitsubishi Motors dealer
or a repair facility of your choice.
CAUTION
!
Never drive through water that is deep enough to
cover wheel hubs, axles or exhaust pipe. Do not
change the selector lever position while driving
through water.
Frequent driving through water can adversely affect
the life span of the vehicle; consult an authorized
Mitsubishi Motors dealer or a repair facility of your
choice and take the necessary measures to prepare,
inspect, and repair the vehicle.
After driving through water, 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.
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3-130 Features and controls
3Brake assist system
N00567300047
The brake assist system is a device assisting drivers who can-
not depress the brake pedal firmly 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 than usual.
CAUTION
!
If the warning is displayed, the hill start assist will
not operate. Start off carefully.
Park your vehicle in a safe place and stop the engine.
Restart the engine and check whether the indica-
tor/display goes out, in which case the hill start assist
is again working normally.
If they remain displayed or reappear frequently, it is
not necessary to stop the vehicle immediately, but
the vehicle should be inspected by an authorized
Mitsubishi Motors dealer or a repair facility of your
choice as soon as possible.
CAUTION
!
The brake assist system is not a device designed to
exercise braking force greater than its capacity.
Make sure to always keep a sufficient distance
between vehicles in front of you without relying too
much on the brake assist system.
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3-132 Features and controls
3
NOTE
A whining sound is emitted from the engine compartment
when driving immediately after starting the engine. These
are the normal sounds the anti-lock braking system makes
when performing a self-check. It does not indicate a mal-
function.

The anti-lock braking system can be used after the vehicle
has reached a speed over approximately 6 mph (10 km/h).
It stops working when the vehicle slows below 3 mph (5
km/h).
Anti-lock braking system warning light / display
N00531600586
Warning light
Warning display type 1
Warning display type 2
If there is a malfunction in the system, the anti-lock braking
system warning light will come on and the warning display
will appear on the information screen in the multi-information
display.
Under normal conditions, the anti-lock braking system warning
light only comes on when the ignition switch is turned to the
“ON” position and goes off a few seconds later.
CAUTION
!
The anti-lock braking system cannot prevent acci-
dents. It is your responsibility to take safety precau-
tions and to drive carefully.
To prevent failure of the anti-lock braking system,
be sure all 4 wheels and tires are the same size and
the same type.
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Features and controls
3-133
3
If the warning light / display illuminate while
driving
N00531700516
If only the anti-lock braking system warning light/dis-
play illuminate
Avoid hard braking and high-speed driving. Stop the vehi-
cle in a safe place.
Test the system by restarting the engine and driving at a
speed of about 12 mph (20 km/h) or higher.
If the warning light / display then remains off during driv-
ing, there is no abnormal condition.
However, if the warning light / display do not disappear,
or if they come on again when the vehicle is driven, have
the vehicle checked by an authorized MITSUBISHI
MOTORS dealer or repair facility of your choice as soon
as possible.
CAUTION
!
Any of the following indicates that the anti-lock
braking system is not functioning and only the stan-
dard brake system is working. (The standard brake
system is functioning normally.) If this happens,
take your vehicle to an authorized Mitsubishi
Motors dealer or a repair facility of your choice.
• When the ignition switch is in the “ON” position,
the warning light does not come on or it remains
on and does not go off
• The warning light comes on while driving
• The warning display appears while driving
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3-136 Features and controls
3Active stability control (ASC)
(if so equipped)
N00559100105
The Active stability control (ASC) takes overall control of the
anti-lock braking system, traction control function and skid
control function to help maintain the vehicle’s control and trac-
tion. Please read this section in conjunction with the page on
the anti-lock braking system, traction control function and skid
control function.
Anti-lock braking system → P. 3 - 1 3 1
Traction control function → P. 3 - 1 3 7
Skid control function → P. 3 - 1 3 7
NOTE
An operation noise may be emitted from the engine com-
partment in the following situations. The sound is associ-
ated with checking the operations of the ASC. At this
time, you may feel a shock from the brake pedal if you
depress it. These do not indicate a malfunction.
• When the ignition switch is set to the “ON” position.
• When the vehicle is driven for a while after the engine is
turned on.

When the ASC is activated, you may feel a vibration in
the vehicle body or hear a whining sound from the engine
compartment.
This indicates that the system is operating normally. It
does not indicate a malfunction.

When the anti-lock braking system warning light is illu-
minated, the ASC is not active.
CAUTION
!
Do not over-rely on the ASC. Even the ASC cannot
prevent the natural laws of physics from acting on
the vehicle. This system, like any other system, has
limits and cannot help you to maintain traction and
control of the vehicle in all circumstances. Reckless
driving can lead to accidents. It is the driver’s
responsibillty to drive carefully, This means taking
into account the traffic, road and environmental
conditions.
Be sure to use the same specified type and size of tire
on all four wheels. Otherwise, the ASC may not
work properly.
Do not install any aftermarket limited slip differen-
tial (LSD) on your vehicle. The ASC may stop func-
tioning properly.
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