steering MITSUBISHI GALANT 2012 9.G User Guide

Features and controls
3-29
3
To release When parking on a hill, apply the parking brake and turn the
front wheels toward the curb on a downhill grade, away from
the curb on an uphill grade.
Steering wheel tilt lock lever
N00511500156
To adjust the steering wheel height, release the tilt lock lever
while holding the steering wheel by hand, and raise or lower
the steering wheel to the desired height.
After adjustment, securely lock the lever by pulling it upward.
1- Pull the lever up slightly.
2- Press and hold the button at the end of the hand grip.
3- Push the lever downward.
CAUTION
!
Before driving, be sure that the parking brake is
fully released and brake warning light is off.
If a vehicle is driven without releasing the parking
brake, the brakes will be overheated, resulting in
ineffective braking and possible brake failure.
1- Locked
2- Released
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3-30 Features and controls
3Inside rearview mirror
N00511600290
Adjust the inside rearview mirror only after making any seat
adjustments so as to have a clear view to the rear of the vehicle.
WA R N I N G
!
After adjusting, make sure the lock lever is secured
in the locked (1) position.
Do not attempt to adjust the steering wheel while
driving. This can be dangerous.
When releasing the tilt lock lever {moving it to the
position (2)}, be sure to hold the steering wheel
firmly. Otherwise, the steering wheel may slip down
too suddenly.
WA R N I N G
!
Do not attempt to adjust the inside rearview mirror
while driving. This can be dangerous.
Be sure to adjust the mirror before driving.Ty p e 1
Ty p e 2
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3-34 Features and controls
3Ignition switch
N00512400657
LOCKThe engine is off and the steering wheel is locked. The key can
be inserted and removed only when the switch is in this posi-
tion. ACCAllows operation of electrical accessories with the engine off. ON The engine runs and all accessories can be used.
START Engages the starter. After the engine starts, release the key and
it will return automatically to the “ON” position.NOTE
If your vehicle is equipped with ignition switch illumina-
tion, the ignition switch will be illuminated:
• The ignition switch illumination comes on while the
driver’s door is opened and remains on for about 30 sec-
onds after the driver’s door is closed.
• When you remove the ignition key from the ignition
switch, it will be illuminated for about 30 seconds.
However, it will go off even while the illumination
comes on if the ignition switch is turned to “ON” posi-
tion.

Your vehicle is equipped with an electronic immobilizer.
To start the engine, the ID code which the transponder
inside the key sends must match the one registered to the
immobilizer computer.
(Refer to the section “Electronic immobilizer” on page 3-
3).

If your vehicle is equipped with Daytime Running Lights,
when the ignition key is in the “ON” position, the low
beam of the headlight will illuminate dimly. (Refer to
“Combination headlights and dimmer switch” on page 3-
81.)
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Features and controls
3-35
3
To remove the keyFirst set the selector lever to the “P” (PARK) position, and then
turn the key to the “LOCK” position and remove it.NOTE
The key cannot be removed unless the selector lever is set
in the “P” (PARK) position.
Key reminder buzzer
N00551000078
If you open the driver’s door while the ignition key is in the
“LOCK” or “ACC” position, a tone will sound, reminding you
to remove the key.
CAUTION
!
If the engine is turned off while driving, the power
brake booster will stop functioning and braking effi-
ciency will be reduced. Also, the power steering sys-
tem will not function and it will require greater
effort to manually steer the vehicle.
Do not leave the key in the “ON” position for a long
time when the engine is not running. This will cause
the battery to run down.

Do not turn the key to the “START” position when
the engine is running. It will damage the starter
motor.
CAUTION
!
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3-36 Features and controls
3Steering wheel lock
N00512500137
To l o c kRemove the key at the “LOCK” position.
Turn the steering wheel until it is locked.To unlockTurn the key to the “ACC” position while moving the steering
wheel slightly.
NOTE
If the front wheels are turned, the anti-theft lock may
sometimes make it difficult to turn the key from “LOCK”
to “ACC”. Firmly turn the steering wheel to the left or to
the right as you turn the key.
CAUTION
!
Remove the key when leaving the vehicle.
If your vehicle needs to be towed, turn the key to the
“ACC” position to unlock the steering wheel.
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3-46 Features and controls
3
Passing acceleration
N00514900047
To gain extra acceleration in “D” (DRIVE) position (when
passing another vehicle) push the accelerator to the floor. The
automatic transaxle will automatically downshift.NOTE
In sports mode, downshifts do not take place when the
accelerator is depressed all the way to the floor.Waiting
N00515000058
For short waiting periods, such as at traffic lights, the vehicle
can be left in gear and held stationary with the service brake.
For longer waiting periods with the engine running, the selec-
tor lever should be placed in the “N” (NEUTRAL) position.

Use the selector lever in the correct shift position in
accordance with driving conditions.
Never coast downhill backward in the driving shift
position {“D” (DRIVE) or sports mode} or coast for-
ward in the “R” (REVERSE) position.
Engine stopping and Increased brake pedal and
steering effort could lead to an accident.
CAUTION
!
CAUTION
!
To avoid transaxle overheating, never try to keep
your vehicle stationary on a hill by using the acceler-
ator pedal. Always apply the parking brake and/or
service brake.
Unexpected acceleration may occur if the selector
lever is in a position other than “P” (PARK) or “N”
(NEUTRAL).
Prior to moving off after having stopped the vehicle,
make sure that the selector lever is in “D” (DRIVE)
position or “Sports mode” position.
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Features and controls
3-49
3 Anti-lock braking system
N00517900253
The anti-lock braking system helps prevent the wheels from
locking up when braking. This helps you keep control of your
vehicle and its direction. Driving hints
When using the anti-lock brakes (sudden braking), steer-
ing is slightly different from normal driving conditions.
Use the steering wheel carefully.

Always keep a safe distance from the vehicle in front of
you. If your vehicle is equipped with the anti-lock braking
system, leave a greater braking distance when:
• Driving on gravel or snow-covered roads.
• Driving on uneven road surfaces.

Operation of anti-lock braking system is not restricted to
situations where brakes are applied suddenly. This system
may also prevent the wheels from locking when you drive
over manholes, steel roadwork plates, road markings, or
any uneven road surface.

When the anti-lock braking system is in use, you may feel
the brake pedal vibrating and hear a unique sound. You
may also feel as if the pedal resists being pressed.
In this situation, simply hold the brake pedal down
firmly. Do not pump the brake, which will result in
reduced braking performance.
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 four wheels and tires are the same size
and the same type.
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3-52 Features and controls
3
NOTE
A whining sound may be heard from the engine compart-
ment in the following situations. The sound is associated
with the ASC self-check operations. It does not indicate a
malfunction.
• When the ignition key 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.
Traction control function
N00559200063
On slippery surfaces, the traction control function prevents the
drive wheels from spinning excessively, thus helping the vehi-
cle to start moving from a stopped condition. It also provides
sufficient driving force and steering performance as the vehicle
turns while pressing the acceleration pedal.
CAUTION
!
When driving a vehicle on a snowy or icy road, be
sure to install snow tires and drive the vehicle at
moderate speeds.
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Features and controls
3-53
3
Skid control function
N00546800036
The skid control function is designed to help the driver main-
tain control of the vehicle on slippery roads or during rapid
steering maneuvers. It works by controlling the engine output
and the brake on each wheel.NOTE
The skid control function operates at speeds of about 9
mph (15 km/h) or higher.
ASC OFF switch
N00559400094
The ASC is automatically activated when the ignition key is
turned to the “ON” position. You can deactivate the system by
pressing down the ASC OFF switch for 3 seconds or longer.
When the ASC is deactivated, the indicator will be illumi-
nated. To reactivate the ASC, momentarily press the ASC OFF
switch; the indicator is turned off.
CAUTION
!
For safety reasons, the ASC OFF switch should be
operated when your vehicle is stopped.
Be sure to keep the ASC on while driving in normal
circumstances.
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3-56 Features and controls
3Power steering system
N00518000264
The power steering system operates while the engine is run-
ning. It helps reduce the effort needed to turn the steering
wheel.
The power steering system has mechanical steering capability
in case the power assist is lost. If the power assist is lost for
some reason, you will still be able to steer your vehicle. If the
power assist is lost, you will notice it takes much more effort to
steer and that there is much more “free play” in the steering
wheel. If this happens, take your vehicle to an authorized Mit-
subishi Motors dealer or a repair facility of your choice.
CAUTION
!
If the vehicle is towed with the ignition key in the
“ON” position and only the front wheels or only the
rear wheels raised off the ground, the ASC may
operate, resulting in an accident. When towing the
vehicle with the front wheels raised, keep the igni-
tion key in the “LOCK” or “ACC” position. When
towing the vehicle with the rear wheels raised, keep
the ignition key in the “ACC” position.
Refer to “Towing” on page 6-21.
WA R N I N G
!
Do not stop the engine while the vehicle is moving.
Stopping the engine would make the steering wheel
extremely hard to turn, possibly resulting in an acci-
dent.
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