steering MITSUBISHI L200 2011 (in English) Owner's Guide

“4H” ↔ “4L”Transfer shift lever posi-tion2WD/4WD operationindication lamp
4HDrive mode switching in progress 4L
: Illuminate: Remain off
NOTE
l The 2WD/4WD operation indication lamp
will go out momentarily during shifting proc-
ess from “4H” to “4L” or vice versa, as the
transfer shift lever passes through the neutral
position.
Be sure to operate the transfer shift lever un-
til the 2WD/4WD operation indication lamp
illuminates again.
l If, after a “4H” ↔ “4L” selection has been
made, the 2WD/4WD operation indication
lamp remains off and the desired range is not
actually selected, return the transfer shift lev-
er to its previous position. Place the steering
wheel in the straight ahead position, drive
the vehicle forward, and release the accelera-
tor pedal. Next, hold down the clutch pedal
(with manual transmission) or place the selec-
tor lever in the “N” (NEUTRAL) position
(with automatic transmission) and make the
range selection again.Super select 4WD* E00605700197
Shifting to rear-wheel drive or 4-wheel drive can
be made by operating the transfer shift lever (A).
Shift the transfer shift lever to an appropriate posi-
tion according to the road surface conditions. In ad-
dition, the 2WD/4WD operation indication lamp in-
dicates the transfer shift lever shifting state. Refer
to “2WD/4WD operation indication lamp” on page
4-32.
Vehicles with manual transmissionVehicles with automatic transmission
Starting and driving
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4

To shift fromToProcedureVehicles with manual transmissionVehicles with automatic transmission2H4HThe transfer shift lever can be operated while the vehicle is
either moving or stationary.
When the vehicle is not in motion, shift the gearshift lever
to the “N” (Neutral) position before operating the transfer
shift lever.
When the vehicle is moving, and only while it can be
steered straight ahead, and release the accelerator pedal be-
fore operating the transfer shift lever.The transfer shift lever can be operated while the vehicle
is either moving or stationary.
When the vehicle is not in motion, shift the selector lever
to the “N” (NEUTRAL) position before operating the
transfer shift lever.
When the vehicle is moving, and only while it can be
steered straight ahead, shift the selector lever to the “D”
(DRIVE) position, and release the accelerator pedal be-
fore operating the transfer shift lever.4H2H or 4HLc
4HLc4H
4HLc4LLcStop the vehicle, depress the clutch pedal to the floor and
operate the transfer shift lever while keeping the transfer
shift lever pushed down.
Keep depressing the clutch pedal while the 2WD/4WD op-
eration indication lamp continues to blink.Stop the vehicle, shift the selector lever to the “N” (NEU-
TRAL) position, and operate the transfer shift lever
while keeping the transfer shift lever pushed down.
If operation is made with the selector lever placed in any
other position than “N” (NEUTRAL) position, a gear
noise may be generated, with a possible failure to shift in-
to a proper gear.
4LLc4HLc
NOTE
l Shifting of the transfer shift lever between
“2H” ↔ “4H” should only be done at speeds
below 100 km/h (62 mph).
l During driving, never attempt to shift from
“4HLc” to “4LLc”.
l When shifting from “2H” to “4H” in cold
weather while the vehicle is in motion, the
transmission gear may make some noise. In
cold weather, try to shift the gear while the
vehicle is stopped.l When the transfer shift lever is shifted from
“4H” to “4HLc” while the vehicle is stopped,
the 2WD/4WD operation indication lamp
blinks while the selection is in process. Drive
slowly and normally after confirming that
the lamp is illuminated. (Refer to “2WD/
4WD operation indication lamp” on page
4-32.)
l Do not move the selector lever while the 2WD/
4WD operation indication lamp is blinking.
l The 2WD/4WD operation indication lamp
will go out momentarily during shifting proc-
ess from “4HLc” to “4LLc” or vice versa, as
the transfer shift lever passes through the neu-
tral position.
Be sure to operate the transfer shift lever un-
til the 2WD/4WD operation indication lamp
illuminates again.l There may be a case that the transfer shift lev-
er feels heavy when it is moved from “2H”
to “4H” with the steering wheel in turned po-
sition.
This is normal and not any indication of trou-
ble.CAUTIONl Do not operate the transfer shift lever
while the rear wheels of the vehicle are
slipping on snow or ice.
Starting and driving
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4

“4HLc” ↔ “4LLc”Transfer shift lever posi-tion2WD/4WD operationindication lamp
4HLc

Drive mode switching in progress

4LLc
: Blink: Illuminate: Remain off
NOTE l The 2WD/4WD operation indication lamp
blinks while the selection is in process. Take
the following precautions when the indica-
tion lamp is blinking or remains off. •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 rat-
tling may occur and the desired range
may not actually be selected.
• If you move the transfer shift lever from
“4H” to “4HLc” while the vehicle is sta-
tionary, keep your speed initially very
low when you subsequently make a stand-
ing start. Before driving at normal
speeds, confirm that the centre differen-
tial lock lamp has changed from blinking
to steady illumination.
• If you move the transfer shift lever from
“4HLc” to “4H” and the centre differen-
tial lock lamp does not stop blinking,
place the steering wheel in the straight
ahead position and slowly depress the ac-
celerator pedal several times.
• If you move the transfer shift lever from
“4H” to “2H” and the front wheel lamp
does not stop blinking, confirm safety
around the vehicle then accelerate, decel-
erate, and reverse until the front wheel
lamp goes off. When the front wheel
lamp goes off, you can then proceed to
drive the vehicle.
If you accelerate, decelerate, and reverse
but the front wheel lamp still does not
stop blinking, return the transfer shift lev-
er to “4H” then have your vehicle inspec-
ted.l When you move the transfer shift lever from
“4H” to “4HLc”, there may be a slight delay
before the centre differential lock lamp illu-
minates.
Starting and driving
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4

NOTEl The 2WD/4WD operation indication lamp al-
so illuminates for a few seconds when the ig-
nition switch is turned to the “ON” position.
Refer to “2WD/4WD operation indication
lamp” on pages 4-27, 4-32.
The status of the rear differential lock (result-
ing from depression of the rear differential
lock switch) is shown by blinking or steady
illumination of the rear differential lock indi-
cation lamp.Transfer shift
lever positionRear differential lock indication lamp Easy select4WDSuper select 4WDRear differen-
tial lock deacti- vated
Switching inprogress
Rear differen-
tial lock activa- ted
: Blink: Illuminate (steady): Remain off
NOTE
l The indication lamp blinks while the rear dif-
ferential lock is being switched between its
activated and deactivated conditions. When
the switching operation is complete, the indi-
cation lamp is either illuminated steadily or
not illuminated.
l On vehicles with the active stability & trac-
tion control (ASTC) and anti-lock brake sys-
tem (ABS), the ASTC and ABS functions
are suspended while the rear differential lock
is activated. ASTC indication lamp, ASTC
OFF indication lamp and ABS warning lamp
are illuminated while these functions are sus-
pended. It dose not indicate a problem. When
the rear differential lock is disengaged, these
lamps go out and function again.
Refer to “ABS warning lamp” on page 4-44,
“ ASTC indication lamp, ASTC OFF indica-
tion lamp” on page 4-47.
l On vehicles with the anti-lock brake system
(ABS), the ABS function is suspended while
the rear differential lock is activated.
ABS warning lamp is illuminated while this
function is suspended.
Refer to “ABS warning lamp” on page 4-44.
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 slow-
ly 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 the fol-
lowing instructions:
Starting and driving
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4

•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 indication lamp
will illuminate steadily and the rear differ-
ential lock will be activated.
• If the vehicle speed is 12 km/h (7 mph)
or lower, turn the steering wheel from
side to side until the indication lamp illu-
minates steadily. If the vehicle is stuck in
soft ground, make sure the area around
the vehicle is clear then repeatedly at-
tempt to drive forward and backward.
The indication lamp will illuminate stead-
ily and the rear differential lock will be ac-
tivated.Examples of effective use of the rear
differential lock E00606400058CAUTIONlUse the rear differential lock only as an
emergency measure when the vehicle is
stuck and cannot be freed with the trans-
fer shift lever in “4L” or “4H” position
(easy select 4WD) or in “4LLc” or
“4HLc” position (super select 4WD). De-
activate the rear differential lock immedi-
ately after using it.When one of the wheels has fallen 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.
When getting out of snow
When the vehicle is unable to get going because
one of the wheels is on the snow and the other on a
paved road.Examples of incorrect use of the rear
differential lock E00606500059WARNINGlIf the “4L” or “4H” position (easy select
4WD), “4LLc” or “4HLc” position (super
select 4WD) is selected along with the
rear differential lock, the following phe-
nomena appear and it is very dangerous.
Please be sure to release the rear differen-
tial lock on normal roads.
Starting and driving
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4

WARNING•If the rear differential lock is used by
mistake when driving on a paved
road: With the rear differential lock
on, the power 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 emergency
escape 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), di-
rection of the vehicle may change abrupt-
ly 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.
Starting and driving
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4

4-wheel drive operationE00606600920
By selecting 4-wheel drive, both axles of the vehi-
cle are rigidly connected with each other. This im-
proves the traction characteristics. When turning
sharp corners or moving forward and backward re-
peatedly, however, the drive line is stressed, which
is felt as a braking effect. A 4-wheel drive vehicle
can accelerate more quickly and smoothly.
However, note that the braking distance is not short-
er than that of a rear-wheel drive vehicle.
When using 4-wheel drive on rough roads (snow,
mud, sand, etc.), it is important to operate the vehi-
cle correctly.
NOTE l 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 seat belt.
l After driving on rough roads, check each
part of the vehicle and wash it thoroughly
with water. Refer to the “Vehicle care” sec-
tion and “Inspection and maintenance follow-
ing rough road operation” on page 4-40.
Driving on dry paved road and highway
Select “2H” position (easy select 4WD), “2H” or
“4H” position (super select 4WD) to drive on the
dry paved road. Especially on dry highway, never
select the “4H” or “4L” position (easy select
4WD), “4HLc” or “4LLc” position (super select
4WD).CAUTIONl Selecting “4H” or “4L” position (easy se-
lect 4WD), “4HLc” or “4LLc” position (su-
per select 4WD) to drive on dry paved
road will increase the fuel consumption
with possible noise generation and early
tyre wear.
It may also increase the differential oil
temperature, resulting in possible dam-
age 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 “4H” or “4L” position
(easy select 4WD), “4H” or “4HLc” position (su-
per select 4WD) in accordance with the road condi-
tions, and then gradually depress the accelerator ped-
al for a smooth start.
NOTE l The use of snow tyres and/or tyre chains is
recommended.
l Maintain a safe distance between vehicles,
avoid sudden braking, and use engine brak-
ing (downshifting).
CAUTIONl Avoid sudden braking, sudden accelera-
tion, and sharp turning; such operations
could cause skidding and spinouts.Driving on sandy or muddy roads
Set the transfer shift lever to “4H” or “4L” position
(easy select 4WD), “4HLc” or “4LLc” position (su-
per select 4WD) and then gradually depress the ac-
celerator pedal for a smooth start. Keep the pres-
sure on the accelerator pedal as constant as possi-
ble, and drive at low speed.CAUTIONl Do not force the vehicle or drive reckless-
ly on sandy surfaces. In comparison with
normal road surfaces, the engine and oth-
er drive-system components are put un-
der excessive strain when driving on such
a surface, 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 fol-
low these procedures: •The needle in the temperature gauge
approaches the overheating zone.
Refer to “Engine overheating” on
page 6-04.
• Automatic transmission fluid temper-
ature warning lamp comes on.
Refer to “When the A/T (automatic
transmission) fluid temperature warn-
ing lamp comes on” on pages 4-18,
4-23.
Starting and driving
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4

WARNINGlWhen 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 dam-
age to nearby people or objects.
NOTE
l Avoid sudden braking, acceleration, and turn-
ing; such operations could result in the vehi-
cle becoming stuck.
l If the vehicle becomes stuck in sandy or mud-
dy roads, it can often be moved a rocking mo-
tion. Move the selector lever rhythmically be-
tween the “D” (DRIVE) and “R” (RE-
VERSE) 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 for-
get to release the parking brake.
l If it is necessary to drive in extremely muddy
conditions, the use of tyre chains is recom-
mended. Because the extent of muddy condi-
tions is difficult to judge and the vehicle
could become bogged down very deeply, op-
eration should be at a low speed. If possible,
get out of the vehicle and check the condi-
tions 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 af-
ter such use.
Climbing sharp grades
Set the transfer shift lever to “4L” position (easy se-
lect 4WD), “4LLc” position (super select 4WD) 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.
NOTE
l 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 can handle
the grade.
Descending sharp grades
Set the transfer shift lever to “4L” position (easy se-
lect 4WD), “4LLc” position (super select 4WD),
use the engine brake (downshifting) and descend
slowly.
WARNINGl Avoid snaking down a sharp grade. De-
scend the grade as straight as possible.
NOTE
l 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 descend-
ing 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 de-
pend on the skill and experience of the opera-
tor and other participating parties and any de-
viation from the recommended operation in-
structions above is at their own risk.
Turning sharp corners
When turning a sharp corner in “4H” or “4L” posi-
tion (easy select 4WD), “4HLc” or “4LLc” posi-
tion (super select 4WD) at low speed, a slight dif-
ference in steering may be experienced similar to
as if the brakes were applied. This is called tight cor-
ner braking and results from each of the 4 tyres be-
ing at a different distance from the corner.
The phenomenon is peculiar to 4-wheel drive vehi-
cles. If this occurs, either straighten the steering
wheel, or change to rear-wheel drive.
Starting and driving
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4

WARNINGlDo not leave any objects near the brake
pedal or let a floor mat slide under it; do-
ing so could prevent the full pedal stroke
that 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 and linings
l Avoid hard braking situations.
New brakes need to be broken-in by moder-
ate use for the first 200 km (124 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 re-
placed immediately.
WARNINGl Driving with worn brake pads will make
it harder to stop, and can cause an acci-
dent.Anti-lock brake system (ABS)* E00607100775
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 increased. The vehicle may also go into
an uncontrolled spin.
The ABS helps prevent the wheels from locking dur-
ing braking, thus maintaining directional stability,
ensuring controllability and providing optimum
braking force.
Driving hints l With ABS fitted, steering during sudden brak-
ing (when the ABS functions) differs slightly
from when the brakes are not being applied.
Steer the vehicle carefully in these conditions.
l Always maintain the same distance from the
vehicle in front of you as you would for a ve-
hicle 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 surface
is pitted or has other differences in sur-
face height.
• Driving on bumpy roads or other poor driv-
ing surfaces.l Operation of ABS is not restricted to situa-
tions where brakes are applied suddenly.
This system may also operate to prevent
wheel lock when you are driving over man-
holes, steel road-work plates, or the vehicle
is driven over steps or level 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 hear a characteris-
tic noise. Also at this time, you may feel as if
the pedal attempts to resist being depressed.
In this situation, to let the ABS work for
you, just hold the brake pedal down more
firmly. Do not pump the brake. This pump-
ing will result in reduced braking perform-
ance.CAUTIONl Even the ABS cannot prevent the natural
laws of physics from acting on the vehi-
cle. It cannot for instance avoid accidents
that may result from excessive speed on
bends or following another vehicle too
closely or aquaplaning. It should remain
the driver’s task to observe safety precau-
tions to judge speeds and brake applica-
tions correctly in such conditions.
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.
Starting and driving
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4

NOTEl Immediately after the vehicle starts moving
after engine start up, a whining sound of a mo-
tor will be heard from the engine compart-
ment. If the brake pedal is depressed at that
moment, you can feel the brake pedal pulsat-
ing.
This pulsation is due to the self-diagnosis op-
eration of the ABS and does not indicate a
malfunction.
l After driving on snowy roads, remove any
snow and ice which may have become ad-
hered to the wheel areas.
When doing this, be careful not to damage
the wheel speed sensors (A) and cables loca-
ted at each wheel on vehicles equipped with
an ABS.FrontRear
l The ABS becomes operative after the vehicle
has accelerated to a speed in excess of approx-
imately 10 km/h (6 mph). It stops operating
when the vehicle decelerates to a speed be-
low approximately 7 km/h (4 mph).
Power steering system E00607400071
When the engine is stopped, the power steering sys-
tem will not function and it will require greater man-
ual effort to operate the steering wheel. Keep this
in mind in particular when towing the vehicle. Nev-
er turn off the engine while driving.
Periodically check the power steering fluid level.CAUTIONl Do not hold the steering wheel in the fully
turned position (either left or right), for
longer than 10 seconds.
This can cause damage to the power steer-
ing system.
Starting and driving
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