Mitsubishi L200

Rear Differential Lock*

If one wheel starts to spin freely and the vehicle becomes stuck and cannot be freed even using 4-wheel drive, the rear differential lock switch (A) can be used to activate the rear differential lock for extra traction.

Operating the Rear Differential Lock

  1. Bring the vehicle to a complete stop.
  2. Move the drive mode-selector to “4L” or “4H” position (Easy Select 4WD), “4LLc” or “4HLc” position (Super Select 4WD II).
  3. To activate the rear differential lock, press the rear differential lock switch (1).
  4. To deactivate the rear differential lock, press the rear differential lock switch (2).

CAUTION

  • Operate the rear differential switch after the wheels are stopped. Operating the switch with the wheels turning may cause the vehicle to dart unexpectedly.

NOTE

  • The rear differential lock does not operate when the drive mode-selector is in “2H” position (Easy Select 4WD), “2H” or “4H” position (Super Select 4WD II).
  • Changing the drive mode-selector from “4L”/“4H” (Easy Select 4WD) or “4LLc”/“4HLc” (Super Select 4WD II) to “2H” automatically unlocks the rear differential.

Rear Differential Lock Indication Lamp

When the ignition switch is ON or operation mode is ON, the rear differential lock indication lamp (A) in the meter cluster illuminates for a few seconds and then shows the operating status.

Easy Select 4WD / Super Select 4WD II status:

Rear Differential Lock State Indication Lamp
Deactivated Remains off
Switching in progress Blinks
Activated Steady illumination

NOTES

  • Lamps blink while switching; steady illumination indicates complete activation/deactivation.
  • ASTC and ABS functions are suspended while rear differential lock is active. Warning lamps illuminate during this, and it does not indicate a malfunction.
  • If the lamp continues blinking after activation, decelerate below 12 km/h, turn steering wheel side to side, or move slowly to activate.
  • If a problem occurs, the safety device deactivates the lock, and the lamp blinks rapidly. Park safely, restart engine, and check lamps.

Examples of Effective Use

  • When one wheel falls into a ditch.
  • Driving on rocky roads.
  • Vehicle stuck with a wheel suspended in the air.
  • Getting out of snow when one wheel is on snow and another on pavement.

Examples of Incorrect Use

  • Do not use rear differential lock on normal roads.
  • Using it by mistake on paved roads makes steering difficult.
  • Using it by mistake when turning curves or intersections may cause the vehicle to go straight ahead.
  • Except for emergency escape on snow or frozen roads, do not use rear differential lock.

4-Wheel Drive Operation*

By selecting 4-wheel drive, both axles are rigidly connected, improving traction. Braking effect may be felt when turning sharply or moving forward/backward repeatedly. Acceleration is smoother but braking distance is not shorter than rear-wheel drive.

Driving Tips

  • Maintain upright posture closer to the wheel, adjust seat for comfort, wear seat belt.
  • After rough roads, check vehicle and wash thoroughly.

Driving on Dry Paved Road and Highway

Select “2H” (Easy Select 4WD) or “2H”/“4H” (Super Select 4WD II). Do not select “4H”/“4L” or “4HLc”/“4LLc” on dry roads.

  • Using 4H/4L or 4HLc/4LLc on dry roads increases fuel consumption, noise, tyre wear, differential temperature, and drivetrain stress.

Driving on Snowy or Icy Roads

Set drive mode-selector to 4H (Easy Select 4WD) or 4H/4HLc (Super Select 4WD II) according to road conditions. Depress accelerator gradually, maintain constant low speed.

  • Use snow tyres and/or chains.
  • Maintain safe distance, avoid sudden braking, use engine braking.

Driving on Sandy or Muddy Roads

Set drive mode-selector to 4H/4L (Easy Select 4WD) or 4HLc/4LLc (Super Select 4WD II). Depress accelerator gradually, drive at low speed.

  • Do not force vehicle on sandy surfaces; excessive strain may cause accidents.
  • If vehicle becomes stuck, rock it between Drive and Reverse (or 1st/Reverse) while lightly pressing accelerator.
  • Partially apply parking brake for better traction; release after moving.
  • Use tyre chains in extreme mud; check road conditions ahead before proceeding.
  • Wash vehicle after coastal or anti-skid treated roads to prevent rust.

Climbing Sharp Grades

Set drive mode-selector to 4L (Easy Select 4WD) or 4LLc (Super Select 4WD II) to maximize engine torque.

  • Go straight up, do not traverse steep slopes.

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