Active stability control (ASC)
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. Also refer to the following pages on the anti-lock braking system, traction control function and skid control function. Anti-lock braking system (ABS) → P.3-81 Traction control function → P.3-84 Skid control function → P.3-85
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
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! ● 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 responsibility 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.
CAUTION! ● When driving a vehicle on a snowy or icy road, be
sure to install snow tires and drive the vehicle at moderate speeds.
Features and controls
Skid control function
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
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 illu- minated. To reactivate the ASC, momentarily press the ASC OFF switch; the / indicator is turned off. Except for vehicles with headlight leveling
Features and controls
NOTE
● Using the ASC OFF switch turns off both the skid control function and the traction control function.
● When moving out of mud, sand or fresh snow, pressing the accelerator pedal may not allow the engine speed to increase. In such situations, temporarily deactivate the ASC, using the ASC OFF switch.
● If you continue to press the ASC OFF switch after the ASC is turned off, the “mistaken operation protection function” will activate and the ASC will turn back on. After the “mistaken operation protection function” is acti- vated, it will not be possible to turn the ASC off. To turn the system off again, return the ignition key to the “ACC” or “LOCK” position, restart the engine and press the ASC OFF switch.
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.
Vehicles with headlight leveling Type 1 Type 2 Type 3
Features and controls
ASC indicator, ASC OFF indicator
The indicators should illuminate when the ignition key is turned to the “ON” position, and should turn off after a few seconds. If the indicator stays on or does not illuminate when the igni- tion key is turned to the “ON” position, have the vehicle inspected by an authorized Mitsubishi Motors dealer or a repair facility of your choice as soon as possible.
/ indicator blinks when the ASC is operating. / indicator is illuminated when the ASC is deactivated.
NOTE ● When a spare tire has been put on your vehicle, the grip-
ping ability of the tire will be lower, making it more likely that the / indicator will blink.
CAUTION! ● When / indicator blinks, the ASC is operating,
which means that the road is slippery or that your vehicle’s wheels are beginning to slip. If this hap- pens, drive slower.
CAUTION! ● If an abnormal condition occurs in the system while
driving, the and / and indicators will illu- minate at the same time, or the / indicator will blink. In these cases, follow these procedures:
Features and controls
[If the and / and indicators continuously illuminate] • Park your vehicle in a safe place and stop the
engine. Restart the engine again and check whether the and / and indicators go out. If these indicators go out, there is no abnormal condition. If the and / and indicators remain on even after your vehicle is driven a short distance after re-starting the engine, have the vehicle inspected by an authorized Mitsubishi Motors dealer or a repair facility of your choice as soon as possible.
[If the / indicator blinks] • If the temperature of the braking system increases
excessively, due to continuous brake control on a slippery road surface, the / indicator will blinks and operation of the traction control func- tion will be suspended to protect the brake system. (Normal operation of the vehicle will not be affected.) Park your vehicle in a safe place. When the temperature in the braking system has come down, the / indicator will be turned off and the traction control function will start operating again.
CAUTION! 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 6-20.
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