2000 MITSUBISHI CARISMA transmission

STARTING AND DRIVING
5–8
NOTE
Fitting of a towing bar requires specialized
skills and equipment. Contact an authorized
MITSUBISHI dealer for details.
If you are going to tow a trailer, pay careful
attention to the following points.
Maximum towable weight with brake
and maximum trailer-nose weight
Never exceed the maximum towable weight
with brake and the maximum trailer-nose
weight as listed in the specifications. (Refer
to pages from 10–6 to 10–9)
If you tow a trailer at an altitude of more than
1000m above sea-level, reduce your weight
by 10% of the gross combination weight for
every increase of 1000m above sea-level,
as the engine output is lowered owing to de-
crease in atmospheric pressure.C21A015a
Towing bar mounting
specifications
See the following table for fixing points (A) for
the towing bar.
mm
12345
1,0908051908580
678910
30518515535
1112131415
288187.5439501940
161718
4709401,002
C21A014a
Operating hints
(1) Do not let the clutch slip (vehicles with a
manual transmission only) and do not
increase the engine speed more than
necessary when starting.
(2)Be sure that the driving speed does not
exceed the 100 km/h for trailer oper-
ation.
It is also recommended that you obey
the local regulations in case driving
speed with a trailer is limited to less than
100 km/h.
(3)To prevent shocks from the overrun
brake, depress the brake pedal lightly at
first and then more strongly.
(4) To make full use of engine braking,
change to a lower gear before descend-
ing a slope.
(5) The body, brakes, clutch, and chassis
will be under additional strain when tow-
ing a trailer.

STARTING AND DRIVING
5–9
(6) The heavier weight and higher rolling
and air resistance will increase fuel con-
sumption.
Additional precautions for vehicles
equipped with an automatic
transmission
The “2” position (INVECS–II 4A/T) or 2nd
gear (INVECS–II Sport Mode 4A/T) is re-
commended on slopes or at low speed. Use
the “L” position (INVECS–II 4A/T) or 1st gear
(INVECS–II Sport Mode 4A/T) in mountain-
ous areas in order to make better use of en-
gine braking and to assist the brake system.
However, be sure that the speed does not
exceed the maximum speed limit for the se-
lected gear.
For maximum speed of the vehicles
equipped with INVECS–II 4A/T, refer to the
description of the “Possible driving speed”
on page 5–24.Vehicles with automatic transmission
I21A070a
Ignition switchEI21AAGe
1-The engine is stopped, and the steer-
ing wheel is locked. The key can only
be inserted and removed only when
the switch is in this position.
2-The engine is stopped, but the radio,
cigarette lighter and other electrical
devices can be operated.
3-The engine is running and all the ve-
hicle’s electrical devices can be oper-
ated.
4-The starter motor operates. After the
engine has started, release the key
and it will automatically return to the
“ON” position.
Vehicles with manual transmission
I21A031a

STARTING AND DRIVING
5–10
Vehicles with automatic
transmission
I21A058a
NOTE
(1) For vehicles with a manual trans-
mission, when removing the key, push
the key in at the “ACC” position and
keep it depressed until it is turned to the
“LOCK” position, and remove.
For vehicles with an automatic trans-
mission, when removing the key, first set
the selector lever to the “P” (PARK) posi-
tion, and then turn the key to “LOCK”
and remove it.
(2) For vehicles equipped with the Daytime
Running Lamp, when the ignition switch
is in the “ON” position, the headlamp low
beams etc. are turned on.
(Refer to “Headlamps” on page 4–12.)(3) Your vehicle is equipped with an elec-
tronic immobilizer, to start the engine,
the ID code which the transponder in-
side the key sends must match the one
registered to the immobilizer computer.
(Refer to page 2–2)
Vehicles with manual
transmission
I21A057a

STARTING AND DRIVING
5–12
StartingEI02FAIh
Tips for starting
(1) Do not operate the starter motor con-
tinuously for anything longer than 10
seconds; doing so could run down the
battery. If the engine does not start, turn
the ignition switch back to “LOCK”, wait
a few seconds, and then try again.
Trying repeatedly with the starter mo-
tor still turning will damage the starter
mechanism.
(2) If the engine cannot be started because
the battery is weak or dead, refer to the
“Emergency starting” section for instruc-
tions on starting the engine.
(3) The engine is well warmed up if the
coolant temperature gauge needle
starts to move (the engine speed de-
creases). Extended warming - up oper-
ation will result in excessive fuel con-
sumption.
WARNING
Never run the engine in a closed or
poorly ventilated area any longer than
is needed to move your vehicle in or
out of the area. Carbon monoxide
gases are odourless and can be fatal.
CAUTION
(1) Never attempt to start the engine
by pushing or pulling the vehicle.
Especially in the automatic trans-
mission since the structure is dif-
ferent from a manual transmis-
sion, it is not possible to start the
engine by using this technique.
Never attempt this or it could
damage the automatic transmis-
sion.
(2) Do not run the engine at high rpm
or drive the vehicle at high speed
until the engine has a chance to
warm up.
(3) Release the ignition key as soon
as the engine starts to avoid dam-
aging the starter motor.
(4) If your vehicle is equipped with a
turbocharger, do not stop the en-
gine immediately after operating
the vehicle at high speeds. Allow
the engine to idle for approxi-
mately 60 seconds or more to
give the turbocharger a chance to
cool down.
NOTE
After replacing the battery, the electronic
control system data for the engine, auto-
matic transmission, etc., will be erased. As a
result, the engine speed may become un-
stable and shift shocks may occur.
If the engine speed becomes unstable, initial
engine adjustments will need to be per-
formed.
Refer to the section ”What to do if the engine
speed becomes unstable after the battery is
replaced” on page 8–22.
Shift shocks will become smoother after sev-
eral changes in speed.

STARTING AND DRIVING
5–13
I27A036a
Starting the engine
(Petrol-powered vehicles)
This vehicle is equipped with an electroni-
cally controlled fuel injection system which
is automatically controlled. When starting
the engine, do not depress the accelerator
pedal.
Normal conditions
The starting procedure is as follows :
1. Insert the ignition key and fasten the
seat belt.
2. Apply the parking brake.
3. Depress and hold the brake pedal.
4. Place the gearshift lever (manual
transmission) in the “N” (Neutral) or
the selector lever (automatic trans-
mission) in the “P” (PARK) position.
5. Fully depress the clutch pedal (man-
ual transmission).
6. After turning the ignition key to the
“ON” position, make certain that all
warning lamps are functioning proper-
ly before starting the engine.
7. Turn the ignition key to the “START”
position without depressing the accel-
erator pedal, and release it when the
engine starts.
NOTE
A ticking noise may be heard after starting
the engine. This is not an abnormal condi-
tion. The noise will disappear after a short
time of engine running.
If the ticking noise continues after the engine
is warmed up, have your vehicle checked at
an authorized MITSUBISHI dealer.
Flooded engine
If the engine has become flooded during
starting, first operate the starter for 5 to 6 sec-
onds while fully depressing the accelerator
pedal, then start the engine without depres-
sing the accelerator pedal.
At extreme cold ambient
temperature
If the engine won’t start, depress the accel-
erator pedal about halfway while cranking
the engine. Once the engine starts, re-
lease the accelerator pedal.
CAUTION
When starting the engine, make sure
that you press on the brake pedal. At
extreme cold ambient temperature,
move your foot to the brake pedal im-
mediately after the engine has
started.

STARTING AND DRIVING
5–14
I27A075a
Starting the engine
(Diesel-powered vehicles)
1. Insert the ignition key and fasten the
seat belt.
2. Apply the parking brake.
3. Depress and hold the brake pedal.
4. Place the gearshift lever in the “N”
(Neutral) position.
5. Fully depress the clutch pedal.
6. Turn the ignition key to the “ON” posi-
tion. The diesel preheat indication
lamp will first illuminate in amber, and
then after a short time go out, indicat-
ing that preheating is completed.
7. Turn the ignition key to the “START”
position without depressing the accel-
erator pedal, and release it when the
engine starts.NOTE
(1) If the engine is cold, the diesel preheat
indication lamp is on for a longer time.
(2) When the engine has not been started
within about 5 seconds after the diesel
preheat indication lamp will go out, re-
turn the ignition key to the “LOCK” posi-
tion. Then, turn the key to the “ON” posi-
tion to preheat the engine again.
(3) When the engine is warm, the diesel
preheat indication lamp does not come
on, even if the ignition key is placed in
the “ON” position.
Start the engine by turning the ignition
key right to the “START” position.
Type 1
I29A014a
Manual transmissionEI29A–Jd
The shift pattern is shown on the gearshift
lever knob. Be sure to always fully depress
the clutch pedal before attempting to shift the
lever.
For smooth gearchanging

Depress the clutch pedal completely.

1st and 2nd gear: first move the gear
lever fully left and then forward or back
into 1st and 2nd gear.

3rd and 4th gear: move the gear lever
forward or back from neutral (N).

5th gear: first move the gear lever right
and then into 5th gear.

STARTING AND DRIVING
5–15
Type 1
I29A015a

Reverse gear (R) (Type 1): Lift the lock
knob (A) under the gear lever knob with
two fingers, move the gear lever to the
far left and then forward into reverse.

Reverse (R) gear (Type 2): First move
the gear level fully right and then back-
ward into reverse.
Type 2, LHD
I29A012a
CAUTION
(1) Do not move the gearshift lever
into reverse while the vehicle is
moving forward; doing so will
damage the transmission.
(2) Do not rest your foot on the clutch
pedal while driving as this will
cause premature clutch wear or
damage.
NOTE
(1) If it is hard to shift into 1st, depress the
clutch pedal again; the shift will then be
easier to make.
(2) To shift into reverse from 5th gear, move
the gearshift lever to the “N” position
(Neutral) and then shift it into reverse.
(Type 2)
Type 2, RHD
I29A010a

STARTING AND DRIVING
5–16
Changing gearsEI03CMKg
Always use care to change the gear with the
vehicle speed matched to the engine speed.
Proper shifting will improve fuel economy
and prolong engine life.
Avoid shifting down at high speed, as this
may cause excessive engine speed (on ve-
hicles with a tachometer, the tachometer
needle into the red zone) and damage the
engine.
Economical driving speedThe following shift points are recommended
to assist fuel economy. The driver may vary
these points to suit driving conditions and
load.
km/h
Petrol-powered
vehiclesDiesel-powered
vehicles
Drive
range
130016001800
(GDI)
Medium
perfor-
mance
engineHigh
perfor-
mance
engine
1st to 2nd3035252520
2nd to
3rd5065505035
3rd to 4th8090808060
4th to 5th11 012510511 085
Possible driving speedkm/h
DrivePetrol-powered vehiclesDiesel-Driverange130016001800
(GDI)powered
vehicles
1st40505035
2nd75959070
3rd12013514011 0
4th160185185150
5th gear is an overdrive ratio and its use re-
duces engine speed below that of the 4th
gear. Use 5th gear whenever vehicle speed
allows, for maximum fuel economy.
Automatic transmission
INVECS–II 4A/T, Sports Mode
4A/T
(Intelligent & Innovative
Vehicle Electronic Control
System II)
EI04AXV
Designed for optimum control and equipped
with adaptive control capabilities, the elec-
tronically controlled transmission optimally
matches gear shifts to almost all driving and
road conditions.
CAUTION
This system is strictly intended to
provide supplementary functions.
When travelling downhill under cer-
tain conditions or immediately after
starting off when the automatic trans-
mission is cold, no automatic shift-
down may be made. The driver should
shiftdown to a lower gear to use en-
gine braking. Try to drive safely at all
time.