2010 MITSUBISHI ECLIPSE wheel

Features and controls
3-63
3
Key reminder buzzer
N00551000049
If the driver’s door is opened while the ignition key is in the
“LOCK” or “ACC” position, a tone will sound.
Steering wheel lock
N00512500108
To l o c kRemove the key at the “LOCK” position.
Turn the steering wheel until it is locked.To u n l o c kTurn the key to the “ACC” position while moving the steering
wheel slightly.
CAUTION
!
Do not remove the ignition key from the ignition
switch while driving. The steering wheel will lock,
causing loss of control.
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
!
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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3-64 Features and controls
3
NOTE
If the front wheels are turned, the anti-theft lock may
sometimes make it difficult to turn the key from “LOCK”
position to “ACC” position. Firmly turn the steering
wheel to the left or to the right as you turn the key.
Starting
N00512600633
Tips for starting
Do not operate the starter motor continuously for longer
than 15 seconds as this could run the battery down or
damage the starter motor. If the engine does not start, turn
the ignition switch back to the “LOCK” position, wait a
few seconds, and then try again. Trying repeatedly with
the engine or starter motor still turning will damage the
starter mechanism.

If the engine will not start because the battery is weak or
discharged, refer to “Jump-starting the engine” (on page
6-2) for instructions.

The engine is warmed up enough for driving when the
coolant temperature gauge indicator starts to move. A
longer warm up period will only consume extra fuel.
WA R N I N G
!
Never run the engine in a closed or poorly ventilated
area any longer than is needed to move your vehicle
out of the area. Carbon monoxide gas, which is
odorless and extremely poisonous, could build up
and cause serious injury or death.
CAUTION
!
Do not push-start the vehicle.
Do not run the engine at high rpms or drive at high
speeds until the engine has had a chance to warm
up.
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3-82 Features and controls
3
Brake pad wear alarm
N00532500087
The disc brakes have an alarm that makes a metallic squeal
when the brake pads have worn down enough to need service.
If you hear this sound, have the brake pads replaced at an
authorized Mitsubishi Motors dealer or a repair facility of your
choice.
Anti-lock braking system
N00517900224
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. Even 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.
WA R N I N G
!
Driving with worn brake pads will make it harder to
stop, and can cause an accident.
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Features and controls
3-83
3
Anti-lock braking system warning light
N00531600313
This light comes on in the event of a malfunction in the anti-
lock braking system. It will also come on as a self-check for a
few seconds when the ignition key is turned to the “ON” posi-
tion. Always make sure that the light goes out before beginning
to drive.
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.
CAUTION
!
If the anti-lock braking system warning light comes
on and stays on after starting the engine or while
driving, it means that the anti-lock braking system is
not working and that only the standard brake sys-
tem is available. (The standard brake system will
still work properly.) If this happens, take your vehi-
cle to an authorized Mitsubishi Motors dealer or a
repair facility of your choice as soon as possible.
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3-84 Features and controls
3
If the warning light illuminates while driving
N00531700473

Since there is always a risk of your vehicle becoming
unstable if you apply the brakes suddenly, be sure to brake
gently and do not attempt high-speed driving. Be sure to
stop the vehicle in a safe place. Test the system by restart-
ing the engine and driving at a speed of about 12 mph (20
km/h) or higher.

If the light goes out, there is no abnormal condition. If the
light does not go out after driving as instructed here, or if
it comes on again, the anti-lock braking system is not
functioning. Only the ordinary braking system is function-
ing. If this happens, take your vehicle to an authorized
Mitsubishi Motors dealer or a repair facility of your
choice and have the system checked as soon as possible.
NOTE
After your vehicle is driven a short distance after starting
the engine, you will hear a whining sound and the sound
of a motor operating coming from the engine compart-
ment. These are the normal sounds the anti-lock braking
system makes when performing a self-check. It does not
indicate a malfunction.

The anti-lock braking system can be used after the vehicle
has reached a speed over approximately 6 mph (10 km/h).
It stops working when the vehicle slows below approxi-
mately 3 mph (5 km/h).

After driving on snow or icy roads, remove any snow and
ice which may have been left around the wheels. On vehi-
cles that have an anti-lock braking system, be careful not
to damage the wheel speed sensors (A) or the cables
located at each wheel.
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Features and controls
3-85
3 Active stability control (ASC)
N00559100088
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 - 8 2
Traction control function → P. 3 - 8 6
Skid control function → P. 3 - 8 6
FrontRear
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.
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3-86 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
N00559200050
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.
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.
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
3-89
3
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 indicators will illuminate at
the same time, or the indicator will blink.
In these cases, follow these procedures:
[If the and indicators continuously illuminate]• Park your vehicle in a safe place and stop the
engine. Restart the engine again and check
whether the and indicators go out. If these
indicators go out, there is no abnormal condition.
If the 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 function 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 indi-
cator will be turned off and the traction control
function will start operating again.CAUTION
!
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