2010 MITSUBISHI ECLIPSE ENGINE

Features and controls
3-65
3
Starting the engineYour vehicle is equipped with an electronically controlled fuel
injection system, which automatically controls the release of
fuel. There is usually no need to depress the accelerator pedal
when starting the engine.
The starter should not be run for more than 15 seconds at a
time.
To prevent battery drain, wait a few seconds between attempts
to restart the engine.
Normal conditionsTo start your vehicle:
Make sure all occupants are properly seated with seat belts fas-
tened.
1. Insert the ignition key.
2. Make sure the parking brake is applied.
3. Press and hold the brake pedal down with your right foot.
4. Press and hold the clutch pedal all the way down (manual
transaxle).NOTE
For models equipped with a manual transaxle, the starter
will not operate unless the clutch pedal is fully depressed
(Clutch interlock). This is a safety feature.
5. On vehicles with manual transaxle, place the gearshift
lever in the “N” (Neutral) position.
On vehicles with automatic transaxle, make sure the
selector lever is in the “P” (PARK) position.
6. Turn the ignition key to the “ON” position and make cer-
tain that all warning lights are functioning properly before
starting the engine.
7. Turn the ignition key to the “START” position without
pressing the accelerator pedal. Release the key when the
engine starts. NOTE
Minor noises may be heard on engine start-up. These will
disappear as the engine warms up.

Release the ignition key as soon as the engine starts.
Otherwise, the starter motor will be damaged.
CAUTION
!
BK0098300US.book 65 ページ ２００８年１２月８日　月曜日　午前１１時３７分

3-66 Features and controls
3
At extremely cold ambient temperatureIf the engine won’t start, press the accelerator pedal about half-
way down while cranking the engine. Release the accelerator
pedal when the engine starts.
Startability of automatic transaxle vehicle with ambient
temperature of -31
°F (-35
°C) or lower
When the ambient temperature is -31 °F (-35 °C) or lower, it
may not be possible to start from a standstill even with the
selector lever in the “D” (DRIVE) position.
This phenomenon occurs because the transaxle has not warmed
up sufficiently; it does not indicate a problem. If it occurs,
place the selector lever in the “P” (PARK) position and let the
engine idle for at least 10 minutes.
The transaxle will warm up, and you will be able to start nor-
mally.
Do not leave the vehicle during warm-up operation.Flooded engineIf the engine has flooded during starting, first run the starter for
5 to 6 seconds while holding down the accelerator pedal.
Release the ignition key (return to “ON” position) and the
accelerator pedal. Wait a moment, then without depressing the
accelerator pedal, turn the ignition key to the “START” posi-
tion for another 5 to 6 seconds. Release the ignition key if the
engine starts. Repeat as necessary if the engine fails to start, or
contact your local Mitsubishi Motors dealer or a repair facility
of your choice for assistance.
CAUTION
!
When starting the engine, make sure that you hold
the brake pedal down. During very cold weather, if
you start the engine with your foot on the accelera-
tor pedal, switch to the brake pedal as soon as the
engine has started.
BK0098300US.book 66 ページ ２００８年１２月８日　月曜日　午前１１時３７分

Features and controls
3-67
3
Using the MIVEC engine The MIVEC engine automatically switches its intake-valve
control between a low-speed mode and a high-speed mode in
accordance with driving conditions for maximum engine per-
formance.NOTE
To protect the engine, the high-speed mode may not be
selected while the engine coolant temperature is low. In
such a case, the engine revolutions do not rise to over
5,000 rpm even if the accelerator pedal is depressed.
Manual transaxle
N00512700025
The shift pattern below is shown on the gearshift lever. Press
the clutch pedal all the way down while shifting gears.NOTE
During cold weather, shifting may be difficult until the
transaxle lubricant has warmed up. This is normal and not
harmful to the transaxle.To startPress the clutch pedal all the way down and shift into 1st. Then
gradually release the clutch pedal while depressing the acceler-
ator pedal.5-speed manual transaxle 6-speed manual transaxle
BK0098300US.book 67 ページ ２００８年１２月８日　月曜日　午前１１時３７分

Features and controls
3-69
3
The pull-ring will return to its original position when you
return the gearshift lever to the “N” (Neutral) position.
Proper shift points
N00537400023
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.Upshifting
N00512900030
For the best fuel economy and performance in using your man-
ual transaxle, upshift as listed below.
At low altitude locations, shift at the vehicle speeds listed.
Upshifting earlier during cruise conditions (relatively steady
speeds) will improve your fuel economy.Vehicles equipped with 5-speed manual transaxle
CAUTION
!
If the pull-ring will not return from the pulled-up
position, have the vehicle inspected at an authorized
Mitsubishi Motors dealer or at a repair facility of
your choice.
CAUTION
!
Avoid downshifting that may cause the tachometer
pointer to enter the red zone.
This puts the engine at risk of being damaged.
Shift point
Upshift speeds
Acceleration
Cruise
1st gear to 2nd gear 15 mph (24 km/h) 13 mph (21 km/h)2nd gear to 3rd gear 23 mph (37 km/h) 18 mph (29 km/h)3rd gear to 4th gear 34 mph (55 km/h) 33 mph (53 km/h)4th gear to 5th gear 43 mph (69 km/h) 40 mph (64 km/h)
BK0098300US.book 69 ページ ２００８年１２月８日　月曜日　午前１１時３７分

Features and controls
3-71
3
Downshifting
N00513000096
It is recommended that you downshift to a lower gear when
needed to maintain the desired speed, according to the table.
Avoid downshifting at too high a speed. The engine may suffer
damage.
To maintain a safe speed and prolong brake life, shift down to
2nd or 1st when descending a steep hill.
Downshifting is also important to avoid “lugging” the engine
at too low a speed, such as when turning a corner or when driv-
ing up a steep hill.Recommended downshifting speed
Driving precautions
N00513100101

The table below shows the maximum recommended driv-
ing speed for in each gear. Do not drive near or at these
speeds for prolonged periods of time.Possible driving speed
Do not use the gearshift lever as a handrest. This can
result in premature wear of the transaxle shift forks.
Downshifting speed
Shift point
Under 20 mph (32 km/h)Shift down from current gear to
2nd gear.20 to 30 mph (32 to 48 km/h)Shift down from current gear to
3rd gear.
Shift
points
Possible driving speed
Vehicles equipped with
5-speed manual tran-
saxle
Vehicles equipped with
6-speed manual tran-
saxle
1st gear 30 mph (50 km/h) 37 mph (60 km/h)2nd gear 55 mph (90 km/h) 55 mph (90 km/h)3rd gear 80 mph (130 km/h) 80 mph (130 km/h)4th gear 108 mph (175 km/h) 108 mph (175 km/h)5th gear — 130 mph (210 km/h)
BK0098300US.book 71 ページ ２００８年１２月８日　月曜日　午前１１時３７分

3-72 Features and controls
3Automatic transaxle
N00513200102
Designed for the most efficient control and equipped with self-
adapting capabilities, the electronically controlled transaxle
used in your vehicle selects the most favorable gear for each
type of driving and road condition.DRIVING UPHILLThe transaxle may not shift to a higher gear if the computer
determines your current speed would be affected.
For smoother operation, the transaxle may not shift if you
release the throttle while climbing a steep hill. This is normal
because the computer controls the shifting. After reaching the
top of the hill, your normal gear shift function will resume.DRIVING DOWNHILLWhen traveling down steep grades and using the brakes, the
computer may automatically select a lower gear. This helps
engine braking efforts, reducing your need to use the brakes.
NOTE
During the break-in period or immediately after recon-
necting the battery, your vehicle may not shift smoothly.
This does not indicate a problem in the transaxle. Shifting
will become smoother once the transaxle has been shifted
several times by the electronic control system.Selector lever operation
N00513800182
As an additional safety precaution, models equipped with an
automatic transaxle have a shift-lock device that holds the
selector lever in the “P” (PARK) position. To move the selector
lever from the “P” (PARK) position to another position, follow
the steps below.
1. Press and hold the brake pedal down.
2. Move the selector lever to the desired position.NOTE
The selector lever cannot be moved from “P” (PARK) to
another position if the ignition key is at the “LOCK” posi-
tion, or has been removed, or if the brake pedal is not
pressed and held down.
CAUTION
!
The electronically controlled transaxle system is
strictly intended to provide supplementary func-
tions. When driving downhill under certain condi-
tions, when the automatic transaxle is cold
immediately after starting, no automatic downshift
may be made. The driver should move the selector
lever to shift down to a lower gear (3rd gear or 2nd
gear), which will permit the engine to begin braking.
BK0098300US.book 72 ページ ２００８年１２月８日　月曜日　午前１１時３７分

3-76 Features and controls
3
Selector lever positions (Main gate)
N00514200183
“P” PARKThis position locks the transaxle to prevent the vehicle from
moving. The engine can be started from the “PARK” position.“R” REVERSEMove the lever to this position only after the vehicle has come
to a complete stop.
CAUTION
!
If a malfunction occurs in the automatic transaxle
while driving, the selector lever position indicator
will flash.
In this case, immediately park your vehicle in a safe
place and follow these procedures:
{The selector lever position indicator warning func-
tion does not operate with the selector lever in the
“P” (PARK), “R” (REVERSE) or “N” (NEUTRAL)
position.}
[The selector lever position indicator flashes rapidly
(twice per second)]
The automatic transaxle fluid is overheating.
Park your vehicle in a safe place but do not turn off
the engine. Move the selector lever to the “P”
(PARK) position and open the engine hood. Keep
the engine idling.
After a while, move the selector lever to the “D”
(DRIVE) position and confirm that the selector
lever position indicator stops flashing. It is safe to
continue driving if the selector lever position indica-
tor no longer flashes.
If the selector lever position indicator continues
flashing or flashes intermittently, have your vehicle
inspected by an authorized Mitsubishi Motors
dealer or a repair facility of your choice.
[The selector lever position indicator flashes slowly
(once per second)]
The automatic transaxle safety device may be oper-
ating due to a malfunction.
Have your vehicle inspected by an authorized Mit-
subishi Motors dealer or a repair facility of your
choice as soon as possible.
CAUTION
!
Never shift into the “P” (PARK) or “R”
(REVERSE) position while the vehicle is in motion.
If the lever is shifted into the “P” (PARK) or “R”
(REVERSE) position while the vehicle is in motion,
the transaxle may be damaged.
BK0098300US.book 76 ページ ２００８年１２月８日　月曜日　午前１１時３７分

Features and controls
3-77
3
“N” NEUTRALAt this position, the transaxle is disengaged. It is the same as
the neutral position on a manual transaxle and should be used
when the vehicle is not moving for an extended length of time
during driving, such as in a traffic jam.
“D” DRIVEThis position is used for most city and highway driving. Engine
shifting and braking are done automatically as needed, depend-
ing on road conditions.NOTE
For information on manual gate operation, please refer to
“Sports mode” on page 3-78.
WA R N I N G
!
Never move the selector lever to the “N” (NEU-
TRAL) position while driving since you could acci-
dentally slip it into the “P” (PARK) or
“R”(REVERSE) position, damaging the transaxle.
To prevent the vehicle from rolling when stopped on
a slope, the engine should be started in the “P”
(PARK) position, not in “N” (NEUTRAL) position.
Always keep your foot on the brake pedal when the
vehicle is in “N” (NEUTRAL) position, or when
shifting into or out of “N” (NEUTRAL) position, to
prevent rolling.
BK0098300US.book 77 ページ ２００８年１２月８日　月曜日　午前１１時３７分