Page 123 of 514
3-34 Features and controls
3Ignition switch
N00512400530
LOCKThe engine is off and the steering wheel is locked. The key can
be inserted and removed only when the switch is in this posi-
tion. ACCAllows operation of electrical accessories with the engine off. ON The engine runs and all accessories can be used.
START Engages the starter. After the engine starts, release the key and
it will return automatically to the “ON” position.NOTEIf your vehicle is equipped with ignition switch illumina-
tion, the ignition switch will be illuminated:
• The ignition switch illumination comes on while the
driver’s door is opened and remains on for about 30 sec-
onds after the driver’s door is closed.
• When you remove the ignition key from the ignition
switch, it will be illuminated for about 30 seconds.
However, it will go off even while the illumination
comes on if the ignition switch is turned to “ON” posi-
tion.
Your vehicle is equipped with an electronic immobilizer.
To start the engine, the ID code which the transponder
inside the key sends must match the one registered to the
immobilizer computer.
(Refer to the section “Electronic immobilizer” on page
3-3.)
Your vehicle is equipped with Daytime Running Lights.
When the ignition key is in the “ON” position, the low
beam of the headlight will illuminate dimly. (Refer to
“Combination headlights and dimmer switch” on page
3-153.)
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Features and controls
3-35
3
To remove the key
N00550900012
First set the selector lever to the “P” (PARK) position, and then
turn the key to the “LOCK” position and remove it.NOTEThe key cannot be removed unless the selector lever is set
in the “P” (PARK) position.
Key reminder buzzer
N00551000065
If the driver’s door is opened while the ignition key is in the
“LOCK” or “ACC” position, a tone will sound.
CAUTION
!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
!
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3-36 Features and controls
3Steering wheel lock
N00512500081
To l o c kRemove the key at the “LOCK” position.
Turn the steering wheel until it is locked.To unlockTurn the key to the “ACC” position while moving the steering
wheel slightly.
NOTEIf the front wheels are turned, the anti-theft lock may
sometimes make it difficult to turn the key from “LOCK”
to “ACC”. Firmly turn the steering wheel to the left or to
the right as you turn the key.
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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Features and controls
3-37
3 Starting
N00512600590
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.
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. Press and hold the brake pedal down with your right foot.
3. Make sure the selector lever is in the “P” (PARK) posi-
tion.
4. Turn the ignition key to the “ON” position and make cer-
tain that all warning lights are functioning properly before
starting the engine.
5. Turn the ignition key to the “START” position without
pressing the accelerator pedal. Release the key when the
engine starts.
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.
Release the ignition key as soon as the engine starts.
Otherwise, the starter motor will be damaged.
CAUTION
!
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3-38 Features and controls
3
NOTEMinor noises may be heard on engine start-up. These will
disappear as the engine warms up. 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.
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3-40 Features and controls
3
NOTEDuring 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
N00513800283
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.NOTEThe 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.The transaxle has 4 forward gears and 1 reverse gear.
The individual gears are selected automatically, depending on
the position of the selector lever, the speed of the vehicle and
the position of the accelerator pedal.
The selector lever has 2 “gates”: the main gate (A) and the
manual gate (B).
NOTEFor information on manual gate operation, refer to “Sports
mode” on page 3-44.
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3-42 Features and controls
3
NOTEIf the brake pedal is not depressed and held, the shift-lock
device activates to prevent the selector lever from being
moved from the “P” (PARK) position.
Selector lever position indicator/ “N” indicator
N00513900239
Always depress the brake pedal when shifting the
selector lever into a gear from the “N” (NEUTRAL)
position. When beginning to drive, do not shift the
selector lever from the “N” (NEUTRAL) position
while depressing the accelerator pedal. This will
cause the vehicle to “jump” forward or backward.
WA R N I N G
!
A- Selector lever position indicator
When the ignition key is turned to the “ON” position, the
indicator in the instrument cluster comes on to show the
position of the selector lever (i.e. “PARK”, “DRIVE”,
“REVERSE”, etc.).
B- “N” indicator
If the “N” indicator blinks with the “D” (DRIVE) position or
“Sports mode” being selected, the automatic transaxle may
be malfunctioning.
Have your vehicle inspected by an authorized Mitsubishi
Motors dealer or a repair facility of your choice as soon as
possible.
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Features and controls
3-43
3
Automatic transaxle fluid temperature warning
light
N00514000110
The automatic transaxle fluid temperature warning light comes
on when the automatic transaxle fluid temperature becomes
abnormally high. Normally the warning light comes on when
the ignition key is turned to the “ON” position, and then will go
out after a few seconds.
Selector lever positions (Main gate)
N00514200213
“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 the light comes on while driving, reduce the
engine speed and stop the vehicle in a safe area.
Then set the selector lever to “P” (PARK) position
and idle the engine until the warning light goes off.
When the warning light goes off, resume normal
driving. If the warning light does not go off, have
your vehicle inspected by an authorized Mitsubishi
Motors dealer or a repair facility of your choice.
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” or “R” position
while the vehicle is in motion, the transaxle may be
damaged.
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