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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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Features and controls
3-39
3 Engine block heater
(if so equipped)
N00551100079
The engine block heater warms the engine coolant to promote
engine startability in extremely cold weather. It also shortens
the engine’s warmup time, thus promoting fuel economy.To use the engine block heater1. Stop the engine.
2. The plug for the engine block heater is located in the front
bumper opening on the driver’s side. Open the cover (A)
and insert the plug in a grounded 110 V AC outlet.
Automatic transaxle
N00513200131
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.
WA R N I N G
!To prevent electrical shock, do not use the engine
block heater with an ungrounded electrical system
or two-pronged adapter.
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.
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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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Features and controls
3-41
3
In the main gate, the selector lever has 4 positions, and is
equipped with a lock button (C) to prevent inadvertent selec-
tion of the wrong gear.
The lock button must be pushed while the brake pedal is
depressed to move the selector lever.
The selector lever will move without pushing the lock
button.
The lock button must be pushed to move the selector
lever. WA R N I N G
!If the lock button is always pressed when using the
selector lever, the lever may be accidentally shifted
into the “P” (PARK) or “R” (REVERSE) position.
Do not press the lock button when making shifts
shown by in the illustration.
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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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3-54 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
3-55
3
Anti-lock braking system warning light
N00531600414
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.
or
BK0102600US.book 55 ページ 2009年3月30日 月曜日 午後2時2分