3-104 Features and controls
3
The CVT selects an optimum ratio automatically when the
selector lever is in the “D” (DRIVE) position, depending on the
speed of the vehicle and the position of the accelerator pedal.
The selector lever (A) has 2 gates; the main gate (B) and the
manual gate (C).NOTE
There are 4 selector lever positions in the main gate.
For information on manual gate operation, please refer to
“Sports mode” on page 3-99.
Set the selector lever in the gate to operate while the
brake pedal is depressed.
Set the selector lever in the gate to operate.WA R N I N G
!
Always press the brake pedal when shifting the
selector lever into a selector position from the “N”
(NEUTRAL) position.
When beginning to drive, do not shift the selector
lever from the “N” (NEUTRAL) position while
pressing the accelerator pedal. This will cause the
vehicle to “jump” forward or backward.
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Features and controls
3-105
3
NOTE
To prevent mistakes in operating the lever, make sure you
stop briefly at each position. After operating, check the
position in the multi-information display.
If 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.
For a shift indicated by in the illustration, depress the
brake pedal before moving the selector lever. If you
attempt to move the selector lever before depressing the
brake pedal, the selector lever may be immovable.
When the selector lever cannot be shifted from the “P”
(PARK) position
N00563300010
When the selector lever cannot be shifted from the “P” (PARK)
position to another position while the brake pedal is pressed
and held down with the ignition switch at the “ON” position,
the battery may be flat or the shift-lock mechanism may be
malfunctioning.
Immediately have your vehicle checked by an authorized Mit-
subishi Motors dealer or a repair facility of your choice.
If you need to move the vehicle, shift the selector lever as fol-
lows.
1. Make sure the parking brake is fully applied.
2. Stop the engine if it is running.
3. Insert a screwdriver with a cloth over its tip into the notch
(A) of the cover. Pry gently as shown to remove the cover.
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3-106 Features and controls
3
4. Depress the brake pedal with the right foot.
5. Turn the ignition switch to the “ACC” position.NOTE
For vehicles with the Free-hand Advanced Security
Transmitter (F.A.S.T.-key), turn the ignition switch to the
“ACC” position with the emergency key if the vehicle
battery is flat.
6. Insert a screwdriver in the shift-lock release hole (B).
Shift the selector lever to the “N” (NEUTRAL) position
while pressing the screwdriver down.
Selector lever position display
N00560400023
When the ignition switch is turned to the “ON” position, the
selector lever position is shown on the multi-information dis-
play.
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3-108 Features and controls
3
Selector lever positions (Main gate)
N00560600025
“P” PARKThis position locks the transmission to prevent the vehicle
from moving. The engine can be started from the “P” (PARK)
position.“R” REVERSEMove the lever to this position only after the vehicle has come
to a complete stop.“N” NEUTRALAt this position, the transmission 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 3-99.
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 transmission may be damaged.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 transmission.
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.CAUTION
!
Never shift into the “D” (DRIVE) position from the
“R” (REVERSE) position while the vehicle is in
motion to avoid a transmission damage.WA R N I N G
!
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Features and controls
3-111
3
Operation of the CVT
N00560800014
Passing accelerationTo gain extra acceleration in “D” (DRIVE) position (when
passing another vehicle) push the accelerator to the floor. The
CVT will automatically downshift.NOTE
In sports mode, downshifts do not take place when the
accelerator is depressed all the way to the floor.
WaitingFor short waiting periods, such as at traffic lights, the vehicle
can be left in selector lever position and held stationary with
the service brake.
For longer waiting periods with the engine running, place the
selector lever in the “N” (NEUTRAL) position and apply the
parking brake, while holding the vehicle stationary with the
service brake.
Prior to moving off after having stopped the vehicle, make sure
that the selector lever is in “D” (DRIVE) position or Sports
mode position.
CAUTION
!
Before selecting a position with the engine running
and the vehicle stationary, firmly depress the brake
pedal to prevent the vehicle from creeping.
The vehicle will begin to move as soon as the CVT is
engaged, especially when the engine speed or idle
speed is high, or with the air conditioning operating.
Do not release the brake pedal until you are ready to
drive away.
Depress the brake pedal with the right foot at all
times.
Using the left foot could cause driver movement
delay in case of an emergency.
To prevent sudden acceleration, never run the
engine at high rpms when shifting from the “P”
(PARK) or “N” (NEUTRAL).
Operating the accelerator pedal while the other foot
is resting on the brake pedal will affect braking effi-
ciency and may cause premature wear of brake
pads.
Do not rev the engine with the brake pedal pressed
when the vehicle is stationary.
This can damage the CVT.
Also, when you depress the accelerator pedal while
holding down the brake pedal with the selector lever
in the “D” (DRIVE) position, the engine revolutions
may not rise as high as when performing the same
operation with the selector lever in the “N” (NEU-
TRAL) position.
CAUTION
!
To avoid transmission overheating, never try to keep
your vehicle stationary on a hill by using the acceler-
ator pedal. Always apply the parking brake and/or
service brake.
Do not rev the engine unnecessarily while the vehicle
is stationary. Unexpected acceleration may occur if
the selector lever is in a position other than “P”
(PARK) or “N” (NEUTRAL).
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3-112 Features and controls
3
ParkingTo park the vehicle, first bring it to a complete stop, fully
engage the parking brake, and then move the selector lever to
the “P” (PARK) position.When the CVT makes no speed changeIf the CVT does not shift while driving, or your vehicle does
not pick up enough speed when starting on an uphill slope, it
may be that there is something unusual happening in the trans-
mission, causing a safety device to activate. Have your vehicle
checked at an authorized Mitsubishi Motors dealer or a repair
facility of your choice as soon as possible.NOTE
When the warning display and “SLOW DOWN” or the
warning display and “SERVICE REQUIRED” appear
on the information screen in the multi-information dis-
play, there could be a malfunction in the CVT. Refer to
“Continuously variable transmission (CVT): Warning dis-
play” on page 3-107.
Electronically controlled 4WD system
(if so
equipped)N00517200126
The electronically controlled 4WD system is an all-wheel drive
system that allows one of three drive modes to be selected with
a switch, in accordance with the driving conditions.
The following drive modes are available.
4-wheel drive operation requires special driving skills.
Carefully read the “4-wheel drive operation” section on page 3-
121 and take care to drive safely.
Drive mode
Function
2WDThis mode is for economical
driving on normal dry roads
and freeways.
Driving in front-wheel drive.
4WD AUTOThe default mode.
This mode is for automatically
controlling the distribution of
driving torque to all four
wheels according to the driving
conditions.
4WD LOCKThis mode is for driving in slip-
pery conditions such as on
snow-covered roads or sand.
The large amount of driving
torque that is applied to the rear
tires enables getting out of slip-
pery areas and powerful driving
is possible across all ranges.
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3-116 Features and controls
3S-AWC (Super-All Wheel Control)
(if so
equipped)N00541300049
S-AWC is an integrated vehicle dynamics control system that
enhances driving performance, cornering performance and
vehicle stability over a wide range of driving conditions. It
does this by integrated controls over the front-rear distribution
of driving torque to the wheels and the left-right distribution of
driving torque to the front wheels.NOTE
If the parking brake lever is pulled up while the vehicle is
moving, the front-rear distribution of driving torque con-
trol will be forced to turn OFF which will allow the rear
wheel to lock easier.
S-AWC control mode
N00542400034
Select the control mode from the following three types to suit
the driving conditions.
CAUTION
!
Do not over-rely on the S-AWC. Even the S-AWC
cannot prevent the natural laws of physics from act-
ing on the vehicle. This system, like any other sys-
tem, has limits and cannot help you to maintain
traction and control of the vehicle in all circum-
stances. Reckless driving can lead to accidents. It is
the driver’s responsibility to drive carefully. This
means taking into account the traffic, road and envi-
ronmental conditions.
Be sure to use tires that are the same specified size,
type, and brand, and have no difference in the
amount of wear for all four wheels. Otherwise, the
S-AWC may not work properly.
S-AWC control
mode
Operation
TA R M A CNormally, use this control mode. Use this
mode for paved roads.
SNOWUse this control mode when driving on slip-
pery road surfaces, such as snow-covered
roads.
LOCKUse this control mode when driving on rough
roads where tires may slip or when necessary
to get out of mud or deep snow.
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3-122 Features and controls
3
Note that the stopping distance required of the 4-wheel
drive vehicle differs very little from that of the front-
wheel drive vehicle. When driving on a snow-covered
road or a slippery, muddy surface, make sure that you
keep a sufficient distance between your vehicle and the
one ahead of you.
The driving posture should be more upright; adjust the
seat to a good position for easy steering and pedal opera-
tion. Be sure to wear the seat belt.
After driving on rough roads, check each part of the vehi-
cle and wash it thoroughly with water. Refer to the
“Inspection and maintenance following rough road opera-
tion” section and “Vehicle care and Maintenance” sec-
tions.
Turning sharp cornersWhen turning a sharp corner in “4WD LOCK” or “LOCK”
position at low speed, a slight difference in steering may be
experienced similar to feeling as if the brakes were applied.
This is called tight corner braking and results from each of the
four tires being at a different distance from the corner. The phe-
nomenon is typical of 4-wheel drive vehicles. If this occurs,
either straighten out the steering wheel or change to another
mode.
On snowy or icy roadsSet the drive mode-selector to “4WD AUTO”, “4WD LOCK”
or “SNOW” in accordance with the road conditions, and then
gradually depress the accelerator pedal for a smooth start.NOTE
The use of snow tires is recommended.
Maintain a safe distance between vehicles, avoid sudden
braking, and use engine braking (downshifting).
Driving on sandy or muddy roadsSet the drive mode-selector to “4WD LOCK” or “LOCK” and
then gradually depress the accelerator pedal for a smooth start.
Keep the pressure on the accelerator pedal as constant as possi-
ble, and drive at low speed.
CAUTION
!
Setting the drive mode-selector to “4WD LOCK” or
“LOCK” position to drive on dry paved road will
increase fuel consumption, with possible noise gen-
eration.
CAUTION
!
Avoid sudden braking, sudden acceleration and
sharp turning. Skidding occurs and control of the
vehicle could be lost.CAUTION
!
Do not force the vehicle or drive recklessly on sandy
surfaces. In comparison with normal road surfaces,
the engine and other drive-system components are
put under excessive strain when driving on such a
surface. This could lead to accidents.
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