3-90 Features and controls
3
6. On vehicles with manual transaxle, place the gearshift
lever in the “N” (Neutral) position.
On vehicles with continuously variable transmission
(CVT) or Twin Clutch SST, make sure the selector lever
(CVT) or gearshift lever (Twin Clutch SST) is in the “P”
(PARK) position. NOTEOn vehicles with CVT, the starter will not operate unless
the selector lever is in the “P” (PARK) or “N” (NEU-
TRAL) position.
On vehicles with Twin Clutch SST, the starter will not
operate unless the gearshift lever is in the “P” (PARK)
position or the gearshift lever is in the “N” (NEUTRAL)
position with the brake pedal depressed.
For safety reasons, start the engine in the “P” (PARK)
position so that the wheels are locked.
7. Turn the ignition switch to the “ON” position and make
certain that all warning lights are functioning properly
before starting the engine.
8. Turn the ignition switch to the “START” position without
pressing the accelerator pedal. Release the key when the
engine starts. NOTEMinor noises may be heard on engine start-up. These will
disappear as the engine warms up.
Startability of continuously variable transmission
(CVT) vehicles or Twin Clutch SST vehicles at
extremely cold ambient temperatureWhen the ambient temperature is -4 °F (-20 °C) or lower on
vehicles with CVT, or -22 °F (-30 °C) or lower on vehicles
with Twin Clutch SST, it may not be possible to start from a
standstill even with the selector lever (CVT) or the gearshift
lever (Twin Clutch SST) 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 (CVT) or the gearshift lever (Twin
Clutch SST) 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.Idle speed in high altitude area
N00547600015
At high altitude locations, the idle speed may be higher. This is
done in order to stabilize the idle speed when the power steer-
ing system and other systems operate. It does not indicate a
malfunction.
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Features and controls
3-91
3
Stopping the engine
N00542300088
1. Bring the vehicle to a complete stop.
2. Fully engage the parking brake while depressing the brake
pedal.
3. For vehicles with a manual transaxle, turn the ignition
switch to the “LOCK” position to stop the engine, and
then move the gearshift lever to the 1st (on a uphill) or
“R” (Reverse) (on a downhill) position.
For vehicles with continuously variable transmission
(CVT) or Twin Clutch SST, place the selector lever (CVT)
or the gearshift lever (Twin Clutch SST) in the “P”
(PARK) position, and then turn the ignition switch to the
“LOCK” position to stop the engine.
NOTEFor vehicles with Twin Clutch SST, the engine will stop
and the vehicle power will turn off approximately 1 sec-
ond after the ignition switch is turned to the “LOCK”;
position.
The reason for this is that, in the time from when the igni-
tion switch is turned to the “LOCK” position until the
engine stops, the gears inside the Twin Clutch SST disen-
gage so that the engine will start smoothly the next time it
is started.
Two clutches installed in the Twin Clutch SST alternately
engage and disengage to achieve smooth shifting.
In addition, the gear on the side with the free clutch is
engaged, therefore, quick shifting is performed.
If the engine was stopped with the gear engaged like this,
it would provide resistance the next time the engine is
started. Therefore, the gear disengages in the approxi-
mately 1-second period until the engine stops.
For vehicles with Twin Clutch SST, do not operate the
gearshift lever or the accelerator pedal for approximately
1 second until the engine stops.
BK0119300US.book 91 ページ 2010年5月21日 金曜日 午前10時13分
3-96 Features and controls
3
Driving precautions
N00513100215
The table below shows the maximum recommended driving
speed for in each gear. Do not drive near or at these speeds for
prolonged periods of time.Maximum possible driving speedDo not use the gearshift lever as a handrest. This can result in
premature wear of the transaxle shift forks.
Continuously variable transmission (CVT)
(if so equipped)
N00513200186
The CVT is capable of changing the engine speed to vehicle
speed ratio automatically and steplessly to suit driving condi-
tions in all phases of vehicle operation. It therefore realizes
smooth, shock-free operation and excellent fuel efficiency.DRIVING UPHILLThe transmission may not shift to a higher ratio if the computer
determines your current speed would be affected.
For smoother operation, the transmission 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 shift function will resume.DRIVING DOWNHILLWhen traveling down steep grades and using the brakes, the
computer may automatically shift to a lower ratio. This helps
engine braking efforts, reducing your need to use the brakes.
Shift points
Maximum possible driving speed
1st gear 31 mph (50 km/h)2nd gear 62 mph (100 km/h)3rd gear 87 mph (140 km/h)4th gear 121 mph (195 km/h)
CAUTION
!Automatic downshifts may not take place if the con-
tinuously variable transmission (CVT) fluid is still
cool immediately after you start driving. To cause a
downshift, depress the brake pedal or shift down
manually.
Always drive safely in accordance with road condi-
tions.
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Features and controls
3-103
3
Selector lever positions
N00514200314
“P” PARKThis position locks the transmission 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.
“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.
[When warning display is showing]
It may be that there is something unusual happening
in the CVT, causing a safety device to activate. Have
your vehicle inspected by an authorized Mitsubishi
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 transmission may be damaged.
CAUTION
!
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 transmis-
sion.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.
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3-104 Features and controls
3
“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.“L” LOW (except for vehicles with sports mode)This position is for driving up very steep hills and for engine
braking at low speeds when driving down steep hills.NOTEFor information on manual gate operation, please refer to
“Sports mode” on page 3-104.
Sports mode
(if so equipped)
N00514400404
Whether the vehicle is stationary or in motion, sports mode is
selected by pushing the selector lever from the “D” (DRIVE)
position into the manual gate (1). To return to “D” (DRIVE)
operation, push the selector lever back into the main gate (2).
In sports mode, rapid shifting is possible simply by operating
the selector lever or sportronic steering wheel paddle shifter.
Unlike the manual transaxle, sports mode allows shifting with
the accelerator pedal depressed.NOTEFor vehicles equipped with the sportronic steering wheel
paddle shifter, sports mode can be operated even when the
selector lever is in the main gate (2).
To return to “D” (DRIVE) operation, pull the sportronic
steering wheel paddle shifter on the + (UP) side for longer
than 2 seconds, or park the vehicle to change the selector
lever position indicator to “D” (DRIVE) and return to “D”
(DRIVE) operation.
CAUTION
!Never shift into the “D” (DRIVE) position from the
“R” (REVERSE) position while the vehicle is in
motion. Transmission damage will result.
WA R N I N G
!This position can be used for maximum engine
braking.
Be very careful not to shift into “L” (LOW) sud-
denly. Sudden engine braking may cause the tires to
skid.
Select this position according to the road conditions
and vehicle speed.
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Features and controls
3-105
3
NOTEShift ranges can only be selected in a forward direction
from 1st to 6th. To reverse or park the vehicle, move the
selector lever to the “R” or “P” position.
To maintain good running performance, the transmission
may refuse to perform an upshift when the selector lever
or sportronic steering wheel paddle shifter is moved to the
“+ (SHIFT UP)” position at certain vehicle speeds. Also,
to prevent over-revving of the engine, the transmission
may refuse to perform a downshift when the shift lever or
sportronic steering wheel paddle shifter is moved to the “-
(SHIFT DOWN)” position at certain vehicle speeds.
When this happens, a buzzer sounds to indicate that a
downshift is not going to take place.
Move the selector lever gently between the manual and
main gates and between positions in the manual gate. And
do not operate sportronic steering wheel paddle shifter
violently. Excessive force could damage the selector lever
or sportronic steering wheel paddle shifter.
+ (SHIFT UP)
Transmission shifts up once by each operation.
- (SHIFT DOWN)
Transmission shifts down once by each operation.
CAUTION
!Upward shifts do not take place automatically in
sports mode. The driver must make upward shifts in
accordance with prevailing road conditions, making
sure the engine rpm remains below the red zone on
the tachometer.
SHIFT UP
SHIFT
DOWN
SHIFT
UP SHIFT
DOWN
By rapidly moving the selector lever or sportronic
steering wheel paddle shifter to the “- (SHIFT
DOWN)” side twice, it is possible to skip one shift
range (i.e., 3rd to 1st or 4th to 2nd). Since sudden
engine braking or acceleration can cause a loss of
traction, downshifts must be made carefully in
accordance with the vehicle’s speed.On vehicles with a sportronic steering wheel paddle
shifter, shift ranges may not change when the lateral
paddle shifters are operated at the same time.
CAUTION
!
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Features and controls
3-109
3 Twin Clutch SST (Sportronic Shift Trans-
mission)
(if so equipped)
N00539700059
The Twin Clutch SST is a transmission that, through integrated
control of the engine and transmission, is able to achieve both
the smooth shifting of an automatic transaxle and the accelera-
tion and fuel economy close to a manual transaxle. In addition,
the control mode can be selected from two types to suit the
driving conditions.
Together with manual shifting, the transmission is capable of
responding to a variety of driving circumstances.
Twin Clutch SST control mode→ P. 3 - 1 1 7
Manual shift → P. 3 - 1 1 9
Gearshift lever operation
N00539800050
As an additional safety precaution, models equipped with a
Twin Clutch SST have a shift-lock device that holds the gear-
shift lever in the “P” (PARK) position. To move the gearshift
lever from the “P” (PARK) position to another position, follow
the steps below.
1. Press and hold the brake pedal down.
2. Move the gearshift lever to the desired position.NOTEThe gearshift lever cannot be moved from “P” (PARK) to
another position if the ignition switch is at the “LOCK” or
“ACC” position, or the key has been removed, or if the
brake pedal is not pressed and held down.
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3-116 Features and controls
3
“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.NOTEFor information on manual shift gate operation, please
refer to “Manual shift” on page 3-119.
When the engine is cold, upshifts occur at a higher vehicle
speed than when the engine is warm.
This control is performed to quickly warm up the engine.
It does not indicate a malfunction. After the vehicle has
been driven for a while, upshifts will occur at the regular
engine speeds.
WA R N I N G
!Never move the gearshift lever to the “N” (NEU-
TRAL) position while driving since you could acci-
dentally slip it into the “P” (PARK) or
“R”(REVERSE) position and the engine speed
could rise, damaging the transmission.To prevent the vehicle from rolling when stopped on
a slope, the engine should be started in the “P”
(PARK) position.
Although the engine can be started when the vehicle
is in the “N” (NEUTRAL) position, for safety rea-
sons, do not start the engine in the “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.
If the lever is shifted into the “D” (DRIVE) from the
“R” (REVERSE) position while the vehicle is in
motion, the transmission may be damaged.
BK0119300US.book 116 ページ 2010年5月21日 金曜日 午前10時13分