2011 MITSUBISHI LANCER SPORTBACK Owners Manual

3-90 Features and controls
3
NOTE
For vehicles equipped with Twin Clutch SST, the engine
will stop and the vehicle power will turn off approxi-
mately 1 second 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 equipped with Twin Clutch SST, do not oper-
ate the gearshift lever or the accelerator pedal for approxi-
mately 1 second until the engine stops.
For vehicles equipped with Twin Clutch SST, if the tem-
perature inside the engine compartment is high, the cool-
ing fans (A) will continue to operate for some time even if
the engine is stopped.
Therefore, the operation sound of the cooling fans may be
heard even after the engine is stopped. This sound is nor-
mal and does not indicate a malfunction.
After operating for a period of time, the cooling fans will
stop automatically.
*: Front of the vehicle
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Features and controls
3-91
3 Turbocharger operation
(if so equipped)
N00537300064
TurbochargerThe turbocharger increases engine power by pushing large
amounts of air into the engine’s cylinders. The finned parts
inside the turbocharger turn at extremely high speeds and are
subjected to extremely high temperatures. They are lubricated
by engine oil and cooled by engine oil and coolant. If the
engine oil is not replaced at the specified intervals, the bearings
may seize or emit abnormal noise.
CAUTION
!
Do not run the engine at high speeds (for example,
by revving it or by accelerating rapidly) immedi-
ately after starting it.
Do not stop the engine immediately after high-speed
or uphill driving. First allow the engine to idle to
give the turbocharger a chance to cool down.
Engine oil must be properly maintained to avoid
engine and/or turbocharger damage. To better pro-
tect your engine and turbocharger, use fully syn-
thetic engine oil.
1- Air compressor
2- Compressed air
3- Cylinder
4- Turbo fin
5- Turbine
6- Exhaust gas
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3-92 Features and controls
3Manual transaxle
(if so equipped)
N00512700096
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.
NOTE
If it is hard to shift into 1st, depress the clutch pedal a sec-
ond time; the shift will then be easier.
CAUTION
!
Do not rest your foot on the clutch pedal because
this will cause premature clutch wear or damage.
Do not coast in the “N” (Neutral) position (illegal in
many states).
Do not use the gearshift lever as a handrest, because
this can result in premature wear of the transaxle
shift forks.
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Features and controls
3-93
3
Proper shift points
N00537400049
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
N00512900131
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.
At high altitude locations, upshift as listed below.
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) 15 mph (24 km/h)2nd gear to 3rd gear 28 mph (45 km/h) 19 mph (31 km/h)3rd gear to 4th gear 36 mph (58 km/h) 33 mph (53 km/h)4th gear to 5th gear 45 mph (72 km/h) 45 mph (72 km/h)
Shift point
Upshift speeds
1st gear to 2nd gear 15 mph (24 km/h)2nd gear to 3rd gear 25 mph (40 km/h)3rd gear to 4th gear 40 mph (64 km/h)4th gear to 5th gear 45 mph (72 km/h)
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3-94 Features and controls
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
N00513100231

Do not use the gearshift lever as a handrest. This can
result in premature wear of the transaxle shift forks.Maximum possible driving speed
The table above shows the maximum recommended driv-
ing speed for in each gear. Do not drive near or at these
speeds for prolonged periods of time.
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
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)
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Features and controls
3-95
3 Continuously variable transmission (CVT)

(if so equipped)
N00513200199
The continuously variable transmission (CVT) is capable of
changing the engine speed to vehicle speed ratio automatically
and steplessly to suit driving conditions 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.
Selector lever operation
N00513800368
As an additional safety precaution, models equipped with a
CVT 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 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.
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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3-96 Features and controls
3
Except for vehicles with sports modeThe CVT has 2 forward selector positions and 1 reverse selec-
tor position.
The CVT selects an optimum ratio automatically when the
selector lever is in the “D” (DRIVE) or “L” (LOW) position,
depending on the speed of the vehicle and the position of the
accelerator pedal.
The selector lever has 5 positions.
With the brake pedal depressed, set the selector lever in
the gate to operate.
Set the selector lever in the gate to operate.WA R N I N G
!
Always depress the brake pedal when shifting the
selector lever into a selector position from the “P”
(PARK) or “N” (NEUTRAL) position.
When beginning to drive, do not shift the selector
lever from the “P” (PARK) or “N” (NEUTRAL)
position while depressing the accelerator pedal.
Doing so is dangerous because the vehicle will
“jump” forward or backward.
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Features and controls
3-97
3
NOTE
To ensure proper transmission operation, stop at each
detent position when shifting. After shifting, 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 will be immovable.
Vehicles with sports modeThe 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
In the main gate, the selector lever has 4 positions.

For information on manual gate operation, please refer to
“Sports mode” on page 3-103.
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