2012 MITSUBISHI ECLIPSE Ignition switch

3-32 Features and controls
3
NOTE
The opening or closing operation of the top cannot be per-
formed when the vehicle is in motion.

For information about the cleaning of the top, refer to the
section “Convertible top” on page 7-77.

When leaving the vehicle unattended, be sure to close the
top and remove the ignition key.

To avoid damage, do not sit or place luggage or any heavy
objects on the top itself, or the area around it.

Make sure nothing is in the top storage area (top and
behind the rear seats) when raising or lowering the top.
Even a small article may interfere with the operation of
the top and may damage the top or cause it to malfunction.

Always be sure the top is completely dry before it is low-
ered. Lowering the top while wet or damp may cause inte-
rior water damage, water stains or mildew of the top. It
can also cause the top to deteriorate and shrink.

Never operate the top when temperatures are 32 °F (0 °C)
or below. The fabric of the top may be damaged. If neces-
sary, allow the vehicle to set for a while in a heated garage
prior to operating the convertible top mechanism.

A roof top or luggage carrier of any type or design MUST
NOT be used on the ECLIPSE SPYDER’s top. This
includes, but is not limited to ski, bicycle or luggage
racks. Damage to the top may result.

Before opening or closing the top, make sure there are no
obstructions above the vehicle. For opening and closing of
the top, there must be upward clearance of approximately
6.6 feet (2 m) as measured from the ground.

The trunk lid cannot be opened until opening or closing of
the electric convertible top is complete.
The power windows cannot be operated until opening or
closing of the electric convertible top is complete.
Normal operation
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The top can be opened and closed using the top switches.Requirements for operation
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The top can be opened and closed when the following require-
ments are all satisfied.

The ambient temperature is 32 °F (0 °C) or higher.

The vehicle is stationary.

The ignition switch is in the “ON” position.

The trunk lid is closed.

The latch handles are unlocked.NOTE
If either of the top switches is operated when the require-
ments for operation are not all satisfied, the operation
indicator lamp will flash slowly (approximately one flash
per second) and a tone will sound intermittently and rap-
idly (approximately three times per second) to indicate
that opening/closing operation is not possible.
If you are not able to perform opening/closing operation
when the requirements are all satisfied, have the vehicle
inspected by an authorized Mitsubishi Motors dealer.
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3-46 Features and controls
3
To close the top by manually
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1. Without obstructing traffic, stop the vehicle on a level,
firm surface where you can work safely.
2. Securely apply the parking brake. If the vehicle has an
automatic transaxle, place the selector lever in the “P”
(PARK) position. If the vehicle has a manual transaxle,
place the gearshift lever in the 1st position.
3. Completely open the power windows.
4. Place the ignition switch in the OFF position.
5. Pull down both sun visors.
6. Slide the front seats fully forward. Tip the seatbacks for-
ward. Refer to “To adjust the seat forward or backward”
on page 2-5 and “To adjust the seatback” on page 2-6.
7. Remove the woofer cover (A) in the center of the rear seat
by gently pulling at its side edges.8. Remove the emergency tool (B) that is mounted in the
rear seat behind the woofer cover.
A
B
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Features and controls
3-59
3
To adjust the mirror positionThe outside rearview mirrors can be adjusted when the ignition
key is in the “ON” or “ACC” position.
Move the lever (A) to the same side as the mirror you wish to
adjust.
Press the switch (B) to adjust the mirror position. NOTE
After adjusting, return the lever to the “•” (off) position.
To fold the mirrorThe outside mirror can be folded in toward the side window to
prevent damage when parking in tight locations.
L- Left outside mirror adjustment
R- Right outside mirror adjustment
1- Up
2- Down
3- Right
4- Left
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3-60 Features and controls
3
Heated mirror
(if so equipped)
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When the rear window defogger switch is pressed, the outside
rearview mirrors are defogged or defrosted. Current will flow
through the heater element inside the mirrors, thus clearing
away frost or condensation.
The indicator light (C) will illuminate while the defogger is on.
The heater will be turned off automatically in about 17 min-
utes.
Ignition switch
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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.
CAUTION
!
Electric current will flow through the heating wires
on the rear window to help clear away moisture or
frost when the rear defogger switch is pressed.
When the top is completely lowered, keep the rear
window defogger turned off to avoid damage to the
top (ECLIPSE SPYDER only).
Manual transaxle Automatic transaxle
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Features and controls
3-61
3
START Engages the starter. After the engine starts, release the key and
it will return automatically to the “ON” position.NOTE
Your vehicle is equipped with ignition switch illumina-
tion.
• 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 “Electronic immobilizer” on page 3-3.)
To remove the key
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For vehicles with a manual transaxle, when removing the key,
push the key in at the “ACC” position and keep it depressed
until it is turned to the “LOCK” position, and remove.Manual transaxle
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3-62 Features and controls
3
For vehicles with an automatic transaxle, when removing the
key, first set the selector lever to the “P” (PARK) position, and
then turn the key to the “LOCK” position and remove it.NOTE
For vehicles with an automatic transaxle, the key cannot
be removed unless the selector lever is set in the “P”
(PARK) position.
Key reminder buzzer
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If the driver’s door is opened while the ignition key is in the
“LOCK” or “ACC” position, a tone will sound.
Automatic transaxle
CAUTION
!
Do not remove the ignition key from the ignition
switch while driving. The steering wheel will lock,
causing loss of control.
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.
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3-64 Features and controls
3Starting
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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 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.
1. Make sure all occupants are properly seated with seat
belts fastened.
2. Insert the ignition key.
3. Make sure the parking brake is applied.
4. Press and hold the brake pedal down with your right foot.
5. Press and hold the clutch pedal all the way down (manual
transaxle).NOTE
For models equipped with a manual transaxle, the starter
will not operate unless the clutch pedal is fully depressed
(Clutch interlock). This is a safety feature.
6. On vehicles with manual transaxle, place the gearshift
lever in the “N” (Neutral) position.
On vehicles with automatic transaxle, make sure the
selector lever is in the “P” (PARK) position.
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
3-65
3
7. Turn the ignition key to the “ON” position and make cer-
tain that all warning lights are functioning properly before
starting the engine.
8. Turn the ignition key to the “START” position without
pressing the accelerator pedal. Release the key when the
engine starts. NOTE
Minor noises may be heard on engine start-up. These will
disappear as the engine warms up.
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.Using the MIVEC engine The MIVEC engine automatically switches its intake-valve
control between a low-speed mode and a high-speed mode in
accordance with driving conditions for maximum engine per-
formance.NOTE
To protect the engine, the high-speed mode may not be
selected while the engine coolant temperature is low. In
such a case, the engine revolutions do not rise to over
5,000 rpm even if the accelerator pedal is depressed.
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