2012 MITSUBISHI ECLIPSE steering

Features and controls
3-81
3 Anti-lock braking system
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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.
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.
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3-84 Features and controls
3Active stability control (ASC)
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The active stability control (ASC) takes overall control of the
anti-lock braking system, traction control function and skid
control function to help maintain the vehicle’s control and trac-
tion. Also refer to the following pages on the anti-lock braking
system, traction control function and skid control function.
Anti-lock braking system (ABS) → P. 3 - 8 1
Traction control function → P. 3 - 8 4
Skid control function → P. 3 - 8 5
NOTE
A whining sound may be heard from the engine compart-
ment in the following situations. The sound is associated
with the ASC self-check operations. It does not indicate a
malfunction.
• When the ignition key is set to the “ON” position.
• When the vehicle is driven for a while after the engine is
turned on.

When the ASC is activated, you may feel a vibration in
the vehicle body or hear a whining sound from the engine
compartment.
This indicates that the system is operating normally. It
does not indicate a malfunction.

When the anti-lock braking system warning light is illu-
minated, the ASC is not active.Traction control function
N00559200050
On slippery surfaces, the traction control function prevents the
drive wheels from spinning excessively, thus helping the vehi-
cle to start moving from a stopped condition. It also provides
sufficient driving force and steering performance as the vehicle
turns while pressing the acceleration pedal.
CAUTION
!
Do not over-rely on the ASC. Even the ASC cannot
prevent the natural laws of physics from acting on
the vehicle. This system, like any other system, has
limits and cannot help you to maintain traction and
control of the vehicle in all circumstances. Reckless
driving can lead to accidents. It is the driver’s
responsibility to drive carefully. This means taking
into account the traffic, road and environmental
conditions.
Be sure to use the same specified type and size of tire
on all four wheels. Otherwise, the ASC may not
work properly.
Do not install any aftermarket limited slip differen-
tial (LSD) on your vehicle. The ASC may stop func-
tioning properly.
CAUTION
!
When driving a vehicle on a snowy or icy road, be
sure to install snow tires and drive the vehicle at
moderate speeds.
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Features and controls
3-85
3
Skid control function
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The skid control function is designed to help the driver main-
tain control of the vehicle on slippery roads or during rapid
steering maneuvers. It works by controlling the engine output
and the brake on each wheel.NOTE
The skid control function operates at speeds of about 9
mph (15 km/h) or higher.
ASC OFF switch
N00559400225
The ASC is automatically activated when the ignition key is
turned to the “ON” position. You can deactivate the system by
pressing down the ASC OFF switch for 3 seconds or longer.
When the ASC is deactivated, the / indicator will be illu-
minated. To reactivate the ASC, momentarily press the ASC
OFF switch; the / indicator is turned off. Except for vehicles with headlight leveling
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Features and controls
3-89
3 Power steering system
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The power steering system operates while the engine is run-
ning. It helps reduce the effort needed to turn the steering
wheel.
The power steering system has mechanical steering capability
in case the power assist is lost. If the power assist is lost for
some reason, you will still be able to steer your vehicle. If the
power assist is lost, you will notice it takes much more effort to
steer and that there is much more “free play” in the steering
wheel. If this happens, take your vehicle to an authorized
Mitsubishi Motors dealer or a repair facility of your choice.
Cruise control
N00518300355
Cruise control is an automatic speed control system. It lets you
keep the same driving speed. Cruise control can be used at
speeds of about 25 mph (40 km/h) or more. It is especially use-
ful for freeway driving. Cruise control does not work at speeds
below about 25 mph (40 km/h).
WA R N I N G
!
Do not stop the engine while the vehicle is moving.
Stopping the engine would make the steering wheel
extremely hard to turn, possibly resulting in an acci-
dent.
CAUTION
!
Do not leave the steering wheel turned all the way in
one direction. This can cause damage to the power
steering system.
A- Main switch
B- Cruise control lever
CAUTION
!
For safety reasons, deactivate cruise control system
using the main switch (A) when you are not using
the cruise control system.
(Refer to “To deactivate” on page 3-94.)
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Features and controls
3-99
3
If the warning light illuminates while driving
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1. If the low tire pressure monitoring system warning light
illuminates, avoiding hard braking, sharp steering maneu-
vers and high speeds. You should stop and adjust the tires
to the proper inflation pressure as soon as possible. Adjust
the spare tire at the same time. Refer to “Tires” on page 7-
20.NOTE
When inspecting or adjusting the tire pressure, do not
apply excessive force to the valve stem to avoid breakage.

After inspecting or adjusting the tire pressure, always
reinstall the valve cap on the valve stem.
Without the valve cap, dirt or moisture could get into the
valve, resulting in damage to the tire inflation pressure
sensor.

Do not use metal valve caps, which may cause a metal
reaction, resulting in corrosion and damage of the tire
inflation pressure sensors.

Once adjustments have been made, the warning light will
go off after a few minutes of driving.
2. If the tire pressure monitoring system warning light
remains illuminated after you have been driving for about
20 minutes after you adjust the tire inflation pressure, one
or more of the tires may have a puncture. Inspect the tire
and if it has a puncture, have it repaired by an authorized
Mitsubishi Motors dealer as soon as possible.
NOTE
To avoid the risk of damage to the tire inflation pressure
sensors, have any punctured tire repaired by an authorized
Mitsubishi Motors dealer. If the tire repair is not done by
an authorized Mitsubishi Motors dealer, it is not covered
by your warranty.

Do not use an aerosol puncture-repair spray on any tire.
Such a spray could damage the tire inflation pressure sen-
sors. Have any puncture repaired by an authorized
Mitsubishi Motors dealer.
WA R N I N G
!
If the tire pressure monitoring system warning light
illuminates while you are driving, avoid hard brak-
ing, sharp steering maneuvers and high speeds.
Driving with an under-inflated tire adversely affects
vehicle performance and can result in an accident.
CAUTION
!
If a tire has a puncture, replace that tire with the
spare tire. Driving on a punctured tire could lead to
an accident.
The tire pressure monitoring system warning light
may not illuminate immediately in the event of a tire
blowout or rapid leak.
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Features and controls
3-129
3
NOTE
Start adjusting when the knob is at the “0” position (when
the beam is at its highest).

Keep the knob in the “0” position except when using the
knob to lower the headlight beam angle.

Always return the knob to the “0” position when the bag-
gage is removed and the people have left the vehicle.
Turn signal lever
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When changing lanes, or to making a gradual turn, hold the
lever in the “lane change” position (1). It will return to the neu-
tral position when you let go. Use the full position (2) when
making a normal turn. The lever will return to the neutral posi-
tion when the turn is complete. There may be times when the
lever does not return to the neutral position. This usually hap-
pens when the steering wheel is turned only slightly. You can
easily return the lever by hand.
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3-136 Features and controls
3
NOTE
If your vehicle is equipped with heated mirrors, mist can
also be removed from the outside rearview mirrors when
the rear window defogger switch is pressed. (Refer to
“Heated mirror” on page 3-60.)
Horn switch
N00523800143
To honk the horn, press around the “ ” mark on the steering
wheel.
CAUTION
!
The rear window defogger is not designed to melt
snow. Remove any snow manually before using the
rear window defogger.
Use the rear window defogger only after the engine
has started and is running. Be sure to turn the
defogger switch off immediately after the window is
clear to save on battery power.
Do not place stickers, tape, or other items that are
attached with adhesive over the grid wires on the
rear window.
When cleaning the inside rear window, use a soft
cloth and wipe lightly over the grid wires.
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4-8 Driving safety
4

Curb weight: the weight of a motor vehicle with standard
equipment including the maximum capacity of fuel, oil,
and coolant.

Accessory weight: the combined weight (in excess of
those standard items which may be replaced) of automatic
transmission, power steering, power brakes, power win-
dows, power seats, radio, and heater, to the extent that
these items are available as factory- installed equipment
(whether installed or not).

Vehicle capacity weight: the rated cargo and luggage load
plus 150 lbs (68 kg)* times the vehicle’s designated seat-
ing capacity.

Production options weight: the combined weight of those
installed regular production options weighing over 5 lbs
(2.3 kg) in excess of those standard items which they
replace, not previously considered in curb weight or
accessory weight, including heavy duty brakes, ride level-
ers, roof rack, heavy duty battery, and special trim.

Normal occupant weight: 150 lbs (68 kg)* times the num-
ber of specified occupants. (In your vehicle the number is
2)

Occupant distribution: distribution of occupants in a vehi-
cle as specified. (In your vehicle the distribution is 2 in
front seat)
Tire and loading information placard
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The tire and loading information placard is located on the
driver’s door sill.
*: 150 lbs (68 kg) is the weight of one person as defined by
U.S.A. and Canadian regulations.A- All vehicles (Type A)
B- Vehicles sold in Canada (Type B)
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