2012 MITSUBISHI ECLIPSE engine

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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3-68 Features and controls
3
Proper shift points
N00537400023
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
N00512900030
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.Vehicles equipped with 5-speed manual transaxleVehicles equipped with 6-speed manual transaxle
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) 13 mph (21 km/h)2nd gear to 3rd gear 23 mph (37 km/h) 18 mph (29 km/h)3rd gear to 4th gear 34 mph (55 km/h) 33 mph (53 km/h)4th gear to 5th gear 43 mph (69 km/h) 40 mph (64 km/h)
Shift point
Upshift speeds
Acceleration
Cruise
1st gear to 2nd gear 13 mph (21 km/h) 16 mph (26 km/h)2nd gear to 3rd gear 22 mph (35 km/h) 28 mph (45 km/h)3rd gear to 4th gear 33 mph (53 km/h) 38 mph (61 km/h)4th gear to 5th gear 44 mph (71 km/h) 46 mph (74 km/h)5th gear to 6th gear 47 mph (76 km/h) 49 mph (79 km/h)
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Features and controls
3-69
3
At high altitude locations, upshift as listed below.Vehicles equipped with 5-speed manual transaxle
Vehicles equipped with 6-speed manual transaxle
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
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)
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)5th gear to 6th gear 50 mph (80 km/h)
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.
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3-70 Features and controls
3
Driving precautions
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The table below shows the maximum recommended driv-
ing speed for in each gear. Do not drive near or at these
speeds for prolonged periods of time.Possible driving speed
Do not use the gearshift lever as a handrest. This can
result in premature wear of the transaxle shift forks.
Automatic transaxle
N00513200102
Designed for the most efficient control and equipped with self-
adapting capabilities, the electronically controlled transaxle
used in your vehicle selects the most favorable gear for each
type of driving and road condition.DRIVING UPHILLThe transaxle may not shift to a higher gear if the computer
determines your current speed would be affected.
For smoother operation, the transaxle 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 gear shift function will resume.DRIVING DOWNHILLWhen traveling down steep grades and using the brakes, the
computer may automatically select a lower gear. This helps
engine braking efforts, reducing your need to use the brakes.
Shift
points
Possible driving speed
Vehicles equipped with
5-speed manual tran-
saxle
Vehicles equipped with
6-speed manual tran-
saxle
1st gear 30 mph (50 km/h) 37 mph (60 km/h)2nd gear 55 mph (90 km/h) 55 mph (90 km/h)3rd gear 80 mph (130 km/h) 80 mph (130 km/h)4th gear 108 mph (175 km/h) 108 mph (175 km/h)5th gear — 130 mph (210 km/h)
CAUTION
!
The electronically controlled transaxle system is
strictly intended to provide supplementary func-
tions. When driving downhill under certain condi-
tions, when the automatic transaxle is cold
immediately after starting, no automatic downshift
may be made. The driver should move the selector
lever to shift down to a lower gear (3rd gear or 2nd
gear), which will permit the engine to begin braking.
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3-74 Features and controls
3
When the selector lever position indicator flashes while you are
driving, there could be a malfunction in the automatic tran-
saxle.NOTE
In sports mode, the indication of the currently selected
gear flashes.

If the selector lever position is in the “P” (PARK), “R”
(REVERSE) or “N” (NEUTRAL) position, the indicator
does not flash.
or through or
CAUTION
!
If a malfunction occurs in the automatic transaxle
while driving, the selector lever position indicator
will flash.
In this case, immediately park your vehicle in a safe
place and follow these procedures:
{The selector lever position indicator warning func-
tion does not operate with the selector lever in the
“P” (PARK), “R” (REVERSE) or “N” (NEUTRAL)
position.}
[The selector lever position indicator flashes rapidly
(twice per second)]
The automatic transaxle fluid is overheating.
Park your vehicle in a safe place but do not turn off
the engine. Move the selector lever to the “P”
(PARK) position and open the engine hood. Keep
the engine idling.
After a while, move the selector lever to the “D”
(DRIVE) position and confirm that the selector
lever position indicator stops flashing. It is safe to
continue driving if the selector lever position indica-
tor no longer flashes.
If the selector lever position indicator continues
flashing or flashes intermittently, have your vehicle
inspected by an authorized Mitsubishi Motors
dealer or a repair facility of your choice.
[The selector lever position indicator flashes slowly
(once per second)]
The automatic transaxle safety device may be oper-
ating due to a malfunction.
Have your vehicle inspected by an authorized
Mitsubishi Motors dealer or a repair facility of your
choice as soon as possible.
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Features and controls
3-75
3
Selector lever positions (Main gate)
N00514200183
“P” PARKThis position locks the transaxle 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 transaxle 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.
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 transaxle 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 transaxle.
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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