2012 MITSUBISHI ECLIPSE light

3-58 Features and controls
3
Type 3When the headlights of the vehicles behind you are very bright,
the reflection factor of the rearview mirror is automatically
changed to reduce the glare.
Normally, use the automatic mode. When the switch (1) is
pressed, the indicator (2) illuminates and the reflection factor
of the mirror is automatically changed.NOTE
Do not hang items on, or spray glass cleaner on the sensor
(3), as reduced sensitivity could result.
Outside rearview mirrors
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Adjust the outside rearview mirrors only after making any seat
adjustments so you have a clear view to the rear of the vehicle.
WA R N I N G
!
Do not attempt to adjust the outside rearview mir-
rors while driving. This can be dangerous.
Be sure to adjust the mirrors before driving.
Your front passenger’s side mirror is convex. The
objects you see in the mirror will look smaller and
farther away than they appear in a regular flat mir-
ror.
Do not use this mirror to estimate the distance of
vehicles following you when changing lanes.
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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
3-63
3 Steering wheel lock
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To l o c kRemove the key at the “LOCK” position.
Turn the steering wheel until it is locked.To u n l o c kTurn the key to the “ACC” position while moving the steering
wheel slightly.
NOTE
If the front wheels are turned, the anti-theft lock may
sometimes make it difficult to turn the key from “LOCK”
position to “ACC” position. Firmly turn the steering
wheel to the left or to the right as you turn the key.
CAUTION
!
Remove the key when leaving the vehicle.
If your vehicle needs to be towed, turn the key to the
“ACC” position to unlock the steering wheel.
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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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3-78 Features and controls
3
Operation of the automatic transaxle
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Passing acceleration
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To gain extra acceleration in “D” (DRIVE) position (when
passing another vehicle) push the accelerator to the floor. The
automatic transaxle will automatically downshift.NOTE
In sports mode, downshifts do not take place when the
accelerator is depressed all the way to the floor.Waiting
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For short waiting periods, such as at traffic lights, the vehicle
can be left in gear and held stationary with the service brake.
For longer waiting periods with the engine running, the selec-
tor lever should be placed in the “N” (NEUTRAL) position.
CAUTION
!
Before selecting a gear with the engine running and
the vehicle stationary, fully depress the brake pedal
to prevent the vehicle from creeping.
The vehicle will begin to move as soon as the gear is
engaged, especially when the engine speed is high, at
fast idle or with the air conditioning operating, the
brakes should only be released when you are ready
to drive away.
Depress the brake pedal with the right foot at all
times.
Using the left foot could cause driver movement
delay in case of an emergency.
To prevent sudden acceleration, never run the
engine at high rpms when shifting from the “P”
(PARK) or “N” (NEUTRAL) position.
Operating the accelerator pedal while the other foot
is resting on the brake pedal will affect braking effi-
ciency and may cause premature wear of brake
pads.
Do not rev the engine with the brake pedal pressed.
This can damage the transaxle.
Use the gearshift lever in the correct shift position in
accordance with driving conditions.
Never coast downhill backward in the driving shift
position {“D” (DRIVE) or sports mode} or coast for-
ward in the “R” (REVERSE) position.
Engine stopping and increased brake pedal and
steering effort could lead to an accident.
CAUTION
!
To avoid transaxle overheating, never try to keep
your vehicle stationary on a hill by using the acceler-
ator pedal. Always apply the parking brake and/or
service brake.
Unexpected acceleration may occur if the selector
lever is in a position other than “P” (PARK) or “N”
(NEUTRAL).
Prior to moving off after having stopped the vehicle,
make sure that the selector lever is in “D” (DRIVE)
position or “Sports mode” position.
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3-80 Features and controls
3
Power brakes
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Your vehicle is equipped with power brakes for more braking
force with minimal brake pedal effort.
Your brakes are designed to operate at full capacity, even if the
power assist is lost.
If the power assist is lost, the effort needed to press the brake
pedal is greater.
If you should loose the power assist for some reason, the
brakes will still work.
If the power brake unit or either of the two brake hydraulic sys-
tems stops working properly, the rest of the brake system will
still work, but the vehicle will not slow down as quickly.
You will know this has happened if you find you need to
depress the brake pedal down further, or harder when slowing
down or stopping, or if the brake warning light comes on.
Brake pad wear alarm
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The disc brakes have an alarm that makes a metallic squeal
when the brake pads have worn down enough to need service.
If you hear this sound, have the brake pads replaced at an
authorized Mitsubishi Motors dealer or a repair facility of your
choice.
WA R N I N G
!
Never coast downhill with the engine OFF. Keep the
engine running whenever your vehicle is in motion.
If you turn off the engine while driving, the power
brake booster will stop working and your brakes
will not work as well.
If the power assist is lost or if either brake hydraulic
system stops working properly, take your vehicle to
an authorized Mitsubishi Motors dealer or a repair
facility of your choice immediately.
WA R N I N G
!
Driving with worn brake pads will make it harder to
stop, and can cause an accident.
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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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3-82 Features and controls
3
Anti-lock braking system warning light
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This light comes on in the event of a malfunction in the anti-
lock braking system. It will also come on as a self-check for a
few seconds when the ignition key is turned to the “ON” posi-
tion. Always make sure that the light goes out before beginning
to drive.
If the warning light illuminates while driving
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Since there is always a risk of your vehicle becoming
unstable if you apply the brakes suddenly, be sure to brake
gently and do not attempt high-speed driving. Be sure to
stop the vehicle in a safe place. Test the system by restart-
ing the engine and driving at a speed of about 12 mph (20
km/h) or higher.

If the light goes out, there is no abnormal condition. If the
light does not go out after driving as instructed here, or if
it comes on again, the anti-lock braking system is not
functioning. Only the ordinary braking system is function-
ing. If this happens, take your vehicle to an authorized
Mitsubishi Motors dealer or a repair facility of your
choice and have the system checked as soon as possible.
CAUTION
!
If the anti-lock braking system warning light comes
on and stays on after starting the engine or while
driving, it means that the anti-lock braking system is
not working and that only the standard brake sys-
tem is available. (The standard brake system will
still work properly.) If this happens, take your vehi-
cle to an authorized Mitsubishi Motors dealer or a
repair facility of your choice as soon as possible.
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