2012 MITSUBISHI LANCER EVOLUTION Eco

Features and controls
3-87
3
Starting the engine
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[For vehicles equipped with the F.A.S.T.-key]
For information on operations for vehicles equipped with the
F.A.S.T.-key, refer to “F.A.S.T.-key: Starting the engine” on
page 3-30.
[Except for vehicles equipped with the F.A.S.T.-key]
Your 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.
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 switch as soon as the engine
starts. Otherwise, the starter motor will be dam-
aged.
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Features and controls
3-89
3
Stopping the engine
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1. Bring the vehicle to a complete stop.
2. Fully engage the parking brake while depressing the brake
pedal.
3. For vehicles with a manual transaxle, turn the ignition
switch to the “LOCK” position to stop the engine, and
then move the gearshift lever to the 1st (on a uphill) or
“R” (Reverse) (on a downhill) position.
For vehicles with Twin Clutch SST, place the gearshift
lever in the “P” (PARK) position, and then turn the igni-
tion switch to the “LOCK” position to stop the engine.
NOTE
For vehicles with Twin Clutch SST, the engine will stop
and the vehicle power will turn off approximately 1 sec-
ond 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 with Twin Clutch SST, do not operate the
gearshift lever or the accelerator pedal for approximately
1 second until the engine stops.
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Features and controls
3-93
3
NOTE
If it is hard to shift into 1st, depress the clutch pedal a sec-
ond time; the shift will then be easier.Proper shift points
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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
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For the best fuel economy and performance in using your man-
ual transaxle, upshift as listed below.
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.
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
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
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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
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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.Maximum possible driving speed
Do not use the gearshift lever as a handrest. This can
result in premature wear of the transaxle shift forks.
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 37 mph (60 km/h)2nd gear 55 mph (90 km/h)3rd gear 74 mph (120 km/h)4th gear 99 mph (160 km/h)
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Features and controls
3-95
3 Twin Clutch SST (Sportronic Shift Trans-
mission)
(if so equipped)
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The Twin Clutch SST is a transmission that, through integrated
control of the engine and transmission, is able to achieve both
the smooth shifting of an automatic transaxle and the accelera-
tion and fuel economy close to a manual transaxle. In addition,
the control mode can be selected from three types to suit the
driving conditions.
Together with manual shifting, the transmission is capable of
responding to a variety of driving circumstances.
Twin Clutch SST control mode→ P.3-103
Manual shift → P. 3 - 1 0 6
Gearshift lever operation
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As an additional safety precaution, models equipped with a
Twin Clutch SST have a shift-lock device that holds the gear-
shift lever in the “P” (PARK) position. To move the gearshift
lever from the “P” (PARK) position to another position, follow
the steps below.
1. Press and hold the brake pedal down.
2. Move the gearshift lever to the desired position.NOTE
The gearshift 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.
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Features and controls
3-103
3
“D” DRIVEThis position is used for most city and highway driving. Engine
shifting and braking are done automatically as needed, depend-
ing on road conditions.NOTE
For information on manual shift gate operation, please
refer to “Manual shift” on page 3-106.

When the engine is cold, upshifts occur at a higher vehicle
speed than when the engine is warm.
This control is performed to quickly warm up the engine.
It does not indicate a malfunction. After the vehicle has
been driven for a while, upshifts will occur at the regular
engine speeds.
Twin Clutch SST control mode
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Select the control mode from the following three types to suit
the driving conditions.
CAUTION
!
Never shift into the “D” (DRIVE) position from the
“R” (REVERSE) position while the vehicle is in
motion.
If the lever is shifted into the “D” (DRIVE) from the
“R” (REVERSE) position while the vehicle is in
motion, the transmission may be damaged.
Tw i n C l u t c h
SST control
mode
Characteristic
Normal
(Control mode
when engine is
started)Control mode for normal driving on local
roads, freeways, and the like.
Smooth shifting is performed at low engine
speeds for economical driving with good ride
quality.
SportControl mode for driving on mountain roads,
roads with uphill and downhill slopes, and
freeways with long downhill slopes where
engine braking is necessary.
Compared to “Normal” mode, shifting occurs
at higher engine speeds and is quicker. In
addition, quick downshifting is possible when
the accelerator pedal is depressed for quick
acceleration or when the brakes are applied.
S-Sport
(Super Sport)In the “S-Sport” mode, shifting occurs at
higher engine speeds and is even quicker than
in the “Sport” mode.
“S-Sport” mode is designed to be used while
driving on closed circuit tracks. Do not use
this mode on public roads.
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3-104 Features and controls
3
NOTE
Damage to your vehicle caused by racing and/or driving
on closed circuit tracks will not be covered under war-
ranty. Please review the “WARRANTY AND MAINTE-
NANCE MANUAL: NEW VEHICLE LIMITED
WARRANTY”.

When continuously driving on closed circuit racetracks or
at other locations where the engine is operated at high
speeds and under a heavy load, the Twin Clutch SST fluid
temperature will have a tendency to rise.
In this case, if the temperature rises too high, the warn-
ing display will appear on the information screen in the
multi-information display to alert the driver.
If the warning display appears, be sure to refer to
“Warning display” on page 3-99 and follow the appropri-
ate measures.

The Twin Clutch SST control mode can be selected both
when “D” range operation is selected and when manual
shifting is selected.

If you select “Sport” mode or “S-Sport” mode while the
engine is cold, the transmission may shift up at different
speeds compared to that when the engine is warm.
This is simply the operation of the control system to warm
the engine quickly. It does not indicate a malfunction.

For slippery road surfaces, such as roads with accumu-
lated snow, “Normal” mode is recommended for smooth
shifting at low engine speeds.
Twin Clutch SST control mode switch
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When the ignition switch is set to the “ON” position, operate
the Twin Clutch SST control mode switch (A) to change the
control mode.
When the engine is started, the control mode is automatically
set to the “Normal” mode. Use the following procedures to
change the control mode.
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Features and controls
3-105
3
To shift from “Normal” mode to “Sport” mode
While the vehicle is stopped or being driven, push the Twin
Clutch SST control mode switch forward.
To shift from “Sport” mode to “S-Sport” mode
While the vehicle is stopped, push the Twin Clutch SST control
mode switch forward and hold it for 3 seconds or more.
To shift from “S-Sport” mode to “Sport” mode or
To shift from “Sport” mode to “Normal” mode
While the vehicle is stopped or being driven, push the Twin
Clutch SST control mode switch rearward.NOTE
If the Twin Clutch SST control mode switch is continu-
ously pressed after a control mode has been selected, an
erroneous operation prevention function operates and the
control mode is automatically set to the “Normal” mode.
If you would like to select a control mode again, return the
ignition switch to the “ACC” or “LOCK” position and
restart the engine. Then, push the Twin Clutch SST con-
trol mode switch.
Twin Clutch SST control mode display
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When the ignition switch is set to the “ON” position, the cur-
rently selected control mode is displayed on the multi-informa-
tion display.
CAUTION
!
For safety reasons, shift from the “Sport” mode to
the “S-Sport” mode only when the vehicle is
stopped.
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