2012 MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER SPORT Owners Manual

3-72 Features and controls
3
Starting the engineThis model is equipped with an electronically controlled fuel
injection system. This is a system that automatically controls
fuel injection. 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).
6. On vehicles equipped with manual transaxle, place the
gearshift lever in the “N” (Neutral) position.
On vehicles equipped with continuously variable trans-
mission (CVT), make sure the selector lever is in the “P”
(PARK) position.
NOTE
On vehicles equipped with CVT, the starter will not oper-
ate unless the selector lever is in the “P” (PARK) or “N”
(NEUTRAL) position.
For safety reasons, start the engine in the “P” (PARK)
position so that the wheels are locked.
7. Turn the ignition switch to the “ON” position and make
certain that all warning lights are functioning properly
before starting the engine.
8. Turn the ignition switch 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.
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
3-73
3
Startability of automatic transaxle vehicle and CVT
vehicle with ambient temperature of -22
°F (-30
°C) or
lower
When the ambient temperature is -22 °F (-30 °C) or lower, it
may not be possible to start from a standstill even with the
selector lever in the “D” (DRIVE) position.
This occurs because the transaxle has not warmed up suffi-
ciently; it does not indicate a problem. If this 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.
Manual transaxle
(if so equipped)
N00512700126
The shift pattern below is shown on the gearshift lever. Press
the clutch pedal all the way down while shifting gears.NOTE
During cold weather, shifting may be difficult until the
transaxle lubricant has warmed up. This is normal and not
harmful to the transaxle.To startPress the clutch pedal all the way down and shift into 1st or
“R” (Reverse) position. Then gradually release the clutch pedal
while depressing the accelerator pedal.
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3-74 Features and controls
3
NOTE
If it is hard to shift into 1st, depress the clutch pedal a sec-
ond time; the shift will then be easier.

To shift into reverse from 5th gear, move the gearshift
lever to the “N” (Neutral) position, and then shift it into
reverse.
The gearshift indicator shows recommended gearshift
points for fuel-efficient driving. It shows a “ ” when an
upshift is recommended, and it shows a “ ” when a
downshift is recommended.
Proper shift points
N00537400052
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.
CAUTION
!
Do not move the gearshift lever into reverse while
the vehicle is moving forward; doing so will damage
the transaxle.
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.
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Features and controls
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3
Upshifting
N00512900131
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.
At high altitude locations, upshift as listed below.
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
Acceleration
Cruise
1st gear to 2nd gear 15 mph (24 km/h) 15 mph (24 km/h)2nd gear to 3rd gear 28 mph (45 km/h) 19 mph (31 km/h)3rd gear to 4th gear 36 mph (58 km/h) 33 mph (53 km/h)4th gear to 5th gear 45 mph (72 km/h) 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)
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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3-76 Features and controls
3
Driving precautions
N00513100228

Do not use the gearshift lever as a handrest. This can
result in premature wear of the transaxle shift forks.Maximum possible driving speed
The table above shows the maximum recommended driv-
ing speed for in each gear. Do not drive near or at these
speeds for prolonged periods of time.
Continuously variable transmission (CVT)

(if so equipped)
N00560200021
The CVT is capable of changing the engine speed to vehicle
speed ratio automatically and steplessly to suit driving condi-
tions in all phases of vehicle operation. It therefore realizes
smooth, shock-free operation and excellent fuel efficiency.DRIVING UPHILLThe transmission may not shift to a higher ratio if the computer
determines your current speed would be affected.
For smoother operation, the transmission 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 shift function will resume.DRIVING DOWNHILLWhen traveling down steep grades and using the brakes, the
computer may automatically shift to a lower ratio. This helps
engine braking efforts, reducing your need to use the brakes.
Shift
points
Maximum possible driving speed
1st gear 28 mph (45 km/h)2nd gear 59 mph (95 km/h)3rd gear 86 mph (140 km/h)4th gear 111 mph (180 km/h)
CAUTION
!
Automatic downshifts may not take place if the con-
tinuously variable transmission (CVT) fluid is still
cool immediately after you start driving. To cause a
downshift, depress the brake pedal or shift down
manually.
Always drive safely in accordance with road condi-
tions.
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Features and controls
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3
Selector lever operation
N00560300035
As an additional safety precaution, models equipped with a
continuously variable transmission have a shift-lock device
that holds the selector lever in the “P” (PARK) position. To
move the selector lever from the “P” (PARK) position to
another position, follow the steps below.
1. Press and hold the brake pedal down.
2. Move the selector lever to the desired position.NOTE
The selector lever cannot be moved from “P” (PARK) to
another position if the ignition switch is set to the
“LOCK” or “ACC” position, or if the key has been
removed, or if the brake pedal is not pressed and held
down.The CVT selects an optimum ratio automatically when the
selector lever is in the “D” (DRIVE) position, depending on the
speed of the vehicle and the position of the accelerator pedal.
The selector lever (A) has 2 gates; the main gate (B) and the
manual gate (C).
NOTE
There are 4 selector lever positions in the main gate.

For information on manual gate operation, please refer to
“Sports mode” on page 3-82.
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3-78 Features and controls
3
NOTE
To prevent mistakes in operating the lever, make sure you
stop briefly at each position. After operating, check the
position in the multi-information display.

If the brake pedal is not depressed and held, the shift-lock
device activates to prevent the selector lever from being
moved from the “P” (PARK) position.

For a shift indicated by in the illustration, depress the
brake pedal before moving the selector lever. If you
attempt to move the selector lever before depressing the
brake pedal, the selector lever may be immovable.
Set the selector lever in the gate to operate while the
brake pedal is depressed.
Set the selector lever in the gate to operate.WA R N I N G
!
Always press the brake pedal when shifting the
selector lever into a selector position from the “N”
(NEUTRAL) position.
When beginning to drive, do not shift the selector
lever from the “N” (NEUTRAL) position while
pressing the accelerator pedal. This will cause the
vehicle to “jump” forward or backward.
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Features and controls
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3
When the selector lever cannot be shifted from the “P”
(PARK) position
N00563300023
When the selector lever cannot be shifted from the “P” (PARK)
position to another position while the brake pedal is pressed
and held down with the ignition switch or the operation mode
in ON, the battery may be flat or the shift-lock mechanism may
be malfunctioning.
Immediately have your vehicle checked by an authorized Mit-
subishi Motors dealer or a repair facility of your choice.
If you need to move the vehicle, shift the selector lever as fol-
lows.
1. Make sure the parking brake is fully applied.
2. Stop the engine if it is running.
3. Insert a screwdriver with a cloth over its tip into the notch
(A) of the cover. Pry gently as shown to remove the cover.4. Depress the brake pedal with the right foot.
5. Turn the ignition switch to the “ACC” position or put the
operation mode in ACC.
6. Insert a screwdriver in the shift-lock release hole (B).
Shift the selector lever to the “N” (NEUTRAL) position
while pressing the screwdriver down.
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