2012 MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER SPORT steering

3-70 Features and controls
3Steering wheel lock
N00512500212
[For vehicles equipped with the Free-hand Advanced Secu-
rity Transmitter (F.A.S.T.-key)]
For information on operations for vehicles equipped with the
Free-hand Advanced Security Transmitter (F.A.S.T.-key), refer
to “Free-hand Advanced Security Transmitter (F.A.S.T.-key):
Steering wheel lock” on page3-26
[Except for vehicles equipped with the Free-hand
Advanced Security Transmitter (F.A.S.T.-key)]
CAUTION
!
Do not remove the ignition key from the ignition
switch while driving. The steering wheel will be
locked, causing loss of control.
If the engine is stopped while driving, the brake ser-
vomechanism will cease to function and braking
efficiency will deteriorate. Also, the power steering
system will not function and it will require greater
manual effort to operate the steering.
Do not leave the key in the “ON” position for a long
time when the engine is not running, doing so will
cause the battery to be discharged.
Do not turn the key to the “START” position when
the engine is running, doing so could damage the
starter motor.
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Features and controls
3-71
3
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”
to “ACC”. Firmly turn the steering wheel to the left or to
the right as you turn the key.
Starting the engine
N00512600747
[For vehicles equipped with the Free-hand Advanced Secu-
rity Transmitter (F.A.S.T.-key)]
For information on operations for vehicles equipped with the
Free-hand Advanced Security Transmitter (F.A.S.T.-key), refer
to “Free-hand Advanced Security Transmitter (F.A.S.T.-key):
Starting and stopping the engine” on page 3-26.
[Except for vehicles equipped with the Free-hand
Advanced Security Transmitter (F.A.S.T.-key)]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.

A longer warm up period will only consume extra fuel.
The engine is warmed up enough for driving when the bar
graph of engine coolant temperature display starts to
move. Refer to “Interrupt display screen (With ignition
switch or operation mode in ON)” on page 3-145.
CAUTION
!
Remove the key when leaving the vehicle.
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3-82 Features and controls
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 gate operation, please refer to
“Sports mode” on page 3-82.
Sports mode
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Whether the vehicle is stationary or in motion, sports mode is
selected by pushing the selector lever from the “D” (DRIVE)
position into the manual gate (A). To return to “D” (DRIVE)
operation, push the selector lever back into the main gate (B).
In sports mode, rapid shifting is possible simply by operating
the selector lever or sportronic steering wheel paddle shifter.
Unlike the manual transaxle, sports mode allows shifting with
the accelerator pedal depressed.NOTE
For vehicles equipped with the sportronic steering wheel
paddle shifter, sports mode can be operated even when the
selector lever is in the main gate (B). Also, you can return
to the “D” operation in any of following ways. When
returning to “D” operation, the selector lever position dis-
play will change to “D” (DRIVE) position.
• Pull the + (SHIFT UP) side sportronic steering wheel
paddle shifter forward (toward the driver) for over 2 sec-
onds.
• Stop the vehicle
• Push the selector lever from the “D” (DRIVE) position
into the manual gate (A) and push the selector lever
back into the main gate (B).

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.
CAUTION
!
Never shift into the “D” (DRIVE) position from the
“R” (REVERSE) position while the vehicle is in
motion to avoid a transmission damage.
WA R N I N G
!
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Features and controls
3-83
3
+ (SHIFT UP)
Transmission shifts up once by each operation.
- (SHIFT DOWN)
Transmission shifts down once by each operation.
NOTE
The upward shift may be made automatically in sports
mode when the engine revolutions rises and approaches
the tachometer’s red zone (the red-colored part of the
tachometer dial).

Shift ranges can only be selected in a forward direction
from 1st to 6th. To reverse or park the vehicle, move the
selector lever to the “R” or “P” position.

To maintain good running performance, the transmission
may refuse to perform an upshift when the selector lever
or sportronic steering wheel paddle shifter is moved to the
“+ (SHIFT UP)” position at certain vehicle speeds. Also,
to prevent over-revving of the engine, the transmission
may refuse to perform a downshift when the shift lever or
sportronic steering wheel paddle shifter is moved to the “-
(SHIFT DOWN)” position at certain vehicle speeds.
When this happens, a buzzer sounds to indicate that a
downshift is not going to take place.

In sports mode, downward shifts are made automatically
when the vehicle slows down. When the vehicle stops, 1st
position is automatically selected.
CAUTION
!
In sports mode, the driver must execute upward
shifts in accordance with prevailing road conditions,
taking care to keep the engine speed below the red
zone.
Repeated continuous operation of the selector lever
or the sportronic steering wheel paddle shifter will
continuously switch shift position.
On vehicles with a sportronic steering wheel paddle
shifter, shift ranges may not change when the lateral
paddle shifters are operated at the same time.
SHIFT
DOWNSHIFT
UP
SHIFT
DOWN SHIFT
UP
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3-84 Features and controls
3
Sports mode display
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In sports mode, the currently selected shift range is displayed
on the information screen in the multi-information display.
Operation of the CVT
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Type 1 Type 2
CAUTION
!
Before selecting a position with the engine running
and the vehicle stationary, firmly depress the brake
pedal to prevent the vehicle from creeping.
The vehicle will begin to move as soon as the CVT is
engaged, especially when the engine speed or idle
speed is high, or with the air conditioning operating.
Do not release the brake pedal until 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).
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.
Use the selector lever in the correct shift position in
accordance with driving conditions.
Never coast downhill backward in the driving shift
position {“D” (DRIVE) or sport mode} or coast for-
ward in the “R” (REVERSE) position.
Engine stopping and increased brake pedal and
steering effort could lead to an accident.
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3-90 Features and controls
3

Note that the stopping distance required of the 4-wheel
drive vehicle differs very little from that of the front-
wheel drive vehicle. When driving on a snow-covered
road or a slippery, muddy surface, make sure that you
keep a sufficient distance between your vehicle and the
one ahead of you.

The driving posture should be more upright; adjust the
seat to a good position for easy steering and pedal opera-
tion. Be sure to wear the seat belt.

After driving on rough roads, check each part of the vehi-
cle and wash it thoroughly with water. Refer to the
“Inspection and maintenance following rough road opera-
tion” section and “Vehicle care and Maintenance” sec-
tions.Turning sharp cornersWhen turning a sharp corner in “4WD LOCK” or “LOCK”
position at low speed, a slight difference in steering may be
experienced similar to feeling as if the brakes were applied.
This is called tight corner braking and results from each of the
four tires being at a different distance from the corner. The phe-
nomenon is typical of 4-wheel drive vehicles. If this occurs,
either straighten out the steering wheel or change to another
mode.
On snowy or icy roadsSet the drive mode-selector to “4WD AUTO”, “4WD LOCK”
or “SNOW” in accordance with the road conditions, and then
gradually depress the accelerator pedal for a smooth start.NOTE
The use of snow tires is recommended.

Maintain a safe distance between vehicles, avoid sudden
braking, and use engine braking (downshifting).Driving on sandy or muddy roadsSet the drive mode-selector to “4WD LOCK” or “LOCK” and
then gradually depress the accelerator pedal for a smooth start.
Keep the pressure on the accelerator pedal as constant as possi-
ble, and drive at low speed.
CAUTION
!
Setting the drive mode-selector to “4WD LOCK” or
“LOCK” position to drive on dry paved road will
increase fuel consumption, with possible noise gen-
eration.
CAUTION
!
Avoid sudden braking, sudden acceleration and
sharp turning. Skidding occurs and control of the
vehicle could be lost.
CAUTION
!
Do not force the vehicle or drive recklessly on sandy
surfaces. In comparison with normal road surfaces,
the engine and other drive-system components are
put under excessive strain when driving on such a
surface. This could lead to accidents.
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Features and controls
3-99
3
NOTE
Once the brake assist system is operational, it maintains
great braking force even if the brake pedal is lightly
released.
To stop its operation, completely remove your foot from
the brake pedal.

The brake assist system may become operational when the
brake pedal is fully depressed even if it has not been
depressed suddenly.

When the brake assist system is in use while driving, you
may feel as if the depressed brake pedal is soft, the pedal
moves in small motions in conjunction with the operation
noise, or the vehicle body and the steering wheel vibrate.
This occurs when the brake assist system is operating nor-
mally and does not indicate faulty operation. Continue to
depress the brake pedal.

You may hear an operation noise when the brake pedal is
depressed suddenly while stationary. This does not indi-
cate a malfunction and the brake assist system is operating
normally.
Anti-lock braking system
N00517900240
The anti-lock braking system helps prevent the wheels from
locking up when braking. This helps maintain vehicle drivabil-
ity and steering wheel handling.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 sit-
uations 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. It 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.
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Features and controls
3-103
3 Electric power steering system (EPS)
N00568400029
The electric power steering system (EPS) operates while the
engine is running. It helps reduce the effort needed to turn the
steering wheel.
The EPS 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.NOTE
During repeated full-lock turning of the steering wheel
(for example, while you are manoeuvring the vehicle into
a parking space), a protection function may be activated to
prevent overheating of the power steering system. This
function will make the steering wheel gradually harder to
turn. In this event, limit your turning of the steering wheel
for a while. When the system has cooled down, the steer-
ing action will return to normal.
Rear
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.
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