2012 MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER SPORT engine

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
BK0140300US.book 83 ページ ２０１１年６月２８日　火曜日　午後５時１８分

3-84 Features and controls
3
Sports mode display
N00560900057
In sports mode, the currently selected shift range is displayed
on the information screen in the multi-information display.
Operation of the CVT
N00560800027
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.
BK0140300US.book 84 ページ ２０１１年６月２８日　火曜日　午後５時１８分

Features and controls
3-85
3
Passing accelerationTo gain extra acceleration in “D” (DRIVE) position (when
passing another vehicle) push the accelerator to the floor. The
CVT will automatically downshift.NOTE
In sports mode, downshifts do not take place when the
accelerator is depressed all the way to the floor.WaitingFor short waiting periods, such as at traffic lights, the vehicle
can be left in selector lever position and held stationary with
the service brake.
For longer waiting periods with the engine running, place the
selector lever in the “N” (NEUTRAL) position and apply the
parking brake, while holding the vehicle stationary with the
service brake.
Prior to moving off after having stopped the vehicle, make sure
that the selector lever is in “D” (DRIVE) position or Sports
mode position.
ParkingTo park the vehicle, first bring it to a complete stop, fully
engage the parking brake, and then move the selector lever to
the “P” (PARK) position.When the CVT makes no speed changeIf the CVT does not shift while driving, or your vehicle does
not pick up enough speed when starting on an uphill slope, it
may be that there is something unusual happening in the trans-
mission, causing a safety device to activate. Have your vehicle
checked at an authorized Mitsubishi Motors dealer or a repair
facility of your choice as soon as possible.NOTE
When the warning display and “SLOW DOWN” or the
warning display and “SERVICE REQUIRED” appear
on the information screen in the multi-information dis-
play, there could be a malfunction in the CVT. Refer to
“Continuously variable transmission (CVT): Warning dis-
play” on page 3-80.

Do not rev the engine with the brake pedal pressed
when the vehicle is stationary.
This can damage the CVT.
Also, when you depress the accelerator pedal while
holding down the brake pedal with the selector lever
in the “D” (DRIVE) position, the engine revolutions
may not rise as high as when performing the same
operation with the selector lever in the “N” (NEU-
TRAL) position.
CAUTION
!
CAUTION
!
To avoid transmission 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.
Do not rev the engine unnecessarily while the vehicle
is stationary. Unexpected acceleration may occur if
the selector lever is in a position other than “P”
(PARK) or “N” (NEUTRAL).
BK0140300US.book 85 ページ ２０１１年６月２８日　火曜日　午後５時１８分

Features and controls
3-87
3
NOTE
The drive mode can be switched while driving or stopped.Drive mode indicatorNormally the indicator illuminates when the ignition switch is
turned to the “ON” position or the operation mode is put in
ON, and then the drive mode is displayed a few seconds after
the engine is started.
Drive mode
Display
Ty p e 1
Ty p e 2
2WD
4WD AUTO
4WD LOCKCAUTION
!
Do not operate the drive mode-selector with the
front wheels spinning on a snowy road or in similar
conditions. The vehicle could lunge in an unexpected
direction.
Driving on dry, paved roads in “4WD LOCK” mode
causes increased fuel consumption, noise, and pre-
mature tire wear.
Do not drive with the tires spinning in “2WD” mode.
Doing so could generate heat in the drive-system
components.
Type 1 Type 2
Drive
Mode
Drive mode
indicator
“4WD” indicator
“LOCK” indicator
2WD OFF OFF
4WD AUTO ON OFF
4WD LOCK ON ON
BK0140300US.book 87 ページ ２０１１年６月２８日　火曜日　午後５時１８分

Features and controls
3-89
3 4-wheel drive operation
N00530600156
Your vehicle has been designed primarily for use on pavement.
But its unique 4 -wheel drive system allows you to occasion-
ally travel on unpaved roads, to campgrounds, picnic sites, and
similar locations.
Not only does this ensure better handling on dry, paved roads
but also permits better traction when driving on slippery, wet or
snow-covered roads and when moving out of mud.
But it is not suitable for heavy off road use or towing in rough
conditions.
It is particularly important to note that 4-wheel drive may not
give sufficient hill climbing ability and engine braking on steep
slopes. You should try to avoid driving on steep slopes.
Also, you must exercise caution when driving on sand and mud
and when driving through water because sufficient traction
may not be available in certain circumstances.
Please avoid driving the vehicle through areas where the tires
may get stuck in deep sand or mud.
NOTE
Driving on rough roads can be hard on a vehicle. Before
you leave the pavement, be sure all scheduled mainte-
nance and service has been done, and that you have
inspected your vehicle. Pay special attention to the condi-
tion of the tires, and check the tire pressures.

Mitsubishi Motors is not responsible to the operator for
any damage or injury caused or liability incurred by
improper and negligent operation of a vehicle. All tech-
niques of vehicle operation depend on the skill and experi-
ence of the operator and other participating parties. Any
deviation from the recommended operating instructions
above is at their own risk.
WA R N I N G
!
Do not over-rely on the 4-wheel drive vehicles. Even
4-wheel drive vehicles have limits to the system and
ability to maintain control and traction. Reckless
driving may lead to accidents. Always drive care-
fully, taking account of the road conditions.
Improperly operating this vehicle on or off-pave-
ment can cause an accident or rollover in which you
and your passengers could be seriously injured or
killed.
• Follow all instructions and guidelines in the
owner’s manual.
• Keep your speed low and do not drive faster than
conditions.
BK0140300US.book 89 ページ ２０１１年６月２８日　火曜日　午後５時１８分

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.
BK0140300US.book 90 ページ ２０１１年６月２８日　火曜日　午後５時１８分

Features and controls
3-91
3
NOTE
Avoid sudden braking, sudden acceleration and sharp
turning; such operations could result in the vehicle
becoming stuck.

If the vehicle becomes stuck in sandy or muddy roads, it
can often be moved with a rocking motion. Move the
gearshift lever alternately between the 1st and “R”
(Reverse) positions (M/T), the “D” (DRIVE) and “R”
(REVERSE) positions (CVT), while pressing lightly on
the accelerator pedal.

Driving on rough road can cause rust on the vehicle; wash
the vehicle thoroughly as soon as possible after such use.Climbing/descending sharp gradesYour vehicle may not provide sufficient hill climbing ability
and engine braking on steep slope. Avoid driving on steep
slopes even though the vehicle is an 4-wheel drive vehicle.

If any of the following conditions occur while the
vehicle is being driven, immediately park your vehi-
cle in a safe place and follow these procedures:
• If the engine coolant temperature display
flashes on the information screen in the multi-
information display or the engine power drops
suddenly.
Refer to “Engine overheating” on page 6-5.
• If the “ ” warning display and “SLOW DOWN”
or the “ ” warning display and “SERVICE
REQUIRED” appear on the information screen in
the multi-information display.
Refer to “Warning display” on page 3-80.WA R N I N G
!
When attempting to rock your vehicle out of a stuck
position, be sure that the area around the vehicle is
clear of people and physical objects. The rocking
motion may cause the vehicle to suddenly launch
forward/backward, causing injury or damage to
nearby people or objects.
CAUTION
!
BK0140300US.book 91 ページ ２０１１年６月２８日　火曜日　午後５時１８分

3-92 Features and controls
3
Driving through water
N00537800098
If the electrical circuits become wet, further operation of the
vehicle will be impossible; therefore, avoid driving through
water unless absolutely necessary. If driving through water is
unavoidable, use the following procedure:
Check the depth of the water and the terrain before attempting
to drive through it. Drive slowly to avoid creating excessive
water splashing.
Inspection and maintenance following
rough road operation
N00530700098
After operating the vehicle in rough road conditions, be sure to
perform the following inspection and maintenance procedures:

Check that the vehicle has not been damaged by rocks,
gravel, etc.

Carefully wash the vehicle with water.
Drive the vehicle slowly while lightly depressing the
brake pedal in order to dry out the brakes. If the brakes
still do not function properly, contact an authorized Mit-
subishi Motors dealer or a repair facility of your choice as
soon as possible to have the brakes checked.

Remove the insects, dried grass, etc. clogging the radiator
core.

After driving through water, check the engine, transaxle
and differential oil. If the oil or grease is milky or cloudy
because of water contamination, it must be replaced with
new oil.

Check the inside of the vehicle. If water entry is found,
dry the carpet etc.

Inspect the headlights. If water is in the headlight housing,
have it drained at an authorized Mitsubishi Motors dealer
or a repair facility of your choice.

Have an authorized Mitsubishi Motors dealer replace
grease in the wheel bearings.
CAUTION
!
Never drive through water that is deep enough to
cover wheel hubs, axles or exhaust pipe. Do not
change the gearshift lever position (M/T) or the
selector lever position (CVT) while driving through
water.
Frequent driving through water can adversely affect
the life span of the vehicle; consult an authorized
Mitsubishi Motors dealer or a repair facility of your
choice and take the necessary measures to prepare,
inspect, and repair the vehicle.
After driving through water, apply the brakes to be
sure they are functioning properly. If the brakes are
wet and not functioning properly, dry them out by
driving slowly while lightly depressing the brake
pedal. Inspect each part of the vehicle carefully.
BK0140300US.book 92 ページ ２０１１年６月２８日　火曜日　午後５時１８分