MITSUBISHI LANCER RALLIART 2012 8.G Owners Manual

3-96 Features and controls
3
Changing gears while the vehicle is moving
N00548100017
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.
Avoid shifting down at high speed, as this may cause excessive
engine speed (the tachometer needle into the red zone) and
damage the engine.NOTE
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.
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.
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)
BK0138600US.book 96 ページ ２０１１年７月１７日　日曜日　午後２時３２分

Features and controls
3-97
3
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
Driving precautions
N00513100215
The table below shows the maximum recommended driving
speed for in each gear. Do not drive near or at these speeds for
prolonged periods of time.Maximum possible driving speedDo 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 31 mph (50 km/h)2nd gear 62 mph (100 km/h)3rd gear 87 mph (140 km/h)4th gear 121 mph (195 km/h)
BK0138600US.book 97 ページ ２０１１年７月１７日　日曜日　午後２時３２分

3-98 Features and controls
3Continuously variable transmission (CVT)

(if so equipped)
N00513200186
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.
Selector lever operation
N00513800384
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 at the “LOCK” or
“ACC” position, or the key has been removed, or if the
brake pedal is not pressed and held down.
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.
BK0138600US.book 98 ページ ２０１１年７月１７日　日曜日　午後２時３２分

Features and controls
3-99
3
Except for vehicles with manual gateThe CVT has 2 forward selector positions and 1 reverse selec-
tor position.
The CVT selects an optimum ratio automatically when the
selector lever is in the “D” (DRIVE) or “L” (LOW) position,
depending on the speed of the vehicle and the position of the
accelerator pedal.
The selector lever has 5 positions.
With the brake pedal depressed, set the selector lever in
the gate to operate.
Set the selector lever in the gate to operate.WA R N I N G
!
Always depress the brake pedal when shifting the
selector lever into a selector position from the “P”
(PARK) or “N” (NEUTRAL) position.
When beginning to drive, do not shift the selector
lever from the “P” (PARK) or “N” (NEUTRAL)
position while depressing the accelerator pedal.
Doing so is dangerous because the vehicle will
“jump” forward or backward.
BK0138600US.book 99 ページ ２０１１年７月１７日　日曜日　午後２時３２分

3-100 Features and controls
3
NOTE
To ensure proper transmission operation, stop at each
detent position when shifting. After shifting, 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 will be immovable.
Vehicles with manual gateThe CVT has 2 forward selector positions and 1 reverse selec-
tor position.
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
In the main gate, the selector lever has 4 positions.

For information on manual gate operation, please refer to
“Sports mode” on page 3-106.
BK0138600US.book 100 ページ ２０１１年７月１７日　日曜日　午後２時３２分

Features and controls
3-101
3
NOTE
To ensure proper transmission operation, stop at each
detent position when shifting. After shifting, 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 will be immovable.
With the brake pedal depressed, set the selector lever in
the gate to operate.
Set the selector lever in the gate to operate.WA R N I N G
!
Always depress the brake pedal when shifting the
selector lever into a selector position from the “P”
(PARK) or “N” (NEUTRAL) position.
When beginning to drive, do not shift the selector
lever from the “P” (PARK) or “N” (NEUTRAL)
position while depressing the accelerator pedal.
Doing so is dangerous because the vehicle will
“jump” forward or backward.
BK0138600US.book 101 ページ ２０１１年７月１７日　日曜日　午後２時３２分

3-102 Features and controls
3
When the selector lever cannot be shifted from the “P”
(PARK) position
N00563100021
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 at the “ON” position,
the battery may be flat or the shift-lock mechanism may be
malfunctioning.
Immediately have your vehicle checked by an authorized
Mitsubishi 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.
NOTE
For vehicles with the Free-hand Advanced Security
Transmitter (F.A.S.T.-key), turn the ignition switch to the
“ACC” position with the emergency key if the vehicle
battery is flat.
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.
BK0138600US.book 102 ページ ２０１１年７月１７日　日曜日　午後２時３２分

Features and controls
3-103
3
Selector lever position display
N00513900402
When the ignition switch is turned to the “ON” position, the
selector lever position is shown on the multi-information dis-
play.
Warning display
N00514000194
Ty p e 1
or
Ty p e 2
or
When the warning display or the warning display
appears on the information screen in the multi-information dis-
play while you are driving, there could be a malfunction in the
CVT.
BK0138600US.book 103 ページ ２０１１年７月１７日　日曜日　午後２時３２分

3-104 Features and controls
3
Selector lever positions
N00514200356
“P” PARKThis position locks the transmission to prevent the vehicle
from moving. The engine can be started from the “PARK”
position.“R” REVERSEMove the lever to this position only after the vehicle has come
to a complete stop.
CAUTION
!
If a malfunction occurs in the CVT while driving,
the warning display or the warning display
will appear on the information screen in the multi-
information display.
In this case, immediately park your vehicle in a safe
place and follow these procedures:
[When warning display is showing]
The continuously variable transmission (CVT) fluid
is overheating. The engine control may activate to
lower the CVT fluid temperature, causing the
engine revolutions and vehicle speed to decrease. In
this case, take one of the following procedures:
• Slow down your vehicle.
• Stop your vehicle in a safe place, put the selector
lever in the “P” (PARK) position, and open the
engine hood with the engine running to allow the
engine to cool down.After a while, confirm that the warning display is
no longer showing. It is safe to continue driving if
the display is no longer showing. If the warning dis-
play remains or flashes frequently, have your vehicle
inspected by an authorized Mitsubishi Motors
dealer or a repair facility of your choice.
[When warning display is showing]
It may be that there is something unusual happening
in the CVT, causing a safety device to activate. Have
your vehicle inspected by an authorized Mitsubishi
Motors dealer or a repair facility of your choice as
soon as possible. CAUTION
!
Never shift into the “P” (PARK) or “R”
(REVERSE) position while the vehicle is in motion.
If the lever is shifted into the “P” (PARK) or “R”
(REVERSE) position while the vehicle is in motion,
the transmission may be damaged.
CAUTION
!
BK0138600US.book 104 ページ ２０１１年７月１７日　日曜日　午後２時３２分

Features and controls
3-105
3
“N” NEUTRALAt this position, the transmission is disengaged. It is the same
as the neutral position on a manual transaxle and should be
used when the vehicle is not moving for an extended length of
time during driving, such as in a traffic jam.
“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.“L” LOW (except for vehicles with manual gate)This position is for driving up very steep hills and for engine
braking at low speeds when driving down steep hills.NOTE
For information on manual gate operation, please refer to
“Sports mode” on page 3-106.
WA R N I N G
!
Never move the selector lever to the “N” (NEU-
TRAL) position while driving since you could acci-
dentally slip it into the “P” (PARK) or
“R”(REVERSE) position, damaging the transmis-
sion.
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. Transmission damage will result.
WA R N I N G
!
This position can be used for maximum engine
braking.
Be very careful not to shift into “L” (LOW) sud-
denly. Sudden engine braking may cause the tires to
skid.
Select this position according to the road conditions
and vehicle speed.
BK0138600US.book 105 ページ ２０１１年７月１７日　日曜日　午後２時３２分