engine MITSUBISHI LANCER SPORTBACK 2011 8.G Repair Manual

3-94 Features and controls
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
N00513100231

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.
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)
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Features and controls
3-95
3 Continuously variable transmission (CVT)

(if so equipped)
N00513200199
The continuously variable transmission (CVT) is capable of
changing the engine speed to vehicle speed ratio automatically
and steplessly to suit driving conditions 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
N00513800368
As an additional safety precaution, models equipped with a
CVT 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.
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Features and controls
3-99
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 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.
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.
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Features and controls
3-101
3
Selector lever positions
N00514200330
“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
!
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3-102 Features and controls
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 sports mode)This position is for driving up very steep hills and for engine
braking at low soeeds when driving down steep hills.NOTE
For information on manual gate operation, please refer to
“Sports mode” on page 3-103.
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.
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Features and controls
3-103
3
Sports mode
(if so equipped)
N00514400390
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 (1). To return to “D” (DRIVE)
operation, push the selector lever back into the main gate (2).
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 (2). 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).
+ (SHIFT UP)
Transmission shifts up once by each operation.
- (SHIFT DOWN)
Transmission shifts down once by each operation.
CAUTION
!
Upward shifts do not take place automatically in
sports mode. The driver must make upward shifts in
accordance with prevailing road conditions, making
sure the engine rpm remains below the red zone on
the tachometer.
SHIFT UP
SHIFT
DOWN
SHIFT
UP SHIFT
DOWN
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3-104 Features and controls
3
NOTE
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” (REVERSE) or “P” (PARK)
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.
Move the selector lever gently between the manual and
main gates and between positions in the manual gate. And
do not operate sportronic steering wheel paddle shifter
violently. Excessive force could damage the selector lever
or sportronic steering wheel paddle shifter.
Sports mode display
N00538800170
In sports mode, the currently selected shift range is displayed
on the information screen in the multi-information display.

By rapidly moving the selector lever or sportronic
steering wheel paddle shifter to the “- (SHIFT
DOWN)” side twice, it is possible to skip one shift
range (i.e., 3rd to 1st or 4th to 2nd). Since sudden
engine braking or acceleration can cause a loss of
traction, downshifts must be made carefully in
accordance with the vehicle’s speed.
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.
CAUTION
!
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Features and controls
3-105
3
Operation of the CVT
N00514500333
CAUTION
!
Before selecting a position with the engine running
and the vehicle stationary, fully depress the brake
pedal to prevent the vehicle from creeping.
Do not release the brakes until you are ready to
drive away. The vehicle will begin to move as soon as
the CVT is engaged, especially when the engine
speed is high (fast idle or air conditioning on).
Depress the brake pedal with the right foot.
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) position.
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), “L” (LOW) or sports
mode} or coast forward in the “R” (REVERSE)
position.
Engine stopping and increased brake pedal and
steering effort could lead to an accident.

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
!
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3-106 Features and controls
3
Passing acceleration
N00514900063
To gain extra acceleration in “D” (DRIVE) position (when
passing another vehicle) push the accelerator to the floor if it is
safe to do so in traffic conditions. 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.Waiting
N00515000074
For 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, the selec-
tor lever should be placed in the “N” (NEUTRAL) position.
Parking
N00515100062
To 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.
If you are going to leave the vehicle unattended, always switch
off the engine and carry the key.NOTE
On a slope, be sure to apply the parking brake before
moving the selector lever to the “P” (PARK) position. If
you move the selector lever to the “P” (PARK) position
before applying the parking brake, it may be difficult to
disengage the selector lever from the “P” (PARK) position
when next you drive the vehicle, requiring application of a
strong force to the selector lever to move from the “P”
(PARK) position.
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.
Unexpected acceleration may occur if the selector
lever is in a position other than “P” (PARK) or “N”
(NEUTRAL).
Before driving off from a stop, make sure that the
selector lever is in “D” (DRIVE) position or “Sports
mode” position.
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Features and controls
3-107
3
When the CVT makes no speed change
N00515300208
If the CVT does not shift while driving, or your vehicle does
not pick up enough speed when starting on an uphill slope,
there may be something unusual happening in the transmission,
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.
1. If your vehicle has difficulty moving uphill, shift the
selector lever into “L” (LOW) position (except for vehi-
cles with sport mode) or 2nd shift range of the sports
mode.
This method might not work depending on the type of
transmission malfunction.
2. Once the vehicle is moving on a level road, move the
selector lever back to “D” (DRIVE) position.NOTE
When the warning display or the warning display
appears on the information screen in the multi-informa-
tion display, there could be a malfunction in the CVT.
Refer to “Continuously variable transmission (CVT):
Warning display” on page 3-100.
Twin Clutch SST (Sportronic Shift Trans-
mission)
(if so equipped)
N00539700046
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 two 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 - 1 1 6
Manual shift → P. 3 - 1 1 8
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