heating MITSUBISHI ECLIPSE 2011 4.G Owners Manual

8 Quick index
Problem
Do this
Ref. page
The engine coolant tempera-
ture gauge indicator is at the
“H” (hot) position.
Steam comes out of the engine
compartment.
The engine is overheated.
Carefully stop the vehicle in a safe place.P. 6 - 6
The vehicle is stuck in sand,
mud, or snow.Move the gearshift lever or selector lever rhythmically between 1st and Reverse gears
(for vehicles with manual transaxle) or “Sports mode” and “R” (REVERSE) positions
(for vehicles with automatic transaxle), while pressing lightly on the accelerator pedal.P.6-22
WA R N I N G
!
When attempting to rock your vehicle out of a stuck position, be sure that no one is near the vehicle. The rocking
motion may cause the vehicle to suddenly lurch forward or backward, possibly injuring bystanders.
Avoid revving the engine or spinning the wheels. Prolonged efforts to free a stuck vehicle may result in overheating
and transaxle failure.
If the vehicle remains stuck after several rocking attempts, have a towing service pull the vehicle out.
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2-10 Seat and restraint systems
2
For access to the rear seat (Passenger’s side only)
N00402400028
For rear seat passenger entry or exit, the front passenger seat
and seatback can be moved forward by either pulling up the
seat lock lever or depressing the lock release pedal behind the
seat. To return the seat, push the seatback backward until you
hear a “click” and the seat locks in position.
Heated seats
(if so equipped)
N00435600293
The heated seats can be operated when the ignition key is in the
“ON” position.
The indicator light (A) will illuminate while the heater is on.
WA R N I N G
!
To make sure that the seat is securely locked, try to
move it forward or backward without using the
adjusting lever. To reduce the risk of serious injury
or death in the event of an accident or sudden stop,
all seatbacks should be kept in the upright position
while the vehicle is in motion.
1- Heater high (for quick heating)
2- Heater off
3- Heater low (to keep the seat warm)
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Seat and restraint systems
2-11
2 Rear seat
N00402500074
Folding the seatbacks forward (ECLIPSE only)
N00402900153
The rear seatbacks can be folded forward to provide additional
cargo area space.
Pull the left and/or right release knobs, and fold the rear
seatbacks forward.NOTE
Confirm that the seatback locks securely when it is
returned.
CAUTION
!
Switch off the seat heaters when not in use. Operate
the heaters at high for quick heating. After the seat
has become warm, set the heater to low to keep it
warm. Slight variations in the seat temperature may
be felt while using the heated seats. This is caused by
the operation of the heater’s internal thermostat and
does not indicate a malfunction.
If the following types of persons use the heated seats,
they might become too hot or receive minor burns
(red skin, heat blisters, etc.):
• Children, elderly persons, ill persons
• Person with sensitive skin
• Excessively fatigued persons
• Persons under the influence of alcohol or sleep-
inducing medication (cold medicine, etc.)

Do not place heavy objects on the seat or stick pins,
needles, or other pointed objects into it.
Do not use a blanket, cushion, or other material with
high heat insulation properties on the seat while
using the heater; doing so could cause the heater ele-
ment to overheat.
When cleaning the seat, do not use benzine, kero-
sene, gasoline, alcohol, or other organic solvents;
doing so could damage not only the surface of the
seat, but also the heater.
If water or any other liquid is spilled on the seat,
allow it to dry thoroughly before attempting to use
the heater. Turn the heater off immediately if it
appears to be malfunctioning during use.
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3-60 Features and controls
3
Heated mirror
(if so equipped)
N00549300146
When the rear window defogger switch is pressed, the outside
rearview mirrors are defogged or defrosted. Current will flow
through the heater element inside the mirrors, thus clearing
away frost or condensation.
The indicator light (C) will illuminate while the defogger is on.
The heater will be turned off automatically in about 17 min-
utes.
Ignition switch
N00512400631
LOCKThe engine is off and the steering wheel is locked. The key can
be inserted and removed only when the switch is in this posi-
tion. ACCAllows operation of electrical accessories with the engine off. ON The engine runs and all accessories can be used.
CAUTION
!
Electric current will flow through the heating wires
on the rear window to help clear away moisture or
frost when the rear defogger switch is pressed.
When the top is completely lowered, keep the rear
window defogger turned off to avoid damage to the
top (ECLIPSE SPYDER only).
Manual transaxle Automatic transaxle
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Features and controls
3-75
3
When the selector lever position indicator flashes while you are
driving, there could be a malfunction in the automatic
transaxle.NOTE
In sports mode, the indication of the currently selected
gear flashes.

If the selector lever position is in the “P” (PARK), “R”
(REVERSE) or “N” (NEUTRAL) position, the indicator
does not flash.
or through or
CAUTION
!
If a malfunction occurs in the automatic transaxle
while driving, the selector lever position indicator
will flash.
In this case, immediately park your vehicle in a safe
place and follow these procedures:
{The selector lever position indicator warning func-
tion does not operate with the selector lever in the
“P” (PARK), “R” (REVERSE) or “N” (NEUTRAL)
position.}
[The selector lever position indicator flashes rapidly
(twice per second)]
The automatic transaxle fluid is overheating.
Park your vehicle in a safe place but do not turn off
the engine. Move the selector lever to the “P”
(PARK) position and open the engine hood. Keep
the engine idling.
After a while, move the selector lever to the “D”
(DRIVE) position and confirm that the selector
lever position indicator stops flashing. It is safe to
continue driving if the selector lever position indica-
tor no longer flashes.
If the selector lever position indicator continues
flashing or flashes intermittently, have your vehicle
inspected by an authorized Mitsubishi Motors
dealer or a repair facility of your choice.
[The selector lever position indicator flashes slowly
(once per second)]
The automatic transaxle safety device may be oper-
ating due to a malfunction.
Have your vehicle inspected by an authorized
Mitsubishi Motors dealer or a repair facility of your
choice as soon as possible.
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Features and controls
3-79
3
Operation of the automatic transaxle
N00514500186
Passing acceleration
N00514900047
To gain extra acceleration in “D” (DRIVE) position (when
passing another vehicle) push the accelerator to the floor. The
automatic transaxle will automatically downshift.NOTE
In sports mode, downshifts do not take place when the
accelerator is depressed all the way to the floor.Waiting
N00515000058
For short waiting periods, such as at traffic lights, the vehicle
can be left in gear 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.
CAUTION
!
Before selecting a gear with the engine running and
the vehicle stationary, fully depress the brake pedal
to prevent the vehicle from creeping.
The vehicle will begin to move as soon as the gear is
engaged, especially when the engine speed is high, at
fast idle or with the air conditioning operating, the
brakes should only be released when 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) 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.
Do not rev the engine with the brake pedal pressed.
This can damage the transaxle.
CAUTION
!
To avoid transaxle 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).
Prior to moving off after having stopped the vehicle,
make sure that the selector lever is in “D” (DRIVE)
position or “Sports mode” position.
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3-110 Features and controls
3
Engine coolant temperature gauge
N00519700112
This gauge shows the engine coolant temperature. If the tem-
perature is low when the ignition key is turned to the “ON”
position, the indicator will remain at the “C” (cold) position
until the engine begins to warm up.
The indicator will normally stay near the center while driving,
but may rise slightly in stop-and-go traffic or when the engine
is under a heavy load.
Light dimmer control (meter illumination con-
trol)
N00552700030
The rheostat can be adjusted while the headlights or tail lights
are on.
Turn the dial to adjust the illumination (meter, multi center dis-
play, audio system’s control panel, heater control panel, etc.) to
the desired brightness.
CAUTION
!
Take care to keep the engine operating temperature
within the normal range while driving. If the indica-
tor enters the “H” (hot) position, the engine is over-
heating (Refer to “Engine overheating” on page 6-
6).
1- To reduce brightness
2- To increase brightness
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3-136 Features and controls
3

If the wipers become blocked by ice or other deposits on
the glass, the motor may still burn out even if the wiper
switch is OFF. If deposits form on the windshield, park
your vehicle in a safe place, turn off the engine, and clean
the glass so that the wipers can operate smoothly.

Avoid using the washer for more than 20 seconds at a
time. Do not operate the washer when the fluid reservoir
is empty or the pump may fail.

During cold weather, add a recommended washer solution
that will not freeze in the washer reservoir. Otherwise the
washer may not work or may be damaged.

Replace the wiper blades when they are worn. Use the
proper size replacement blades. If you have questions, ask
your authorized Mitsubishi Motors dealer.
Electric rear window defogger switch
N00523700214
The electric rear window defogger can be used with the igni-
tion key in the “ON” position.
The indicator light (A) will come on when you press the elec-
tric rear window defogger switch. Electric current will flow
through the heating wires on the rear window to help clear
away moisture or frost.
After about 17 minutes of operation, the system will shut off
automatically.
To switch the defogger OFF before 17 minutes have passed,
press the switch again. The indicator light will go out and the
defogger will turn off.
If you need the defogger for more than 17 minutes, press the
switch again. This will add 17 more minutes.
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Driving safety
4-5
4 Driving during cold weather
N00629400168

Check the battery, including terminals and cables. During
extremely cold weather, the battery will not be as strong.
Also, the battery power level may drop because more
power is used for cold starting and driving.
Before driving the vehicle, check to see if the engine runs
at the proper speed and if the headlights are as bright as
normally. Charge or replace the battery if necessary. Dur-
ing extreme cold weather, it is possible that a very low
battery could freeze.

Warm the engine sufficiently. After starting the engine,
allow a short warm-up time to distribute oil to all cylin-
ders. Then drive your vehicle slowly.

Stay at low speeds at first so that the manual transaxle oil
or the automatic transaxle fluid has time to spread to all
the lubrication points.

Manual transaxle can be harder to shift in cold weather
conditions. This is normal and shifting will get easier as
the transaxle warms up.
Check the engine antifreeze.
If there is not enough coolant because of a leak or from
engine overheating, add high-quality ethylene glycol anti-
freeze and water. The recommended blend is about 50 %
water and 50 % anti-freeze. Use a higher concentration
(not over 60 %) when the outside temperature is -31 °F
(-35 °C) or lower. When the engine is working very hard
(for example, during mountain driving and/or when the
outside temperature is high), use a 50 % concentration.
This blend will provide adequate protection from corro-
sion and boiling.
WA R N I N G
!
The battery gives off explosive hydrogen gas. Any
spark or flame can cause the battery to explode,
which could cause serious injury or death.
Always wear protective clothes and a face mask
when working with your battery, or let a skilled
mechanic do it.
WA R N I N G
!
Never open the radiator cap when the radiator is
hot. You could be seriously burned.
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4-6 Driving safety
4Braking
N00629500260
All the parts of the brake system are critical to safety. Have the
vehicle serviced by an authorized Mitsubishi Motors dealer or
a repair facility of your choice at regular intervals according to
the “WARRANTY AND MAINTENANCE MANUAL”.When brakes are wetCheck the brake system while driving at a low speed immedi-
ately after starting, especially when the brakes are wet, to con-
firm they work normally.
A film of water can be formed on the brake discs and prevent
normal braking after driving in heavy rain or through large
puddles, or after the vehicle is washed. If this occurs, dry the
brakes out by driving slowly while lightly depressing the brake
pedal.When driving in cold weatherOn snowy roads, ice can form on the braking system, making
the brakes less effective. While driving in such conditions, pay
close attention to preceding and following vehicles and to the
condition of the road surface. From time to time, lightly
depress the brake pedal and check how effective the brakes are.When driving downhillIt is important to take advantage of the engine braking by shift-
ing to a lower gear while driving on steep downhill roads in
order to prevent the brakes from overheating.
Parking
N00629600274
Parking on a hillWhen parking on a hill, set the parking brake, and turn the
front wheels toward the curb on a downhill, or away from the
curb on an uphill.
If necessary, apply chocks to wheels.For vehicles with manual transaxlePlace the gearshift lever into the “R” (Reverse) position when
parking on a downhill slope, into the 1st position when parking
on an uphill slope.For vehicles with automatic transaxleBe sure that the parking brake is firmly set when parked and
that the selector lever is in the “P” (PARK) position.
When parking on a hill, it is important to set the parking brake
before moving the selector lever to the “P” (PARK) position.
This prevents loading the parking brake against the transaxle
gear. When this happens, it is difficult to move the selector
lever out of the “P” (PARK) position.
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