tow MITSUBISHI ECLIPSE 2012 4.G Owner's Manual

Features and controls
3-127
3
When you want to keep the lights on: If the light switch is turned to the “ ” or “ ” position again
after the engine is turned off, the 3 minute auto-cutout function
described above will not work. The lights (the parking lights,
tail lights and license plate lights) will stay on and will not turn
off automatically. NOTE
When the driver’s door is opened, a continuous high-
pitched tone will sound if the key has been removed; a
continuous low-pitched tone will sound if the key is in the
ignition switch.
The tone stops sounding when the driver’s door is closed.Headlight reminder buzzer
N00549800138
If the driver’s door is opened with the key in the “LOCK” or
“ACC” position or removed from the ignition switch while the
lights are on, the tone will sound to remind you to turn off the
lights. The lights will turn off automatically and so will the
tone. Or you can turn the light switch to the “OFF” position to
stop the tone.
Dimmer (high/low beam change)
N00549900168
To change the headlights from high beam to low beam and vice
versa, turn the light switch to the “ ” position, then pull the
turn signal lever to fully toward you (1). Switch the headlights
to low beam as a courtesy whenever there are oncoming vehi-
cles, or when there is traffic moving ahead of you. An illumi-
nated blue light in the instrument cluster indicates when the
headlights are on high beam.
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3-128 Features and controls
3
Headlight flasher
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You can flash the high beams by pulling the lever gently
toward you (2). The lights will go back to normal when you let
go. While the high beam is on, you will see a blue light on the
instrument panel.NOTE
You can flash the high beams by pulling the lever toward
you, even if the light switch is off.

If you turn the lights off with the headlights set to high-
beam illumination, the headlights are automatically
returned to their low-beam setting when the light switch is
next turned to the “ ” position.
Headlight levelling switch
(if so equipped)
N00537100046
The direction of the headlight beam (the direction which the
light shines in) alters according to the number of people and
the load in the vehicle. Lower the headlight angle if it is too
high due to the number of people and/or the load in the vehicle
so that the headlights’ glare does not distract the drivers of
approaching vehicles. First set the light switch to the “ ”
position, then turn the headlight levelling switch knob to lower
the beam. The greater the number on the headlight levelling
switch knob, the lower the beam will point.
Set the switch to the appropriate position so that the headlight
beam is level with the road.
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Features and controls
3-133
3
Misting functionMove the lever in the direction of the arrow and release, and
the wipers will operate once.
Use this function when you are driving in mist or drizzle.
If the lever is held in the upward position (MIST), the wipers
continue operating until the lever is released.
Windshield washer
N00504600096
To turn on the windshield washer, pull the lever toward you
with the ignition key in either the “ON” or “ACC” position.
The wipers will wipe automatically several times when the
washer fluid is sprayed.
To turn off the spray, release the lever.
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4
Driving safety
Fuel economy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4- 2
Driving, alcohol and drugs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4- 2
Vehicle preparation before driving. . . . . . . . . . . . .4- 3
Safe driving techniques . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4- 4
Driving during cold weather . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4- 5
Braking. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4- 6
Parking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4- 6
Loading information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4- 7
Cargo loads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4- 12
Trailer towing. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4- 13
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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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4-10 Driving safety
4
Steps for Determining Correct Load Limit
N00630200081
1.
Locate the statement “The combined weight of occu-
pants and cargo should never exceed XXX kg or
XXX lbs.” on your vehicle’s placard.
2. Determine the combined weight of the driver and
passengers that will be riding in your vehicle.
3. Subtract the combined weight of the driver and pas-
sengers from XXX kg or XXX lbs.
4. The resulting figure equals the available amount of
cargo and luggage load capacity. For example, if the
“XXX” amount equals 1400 lbs. and there will be
five 150 lbs. passengers in your vehicle, the amount
of available cargo and luggage load capacity is 650
lbs. (1400 - 750 (5 x 150) = 650 lbs.)
5. Determine the combined weight of luggage and
cargo being loaded on the vehicle. That weight may
not safely exceed the available cargo and luggage
load capacity calculated in Step 4.6. If your vehicle will be towing a trailer, load from
your trailer will be transferred to your vehicle. Con-
sult this manual to determine how this reduces the
available cargo and luggage load capacity of your
vehicle.
NOTE

The above steps for determining correct load limit
were written in accordance with U.S.A. regulations.
For your vehicle, please determine correct load limit
bearing in mind the following differences:
• Your vehicle’s seating capacity is 4 people.
•Your vehicle cannot tow a trailer, so step 6 is irrele-
vant.
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Driving safety
4-13
4 Trailer towing
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WA R N I N G
!
Do not use this vehicle for trailer towing. It may not
be possible to maintain control or adequate braking.
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5-72 Comfort controls
5

In the following circumstances, moisture can form on
compact discs and inside the audio system, preventing
normal operation.
• When there is high humidity (for example, when it is
raining).
• When the temperature suddenly rises, such as right after
the heater is turned on in cold weather.
In this case, wait until the moisture has had time to dry
out.

When the CD player is subjected to violent vibrations,
such as during off-road driving, the tracking may not
work.

When storing compact discs, always store them in their
separate cases. Never place compact discs in direct sun-
light, or in any place where the temperature or humidity is
high.

Never touch the flat surface of the disc where there isn’t a
label. This will damage the disc surface and could affect
the sound quality. When handling a compact disc, always
hold it by the outer edge and the center hole.
To clean a disc, use a soft, clean, dry cloth. Wipe directly
from the center hole toward the outer edge. Do not wipe in
a circle. Never use any chemicals such as benzine, paint
thinner, a disc spray cleaner, or an anti-static agent on the
disc.

Do not use a ball point pen, felt pen, pencil, etc. to write
on the label surface of the disc.
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6
For emergencies
If the vehicle breaks down . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6- 2
Jump-starting the engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6- 2
Engine overheating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6- 6
Tools and jack . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6- 8
How to change a tire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6- 9
Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6- 20
Operation under adverse driving conditions . . . . .6- 22
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6-2 For emergencies
6If the vehicle breaks down
N00836300174
If your vehicle breaks down on the road, move to the shoulder
and turn on the hazard warning flashers. If there is no shoulder,
or the shoulder is not safe, drive in the right lane slowly, with
the hazard lights flashing, until you come to a safe stopping
place. Keep the flashers flashing. If the engine stops/fails If the engine stops, there will be no power assist to the steering
and brakes, making these difficult to use.

The brake booster will not work, so the brakes will not
grip well. The brake pedal will be harder to press than
usual.

Since there is no power steering assist, the steering wheel
will be hard to turn.When the engine fails at the intersection Get help from your passengers, bystanders, etc. to push the
vehicle and move it to a safe zone.
Jump-starting the engine
N00836400638
If the engine cannot be started because the battery is weak or
dead, you can start it with the battery from another vehicle
using jumper cables.
1. Take off any metal jewelry such as watch bands or brace-
lets that might make an accidental electrical contact.
2. Position the vehicles close enough together so that the
jumper cables can reach, but be sure the vehicles aren’t
touching each other.
WA R N I N G
!
When using jumper cables to start a vehicle, follow
the procedures and be very cautious.
CAUTION
!
Do not try to start your vehicle by pushing or tow-
ing. Vehicles with automatic transaxles cannot be
started this way. Pushing or towing a vehicle that
has a manual transaxle may overheat and damage
the catalytic converter. Also, there is more risk of an
accident when a vehicle is being pushed or towed.
CAUTION
!
Check the other vehicle. It must have a 12-volt bat-
tery. If the other system isn’t 12-volt, both systems
can be damaged.
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