MITSUBISHI LANCER SPORTBACK 2011 8.G Owners Manual

3-86 Features and controls
3
NOTE
If the front wheels are turned, the anti-theft lock may
sometimes make it difficult to turn the key from “LOCK”
position to “ACC” position. Firmly turn the steering
wheel to the left or to the right as you turn the key.
Starting and stopping the engine
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Tips for starting
Do not operate the starter motor continuously for longer
than 15 seconds as this could run the battery down or
damage the starter motor. If the engine does not start, turn
the ignition switch back to the “LOCK” position, wait a
few seconds, and then try again. Trying repeatedly with
the engine or starter motor still turning will damage the
starter mechanism.

If the engine will not start because the battery is weak or
discharged, refer to “Jump-starting the engine” (on page
6-2) for instructions.

[Except for vehicles equipped with the turbocharger]
The engine is warmed up enough for driving when the bar
graph of engine coolant temperature display starts to
move. A longer warm up period will only consume extra
fuel.

[For vehicles equipped with the turbocharger]
The engine is warmed up enough for driving when the bar
graph of engine coolant temperature display starts to
move. Driving before the bar graph moves may cause
deterioration of turbocharger performance and driveabil-
ity. A longer warm up period will only consume extra
fuel.
CAUTION
!
Remove the key when leaving the vehicle.
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Features and controls
3-87
3

On vehicles equipped with the Twin Clutch SST, the fol-
lowing may occur after the engine is started, but they do
not indicate an abnormality.
• You may hear operational sounds of the Twin Clutch
SST and you may feel vibration in the vehicle body.
• If you shift the gearshift lever into the “N” (NEUTRAL)
position and depress the accelerator pedal, increases in
the engine speed will be limited.
Starting the engine
N00542200090
[For vehicles equipped with the F.A.S.T.-key]
For information on operations for vehicles equipped with the
F.A.S.T.-key, refer to “F.A.S.T.-key: Starting the engine” on
page 3-30.
[Except for vehicles equipped with the F.A.S.T.-key]
Your vehicle is equipped with an electronically controlled fuel
injection system, which automatically controls the release of
fuel. There is usually no need to depress the accelerator pedal
when starting the engine.
The starter should not be run for more than 15 seconds at a
time.
To prevent battery drain, wait a few seconds between attempts
to restart the engine.
1. Make sure all occupants are properly seated with seat
belts fastened.
2. Insert the ignition key.
3. Make sure the parking brake is applied.
4. Press and hold the brake pedal down with your right foot.
5. Press and hold the clutch pedal all the way down (manual
transaxle).NOTE
For models equipped with a manual transaxle, the starter
will not operate unless the clutch pedal is fully depressed
(Clutch interlock). This is a safety feature.
WA R N I N G
!
Never run the engine in a closed or poorly ventilated
area any longer than is needed to move your vehicle
out of the area. Carbon monoxide gas, which is
odorless and extremely poisonous, could build up
and cause serious injury or death.
CAUTION
!
Do not push-start the vehicle.
Do not run the engine at high rpms or drive at high
speeds until the engine has had a chance to warm
up.
Release the ignition switch as soon as the engine
starts. Otherwise, the starter motor will be dam-
aged.
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3-88 Features and controls
3
6. On vehicles equipped with manual transaxle, place the
gearshift lever in the “N” (Neutral) position.
On vehicles equipped with continuously variable trans-
mission (CVT) or Twin Clutch SST, make sure the selec-
tor lever (CVT) or the gearshift lever (Twin Clutch SST)
is in the “P” (PARK) position.NOTE
On vehicles equipped with CVT, the starter will not oper-
ate unless the selector lever is in the “P” (PARK) or “N”
(NEUTRAL) position.
On vehicles equipped with Twin Clutch SST, the starter
will not operate unless the gearshift lever is in the “P”
(PARK) position or the gearshift lever is in the “N”
(NEUTRAL) position with the brake pedal depressed.
For safety reasons, start the engine in the “P” (PARK)
position so that the wheels are locked.
7. Turn the ignition switch to the “ON” position and make
certain that all warning lights are functioning properly
before starting the engine.
8. Turn the ignition switch to the “START” position without
pressing the accelerator pedal. Release the key when the
engine starts. NOTE
Minor noises may be heard on engine start-up. These will
disappear as the engine warms up.
Startability of continuously variable transmission
(CVT) vehicles or Twin Clutch SST vehicles at
extremely cold ambient temperatureWhen the ambient temperature is -4 °F (-20 °C) or lower on
vehicles equipped with CVT, -22 °F (-30 °C) or lower on vehi-
cles equipped with Twin Clutch SST, it may not be possible to
start from a stand-still even with the selector lever (CVT) or
the gearshift lever (Twin Clutch SST) in the “D” (DRIVE)
position.
This phenomenon occurs because the transaxle has not warmed
up sufficiently; it does not indicate a problem. If it occurs,
place the selector lever (CVT) or the gearshift lever (Twin
Clutch SST) in the “P” (PARK) position and let the engine idle
for at least 10 minutes.
The transaxle will warm up, and you will be able to start nor-
mally.
Do not leave the vehicle during warm-up operation.
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Features and controls
3-89
3
Idle speed in high altitude area
N00547600028
At high altitude locations, the idle speed may be higher. This is
done in order to stabilize the idle speed when the power steer-
ing system and other systems operate. It does not indicate a
malfunction.
Stopping the engine
N00542300059
1. Bring the vehicle to a complete stop.
2. Fully engage the parking brake while depressing the brake
pedal.
3. For vehicles equipped with a manual transaxle, turn the
ignition switch to the “LOCK” position to stop the engine,
and then move the gearshift lever to the 1st (on a uphill) or
“R” (Reverse) (on a downhill) position.
For vehicles equipped with continuously variable trans-
mission (CVT) or Twin Clutch SST, place the selector
lever (CVT) or the gearshift lever (Twin Clutch SST) in
the “P” (PARK) position, and then turn the ignition switch
to the “LOCK” position to stop the engine.
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3-90 Features and controls
3
NOTE
For vehicles equipped with Twin Clutch SST, the engine
will stop and the vehicle power will turn off approxi-
mately 1 second after the ignition switch is turned to the
“LOCK” position.
The reason for this is that, in the time from when the igni-
tion switch is turned to the “LOCK” position until the
engine stops, the gears inside the Twin Clutch SST disen-
gage so that the engine will start smoothly the next time it
is started.
Two clutches installed in the Twin Clutch SST alternately
engage and disengage to achieve smooth shifting.
In addition, the gear on the side with the free clutch is
engaged, therefore, quick shifting is performed.
If the engine was stopped with the gear engaged like this,
it would provide resistance the next time the engine is
started. Therefore, the gear disengages in the approxi-
mately 1-second period until the engine stops.

For vehicles equipped with Twin Clutch SST, do not oper-
ate the gearshift lever or the accelerator pedal for approxi-
mately 1 second until the engine stops.
For vehicles equipped with Twin Clutch SST, if the tem-
perature inside the engine compartment is high, the cool-
ing fans (A) will continue to operate for some time even if
the engine is stopped.
Therefore, the operation sound of the cooling fans may be
heard even after the engine is stopped. This sound is nor-
mal and does not indicate a malfunction.
After operating for a period of time, the cooling fans will
stop automatically.
*: Front of the vehicle
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Features and controls
3-91
3 Turbocharger operation
(if so equipped)
N00537300064
TurbochargerThe turbocharger increases engine power by pushing large
amounts of air into the engine’s cylinders. The finned parts
inside the turbocharger turn at extremely high speeds and are
subjected to extremely high temperatures. They are lubricated
by engine oil and cooled by engine oil and coolant. If the
engine oil is not replaced at the specified intervals, the bearings
may seize or emit abnormal noise.
CAUTION
!
Do not run the engine at high speeds (for example,
by revving it or by accelerating rapidly) immedi-
ately after starting it.
Do not stop the engine immediately after high-speed
or uphill driving. First allow the engine to idle to
give the turbocharger a chance to cool down.
Engine oil must be properly maintained to avoid
engine and/or turbocharger damage. To better pro-
tect your engine and turbocharger, use fully syn-
thetic engine oil.
1- Air compressor
2- Compressed air
3- Cylinder
4- Turbo fin
5- Turbine
6- Exhaust gas
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3-92 Features and controls
3Manual transaxle
(if so equipped)
N00512700096
The shift pattern below is shown on the gearshift lever. Press
the clutch pedal all the way down while shifting gears.NOTE
During cold weather, shifting may be difficult until the
transaxle lubricant has warmed up. This is normal and not
harmful to the transaxle.To startPress the clutch pedal all the way down and shift into 1st. Then
gradually release the clutch pedal while depressing the acceler-
ator pedal.
NOTE
If it is hard to shift into 1st, depress the clutch pedal a sec-
ond time; the shift will then be easier.
CAUTION
!
Do not rest your foot on the clutch pedal because
this will cause premature clutch wear or damage.
Do not coast in the “N” (Neutral) position (illegal in
many states).
Do not use the gearshift lever as a handrest, because
this can result in premature wear of the transaxle
shift forks.
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Features and controls
3-93
3
Proper shift points
N00537400049
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.
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.
CAUTION
!
Avoid downshifting that may cause the tachometer
pointer to enter the red zone.
This puts the engine at risk of being damaged.
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)
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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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