Automatic Transaxle; Selector Lever Operation - Mitsubishi ECLIPSE Owner's Manual

Features and controls

Automatic transaxle

Designed for the most efficient control and equipped with self-
adapting capabilities, the electronically controlled transaxle
used in your vehicle selects the most favorable gear for each
type of driving and road condition.
DRIVING UPHILL
The transaxle may not shift to a higher gear if the computer
determines your current speed would be affected.
For smoother operation, the transaxle 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
3
top of the hill, your normal gear shift function will resume.
DRIVING DOWNHILL
When traveling down steep grades and using the brakes, the
computer may automatically select a lower gear. This helps
engine braking efforts, reducing your need to use the brakes.
CAUTION
!
The electronically controlled transaxle system is
strictly intended to provide supplementary func-
tions. When driving downhill under certain condi-
tions, when the automatic transaxle is cold
immediately after starting, no automatic downshift
may be made. The driver should move the selector
lever to shift down to a lower gear (3rd gear or 2nd
gear), which will permit the engine to begin braking.
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NOTE
During the break-in period or immediately after recon-
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necting the battery, your vehicle may not shift smoothly.
This does not indicate a problem in the transaxle. Shifting
will become smoother once the transaxle has been shifted
several times by the electronic control system.

Selector lever operation

As an additional safety precaution, models equipped with an
automatic transaxle 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 key is at the "LOCK" posi-
tion, or has been removed, or if the brake pedal is not
pressed and held down.
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