Sports Mode - Mitsubishi ECLIPSE Owner's Manual

Features and controls

Sports mode

Whether the vehicle is stationary or in motion, sports mode is
selected by pushing the selector lever from the "D" position
into the manual gate. To return to "D" range operation, push
the selector lever back into the main gate.
In sports mode, gear shifts can be made rapidly simply by mov-
ing the selector lever backward and forward. Sports mode
allows gear shifts with the accelerator pedal depressed.
Manual gate
3
SHIFT UP
+ (SHIFT UP)
Push the lever forward once to shift up one gear.
- (SHIFT DOWN)
Pull the lever backward once to shift down one gear.
3-78
N00514400169
NOTE
SHIFT DOWN
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.
By rapidly moving the selector lever backwards
(SHIFT DOWN) twice, it is possible to skip one gear
(i.e., 3rd to 1st, 4th to 2nd or 5th to 3rd). Since sud-
den engine deceleration or acceleration can cause a
loss of traction, downshifts must be made carefully
in accordance with the vehicle's speed.
In sports mode, only the 4 forward gears (4-speed auto-
matic transaxle) or 5 forward gears (5-speed automatic
transaxle) can be selected. To reverse or park the vehicle,
move the selector lever to the "R" (REVERSE) or "P"
(PARK) position in the main gate.
To maintain the required levels of vehicle performance
and safety, the system may not execute certain gear shifts
when the selector lever is operated, such as 4th or 5th gear
at low speed.
In sports mode, downward shifts are made automatically
when the vehicle slows down. When the vehicle stops, 1st
gear is automatically selected.