Manual transaxle
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 start
Press 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. Moving the gearshift lever to the “R” (Reverse) position
Vehicles equipped with 5-speed manual transaxle
To shift into the “R” (Reverse) position from 5th gear, move the gearshift lever to the “N” (Neutral) position, and then move it to the “R” (Reverse) position.
5-speed manual transaxle 6-speed manual transaxle
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.
CAUTION! ● Do not move the gearshift lever to the “R” (Reverse)
position while the vehicle is moving forward. This could damage the transaxle.
Features and controls
Vehicles equipped with 6-speed manual transaxle
Pull up the pull-ring (A), then move the gearshift lever to the “R” (Reverse) position with the pull-ring still pulled.
The pull-ring will return to its original position when you return the gearshift lever to the “N” (Neutral) position.
CAUTION! ● Do not pull up the pull-ring (A) when moving the
gearshift lever to any position other than the “R” (Reverse) position. If you always pulled up the pull- ring (A) when moving the gearshift lever, you could unintentionally move the gearshift lever to the “R” (Reverse) position and cause an accident and/or a problem in the transaxle.
CAUTION! ● If the pull-ring will not return from the pulled-up
position, have the vehicle inspected at an authorized Mitsubishi Motors dealer or at a repair facility of your choice.
Features and controls
Proper shift points
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
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. Vehicles equipped with 5-speed manual transaxle
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) 13 mph (21 km/h) 2nd gear to 3rd gear 23 mph (37 km/h) 18 mph (29 km/h) 3rd gear to 4th gear 34 mph (55 km/h) 33 mph (53 km/h) 4th gear to 5th gear 43 mph (69 km/h) 40 mph (64 km/h)
Shift point Upshift speeds
Acceleration Cruise 1st gear to 2nd gear 13 mph (21 km/h) 16 mph (26 km/h) 2nd gear to 3rd gear 22 mph (35 km/h) 28 mph (45 km/h) 3rd gear to 4th gear 33 mph (53 km/h) 38 mph (61 km/h) 4th gear to 5th gear 44 mph (71 km/h) 46 mph (74 km/h) 5th gear to 6th gear 47 mph (76 km/h) 49 mph (79 km/h)
Features and controls
At high altitude locations, upshift as listed below. Vehicles equipped with 5-speed manual transaxle
Downshifting
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
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)
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) 5th gear to 6th gear 50 mph (80 km/h)
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.
Features and controls
Driving precautions
● The table below shows the maximum recommended driv- ing speed for in each gear. Do not drive near or at these speeds for prolonged periods of time.
Possible driving speed
● Do not use the gearshift lever as a handrest. This can result in premature wear of the transaxle shift forks.
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