The 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart comes with a 2.0-liter, four-cylinder, turbocharged engine with an optional, continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). This feature has been implicated in clutch and gear-shifting issues on some Lancer vehicles.
When the clutch on your Mitsubishi Lancer fails to engage power from the engine, pressing the gas pedal will cause the engine to accelerate and the RPM gauge will have a high reading but the vehicle won't move. Clutch slippage is typically caused by a worn or oil-soaked clutch plate.
A CVT malfunction can cause your car to downshift either while driving or when you are at a full stop. Downshifting prevents manual gear selection. This is a very serious problem as it may cause accidents, endangering the vehicle's occupants and others on the road. When a vehicle downshifts, it erratically switches from high to low gear, placing tremendous pressure on the brakes instead of decelerating gradually.
Pay close attention to the gear sounds and any noticeable changes in the way your Lancer switches gears, as this could be a warning sign of a transmission problem. If you suspect that your vehicle is experiencing transmission issues, contact the service department at your Mitsubishi dealer for proper diagnosis and repairs.
