Originally Posted by
MetroMPG
I think sewellja is referring to DFCO (deceleration fuel cut-off), where fuel injectors shut off when you release the accelerator (above a certain engine RPM).
--
Also, I had a look at the Mitsu Canada web site, and there's no block heater listed as either standard or optional equipment.
I checked the Canadian web sites for the Chevy Spark and Nissan Versa base, and they both come with a block heater as standard equipment.
Looks like an oversight on Mitsubishi's part to not offer this. Every car sold in Winnipeg comes with one (though most add it as an "option" and charge an extra $200 or so). I once spent a long time looking for the plug on a car I bought in the States - not realizing that it wasn't something standard on every car!
When it gets really cold, a block heater is essential to get the car running. At -40, nothing starts, the oil is thick and the battery is weak. With a block heater the car will start, warm up faster, and it is easier on the engine, I am told, and it saves fuel as the engine wastes a bunch when it is cold (you can smell it in the frosty air most mornings around here).
Should be a simple thing to retrofit, though. I'd be interested in knowing which works best/is easy to install (I once used a dipstick heater which worked ok but was a huge hassle).
__________________________________________
View my fuel log 2014 Mirage SE 1.2 manual: 45.0 mpg (US) ... 19.1 km/L ... 5.2 L/100 km ... 54.1 mpg (Imp)