Manual Transmission

Manual Transmission Operation

The manual transmission has 6 forward gears.

The shift pattern is printed on the shift knob. The transmission is fully synchronized in all forward gears so that upshifting or downshifting is performed easily.

Fully depress the clutch pedal when shifting, then release it slowly.

If your vehicle is equipped with an ignition lock, the engine will not start unless the clutch pedal is depressed. The shift lever must be returned to the neutral position before shifting into R (Reverse).

Press the button located directly below the shift knob and move the shift lever fully to the left, then shift into the R (Reverse) gear position.

Make sure the vehicle has come to a complete stop before shifting into R (Reverse).

Never start the engine with the tachometer (rpm) in the red zone.

CAUTION

• When downshifting from 5th gear to 4th gear, be careful not to accidentally push the shift lever sideways so that 2nd gear is engaged. Such a sudden downshift may cause engine speed to increase so that the tachometer enters the red zone. Such over-revving of the engine may damage the engine and transmission.
• Do not downshift more than 2 gears at a time, or downshift when the engine is running at high speed (5000 rpm or above). Such downshifting may damage the engine, clutch, and transmission.

• In cold weather, shifting may be difficult until the transmission lubricant warms up. This is normal and does not harm the transmission.

• If you have come to a complete stop and have difficulty shifting into 1st or R (Reverse), leave the shift lever in the N (Neutral) position and release the clutch pedal. Depress the clutch pedal again, then shift into the 1st or R (Reverse) gear position.

CAUTION

• To avoid premature clutch wear and damage, do not drive with your foot resting on the clutch pedal. Also, do not use the clutch to hold the vehicle stopped on a grade, while waiting for traffic lights, etc.
• Do not use the shift lever as an armrest while driving, as this may cause premature wear of the shift fork.
• To avoid possible damage to the clutch system, do not start in 2nd (second) gear unless you are starting on a slippery road surface.

WARNING

• Before leaving the driver's seat, always apply the parking brake fully and turn the engine off. Then make sure the transmission is in 1st gear when the vehicle is parked on a level or uphill grade, and in R (Reverse) when parked on a downhill grade. Unexpected and sudden vehicle movement may occur if these precautions are not followed in the order given.
• Do not use engine braking (downshifting from high gear to low gear) abruptly on slippery road surfaces.
• The vehicle may skid, causing an accident.