Manual Transmission

Manual Transmission Operation

The manual transaxle has 6 forward speeds.

This shift pattern is printed on the shift knob. The transmission is fully synchronized in all forward gears, so shifting either up or down is easy.

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

If your vehicle is equipped with a clutch pedal position switch, 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). Pull up the button (1) located under the shift knob while moving the shift lever to the R (Reverse) position.

Before shifting into R (Reverse), make sure the vehicle is completely stopped.

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

CAUTION - Downshifting

• Be careful when shifting from fifth to fourth gear. Do not accidentally push the shift lever sideways so that second gear engages. Such an abrupt downshift may cause engine speed to increase until the tachometer enters the red zone. Such excessive engine and transmission speed may damage the engine.
• Do not downshift more than 2 gears at once, and do not 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 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 N (Neutral) and release the clutch. Depress the clutch pedal again, then shift into 1st or R (Reverse).

WARNING - Premature Wear

Do not use the shift lever as an armrest while driving, as this may cause premature wear of the shift forks.

CAUTION

• To avoid possible damage to the clutch system, do not start off in 2nd (second) gear, except when starting on slippery road surfaces.
• If the clutch pedal is released quickly after shifting into 1st or R (Reverse), the engine may stall and an accident may occur.
• The clutch pedal must be fully depressed. After releasing the pedal, do not depress it again until it has returned to its normal position. Failure to observe this several times may damage the clutch system.
• Do not overload the vehicle. Driving with an overloaded vehicle may cause abnormal clutch disc friction and damage the clutch cover and disc.

WARNING - Shift Lever Position

• Before leaving the driver's seat, always fully apply the parking brake and turn off the engine. Then make sure the transmission is in 1st gear when the vehicle is parked on a level surface or uphill, and in R (Reverse) when parked downhill. Unexpected and sudden vehicle movement may occur if these precautions are not performed in this order.
• Do not use engine braking (downshifting from a higher gear) rapidly on slippery roads. The vehicle may skid, which may result in an accident.

Using the Clutch

The clutch pedal must be fully depressed before shifting gears, then released slowly. The clutch pedal should always be fully released while driving. Do not rest your foot on the clutch pedal while driving, as this may cause unnecessary wear. Do not partially engage the clutch to hold the vehicle on a slope. This causes unnecessary wear. Use the foot brake or parking brake to hold the vehicle on a slope. Do not depress the clutch pedal rapidly and repeatedly.

Downshifting

If you need to reduce speed in heavy traffic or when driving up steep hills, downshift before the engine begins to labor. Downshifting reduces the likelihood of stalling and provides better acceleration when you need to increase speed again. When driving down steep hills, downshifting helps maintain a safe speed and extends brake life.

Good Driving Practices

• Never turn off the engine and coast down a hill. This is extremely dangerous. Always leave the vehicle in gear while driving.
• Do not "ride" the brakes. This may cause them to overheat and fail. Instead, when driving down a long hill, downshift to a lower gear. When you do this, engine braking will help slow the vehicle.
• Slow down before downshifting. This helps prevent excessive engine speed that may cause damage.
• Reduce speed when encountering crosswinds. This gives you much better control of your vehicle.
• Make sure the vehicle is completely stopped before attempting to shift into R (Reverse). The transmission may be damaged if you do not.

WARNING

• Exercise extreme caution when driving on slippery surfaces. Be especially careful when braking, accelerating, or shifting gears. On a slippery surface, a sudden change in vehicle speed may cause the drive wheels to lose traction with the road and the driver to lose control of the vehicle.
• Always wear your seat belt! In a collision, an unbelted passenger is much more likely to suffer serious injury or death than a properly belted passenger.
• Never exceed the posted speed limits.
• Avoid high speeds when cornering or turning. Taking corners or turns at high speed increases the risk of vehicle rollover due to loss of control. Rollover accidents are extremely dangerous and unpredictable.