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CAUTION
In case the gear shift is not com-
pleted before the ignition switch is
turned off, the gear may not be en-
gaged properly preventing the vehicle
from parking with gear. When park-
ing, always confirm the gear position
by the gear position indicator. On a
level surface or a downhill, the gear
should be put in reverse, and in the
1st on an uphill. Otherwise, the ve-
hicle may move, and cause an unex-
pected accident. If the gear is left in
the neutral gear position, the vehicle
can not be parked with the gear en-
gaged.
(j)
Depress the brake pedal, and turn the
ignition switch to the “ON” position. The
selector lever lock will be released.
Then, shift the selector lever to the “N”
position. The gear will be disengaged.
(k) Warning Functions
A warning buzzer will sound or the indica-
tor will flash under the following condi-
tions: Warning buzzer (long pulse sound)
It may sound when the selector lever
is shifted to the “S” or “R” position
while racing the engine.
The clutch is heated with excessive
load.
The ignition switch is turned to the
“OFF” position with the gear in 2nd or
either 3rd, 4th or 5th.
In this case, turn the ignition switch to the
“ON” position once and shift the selector
lever to the “1st” or “R” position, then turn
the ignition switch to “OFF” position.
During a stop, the driver ’s door is
opened with the selector lever in the
“S” position while the engine is run-
ning.
Warning buzzer (short pulse sound)
The transmission is shifted down to a
gear where the engine is over revving.
SD16021
“N” indicator flashing
The selector lever is shifted to the “R”
position while the vehicle speed is over
3 km/h (2 mph).
The selector lever is shifted to the “S”
from “R” position while backing up with
the vehicle speed over 8 km/h (5 mph).
The selector lever is operated exces-
sively and continuously, then shifted to
the “S” or “R” position.
In this case, shift the selector lever to the
“N” position once, and wait for a few sec-
onds, shift the selector lever again to the
“S” or “R” position.
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SD16023
“R” indicator blinking
At the same time when turning the igni-
tion switch to the “ON” position and
shifting the selector lever from the “R”
position to the “N” or “S” position.
At the same time when turning the igni-
tion switch to the “OFF” position and
shifting the selector lever from the “R”
to “N” position.
In this case, shift the selector lever to the
“R” position once, then shift the selector
lever again to the “N” position.
Manual transmission
SB16017
The shift pattern is as shown above.
Press the clutch pedal down fully while
shifting, and then release it slowly. Do not
rest your foot on the pedal while driving,
because it will cause clutch trouble. And
do not use the clutch to hold the vehicle
when stopped on an uphill grade—use the
parking brake.
Recommended shifting speeds
The transmission is fully synchronized and
upshifting or downshifting is easy.
For the best compromise between fuel
economy and vehicle performance, you
should upshift or downshift at the following
speeds: gear
km/h (mph)
1 to 2 or 2 to 1 24 (15)
2 to 3 or 3 to 2 40 (25)
3 to 4 or 4 to 3 64 (40) 4 to 5 or 5 to 4 72 (45)
Downshift to the appropriate gear if accel-
eration is needed when you are cruising
below the above downshifting speeds.
Upshifting too soon or downshifting too
late will cause lugging, and possibly ping-
ing. Regularly revving the engine to maxi-
mum speed in each gear will cause ex-
cessive engine wear and high fuel
consumption.
Maximum allowable speeds
To get on a highway or to pass slower
traffic, maximum acceleration may be nec-
essary. Make sure you observe the follow-
ing maximum allowable speeds in each
gear: gear km/h (mph)
1 53 (33)
2 88 (55)
3 120 (75)
4 163 (101)
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NOTICE
Do not downshift if you are going
faster than the maximum allowable
speed for the next lower gear.
Good driving practice
If it is difficult to shift into reverse, put
the transmission in neutral, release the
clutch pedal momentarily, and then try
again.
CAUTION
Be careful when downshifting on a
slippery surface. Abrupt shifting
could cause the vehicle to spin or
skid.
NOTICE
Make sure the vehicle is completely
stopped before shifting into reverse.
Parking brake
SB16008
When parking, firmly apply the parking
brake to avoid inadvertent creeping.
To set: Pull up the lever. For better hold-
ing power, first depress the brake pedal
and hold it while setting the parking
brake.
To release: Pull up the lever slightly (1),
press the lock release button (2), and low-
er (3).
To remind you that the parking brake is
set, the parking brake reminder light in
the instrument panel remains on until you
release the parking brake.
CAUTION
Before driving, be sure the parking
brake is fully released and the park-
ing brake reminder light is off.
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Before starting the engine
1. Check the area around the vehicle be-fore entering it.
Sequential manual transmission only:
When the driver ’s door is opened, a motor
sound may be heard from the engine
compartment, but it is not a malfunction.
The motor will stop after a certain period
of time. 2. Adjust seat position, seatback angle, seat cushion angle and steering wheel
angle.
3. Adjust the inside and outside rear view mirrors.
4. Lock both the doors.
5. Fasten seat belts. 1. Apply the parking brake firmly.
2. Turn off unnecessary lights and acces-
sories.
3. Sequential manual transmission: Turn
the ignition switch to “ON” position.
Hold down the brake pedal firmly, and
place the selector lever to the “N” posi-
tion. Make sure that the “N” indicator
in the instrument cluster comes on. A
starter safety device will prevent the
starter from operating if the selector
lever is in a position except “N” or the
brake pedal is not depressed.
Manual transmission: Press the clutch
pedal to the floor and shift the trans-
mission into neutral. Hold the clutch
pedal to the floor until the engine is
started. A starter safety device will pre-
vent the starter from operating if the
clutch pedal is not fully depressed.
(b) Starting the engine
Before starting the engine, be sure to
follow the instructions in “(a) Before
cranking”.
Normal starting procedure
The multiport fuel injection system/sequen-
tial multiport fuel injection system in your
engine automatically controls the proper
air fuel mixture for starting. You can start
a cold or hot engine as follows:
1. Sequential manual transmission: With
your foot off the accelerator pedal, turn
the ignition key to the ”START” position
and crank the engine while depressing
the brake pedal. Release the key when
the engine starts.
The engine cannot be cranked if the
selector lever is in a position except
”N” or the brake pedal is not de-
pressed.
Manual transmission: With your foot
off the accelerator pedal, crank the en-
igine by turning the key to the “START”
position. Release the key when the en-
gine starts.
2. After the engine runs for about 10 sec- onds, you are ready to drive.
If the weather is below freezing, let the
engine warm up for a few minutes before
driving.
How to start the engine—
(a) Before cranking