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2. Insert the key and turn it to OFF.Apply the
brake pedal and shift to N (Neutral).
When the key is in the ignition and in the
OFF position, the automatic transmission
shift lever can be moved from the P (Park)
position without the brake pedal depressed. To
avoid unwanted vehicle movement, always set the
parking brake.
3. Start the vehicle.
If it is necessary to use the above procedure to
move the gearshift lever, it is possible that a fuse
has blown or the vehicle’s brakelamps are not
operating properly. Refer toFuses and relaysin the
Roadside emergencieschapter.
Do not drive your vehicle until you verify
that the brakelamps are working.
Always set the parking brake fully and make
sure the gearshift is latched in P (Park).
Turn the ignition to the LOCK position and remove
the key whenever you leave your vehicle.
If the parking brake is fully released, but the
brake warning lamp remains illuminated, the
brakes may not be working properly. See your
dealer or a qualified service technician.
Driving with an automatic overdrive
transmission with console gearshift and O/D off
switch
Your transmission is equipped with an adaptive
learning strategy found in the vehicle computer. This
feature is designed to increase durability and
provide consistent shift feel over the life of the
vehicle. A new vehicle or transmission may have firm
and/or soft shifts. This operation is considered
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normal and will not affect function or durability of
the transmission. Over time, the adaptive learning
process will fully update transmission operation.
Additionally, whenever the battery is disconnected
or a new battery installed, the strategy must be
relearned.
Your automatic
overdrive transmission
provides fully
automatic operation in
either D (Overdrive) or
with the O/D OFF
switch depressed.
Driving with the
gearshift lever in D
(Overdrive) gives the
best fuel economy for
normal driving
conditions. For manual control, start in 1 (First) and
then shift manually.
To put your vehicle in gear, start the engine, depress
the brake pedal, then move gearshift lever out of P
(Park). Once you place the gearshift lever securely
into position, gradually release the brake pedal and
use the accelerator as necessary.
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Understanding the gearshift positions of the
4–speed automatic transmission
P (Park)
This position locks the transmission and prevents
the rear wheels from turning.
To put your vehicle in gear:
•Start the engine
•Depress the brake pedal
•Move the gearshift lever into the desired gear
To put your vehicle in P (Park):
•Come to a complete stop
•Move the gearshift lever and securely latch it in P
(Park)
Always set the parking brake fully and make
sure the gearshift is latched in P (Park).
Turn the ignition to the LOCK position and remove
the key whenever you leave your vehicle.
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R (Reverse)
With the gearshift lever in R (Reverse), the vehicle
will move backward. Always come to a complete
stop before shifting into and out of R (Reverse).
N (Neutral)
With the gearshift lever in N (Neutral), the vehicle
can be started and is free to roll. Hold the brake
pedal down while in this position.
D (Overdrive)
The normal driving
position for the best
fuel economy.
Transmission operates
in gears one through
four.
D (Overdrive) can be
deactivated by pressing
the transmission
control switch on the
end of the gearshift
lever.
This will illuminate the
O/D OFF lamp and
activate Drive.
Drive (not shown)
Drive is activated when the transmission control
switch is pressed.
•This position allows for all forward gears except
overdrive.
•O/D OFF lamp is illuminated.
•Provides engine braking.
O/D
OFF
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•Use when driving conditions cause excessive
shifting from O/D to other gears. Examples: city
traffic, hilly terrain, heavy loads, trailer towing
and when engine braking is required.
•To return to O/D (overdrive mode), press the
transmission control switch. The O/D OFF lamp
will not be illuminated.
•O/D (Overdrive) is automatically returned each
time the key is turned off.
2 (Second)
This position allows for second gear only.
•Provides engine braking.
•Use to start-up on slippery roads.
•To return to D (Overdrive), move the gearshift
lever into the D (Overdrive) position.
•Selecting 2 (Second) at higher speeds will cause
the transmission to downshift to second gear at
the appropriate vehicle speed.
1 (First)
•Provides maximum engine braking.
•Allows upshifts by moving gearshift lever.
•Will not downshift into 1 (First) at high speeds;
allows for 1 (First) when vehicle reaches slower
speeds.
Forced downshifts
•Allowed in D (Overdrive) or Drive.
•Depress the accelerator to the floor.
•Allows transmission to select an appropriate gear.
If your vehicle gets stuck in mud or snow
If your vehicle gets stuck in mud or snow, it may be
rocked out by shifting from forward and reverse
gears, stopping between shifts in a steady pattern.
Press lightly on the accelerator in each gear.
Do not rock the vehicle if the engine is not at
normal operating temperature or damage to
the transmission may occur.
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Do not rock the vehicle for more than a minute
or damage to the transmission and tires may
occur, or the engine may overheat.
MANUAL TRANSMISSION OPERATION
(IF EQUIPPED)
Using the clutch
The manual transmission has a starter interlock that
prevents cranking the engine unless the clutch pedal
is fully depressed.
To start the vehicle:
1. Make sure the parking brake is fully set.
2. Press the clutch pedal to the floor, then put the
gearshift lever in the neutral position.
3. Start the engine, then press the brake pedal and
release the parking brake.
4. Move the gearshift lever to the desired gear, then
slowly release the clutch pedal while slowly pressing
on the accelerator.
During each shift, the clutch pedal must be fully
depressed to the floor. Failure to fully depress the
clutch pedal to the floor may cause increased shift
efforts and prematurely wear components in the
transmission. Make sure the floor mat is properly
positioned so it doesn’t interfere with the full
extension of the clutch pedal.
Do not drive with your foot resting on the clutch
pedal or use the clutch pedal to hold your vehicle at
135
24
R
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a standstill while waiting on a hill. These actions will
reduce the life of the clutch.
Recommended shift speeds
Do not downshift into 1 (First) when your
vehicle is moving faster than 24 km/h (15 mph).
This will damage the clutch.
Upshift according to the following chart:
Upshifts when accelerating (recommended for best
fuel economy)
Shift from:
1 - 2 18 km/h (11 mph)
2 - 3 31 km/h (19 mph)
3 - 4 48 km/h (30 mph)
4 - 5 64 km/h (40 mph)
Reverse
1. Make sure that your vehicle is at a complete stop
before you shift into R (Reverse). Failure to do so
may damage the transmission.
2. Move the gearshift lever into the neutral position
and wait at least three seconds before shifting into R
(Reverse).
•The gearshift lever can only be moved into R
(Reverse) by moving it from left of 3 (Third) and
4 (Fourth) before shifting into R (Reverse). This
is a lockout feature that protects the transmission
from accidentally being shifted into R (Reverse)
from 5 (Overdrive).
Parking your vehicle
1. Apply the brake and shift into the neutral
position.
2. Fully apply the parking brake, then shift into 1
(First).
3. Turn the ignition off.
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Do not park your vehicle in Neutral, it may
move unexpectedly and injure someone. Use
1 (First) gear and set the parking brake fully.
Removing the key
Turn the ignition off,
push the release lever
(located above the
ignition), then turn the
key toward you and
remove the key.
DRIVING THROUGH WATER
Do not drive quickly through standing water,
especially if the depth is unknown. Traction or brake
capability may be limited and if the ignition system
gets wet, your engine may stall. Water may also
enter your engine’s air intake and severely damage
your engine.
If driving through deep or standing water is
unavoidable, proceed very slowly. Never drive
through water that is higher than the bottom of the
hubs (for trucks) or the bottom of the wheel rims
(for cars).
Once through the water, always try the brakes. Wet
brakes do not stop the vehicle as effectively as dry
brakes. Drying can be improved by moving your
vehicle slowly while applying light pressure on the
brake pedal.
Driving through deep water where the
transmission vent tube is submerged may allow
water into the transmission and cause internal
transmission damage. Have the fluid checked
and, if water is found, replace the fluid.
PUSH
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