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brake when leaving the vehicle in this range. Always
apply the parking brake first, and then place the selector
in P (Park) position.
WARNING!
Unintended movement of a vehicle could injure
those in and near the vehicle. As with all vehicles,
you should never exit a vehicle while the engine is
running. Before exiting a vehicle, you should always
shift the vehicle into P (Park), remove the key from
the ignition, and apply the parking brake. Once the
key is removed from the ignition, the transmission
shift lever is locked in the P (Park) position, securing
the vehicle against unwanted movement. Further-
more, you should never leave children unattended
inside a vehicle.
The following indicators should be used to ensure that
you have engaged the transmission shift lever into the P
(Park) position:
²When shifting into P (Park), depress the button on the
shift lever and firmly move the lever all the way
forward until it stops.
²Look at the shift indicator window on the console to
ensure it is in the P (Park) position.
²When engaged in P (Park), you will not be able to
move the shifter rearward without depressing the shift
lever button.
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CAUTION!
Before moving the shift lever out of P (Park), you
must turn the ignition from LOCK to ON so the
steering wheel and shift lever are released. Other-
wise, damage to the steering column or shifter could
result.
ªRº Reverse
Shift into this range only after the vehicle has come to a
complete stop.
ªNº Neutral
Engine may be started in this range.
ªDº Overdrive
This range should be used for most city and highway
driving. It provides smoothest up shifts and down shifts
and best fuel economy.When frequent transaxle shifting occurs while using the
Overdrive range, such as when operating the vehicle
under heavy loading conditions (in hilly terrain, travel-
ing into strong head winds, or while towing trailers), use
the ª3º range.
ª3º Drive
This range eliminates shifts into Overdrive. The transaxle
will operate normally in first and second while in this
range.
NOTE:Using the ª3º range while operating the vehicle
under heavy operating conditions will improve perfor-
mance, fuel economy, and extend transaxle life by reduc-
ing excessive shifting and heat build up.
Use the ª3º range when descending steep grades to
prevent brake system distress.
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ª1º Low
This range should be used for maximum engine braking
when descending steep grades. In this range, up shifts
will occur only to prevent engine over speed while down
shifts from 2nd to first will occur as early as possible.
AUTOSTICK Ð IF EQUIPPED
Autostick is a driver-interactive transmission that offers
manual gear shifting capability to provide you with more
control. Autostick allows you to maximize engine brak-
ing, eliminate undesirable upshifts and downshifts, and
improve overall vehicle performance. This system can
also provide you with more control during passing, city
driving, cold slippery conditions, mountain driving,
trailer towing, and many other situations.
Autostick Operation
The Autostick position is just below the Overdrive posi-
tion and is identified by the word ªAUTOSTICKº. When
you place the shift lever in the Autostick position, it can
be moved from side to side. Moving the lever to the left
(-) triggers a downshift and to the right (+) an upshift.
The gear position will be shown in the transmission gear
display, located in the instrument cluster.
You can shift in or out of the autostick mode at any time
without taking your foot off the accelerator pedal. If you
choose the Overdrive mode, the transmission will oper-
ate automatically; shifting between the four available
gears. When you wish to engage autostick, simply move
the shift lever to the AUTOSTICK position. The transmis-
sion will remain in the current gear until an upshift or
downshift is chosen.
Move the lever back to the Overdrive position to shift out
of the Autostick mode.
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Autostick General Information
²
The transmission will automatically upshift from first
to second gear and from second to third gear when
engine speed reaches about 6300 RPM.
²Downshifts from third to second gear above 74 mph
(119 km/h) and from second to first gear above 41
mph (66 km/h) will be ignored.
²You can start out in first, second, or third gear. Shifting
into fourth gear can occur only after vehicle speed
reaches 15 mph (24 km/h).
²The transmission will automatically downshift to first
gear when coming to a stop.
²Starting out in third gear is helpful in snowy or icy
conditions.
²While in the Autostick mode, Speed Control will only
function in third or fourth gear.Downshifting out of third gear will turn off the speed
control.
²If the system detects powertrain overheating, the
transmission will revert to the automatic shift mode
and remain in that mode until the powertrain cools off.
²If the system detects a problem it will disable the
Autostick mode and the transmission will return to the
automatic mode until the problem is corrected.
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the shifter lever all the way to the right to avoid acciden-
tally selecting THIRD gear. Also, use care when selecting
FIRST gear to avoid accidentally selecting REVERSE.
When moving the shifter lever into REVERSE press the
lever to the left until the resistance is overcome. When the
ignition switch is in the ON position, a chime will sound
to confirm that reverse has been selected and the backup
lights will illuminate.
NOTE:Listen for the audible chime to confirm RE-
VERSE gear is properly selected. Never shift into RE-
VERSE until the vehicle has come to a complete stop.Recommended Shift Speeds
To use your manual transaxle for optimal fuel economy,
it should be upshifted as listed in table 1.
Table 1- Manual Transaxle Normal Acceleration And
Cruise Shift Speeds
In mph (km/h)
Engine
SizeMode1to2 2to3 3to4 4to5
2.4L
TurboAccel 15 (24) 25 (40) 40 (65) 45 (72)
Cruise 15 (24) 25 (40) 42 (68) 45 (72)
2.4L
Non-
TurboAccel 15 (24) 25 (40) 40 (65) 45 (72)
Cruise 15 (24) 25 (40) 42 (68) 45 (72)
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For improved performance, your manual transaxle may
be upshifted up to the maximum speeds listed in table 2
(within legal speed limits).
Table 2-Manual Transaxle Maximum Performance
Shift Speeds
In mph (km/h)
Engine
Size1to2 2to3 3to4 4to5
2.4L30 60 85 115
(48) (97) (136) (185)
If you exceed these speeds, you may notice the engine cut
in and out. This is caused by an electronic limiter in the
engine computer. The engine will run normally when
you reduce engine speed.
Downshifting
Proper downshifting will improve fuel economy and
prolong engine life.
CAUTION!
If you skip a gear while downshifting or downshift
at too high an engine speed, you could damage the
engine, transmission, or clutch.
To maintain a safe speed and prolong brake life, shift
down to 2nd or 1st when descending a steep grade.
When turning a corner, or driving up a steep grade,
downshift early so that the engine will not be overbur-
dened.
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When parking on a hill, it is important to set the parking
brake before placing the gear selector in Park, otherwise
the load on the automatic transaxle locking mechanism
may make it difficult to move the selector out of Park. As
an added precaution, turn the front wheels toward the
curb on a downhill grade and away from the curb on a
uphill grade.
You should always apply the parking brake before leav-
ing the vehicle.WARNING!
Never leave children alone in a vehicle. Leaving
children in a vehicle unattended is dangerous for a
number of reasons. A child or others could be
seriously or fatally injured. Don't leave the keys in
the ignition. A child could operate power windows,
other controls, or move the vehicle.
BRAKE SYSTEM
Your vehicle is equipped with power assisted brakes as
standard equipment. In the event power assist is lost for
any reason (for example, repeated brake applications
with the engine off), the brakes will still function. How-
ever, the effort required to brake the vehicle will be much
greater than that required with the power system oper-
ating.
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Radial-Ply Tires
WARNING!
Combining radial ply tires with other types of tires
on your vehicle will cause your vehicle to handle
poorly. The instability could cause an accident. Al-
ways use radial ply tires in sets of four (or 6, in case
of trucks with dual rear wheels). Never combine
them with other types of tires.
Cuts and punctures in radial tires are repairable only in
the tread area because of sidewall flexing. Consult your
authorized tire dealer for radial tire repairs.
Compact Spare Tire Ð If Equipped
The compact spare is for temporary emergency use with
radial tires. It is engineered to be used on your style
vehicle only. Since this tire has limited tread life, the
original tire should be repaired (or replaced) and rein-
stalled at the first opportunity.
WARNING!
Temporary use spare tires are for emergency use
only. With these tires, do not drive more than 50 mph
(80 km/h). Temporary-use spare tires have limited
tread life. When the tread is worn to the tread wear
indicators, the temporary use spare tire needs to be
replaced. Be sure to follow the warnings, which
apply to your spare. Failure to do so could result in
spare tire failure and loss of vehicle control.
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