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Starting the Engine
To place the transaxle in the proper gear:
Automatic Transaxle
Move your shift lever to PARK (P) or
NEUTRAL (N). Your engine will not start in
any other position -- this is a safety feature.
To restart when you are already moving, use
NEUTRAL (N) only.
Notice:Shifting into PARK (P) with the vehicle
moving could damage the transaxle. Shift into
PARK (P) only when your vehicle is stopped.
Manual Transaxle
The shift lever should be in the NEUTRAL position
and the parking brake engaged. Hold the clutch
pedal to the oor and start the engine. Your vehicle
will not start if the clutch pedal is not all the way
down. That is a safety feature.
Starting Procedure
1. With your foot off the accelerator pedal, turn
the ignition key to START. When the engine
starts, let go of the key. The idle speed will
go down as your engine gets warm. Do not
race the engine immediately after starting it.
Operate the engine and transaxle gently to
allow the oil to warm up and lubricate all
moving parts.
Your vehicle has a Computer-Controlled
Cranking System. This feature assists in
starting the engine and protects components.
If the ignition key is turned to the START
position, and then released when the engine
begins cranking, the engine will continue
cranking for a few seconds or until the
vehicle starts. If the engine does not start
and the key is held in START for many
seconds, cranking will be stopped after
15 seconds to prevent cranking motor damage.
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Manual Transaxle Operation
This is your shift pattern.
The clutch must be fully
pressed in when shifting
a manual transaxle to
ensure the transaxle is
fully in gear.
Here is how to operate your transaxle:
FIRST (1):Press the clutch pedal and shift into
FIRST (1). Then, slowly let up on the clutch pedal
as you press the accelerator pedal.
You can shift into FIRST (1) when you are going
less that 20 mph (32 km/h). If you have come to a
complete stop and it is hard to shift into FIRST (1),
put the shift lever into NEUTRAL and let up on the
clutch. Press the clutch pedal back down. Then shift
into FIRST (1).SECOND (2):Press the clutch pedal as
you let up on the accelerator pedal and shift into
SECOND (2). Then, slowly let up on the clutch
pedal as you press the accelerator pedal.
THIRD (3), FOURTH (4), and FIFTH (5) and
SIXTH (6):Shift into THIRD (3), FOURTH (4) and
FIFTH (5) and SIXTH (6) the same way you do
for SECOND (2). Slowly let up on the clutch pedal
as you press the accelerator pedal.
To stop, let up on the accelerator pedal and press
the brake pedal. Just before the vehicle stops,
press the clutch pedal and the brake pedal,
and shift to Neutral.
NEUTRAL:Use this position when you start or
idle your engine.
REVERSE (R):To back up, press down the
clutch pedal and lift up on the ring on the shift lever
to shift into REVERSE (R). Let up on the clutch
pedal slowly while pressing the accelerator pedal.
Notice:Shifting to REVERSE (R) while your
vehicle is moving forward could damage the
transaxle. The repairs would not be covered by
your warranty. Shift to REVERSE (R) only after
your vehicle is stopped.
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Shifting Out of Park (P)
(Automatic Transaxle)
The automatic transaxle shift lock control system
locks the shift lever in PARK when the ignition is
in OFF. In addition, you have to fully apply your
regular brakes before you can shift from PARK (P)
when the ignition is in ON. SeeAutomatic
Transaxle Operation on page 129.
If you cannot shift out of PARK (P), ease pressure
on the shift lever and push the shift lever all the way
into PARK (P) as you maintain brake application.
Press the shift lever button and then move the shift
lever into the desired gear.
Parking Your Vehicle
(Manual Transaxle)
Before leaving your vehicle, fully press the clutch
pedal in, rmly apply the parking brake, and move
the shift lever into REVERSE (R). Once the shift
lever has been placed in REVERSE (R) with the
clutch pedal pressed in, you can turn the ignition
key to OFF, remove the key and release the clutch.
SeeManual Transaxle Operation on page 134.
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