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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. To prevent gear damage, this
system also prevents cranking if the engine is
already running. Engine cranking can be
stopped by turning the ignition switch to the
ACC or LOCK position.
Notice:Cranking the engine for long periods
of time, by returning the key to the START
position immediately after cranking has ended,
can overheat and damage the cranking
motor, and drain the battery. Wait at least
15 seconds between each try, to allow
the cranking motor to cool down.
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Overdrive Off
Vehicles with an automatic transaxle have an O/D
(overdrive off) button located on the left side of
the shift lever.
When you turn on your vehicle overdrive will
automatically come on until you turn it off.
Press the O/D button to
turn overdrive off or on.
A light on the instrument
panel cluster comes on
when the overdrive is on.
SeeOverdrive Off Light
on page 174.
Drive your vehicle with the overdrive on for better
fuel economy and quieter driving.
Manual Transaxle Operation
Five-Speed 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 than 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 in NEUTRAL and let up on
the clutch. Press the clutch pedal back down. Then
shift into FIRST (1).
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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), FIFTH (5):Shift into
THIRD (3), FOURTH (4) and FIFTH (5) 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 on the
clutch pedal and 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.
Also, use REVERSE (R) along with the parking
brake for parking your vehicle.
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