Page 191 of 594
3-106 Features and controls
3
Shifting using the gearshift lever
N00540600016
Selecting manual shifting
While the vehicle is stopped or being driven, move the gear-
shift lever from the “D” (DRIVE) position in the main shift
gate toward the driver’s seat to select manual shifting.Shifting up and shifting down
Each time the gearshift lever is pulled rearward, the transmis-
sion shifts up 1 gear.
In addition, each time the gearshift lever is pushed forward, the
transmission shifts down 1 gear.
NOTE
After manual shifting is selected using the gearshift lever,
shifting up and down can also be performed using the
sportronic steering wheel shifters.
SHIFT DOWN
SHIFT UP
BK0105501US.book 106 ページ ２００９年８月１０日 月曜日 午前１０時３２分
Page 192 of 594
Features and controls
3-107
3
Returning to “D” range operation
Move the gearshift lever toward the front passenger’s seat to
return to automated shifting.NOTE
When the gearshift lever is moved to the “D” (DRIVE)
position from the manual shift gate, it may automatically
select a gear different from the gear selected during man-
ual shifting depending on vehicle speed or driving condi-
tions.
Shifting using the sportronic steering wheel shifters
N00540700017
Selecting manual shifting
While the vehicle is stopped or being driven with the gearshift
lever in the “D” (DRIVE) position, manual shifting can be
selected by pulling one of the sportronic steering wheel shifters
toward you.- (SHIFT DOWN) + (SHIFT UP)
BK0105501US.book 107 ページ ２００９年８月１０日 月曜日 午前１０時３２分
Page 193 of 594
3-108 Features and controls
3
Shifting up
Each time the + (SHIFT UP) sportronic steering wheel shifter
is pulled, the transmission shifts up 1 gear.Shifting down
Each time the - (SHIFT DOWN) sportronic steering wheel
shifter is pulled, the transmission shifts down 1 gear.
NOTE
After manual shifting is selected using the sportronic
steering wheel shifters, shifting up and down can also be
performed using the gearshift lever.
BK0105501US.book 108 ページ ２００９年８月１０日 月曜日 午前１０時３２分
Page 194 of 594
Features and controls
3-109
3
Returning to “D” range operation
When the gearshift lever is in the “D” (DRIVE) position, pull
the + (SHIFT UP) sportronic steering wheel shifter toward you
for 2 seconds or more to return to “D” range operation.
NOTE
If manual shifting is selected using the sportronic steering
wheel shifters when the gearshift lever is in the “D”
(DRIVE) position, the transmission will automatically
return to “D” range operation before the vehicle stops.
When the transmission returns to “D” range operation
from manual shifting, it may automatically shift up or
down from the gear selected using manual shifting
depending on the vehicle speed or driving conditions.
If manual shifting is selected using the sportronic steering
wheel shifters, “D” range operation will again be selected
by moving the gearshift lever from the “D” (DRIVE)
position toward the driver’s seat, then return it toward the
front passenger’s seat.
BK0105501US.book 109 ページ ２００９年８月１０日 月曜日 午前１０時３２分
Page 203 of 594
3-118 Features and controls
3
AYC (Active yaw control system)
N00541500012
The AYC is a system, with a left-right differential limiting
function and yaw control function, that enhances cornering
performance and stability during cornering by controlling the
left-right drive power difference of the rear wheels, the braking
force of all four wheels, and the vehicle yaw moment. Left-right differential limiting functionThe left-right differential limiting function is a function that
enhances driving performance and vehicle stability by prevent-
ing idle spinning of a wheel when driving on slippery road sur-
faces or when the road surfaces of the left and right wheels are
different.Yaw control functionThe yaw control function is a function that enhances vehicle
cornering performance by controlling the drive power differ-
ence of the left and right wheels and the braking force when the
vehicle does not turn in response to steering input, such as
when the steering wheel is turned quickly or when driving on
slippery road surfaces.
S-AWC control mode
N00542400047
Select the control mode from the following three types to suit
the driving conditions.
CAUTION
!
Control of the braking force does not enhance the
stopping performance of the vehicle, therefore, pay
careful attention to the safety of your surroundings
when driving.
S-AWC control
mode
Operation
TA R M A CNormally, use this control mode. Use this
mode for paved roads.
GRAVELUse this control mode when driving on some-
what slippery road surfaces, such as wet road
surfaces and gravel roads.
SNOWUse this control mode when driving on slip-
pery road surfaces, such as snow-covered
roads.
BK0105501US.book 118 ページ ２００９年８月１０日 月曜日 午前１０時３２分
Page 204 of 594
Features and controls
3-119
3
S-AWC control mode switchWhen the ignition switch is set to the “ON” position, operate
the AWC switch to change the control mode.
Except for vehicles with steering wheel audio remote con-
trol switches
Push the switch down to change the control mode in the order
“TARMAC” → “GRAVEL” → “SNOW” or push it up to
change the control mode in the order “SNOW” → “GRAVEL”
→ “TARMAC”.Vehicles with steering wheel audio remote control switches
Each time the switch is pushed, the control mode changes in
the order “TARMAC” → “GRAVEL” → “SNOW” → “TAR-
MAC”.
NOTE
The control mode can be changed while the vehicle is
moving.
The selected control mode is stored in memory even if the
engine is stopped.
However, if a battery terminal is disconnected, the control
mode stored in memory will be erased and the control
mode will be set to the “TARMAC” mode.
BK0105501US.book 119 ページ ２００９年８月１０日 月曜日 午前１０時３２分
Page 208 of 594
Features and controls
3-123
3 Anti-lock braking system
N00517900295
The anti-lock braking system helps prevent the wheels from
locking up when braking. This helps maintain vehicle drivabil-
ity and steering wheel handling.Driving hints
Always keep a safe distance from the vehicle in front of
you. Even if your vehicle is equipped with the anti-lock
braking system, leave a greater braking distance when:
Driving on gravel or snow-covered roads.
Driving on uneven road surfaces.
Operation of anti-lock braking system is not restricted to
situations where brakes are applied suddenly. This system
may also prevent the wheels from locking when you drive
over manholes, steel roadwork plates, road markings, or
any uneven road surface.
When the anti-lock braking system is in use, you may feel
the brake pedal pulsation and the vibrations of the vehicle
body and steering wheel. It may also feel as if the pedal
resists being pressed.
In this situation, simply hold the brake pedal down
firmly. Do not pump the brake, which will result in
reduced braking performance.
An operation noise is emitted from the engine compart-
ment or feel a shock from the brake pedal when start driv-
ing immediately after starting the engine. These are
normal sound or operation that the anti-lock braking sys-
tem makes when performing a self-check. It does not indi-
cate a malfunction.
The anti-lock braking system can be used after the vehicle
has reached a speed over approximately 6 mph (10 km/h).
It stops working when the vehicle slows below approxi-
mately 3 mph (5 km/h).
CAUTION
!
The anti-lock braking system cannot prevent acci-
dents. It is your responsibility to take safety precau-
tions and to drive carefully.
To prevent failure of the anti-lock braking system,
be sure all 4 wheels and tires are the same size and
the same type.
Do not install any aftermarket limited-slip differen-
tial (LSD) on your vehicle. The anti-lock braking
system may stop functioning properly.
BK0105501US.book 123 ページ ２００９年８月１０日 月曜日 午前１０時３２分
Page 213 of 594
3-128 Features and controls
3
Traction control function
N00559200021
On slippery surfaces, the traction control function prevents the
drive wheels from spinning excessive, thus helping the vehicle
to start moving from a stopped condition. It also provides suffi-
cient driving force and steering performance as the vehicle
turns while pressing the acceleration pedal.Skid control function
N00546800010
The skid control function is designed to help the driver main-
tain control of the vehicle on slippery roads or during rapid
steering maneuvers. It works by controlling the engine output
and the brake on each wheel.NOTE
The skid control function operates at speeds of about
9 mph (15 km/h) or higher.
ASC OFF switch
N00559400166
When the ignition switch is turned to the “ON” position, the
ASC automatically turns ON. If the ASC OFF switch is
pressed to turn OFF the ASC, the indicator in the meter
comes on. Press the switch again to turn ON the ASC.
CAUTION
!
When driving a vehicle on a snowy or icy road, be
sure to install snow tires and drive the vehicle at
moderate speeds.
CAUTION
!
For safety reasons, press the ASC OFF switch when
the vehicle is stopped.
Be sure to turn ON the ASC for normal driving.
BK0105501US.book 128 ページ ２００９年８月１０日 月曜日 午前１０時３２分
