Features and controls
3-105
3
NOTE
Only the forward gears 1 to 6 can be selected.
To reverse or park, place the gearshift lever in the “R”
(REVERSE) or “P” (PARK) position.
During manual shifting, downshifting will be performed
automatically when the vehicle slows down and the trans-
mission will downshift to 1st gear before the vehicle
stops.
If the gearshift lever or sportronic steering wheel shifters
are operated repeatedly, the transmission will also shift
repeatedly.
In order to ensure driving performance, upshifting may
not occur depending on the vehicle speed even if the gear-
shift lever or sportronic steering wheel shifters are oper-
ated. In addition, in order to prevent excessive engine
speed, the buzzer sounds and downshifting may not occur
depending on the vehicle speed even if the gearshift lever
or sportronic steering wheel shifters are operated.
When driving in an aggressive manner involving high
engine rpm, sudden acceleration and/or deceleration, the
Twin Clutch SST could take longer to shift due to higher
fluid temperatures.
CAUTION
!
When manually shifting while the vehicle is being
driven, select the correct shift position to control the
engine speed so that the tachometer indicator does
not enter the red zone.
Sudden engine braking and rapid acceleration can
cause the vehicle to skid. Shift down according to
road conditions and vehicle speed.
If both the left and right sportronic steering wheel
shifters are operated at the same time, the transmis-
sion may not change gears.
BK0105501US.book 105 ページ 2009年8月10日 月曜日 午前10時32分
Features and controls
3-111
3
Passing acceleration
N00540900019
To gain extra acceleration in “D” (DRIVE) position (when
passing another vehicle) push the accelerator to the floor if it is
safe to do so in traffic conditions. The Twin Clutch SST will
automatically downshift.NOTE
In manual shift, downshifts do not take place when the
accelerator is depressed all the way to the floor.
Uphill/downhill driving
N00541600042
DRIVING UPHILL
The Twin Clutch SST may not upshift to a higher shift position
if the computer determines the current speed cannot be main-
tained once a higher shift position is engaged.
For smoother vehicle performance, if you release the throttle
while climbing a steep grade, the Twin Clutch SST may not
upshift. This is normal, as the computer is temporarily prevent-
ing shifting. After reaching the top of the hill, normal shift
function will resume.
DRIVING DOWNHILL
When traveling down steep grades, the computer may automat-
ically select a lower shift position. This function assists engine
braking efforts, reducing the need for using the service brakes.
CAUTION
!
Do not use the tendency of the vehicle to creep for-
ward in order to drive at low speeds up hills.
The transmission may be damaged and an accident
may occur due to the following conditions. The Twin Clutch SST fluid temperature will rise
and can cause transmission damage.
If the vehicle is continuously driven at low speeds
using the tendency of the vehicle to creep forward,
the vehicle will vibrate or the warning display
will appear on the information screen in the multi-
information display to alert the driver that the
Twin Clutch SST fluid temperature has risen.
After that, if the Twin Clutch SST fluid tempera-
ture rises even higher, the transmission protection
control will operate.
If this occurs, the vehicle may suddenly reverse as
if the gearshift lever was in the “N” (NEUTRAL)
position and cause an accident.
If the warning display appears or the transmis-
sion protection control operates, refer to “When
warning display is showing” on page 3-98.
BK0105501US.book 111 ページ 2009年8月10日 月曜日 午前10時32分