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2-1. Driving procedures
Engine (ignition) switch
■Engine switch
LOCK
The steering wheel is locked
and the key can be removed.
(Vehicles with an automatic
transmission: The key can be
removed only when the shift
lever is in P.)
ACC
Some electrical components
such as the audio system can
be used.
ON
All electrical components can
be used.
START
For starting the engine.
■Starting the engine
Automatic transmission
Check that the parking brake is set.
Check that the shift lever is set in P.
Sit in the driver’s seat and firmly depress the brake pedal.
Turn the engine switch to the START position and start the
engine.
Manual transmission
Check that the parking brake is set.
Check that the shift lever is set in N.
Firmly depress the brake pedal and clutch pedal.
Turn the engine switch to the START position and start the
engine.
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2
When driving
■Turning the key from ACC to LOCK
■Steering lock release
■If the engine does not start
The engine immobilizer system may not have been deactivated. (P. 77)
■Key reminder function
A buzzer sounds if the driver’s door is opened, while the engine switch is in
the ACC or LOCK position to remind you to remove the key.
CAUTION
■When starting the engine
Always start the engine while sitting in the driver's seat. Do not depress the
accelerator while starting the engine under any circumstances.
Doing so may cause an accident resulting in death or serious injury.
Shift the shift lever to P (auto-
matic transmission) or N (man-
ual transmission). (P. 129
131)
Push in the key and turn to the
LOCK position.
When starting the engine, the engine
switch may seem stuck in the LOCK posi-
tion. To free it, turn the key while turning
the steering wheel slightly in either direc-
tion.
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128 2-1. Driving procedures
CAUTION
■Caution while driving
Do not turn the engine switch to the LOCK position.
If in an emergency, you must turn the engine off while the vehicle is moving,
turn the engine switch only to the ACC position.
NOTICE
■To prevent battery discharge
Do not leave the engine switch in the ACC or ON position for long periods if
the engine is not running.
■When starting the engine
●Do not crank for more than 30 seconds at a time. This may overheat the
starter and wiring systems.
●Do not race a cold engine.
●If the engine becomes difficult to start or stalls frequently, have the engine
checked immediately.
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2-1. Driving procedures
2
When driving
Automatic Transmission
: If equipped
Select a shift position appropriate for the driving conditions.
■Shifting the shift lever
While the engine switch is on, depress the brake pedal and
move the shift lever.
■Shift position uses
*: To improve fuel consumption and reduce noises, set the shift lever in
D for normal driving.
Shift positionFunction
PParking the vehicle or starting the engine
RReversing
NNeutral
DNormal driving*
4Position for engine braking
3, 2Position for more powerful engine braking
LPosition for maximum engine braking
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130 2-1. Driving procedures
■Downshifting restrictions
The shift lever cannot be downshifted if the following speeds are exceeded.
2WD models
4WD models
■When driving with the cruise control system (if equipped)
The engine brake will not operate when downshifting from D to 4.(P. 150)
■If the shift lever cannot be shifted from P (P. 377)
■AI-SHIFT
The AI-SHIFT automatically shifts the gear to the optimal position according
to the driver performance and driving conditions.
The AI-SHIFT automatically operates when the shift lever is in D.
DownshiftingMaximum speed
mph (km/h)
4 3 91 (148)
3 2 61 (99)
2 L 25 (41)
DownshiftingTransfer positionMaximum speed
mph (km/h)
4 3H2 and H4 91 (148)
L4 35 (57)
3 2H2 and H4 61 (99)
L4 23 (38)
2 LH2 and H4 25 (41)
L4 9 (15)
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2-1. Driving procedures
2
When driving
Tur n signal lever
■Turn signals can be operated when
The engine switch is in the ON position.
■If the indicators flash faster than usual
Check that a light bulb in the front or rear turn signal lights has not burned
out.
Left turn
Right turn
Move and hold the lever
partway to signal a lane
change.
The left hand signal will flash
until you release the lever.
Move and hold the lever
partway to signal a lane
change.
The right hand signal will flash
until you release the lever.
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2
When driving
2-2. Instrument cluster
Gauges and meters
The following gauges, meters and displays illuminate when the
engine switch is in the ON position.
Tachometer
Displays the engine speed in revolutions per minute.
Speedometer
Displays the vehicle speed.
Vo l t m e t e r
Displays the charge state.
Engine coolant temperature gauge
Displays the engine coolant temperature.
Fuel gauge
Displays the quantity of fuel remaining in the tank.
Odometer/trip meter switching and trip meter resetting button
Switches between odometer and trip meter displays. Pushing and hold-
ing the button will reset the trip meter when the trip meter is being dis-
played.
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2
When driving
NOTICE
■To prevent damage to the engine and its components
●Do not let the indicator needle of the tachometer enter the red zone, which
indicates the maximum engine speed.
●The engine may be overheating if the temperature gauge is in the red
zone (H). In this case, immediately stop the vehicle in a safe place, and
check the engine after it has cooled completely. (
P. 382)