Features and controls
3-87
3
Starting the engine
N00542200087
[For vehicles equipped with the F.A.S.T.-key]
For information on operations for vehicles equipped with the
F.A.S.T.-key, refer to “F.A.S.T.-key: Starting the engine” on
page 3-30.
[Except for vehicles equipped with the F.A.S.T.-key]
Your vehicle is equipped with an electronically controlled fuel
injection system, which automatically controls the release of
fuel. There is usually no need to depress the accelerator pedal
when starting the engine.
The starter should not be run for more than 15 seconds at a
time.
To prevent battery drain, wait a few seconds between attempts
to restart the engine.
1. Make sure all occupants are properly seated with seat
belts fastened.
2. Insert the ignition key.
3. Make sure the parking brake is applied.
4. Press and hold the brake pedal down with your right foot.
5. Press and hold the clutch pedal all the way down (manual
transaxle).NOTEFor models equipped with a manual transaxle, the starter
will not operate unless the clutch pedal is fully depressed
(Clutch interlock). This is a safety feature.6. On vehicles with manual transaxle, place the gearshift
lever in the “N” (Neutral) position.
On vehicles with Twin Clutch SST, make sure the gear-
shift lever is in the “P” (PARK) position.
NOTEOn vehicles with Twin Clutch SST, the starter will not
operate unless the gearshift lever is in the “P” (PARK)
position or the gearshift lever is in the “N” (NEUTRAL)
position with the brake pedal depressed.
For safety reasons, start the engine in the “P” (PARK)
position so that the wheels are locked.
7. Turn the ignition switch to the “ON” position and make
certain that all warning lights are functioning properly
before starting the engine.
8. Turn the ignition switch to the “START” position without
pressing the accelerator pedal. Release the key when the
engine starts. Startability of Twin Clutch SST vehicle with ambient
temperature of -22
°F (-30
°C) or lower
When the ambient temperature is -22 °F (-30 °C) or lower, it
may not be possible to start from a standstill even with the
gearshift lever in the “D” (DRIVE) position.
This phenomenon occurs because the transmission has not
warmed up sufficiently; it does not indicate a problem. If it
occurs, place the gearshift lever in the “P” (PARK) position
and let the engine idle for at least 10 minutes.
The transmission will warm up, and you will be able to start
normally.
Do not leave the vehicle during warm-up operation.
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3-94 Features and controls
3
Driving precautions
N00513100156
The table below shows the maximum recommended driv-
ing speed for in each gear. Do not drive near or at these
speeds for prolonged periods of time.Maximum possible driving speedDo not use the gearshift lever as a handrest. This can
result in premature wear of the transaxle shift forks.
Twin Clutch SST (Sportronic Shift Trans-
mission)
(if so equipped)
N00539700017
The Twin Clutch SST is a transmission that, through integrated
control of the engine and transmission, is able to achieve both
the smooth shifting of an automatic transaxle and the accelera-
tion and fuel economy close to a manual transaxle. In addition,
the control mode can be selected from three types to suit the
driving conditions.
Together with manual shifting, the transmission is capable of
responding to a variety of driving circumstances.
Twin Clutch SST control mode→ P. 3 - 1 0 3
Manual shift → P.3-105
Shift points
Maximum possible driving speed
1st gear 37 mph (60 km/h)2nd gear 55 mph (90 km/h)3rd gear 74 mph (120 km/h)4th gear 99 mph (160 km/h)
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3-102 Features and controls
3
“N” NEUTRALAt this position, the transmission is disengaged. It is the same
as the neutral position on a manual transaxle and should be
used when the vehicle is not moving for an extended length of
time during driving, such as in a traffic jam.
“D” DRIVEThis position is used for most city and highway driving. Engine
shifting and braking are done automatically as needed, depend-
ing on road conditions.NOTEFor information on manual shift gate operation, please
refer to “Manual shift” on page 3-105.
When the engine is cold, upshifts occur at a higher vehicle
speed than when the engine is warm.
This control is performed to quickly warm up the engine.
It does not indicate a malfunction. After the vehicle has
been driven for a while, upshifts will occur at the regular
engine speeds.
WA R N I N G
!Never move the gearshift lever to the “N” (NEU-
TRAL) position while driving since you could acci-
dentally slip it into the “P” (PARK) or
“R”(REVERSE) position and the engine speed
could rise, damaging the transmission.To prevent the vehicle from rolling when stopped on
a slope, the engine should be started in the “P”
(PARK) position.
Although the engine can be started when the vehicle
is in the “N” (NEUTRAL) position, for safety rea-
sons, do not start the engine in the “N” (NEUTRAL)
position.Always keep your foot on the brake pedal when the
vehicle is in “N” (NEUTRAL) position, or when
shifting into or out of “N” (NEUTRAL) position, to
prevent rolling.
CAUTION
!Never shift into the “D” (DRIVE) position from the
“R” (REVERSE) position while the vehicle is in
motion.
If the lever is shifted into the “D” (DRIVE) from the
“R” (REVERSE) position while the vehicle is in
motion, the transmission may be damaged.
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3-106 Features and controls
3
NOTEOnly 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.
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3-110 Features and controls
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.
NOTEIf 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.
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4-8 Driving safety
4
Curb weight: the weight of a motor vehicle with standard
equipment including the maximum capacity of fuel, oil,
and coolant.
Accessory weight: the combined weight (in excess of
those standard items which may be replaced) of automatic
transmission, power steering, power brakes, power win-
dows, power seats, radio, and heater, to the extent that
these items are available as factory- installed equipment
(whether installed or not).
Vehicle capacity weight: the rated cargo and luggage load
plus 150 lbs (68 kg)* times the vehicle’s designated seat-
ing capacity.
Production options weight: the combined weight of those
installed regular production options weighing over 5 lbs
(2.3 kg) in excess of those standard items which they
replace, not previously considered in curb weight or
accessory weight, including heavy duty brakes, ride level-
ers, roof rack, heavy duty battery, and special trim.
Normal occupant weight: 150 lbs (68 kg)* times the num-
ber of specified occupants. (In your vehicle the number is
3)
Occupant distribution: distribution of occupants in a vehi-
cle as specified. (In your vehicle the distribution is 2 in
front, 1 in second row seat)
Tire and loading information placard
N00630100338
The tire and loading information placard is located on the
driver’s door sill.
*: 150 lbs (68 kg) is the weight of one person as defined by
U.S.A. and Canadian regulations.
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