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2-1. Driving procedures
Engine (ignition) switch
■Starting the engine
Vehicles with an au tomatic transmission
Check that the parking brake is set.
Check that the shift lever is set in P.
Firmly depress the brake pedal.
Turn the engine switch to the “START” position to start the
engine.
Vehicles with a manual transmission Check that the parking brake is set.
Check that the shift lever is set in N.
Firmly depress the clutch pedal.
Turn the engine switch to the “START” position to start the
engine.
■ Changing the engine switch positions
“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.
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2
When driving
■
Turning the key from “ACC” to “LOCK”
Shift the shift lever to P (vehicles with an automatic transmission) or
N (vehicles with a manual transmission). ( →P. 127, 129)
■ If the engine does not start (vehic les with an engine immobilizer sys-
tem)
The engine immobilizer system may not have been deactivated. ( →P. 72)
■ When the steering lock cannot be released
■ Key reminder function
A buzzer sounds if the driver’s door is opened while the engine switch is in
the “LOCK” or “ACC” position to remind you to remove the key\
.
Push in the key and turn it to the “LOCK”
position.
When starting the engine, the engine
switch may seem stuck in the “LOCK”
position. To free it, turn the key while turn-
ing the steering wheel slightly left and
right.
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126 2-1. Driving procedures
CAUTION
■When starting the engine
Always start the engine while sitting in the driver’s seat. Do not depress the
accelerator pedal while starting the engine under any circumstances.
Doing so may cause an accident resulting in death or serious injury.
■ Caution while driving
Do not turn the engine switch to the “LOCK” position while driving. If, in an
emergency, you must turn the engine off while the vehicle is moving, turn the
engine switch only to the “ACC” position to stop the engine. An accident may
result if the engine is stopped while driving.
NOTICE
■To prevent battery discharge
Do not leave the engine switch in the “ACC” or “ON” position for long periods
of time without the engine running.
■ When starting the engine
●Do not crank the engine 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 in the “ON” position, move the
shift lever with the brake pedal depressed.
When shifting the shift lever between P and D, make sure that the
vehicle is completely stopped.
■Shift position purpose
*: Shifting to the D position selects the most suitable gear for the particu-
lar driving condition. Setting the shift lever in the D position is recom-
mended for normal driving.
Shift positionFunction
PParking the vehicle/starting the engine
RReversing
NNeutral
DNormal driving*
3Position for engine braking
2Position for more powerful engine braking
LPosition for maximum engine braking
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128 2-1. Driving procedures
■Downshift restriction
The maximum allowable speeds are as follows.
■ AI-SHIFT
AI-SHIFT automatically selects the suitable gear according to driver perfor-
mance and driving conditions.
AI-SHIFT automatically operates when the shift lever is in the D position.
When driving downhill, there may be cases where the vehicle shifts down
automatically to obtain engine braking. As a result of the downshifting, the
engine speed may increase.
■ When driving with the cruise control system (if equipped)
Engine braking will not occur when downshifting from D. ( →P. 158)
■ If the shift lever cannot be shifted from P
→ P. 328
CAUTION
■When driving on slippery road surfaces
Do not accelerate or shift gears suddenly.
Sudden changes in engine braking may cause the vehicle to spin or skid,
resulting in an accident.
DownshiftingMaximum speed mph (km/h)
3 → 2 53 (85)
2 → L 25 (40)
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2
When driving
Manual transmission∗
∗: If equipped
■Maximum downshifting speed
Observe the downshifting speeds in the following table to prevent over-
revving the engine.
■ Shifting the shift lever
Fully depress the clutch pedal before operating the shift lever, and
then release it slowly.
If it is difficult to shift in reverse, shift the shift lever to N, release the clutch
pedal momentarily, and then try again.
Shift positionMaximum speed mph (km/h)
1 30 (49)
2 57 (92)
3 83 (134)
4 113 (181)
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2-1. Driving procedures
Turn signal lever
■Turn signals can be operated when
The engine switch is in the “ON” position.
■ If the indicator flashes faster than usual
Check that a light bulb in the front or rear turn signal lights has not burned
out.
The turn signal lever can be used to show the following intentions
of the driver:
Right turn
Left turn
Lane change to the right
(push and hold the lever
partway)
The right hand signals will
flash until you release the
lever.
Lane change to the left
(push and hold the lever
partway)
The left hand signals will flash
until you release the lever.
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2
When driving
Parking brake
■Usage in winter time
See “Winter driving tips” for parking brake usage in winter time. (→ P. 172)
NOTICE
■Before driving
Fully release the parking brake.
Driving the vehicle with the parking brake set will lead to brake components
overheating, which may affect braking performance and increase brake
wear.
To set the parking brake,
fully pull the parking brake
lever while depressing the
brake pedal.
To release the parking
brake, slightly raise the
lever and lower it com-
pletely while pressing the
button.
except
CanadaCanada