Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine 3-10
OPERATING YOUR VEHICLE
60MK0-14E
4-Speed Automatic Transaxle
58MS20301
(1) Overdrive off switch
58MS20302
Overdrive off switch
The transaxle is a 4-speed (3-speed plus
overdrive) automatic transaxle. By operat-
ing the overdrive off switch, the transaxle
can be converted to a 3-speed automatic
transaxle that will not move to the over-
drive position. To convert the transaxle to
the 3-speed mode, push in the overdrive
off switch and release it.
To return the transaxle to the 4-speed
mode, push in the overdrive off switch
again.
When the ignition switch is turned to the
“ACC” position, the transaxle in the 3-
speed mode is converted to the 4-speed
mode automatically.
The 3-speed mode is suitable for the fol-
lowing driving conditions:
Driving on hilly, winding roads
– You can drive more smoothly with less
frequent gear changing
Going down a steep hill
– Some engine braking is providedGearshift lever
58MS20303
(1) knob button
The gearshift lever is designed so that it
cannot be shifted out of the “P” position
unless the ignition switch is in the “ON”
position and the brake pedal is depressed.
The gearshift lever has a lock mechanism
to help prevent accidental shifting. To shift
the gearshift lever:
WARNING
Always depress the brake pedal
before shifting from “P” (Park) (or
“N” (Neutral) if the vehicle is station-
ary) to a forward or reverse gear, to
help prevent the vehicle from moving
unexpectedly when you shift.
Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine 3-11OPERATING YOUR VEHICLE
60MK0-14E
NOTE:
Always shift the gearshift lever without
pushing in the knob button (1) except
when you shift from “P” to “R”, from “D”
to “2”, from “2” to “L”, from “N” to “R” or
from “R” to “P”. If you always push in the
knob button (1) when shifting the gear-
shift lever, you could shift into “P”, “R”,
“2”, or “L” by mistake.
If driver’s or passenger’s knee hits the
gearshift lever while driving, the lever
could move and the gear could be
changed unexpectedly.
Use the gearshift lever positions as
described below:P (Park)
Use this position to lock the transaxle
when the vehicle is parked or when start-
ing the engine. Shift into Park only when
the vehicle is completely stationary.
R (Reverse)
Use this position to reverse the vehicle from
stop. Make sure that vehicle is completely
stationary before shifting into Reverse.
N (Neutral)
Use this position for starting the engine if
the engine stalls and you need to restart it
while the vehicle is moving. You may also
shift into Neutral and depress the brake
pedal to hold the vehicle stationary during
idling.
D (Drive)
Use this position for all normal driving.
With the gearshift lever in “D” range you
can get an automatic downshift by pressing
the accelerator pedal. The higher the vehi-
cle speed is, the more you need to press
the accelerator pedal to get a downshift.
2 (Low 2)
Use this position to provide extra power
when climbing hills, or to provide engine
braking when going down hills.
L (Low 1)
Use this position to provide maximum
power when climbing steep hills or driving
through deep snow or mud, or to provide
maximum engine braking when going
down steep hills.NOTE:
If you move the gearshift lever to a lower
gear while driving faster than the maximum
allowable speed for the lower gear, the
transaxle will not actually downshift until
your speed drops below the maximum
speed for the lower gear. Shift with the knob button (1)
pushed in and the brake pedal
depressed.
Shift with the knob button (1)
pushed in.
Shift without the knob button (1)
pushed in.
NOTICE
Be sure to take the following precau-
tions to help avoid damage to the
automatic transaxle:
Make sure that the vehicle is com-
pletely stationary before shifting
into “P” or “R”.
Do not shift from “P” or “N” to “R”,
“D”, “2”, or “L” when the engine is
running above idle speed.
Do not rev the engine with the tran-
saxle in a drive position (“R”, “D”,
“2”, or “L”) and the front wheels not
moving.
Do not use the accelerator to hold
the vehicle on a hill. Use the vehi-
cle’s brakes.
Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine 3-12
OPERATING YOUR VEHICLE
60MK0-14E
If You Cannot Shift Automatic Transaxle
Gearshift Lever Out of “P” (PARK)
71LS10309
Vehicles with an automatic transaxle have
an electrically operated park-lock feature.
If the vehicle’s battery is discharged, or
there is some other electrical failure, the
automatic transaxle cannot be shifted out
of Park in the normal way. Jump starting
may correct the condition. If not, follow the
procedure described below. This proce-
dure will permit shifting the transaxle out of
Par k.
1) Be sure the parking brake is firmly
applied.
2) If the engine is running, stop the
engine.
3) Make sure the key is in the “ON” or
“ACC” position.4) With the release button (1) pushed,
push the knob button (2) and shift the
gearshift lever to the desired position.
This procedure is for emergency use only.
If repeated use of this procedure is neces-
sary, or the procedure does not work as
described, take the vehicle to your dealer
for repair.
Braking
60G165S
The distance needed to bring any vehicle
to a halt increases with the speed of the
vehicle. The braking distance needed, for
example, at 60 km/h (37 mph) will be
approximately 4 times greater than the
braking distance needed at 30 km/h (19
mph). Start to brake the vehicle when there
is plenty of distance between your vehicle
and the stopping point, and slow down
gradually.
(2)
(1)
Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine 3-13OPERATING YOUR VEHICLE
60MK0-14E
Power-Assisted Brakes Your vehicle has power-assisted brakes. If
power assistance is lost due to a stalled
engine or other failures, the system is still
fully operational on reserve power and you
can bring the vehicle to a complete stop by
pressing the brake pedal once and holding
it down. The reserve power is partly used
up when you depress the brake pedal and
reduces each time the pedal is pressed.
Apply smooth and even pressure to the
pedal. Do not pump the pedal.
Brake Assist System (if equipped)When you slam the brakes on, the brake
assist system judges as an emergency
stop and provides more powerful braking
for a driver who cannot hold down the
brake pedal firmly.
NOTE:
If you quickly and forcefully depress the
brakes, you may hear a clicking sound in
the brake pedal. This is normal and indi-
cates that the brake assist system is acti-
vated properly.Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)
(if equipped)ABS will help you avoid skidding by elec-
tronically controlling braking pressure. It
will also help you maintain steering control
when braking on slippery surfaces or when
braking hard.
The ABS works automatically, so you do
not need any special braking technique.
Just push the brake pedal down without
pumping. The ABS will operate whenever it
senses that the wheels are locking up. Youmay feel the brake pedal moves a little
while the ABS is operating.
NOTE:
The ABS will not work if vehicle speed is
under about 10 km/h (6mph).
WARNING
If water gets into the brake drums,
brake performance may become poor
and unpredictable. After driving
through water or washing the under-
side of the vehicle, test the brakes
while driving at a slow speed to see if
they have maintained their normal
effectiveness. If the brakes are less
effective than normal, dry them by
repeatedly applying the brakes while
driving slowly until the brakes have
regained their normal effectiveness.
WARNING
Even without reserve power in the
brake system, you can still stop the
vehicle by pressing the brake pedal
harder than normally required. How-
ever, the stopping distance may be
longer.
WARNING
On some types of loose surfaces
(such as gravel, snow-covered
roads, etc.) the stopping distance
required for an ABS-equipped vehi-
cle may be slightly greater than for
a comparable vehicle with a con-
ventional brake system. With a
conventional brake system, skid-
ding tires are able to “plow” the
gravel or snow layer, shortening
the stopping distance. ABS mini-
mizes this resistance effect. Allow
for extra stopping distance when
driving on loose surfaces.
On regular paved roads, some driv-
ers may be able to obtain slightly
shorter stopping distances with
conventional brake systems than
with ABS.
(Continued)
Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine 4-3DRIVING TIPS
60MK0-14E
Keep the air cleaner clean
60A183S
If the air cleaner is clogged with dust, there
will be greater intake resistance, resulting
in decreased power output and increased
fuel consumption.
Keep weight to a minimum
The heavier the load, the more fuel the
vehicle consumes. Take out any luggage
or cargo when it is not necessary.
Keep tire pressures correct
Underinflation of the tires can waste fuel
due to increased running resistance of the
tires. Keep your tires inflated to the correct
pressure shown on the label on the driver’s
side door or the driver’s door lock pillar.
Highway DrivingWhen driving at highway speeds, pay
attention to the following:
Stopping distance progressively
increases with vehicle speed. Apply the
brakes far enough ahead of the stopping
point to allow for the extra stopping dis-
tance.
On rainy days, “Hydroplaning” can occur.
“Hydroplaning” is the loss of direct con-
tact between the road surface and the
vehicle’s tires due to a water film forming
between them. Steering or braking the
vehicle while “Hydroplaning” can be very
difficult, and loss of control can occur.
Keep speed down when the road surface
is wet.
At high speeds, the vehicle may be
affected by side winds. Therefore,
reduce speed and be prepared for unex-
pected buffeting, which can occur at the
exits of tunnels, when passing by a cut of
a hill, or when being overtaken by large
vehicles, etc.
Driving on Hills
58MS20401
When climbing steep hills, the vehicle
may begin to slow down and show a lack
of power. If this happens, you should
shift to a lower gear so that the engine
will again be operating in its normal
power range. Shift rapidly to prevent the
vehicle from losing momentum.
When driving down a hill, the engine
should be used for braking by shifting to
next lower gear. (Do this with EITHER an
automatic or manual transaxle.)
EXAMPLE
Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine 4-4
DRIVING TIPS
60MK0-14E
Driving on Slippery Roads
60G089S
Under wet road conditions you should
drive at a lower speed than on dry roads
due to possible slippage of tires during
braking. When driving on icy, snow-cov-
ered, or muddy roads, reduce your speed
and avoid sudden acceleration, abrupt
braking, or sharp steering movements.
Tire ChainsTire chains should only be used if they are
needed to increase traction or are required
by law. Make sure that the chains you use
are the correct size for your vehicle’s tires.
Also make sure that there is enough clear-
ance between the fenders and the chains
as installed on the tires.
Install the chains on the front tires tightly,
according to the chain manufacturer’s
instructions. Retighten the chains after
driving about 1.0 km (1/2 mile) if neces-
sary. With the chains installed, drive slowly.
WARNING
Try not to hold the brake pedal down
too long or too often while going
down a steep or long hill. This could
cause the brakes to overheat, result-
ing in reduced braking efficiency.
Failure to take this precaution could
result in loss of vehicle control.
NOTICE
When descending a down hill,
NEVER turn the ignition key to the
“OFF” position. Emission control
system and automatic transaxle dam-
age may result.
NOTICE
If you hear the chains hitting
against the vehicle body while driv-
ing, stop and tighten them.
If your vehicle is equipped with full
wheel caps, remove the wheel caps
before installing the chains or the
wheel caps can be damaged by the
chain bands.
Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine 5-6
OTHER CONTROLS AND EQUIPMENT
60MK0-14E
Radio Antenna
68KH052
The radio antenna on the roof is remov-
able. To remove the antenna, turn it coun-
terclockwise. To reinstall the antenna, turn
it clockwise firmly by hand.
NOTICE
To avoid damage to the radio
antenna:
Remove the antenna when using an
automatic car wash.
Remove the antenna when the
antenna hits anything such as a
low ceiling in a parking garage or
putting a car cover over your vehi-
cle.
EXAMPLE
Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine 5-12
OTHER CONTROLS AND EQUIPMENT
60MK0-14E
Turning power on/off
Press the VOL PUSH POWER knob (1).
The unit starts in the function mode it was
in when the power was turned off last.
Adjusting the volume
Turn the VOL PUSH POWER knob (1).
Turning it clockwise increases the volume;
turning it counterclockwise decreases the
volume.
NOTE:
While driving, adjust the volume to an
extent that sound and/or noise coming
from outside the vehicle can be heard.
Mute
Press the MUTE button (3) to mute the
sound. To cancel the mute, press the
MUTE button (3) again.Adjusting bass/treble/balance /fader
1) Press the TUNE FOLDER PUSH
SOUND knob (2).
Each time the knob is pressed, sound
adjustment will change as follows:
2) Turn the TUNE FOLDER PUSH
SOUND knob (2) to adjust the sound.Adjusting the AVC (Auto volume con-
trol)
The Auto Volume Control (AVC) function
automatically adjusts (increases/
decreases) the sound volume in accor-
dance with vehicle speed. The AVC control
is provided with three selectable levels
(LEVEL OFF, 1, 2, 3). The range of volume
adjustment increases together with the
LEVEL number.
1) Press the TUNE FOLDER PUSH
SOUND knob (2) until the AVC adjust-
ment mode is selected.
2) Turn the TUNE FOLDER PUSH
SOUND knob (2) to select the desired
AVC adjustment level. (Initial setting:
LEVEL 2) Bass adjustment (BASS 0)
Treble adjustment (TREBLE 0)
Balance adjustment (BALANCE 0)
Fader adjustment (FADER 0)
AVC adjustment (LEVEL 2)