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185 2-1. Driving procedures
2
When driving
When moving the shift lever out of P
If the shift lever is pushed sideways before the brake pedal is depressed,
shift lever operation may not be possible. Depress the brake pedal before
shifting the shift lever out of P.
Downshifting restrictions warning buzzer
If downshifting operations are performed at a vehicle speed by which down-
shifting is not possible (when downshifting will cause the engine speed to
enter the red zone), a buzzer will sound to warn the driver that downshifting
cannot be performed.
When driving with cruise control activated (if equipped)
Downshifting can be performed even when using cruise control. After down-
shifting, the set speed continues. (P. 184, 186)
Sport mode
In sport mode, lower gears are used and gears change at a higher
engine speed.
If sport mode is changed to while the shift lever is in the M position, the
“SPORT” indicator will come on but sport mode controls will not be car-
ried out. Shift the shift lever to the D position.
Sport mode cannot be changed to when driving with cruise control acti-
vated.
Snow mode
To prevent slipping, 1
st gear cannot be selected when in snow mode.
Sport mode and snow mode automatic deactivation
In the following situations, the driving mode is automatically deactivated:
When the engine is turned off after driving in sport mode or snow mode.
When cruise control is activated while driving in sport mode.
If the shift lever cannot be shifted from P
P. 412
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186 2-1. Driving procedures
Automatic gear selection when the vehicle is stopped
When the vehicle is idling at high rpm in order to warm up, and the vehicle is
on a slippery road, the transmission may automatically shift to 2
nd gear for
stopping and starting off.
Temporary manual mode driving (vehicles with paddle shift switches)
Temporary manual mode driving will be deactivated and normal D position
driving will be returned to in the following situations:
When driving for longer than the set time (the set time differs according
to driving conditions).
When the vehicle comes to a stop.
When the accelerator pedal is continually depressed for longer than the
set time.
When the accelerator pedal is fully, or near-fully, depressed.
Temporary manual mode driving can be
changed to by operating the paddle shift
switches while the shift lever is in the D
position.
When this occurs, the selected gear and
“D” are displayed on the shift position and
shift range indicator.
(When engine speed rises close to the
red zone, upshifting will be automatically
performed.)
Gear Shift Indicator: P. 184
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187 2-1. Driving procedures
2
When driving
AI-SHIFT
The AI-SHIFT automatically shifts the gear to the suitable position according
to the driver performance and driving conditions.
The AI-SHIFT automatically operates when the shift lever is in the D posi-
tion. (Operating the paddle shift switches or shifting the shift lever to the M
position cancels the function.)
CAUTION
When driving on slippery road surfaces
Be careful of downshifting and sudden acceleration, as this could result in
the vehicle skidding to the side or spinning.
To prevent incorrect operation
Do not attach items such as accessories to the paddle shift switches.
Doing so may unintentionally move the paddle shift switches.
Gear Shift Indicator
The indication of the gear shift indicator is only as a guideline for driving
more fuel-efficiently. The indicator does not inform the driver about the safe
shift operation timing. The driver has the responsibility for suitable shift oper-
ation depending on the traffic conditions or driving conditions (e.g., overtak-
ing or driving on an uphill slope).
This indicator supports the driver to drive more fuel-efficiently. The vehicle
system determines the shift operation timing depending on the driving condi-
tions, and informs the driver by the indicator on the combination meter. For
details, refer to Gear shift indicator.
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2-1. Driving procedures
Manual Transmission
: If equipped
Shifting the shift lever
Fully depress the clutch pedal before operating the shift lever, and
then release it slowly.
Shifting the shift lever to R
Shift the shift lever to R while
lifting up the ring section.
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189 2-1. Driving procedures
2
When driving
Shift position indicator
The selected shift position will be
displayed on the multi-informa-
tion display.
The selected shift position will not
appear in the following situations:
• When the shift lever is in N.
• When the vehicle speed is 10
km/h (6 mph) or less (except
when the shift lever is in R).
• When the clutch pedal is
depressed.
Gear Shift Indicator
The Gear Shift Indicator display is a guide to help the driver achieve
improved fuel economy and reduced exhaust emissions within limits
of engine performance.
Upshift indicator
Downshift indicator
The Gear Shift Indicator cannot
be deactivated.
Gear Shift Indicator display
The Gear Shift Indicator may not be displayed when your foot is placed
on the clutch pedal.
The Gear Shift Indicator may operate to prevent a possible engine stall at
a low engine speed.
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190 2-1. Driving procedures
CAUTION
Gear Shift Indicator
The indication of the gear shift indicator is only as a guideline for driving
more fuel-efficiently. The indicator does not inform the driver about the safe
shift operation timing. The driver has the responsibility for suitable shift oper-
ation depending on the traffic conditions or driving conditions (e.g., overtak-
ing or driving on an uphill slope).
This indicator supports the driver to drive more fuel-efficiently. The vehicle
system determines the shift operation timing depending on the driving condi-
tions, and informs the driver by the indicator on the combination meter. For
details, refer to Gear shift indicator.
Usually, the gear shift indicator is a guideline for driving more fuel-efficiently,
and it also may operate to prevent a possible stall at a low engine speed.
NOTICE
To prevent damage to the transmission
Do not lift up the ring section except when shifting the lever to R.
Shift the shift lever to R only when the vehicle is stationary and the clutch
pedal is fully depressed.
Do not shift the shift lever without
depressing the clutch pedal.
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2-1. Driving procedures
2
When driving
Turn signal lever
Turn signals can be operated when
Vehicles without a smart entry & start system
The engine switch is in the “ON” position.
Vehicles with a smart entry & start system
The “ENGINE START STOP” switch is in IGNITION ON mode.
If the indicators flash faster than usual
Check that a light bulb in the 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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2-1. Driving procedures
Parking brake
Usage in winter time
P. 233
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
completely while pressing the button.