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In sports mode, gear shifts can be made rap-idly simply by moving the selector leverbackward and forward. In contrast to a man-
ual transmission, the sports mode allows gear shifts with the accelerator pedal depressed.SHIFT UPSHIFT DOWN
+ (SHIFT UP)
Push the lever forward once to shift up
one gear.
- (SHIFT DOWN)
Pull the lever backward once to shift
down one gear.
CAUTIONl In sports mode, the driver must execute up-
ward shifts in accordance with prevailingroad conditions, taking care to keep the en-
gine speed below the red zone.CAUTIONl By rapidly moving the selector lever back-
ward (SHIFT DOWN) twice, it is possible to
skip one gear, i.e., 3 rd
to 1 st
, 4 th
to 2 nd
or 5 th
to 3 rd
. Since sudden engine braking and/or
rapid acceleration can cause a loss of trac-
tion, however, downshifts must be made carefully in accordance with the vehicle’s
speed.NOTEl In sports mode, only the 5 forward gears can
be selected. To reverse or park the vehicle, move the selector lever to the “R” (RE-
VERSE) or “P” (PARK) position as re- quired.
l To maintain good running performance, the
transmission may refuse to perform an up- shift when the selector lever is moved to the“+ (SHIFT UP)” position at certain vehicle
speeds. Also, to prevent over-revving of the engine, the transmission may refuse to per-
form a downshift when the lever is moved to
the “- (SHIFT DOWN)” position at certain vehicle speeds.
l In sports mode, downward shifts are made
automatically when the vehicle slows down.
When the vehicle stops, 1st
gear is automati-
cally selected.NOTEl When driving away on a slippery road, push
the selector lever forward into the“+ (SHIFT UP)” position. This causes the
transmission to shift into the 2nd
gear which
is better for smooth driving away on a slip-
pery road. Push the selector lever to the
“- (SHIFT DOWN)” side to shift back to the
1 st
gear.
l For vehicles equipped with the gearshift in-
dicator, the gearshift indicator shows recom-
mended gearshift points for fuel-efficient
driving. It shows a “
” when an upshift is
recommended.
When the transfer shift lever is in the 4LLc
position, the gearshift indicator does not show recommended gearshift points.
Automatic transmission INVECS-II Sports Mode 5A/T (Intelligent & Innovative Vehicle Electronic Control System II)
6-22OVWE16E1Starting and driving6
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Sports mode indicator
E00612300254
In sports mode, the currently selected posi-
tion is indicated by the indicator (A) shown
on the instrument panel.NOTEl When sports mode is selected, the “D” indi-
cator goes off.When a malfunction occurs in
the A/T
E00615100035
When the “N” indication lamp
blinks
E00615200023
When the “N” indication lamp (A) blinks
with the “D” (DRIVE) position or “Sports mode” being selected, the A/T may be mal-
functioning.
CAUTIONl If the “N” indication lamp blinks while driv-
ing in the “D” (DRIVE) position or “Sports
Mode”, the A/T safety device may be oper-
ating due to a malfunction.
We recommend you to have your vehicle in-
spected as soon as possible.When the A/T fluid tempera-
ture warning lamp comes on
E00615301177
When the A/T fluid temperature warning
lamp comes on, a buzzer may sound when the automatic transmission fluid temperature
becomes abnormally high. Normally the
warning lamp comes on when the ignition
switch is turned to the “ON” position, and then will go out after a few seconds.
CAUTIONl If the lamp comes on, reduce the engine
speed and stop the vehicle in a safe area.Then set the selector lever to “P” (PARK)
position and idle the engine until the warn-
ing lamp goes off. When the warning lamp goes off, resume normal driving. If the
warning lamp does not go off, we recom- mend you to have your vehicle inspected.
Automatic transmission INVECS-II Sports Mode 5A/T (Intelligent & Innovative Vehicle Electronic Control System II)
6-23OVWE16E1Starting and driving6
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Operation of the A/T
E00604200560
CAUTIONlBefore selecting a gear with the engine run-
ning and the vehicle stationary, fully depressthe brake pedal to prevent the vehicle from
creeping.
The vehicle will begin to move as soon as the gear is engaged, especially when the en-
gine speed is high, at fast idle or with the air conditioning operating, the brakes should
only be released when you are ready to drive
away.
l Depress the brake pedal with the right foot at
all times.
Using the left foot could cause driver move- ment delay in case of an emergency.
l Operating the accelerator pedal while the
other foot is resting on the brake pedal will affect braking efficiency and may cause pre-
mature wear of brake pads.
l To prevent sudden acceleration, never race
the engine when shifting from the “P”
(PARK) or “N” (NEUTRAL) position.
l Use the selector lever in the correct shift po-
sition in accordance with driving conditions. Never coast downhill backward with the se- lector lever in the “D” (DRIVE) or sportsmode position or coast forward with the se-
lector lever in the “R” (REVERSE) position. The engine may stop and the unexpected in- crease in brake pedal effort and steering
wheel weight could lead to an accident.CAUTIONl Do not race the engine with brake pedal
pressed when the vehicle is stationary.
This can damage the A/T.
Also, when you depress the accelerator ped- al while holding down the brake pedal withthe selector lever in the “P” (PARK), “N”
(NEUTRAL) or “D” (DRIVE) position, the
increase in engine revolutions may be limi-
ted.Passing acceleration
E00604500156
To gain extra acceleration in “D” (DRIVE)
position, push the accelerator to the floor.The automatic transmission will automatical- ly downshift.
NOTEl In “Sports mode”, downshifts do not take
place when the accelerator is depressed all
the way to the floor.Uphill/downhill driving
E00610500177
DRIVING UPHILL
The transmission prevents unnecessary up-
shifts even when the accelerator pedal is re- leased and ensures smooth driving.
DRIVING DOWNHILL
According to the conditions, the transmission
will automatically shift to a lower gear ratio to achieve stronger engine braking. This mayhelp reduce your need to use the service brake.
Waiting
E00604600245
For short waiting periods, such as at trafficsignals, the vehicle can be left in gear and held stationary with the service brake.
For longer waiting periods with the engine
running, place the selector lever in the “N” (NEUTRAL) position and apply the parking
brake, while holding the vehicle stationary with the service brake.
CAUTIONl Never hold the vehicle stationary on a hill
using the accelerator pedal (without using
the brake pedal). Always apply the parking brake and/or service brakes.Parking
E00604700161
To park the vehicle, first bring it to a com-
plete stop, fully engage the parking brake,and then move the selector lever to the “P”
(PARK) position.
Automatic transmission INVECS-II Sports Mode 5A/T (Intelligent & Innovative Vehicle Electronic Control System II)
6-24OVWE16E1Starting and driving6
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If you are going to leave the vehicle unatten-
ded, always switch off the engine and remove the ignition key.NOTEl On a slope, be sure to apply the parking
brake before moving the selector lever to the
“P” (PARK) position. If you move the selec- tor lever to the “P” (PARK) position before applying the parking brake, it may be diffi-
cult to disengage the selector lever from the
“P” (PARK) position when next you drive the vehicle, requiring application of a strong
force to the selector lever to move from the
“P” (PARK) position.When the A/T makes no speed
change
E00604800348
If the transmission does not change speeds
while driving, or your vehicle does not pick up enough speed when starting on an uphillslope, it may be that there is something un-
usual happening in the transmission, causing a safety device to activate. We recommendyou to have your vehicle checked as soon as
possible. 1. If your vehicle has difficulty moving up-
hill, shift the selector lever into 2nd
gear
of the “Sports mode”.
This method might not work depending
on the transmission malfunction.
2. Once the vehicle is moving on a level
road, move the selector lever back to
“D” (DRIVE).Super select 4WD II (SS4 II)
E00605700067
Shifting to rear-wheel drive or 4-wheel drive
can be made by operating the transfer shift lever (A). Shift the transfer shift lever to an appropriate position according to the roadsurface conditions. In addition, the
2WD/4WD operation indication lamp indi- cates the transfer shift lever shifting state.Refer to “2WD/4WD operation indicationlamp” on page 6-28.
Vehicles with M/TVehicles with A/TShift lever position and
2WD/4WD operation indica- tion lamp
E00605800127
Transfer shift lever position
2WD/4W D opera-
tion indi- cationlamp
Driving
conditions2HRear-wheel driveWhen driv-
ing on dry
paved road.
4H
Full-time 4-wheel drive
The basic
position for
super select
4WD II.
When driv-
ing on dry
paved or
slippery
roads.
4HLc
Centre dif- ferential
lock engag- ed 4-wheel driveWhen driv-
ing on
rough, sand
or snow
covered
roads.
: Illuminate
: Remain off
Super select 4WD II (SS4 II)
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Transfer shiftlever position
2WD/4W D opera-
tion indi- cationlamp
Driving
conditions
4LLc
Low range centre dif- ferential
lock engag- ed 4-wheel drive
When driv-
ing up or
down steep
hills, on
rough or
muddy
roads (es-
pecially
when in-
creased tor-
que is re-
quired).
: Illuminate
: Remain offCAUTIONl The “4LLc” range gives maximum torque
for low-speed driving on steep slopes, as
well as sandy, muddy, and other difficult
surfaces. On vehicles with A/T, do not ex-
ceed speeds of approximately 70 km/h
(43 mph) in “4LLc” range.CAUTIONl Do not drive your vehicle in the “4HLc” or
“4LLc” position on dry paved roads and highways. Doing so may result in excessivetyre wear, increased fuel consumption, and
possible noise generation. It may also in-
crease the differential oil temperature, which
may damage the drive system. Further, the drive train will be subjected to excessive loading, resulting in oil leakage, component
seizure, or other serious problems. On dry
paved roads and highways, drive the vehicle
in “2H” or “4H” only.Transfer shift lever operation
E00605900072
The transfer shift lever is operated by push-
ing it down and sliding it to the desired posi-
tion.
Super select 4WD II (SS4 II)
6-26OVWE16E1Starting and driving6
Page 166 of 404

To shift fromToProcedureVehicles with M/TVehicles with A/T2H4HThe transfer shift lever can be operated while the ve-
hicle is either moving or stationary.
When the vehicle is not in motion, shift the gearshift
lever to the “N” (Neutral) position before operating
the transfer shift lever.
When the vehicle is moving, and only while it can be
steered straight ahead, and release the accelerator ped- al before operating the transfer shift lever.The transfer shift lever can be operated while the
vehicle is either moving or stationary.
When the vehicle is not in motion, shift the selector
lever to the “N” (NEUTRAL) position before oper-
ating the transfer shift lever.
When the vehicle is moving, and only while it can
be steered straight ahead, shift the selector lever to
the “D” (DRIVE) position, and release the accelera-
tor pedal before operating the transfer shift lever.4H2H or 4HLc
4HLc4H
4HLc4LLcStop the vehicle, depress the clutch pedal to the floor
and operate the transfer shift lever.
Keep depressing the clutch pedal while the
2WD/4WD operation indication lamp continues to
blink.
Stop the vehicle, shift the selector lever to the “N”
(NEUTRAL) position, and operate the transfer shift
lever.4LLc4HLcNOTEl Shifting of the lever among “2H” ↔ “4H”
↔ “4HLc” should only be done at speedsbelow 100 km/h (62 mph).
l When shifting from “2H” to “4H” in cold
weather while the vehicle is in motion, the transmission gear may make some noise. In
cold weather, try to shift the gear while the
vehicle is stopped.NOTEl When the lever is shifted between “2H” ↔
“4H” or “4H” ↔ “4HLc” while the vehicle is stopped, the 2WD/4WD operation indica-
tion lamp blinks while the selection is in process. Drive slowly and normally afterconfirming that the lamp is illuminated. Re-
fer to “2WD/4WD operation indication lamp” on page 6-28.
l Do not move the selector lever while the
2WD/4WD operation indication lamp isblinking.NOTEl On vehicles with cruise control, when the
lever is shifted among “2H” ↔ “4H” ↔
“4HLc” while the cruise control is activated,
the transfer gear may make some noise.CAUTIONl Do not operate the transfer shift lever while
the rear wheels of the vehicle are slipping on snow or ice.
Super select 4WD II (SS4 II)
6-27OVWE16E1Starting and driving6
Page 167 of 404
2WD/4WD operation indica-tion lamp
E00606001240
A- Front wheel lamp B- Centre differential lock lamp
C- Rear wheel lamp
D- Low-range centre differential lock lamp
When the ignition switch is in the “ON” posi-
tion, the 2WD/4WD operation indication lamp shows the shifting condition. The 2WD/4WD operation indication lamp illumi-
nates at each transfer shift lever position as follows:
“2H” ↔ “4H”Transfer shift lever
position2WD/4WD opera-
tion indication lamp
2H
Drive mode switch- ing in progress 4H
: Blink
: Illuminate
: Remain off
“2H” ↔ “4HLc”Transfer shift lever position2WD/4WD opera-
tion indication lamp
2H
Drive mode switch- ing in progress 4HLc
: Blink
: Illuminate
: Remain off
Super select 4WD II (SS4 II)
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“4H” ↔ “4HLc”Transfer shift leverposition2WD/4WD opera-
tion indication lamp
4H
Drive mode switch- ing in progress 4HLc
: Blink
: Illuminate
: Remain off
“4HLc” ↔ “4LLc”Transfer
shift lever position2WD/4WD operation indi- cation lamp
4HLc
Drive mode
switching in progress 4LLc
: Blink
: Illuminate
: Remain off
NOTEl The 2WD/4WD operation indication lamp
blinks while the selection is in process. Takethe following precautions when the indica-tion lamp is blinking.
• Keep the steering wheel in the straight
ahead position while making range selec- tions. If you attempt to drive forward with
the steering wheel turned, gear rattling may occur and the desired range may notactually be selected.
• If the front wheel and/or centre differen-
tial lock lamps continue blinking after a“2H” ↔ “4H” ↔ “4HLc” selection has
been made with the vehicle moving, hold the steering wheel in the straight ahead
position and slowly depress the accelera-
tor pedal several times.
• If, after a “4HLc” ↔ “4LLc” selection
has been made, the front and rear wheel
lamps continue blinking and the desired range is not actually selected, return the
transfer shift lever to its previous position.
Place the steering wheel in the straight
ahead position, drive the vehicle forward, and release the accelerator pedal. Next,
hold down the clutch pedal (with M/T) or
place the selector lever in the “N” (NEU- TRAL) position (with A/T) and make the
range selection again.
Super select 4WD II (SS4 II)
6-29OVWE16E1Starting and driving6