
Unlocking the steering wheel
1) Insert the key into the ignition switch.
2) Gently turn the ignition switch while rotating the steering wheel left and right. PRECAUTIONS ON PUSH-BUTTON
IGNITION SWITCH OPERATION WARNING
Do not operate the push-button ignition switch
while driving the vehicle except in an emergency.
(The engine will stop when the ignition switch is
pushed 3consecutive times or the ignition switch
is pushed and held for more than 2seconds.)
The steering wheel may lock and could cause
the driver to lose control of the vehicle. This could
result in serious vehicle damage or personal in-
jury.
REMOTE CONTROL KEY SYSTEM
The Remote Control Key system can operate the
ignition switch without taking the key out from your
pocket or bag. The operating environment and/or
conditions may affect the Remote Control Key sys-
tem operation.
Some indicators and warnings for operation are dis-
played in the vehicle information display and/or in
the meter. (See “Warning lights, indicator lights and
audible reminders” in the “2. Instruments and
controls” section and “Vehicle information display”
in the “2. Instruments and controls” section.)
CAUTION
• Be sure to carry the Remote Control Key with
you when operating the vehicle.
• Never leave the Remote Control Key inside
the vehicle when you leave the vehicle. •
If the vehicle battery is discharged, the igni-
tion switch cannot be switched from the
“LOCK” position, and if the steering lock is
engaged, the steering wheel cannot be
moved. Charge the battery as soon as pos-
sible. (See “Remote Control Key battery
replacement” in the “8. Maintenance and
do-it-yourself” section.)
Operating range
The Remote Control Key can only be used for start-
ing the engine when the Remote Control Key is
within the specified operating range ➀as illus-
trated.
When the Remote Control Key battery is almost dis-
charged or strong radio waves are present near the
operating location, the Remote Control Key sys-
tem’s operating range becomes narrower and may
not function properly.
If the Remote Control Key is within the operating JVS0442XZ
PUSH-BUTTON IGNITION SWITCH (models with Remote Control Key
system)
Starting and driving5-15

range, it is possible for anyone, even someone who
does not carry the Remote Control Key, to push the
ignition switch to start the engine.
• The cargo bed area is not included in the operat-
ing range of the engine start function.
• If the Remote Control Key is placed on the in-
strument panel, inside the glove box, door pocket
or the corner of the interior compartment, the
Remote Control Key may not function.
• If the Remote Control Key is placed near the
door or window outside the vehicle, the Remote
Control Key may function.
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION (AT)
The ignition lock is designed so that the ignition
switch cannot be switched to the “LOCK” position
until the shift lever is moved to the P(Park) position.
When pushing the ignition switch to the “OFF” posi-
tion, make sure the shift lever is in the P(Park) posi-
tion.
When the ignition switch cannot be switched to the
“LOCK” position:
1. [Shift to Park] warning appears on the vehicle
information display and achime sounds.
2. Move the shift lever to the P(Park) position.
3. If the ignition switch is in the “ACC” position, [PUSH] warning appears on the vehicle informa-
tion display.
4. Push the ignition switch. The ignition switch is switched to the “OFF” position. 5. Open the door. The ignition switch turns to the
“LOCK” position.
For warnings and indicators on the vehicle informa-
tion display, see “Indicators for operation” in the
“2. Instruments and controls” section.
If the ignition switch is switched to the “LOCK”
position, the shift lever cannot be moved from the P
(Park) position. The shift lever can be moved if the
ignition switch is in the “ON” position with the foot-
brake pedal depressed.
STEERING LOCK
The ignition switch is equipped with an anti-theft
steering lock device.
To lock steering wheel
1. Place the ignition switch in the “OFF” position where the ignition switch position indicator will
not illuminate.
2. Open or close the door. The ignition switch turns to the “LOCK” position.
3. Turn the steering wheel 1/6 of aturn to the right
or left from the straight up position.
To unlock steering wheel
Push the ignition switch, and the steering wheel will
be automatically unlocked.
CAUTION
• If the battery of the vehicle is discharged, the
push-button ignition switch cannot be
switched from the “LOCK” position. •
If the steering lock release malfunction indi-
cator (where fitted) appears in the vehicle in-
formation display, push the ignition switch
again while rotating the steering wheel slightly
to the right and left. (See “Vehicle information
display” in the “2. Instruments and controls”
section.)
IGNITION SWITCH POSITIONS WARNING
Never place the ignition switch in the “OFF” posi-
tion while driving. The steering wheel may lock
and cause the driver to lose control of the ve-
hicle, resulting in serious vehicle damage or per-
sonal injury.
CAUTION
• Do not leave the vehicle for extended periods
of time when the ignition switch is in the “ON”
position and the engine is not running. This
can discharge the battery.
• Use electrical accessories with the engine
running to avoid discharging the vehicle bat-
tery. If you must use accessories while the
engine is not running, do not use them for
extended periods of time and do not use mul-
tiple electrical accessories at the same time.
5-16 Starting and driving

When the ignition switch is pushed without depress-
ing the brake pedal (automatic transmission model)
or the clutch pedal (manual transmission model),
the ignition switch position will change as follows:
• Push once to change to “ACC”.
• Push two times to change to “ON”.
• Push three times to change to “OFF”.
• Push four times to return to “ACC”.
• Open or close any door to return to “LOCK”
from the “OFF” position.
LOCK position
The ignition switch and steering lock can only be
locked at this position.
The ignition switch will be unlocked when it is
pushed to the “ACC” position while carrying the
Remote Control Key. ACC position
The electrical accessory power activates at this po-
sition without the engine turned on.
ON position
The ignition system and the electrical accessory
power activate at this position without the engine
turned on.
OFF position
The engine is turned off with the steering wheel
unlocked.
REMOTE CONTROL KEY BATTERY
DISCHARGE
If the battery of the Remote Control Key is dis-
charged, or environmental conditions interfere with
the Remote Control Key operation, start the engine
according to the following procedure:
1.
Automatic Transmission (AT) model:
Move the shift lever to the P(Park) position. Manual Transmission (MT) model:
Move the shift lever to the
N(Neutral) position.
2. Firmly depress the brake pedal.
3. Touch the ignition switch with the Remote Con- trol Key as illustrated. (A chime will sound.)
4. Push the ignition switch while depressing the brake pedal (AT model) or the clutch pedal (MT
model) within 10 seconds after the chime
sounds. The engine will start.
After step 3isperformed, when the ignition switch
is pushed without depressing the brake pedal (AT
model) or the clutch pedal (MT model), the ignition
switch position will change to “ACC”.
NOTE
• When the ignition switch is pushed to the
“ACC” or “ON” position or the engine is started
by the above procedures, the Key Battery low
warning appears on the vehicle information
display even if the Remote Control Key is in-
side the vehicle. This is not
amalfunction. To
turn off the warning, touch the ignition switch
with the Remote Control Key again.
• If the Key Battery low warning appears on the
vehicle information display, replace the bat-
tery as soon as possible. (See “Remote Con-
trol Key battery replacement” in the “8. Main-
tenance and do-it-yourself” section.) JVS0241XZ
SSD0944Z
Starting and driving
5-17

1. Apply the parking brake.
2. Depress the footbrake pedal.
3. Automatic Transmission (AT) model:
Move the shift lever to the P(Park) or the N(Neu-
tral) position.
The starter is designed to operate only when
the shift lever is in the proper position.
Manual Transmission (MT) model:
Move the shift lever to the N(Neutral) position
and depress the clutch pedal to the floor while
starting the engine.
4. Crank the engine with your foot off the accelera- tor pedal by turning the ignition switch to the
For diesel engine models: Turn the ignition
switch to the
glow plug indicator light turns off.
5. Immediately release the ignition switch when the engine starts. If the engine starts, but fails to run,
repeat the above procedures.
6. Allow the engine to idle for at least 30 seconds after starting the engine to warm-up. Drive at
moderate speeds for ashort distance first, espe-
cially in cold weather.
CAUTION
Do not leave the vehicle unattended while the
engine is warming up. 1. Apply the parking brake.
2.
Automatic Transmission (AT) model:
Move the shift lever to the P(Park) or the N(Neu-
tral) position.
The starter is designed to operate only when
the shift lever is in the proper position.
Manual Transmission (MT) model:
Move the shift lever to the N(Neutral) position.
The Remote Control Key must be carried when operating the ignition switch.
3. Place the ignition switch in the “ON” position. Depress the brake pedal (AT model) or the clutch
pedal (MT model) and push the ignition switch to
start the engine.
For diesel engine models: Wait until the glow
plug indicator light goes out.
To start the engine immediately, push and re-
lease the ignition switch while depressing the
brake pedal or clutch pedal with the ignition
switch in any position.
4. Immediately release the ignition switch when the engine starts. If the engine starts, but fails to run,
repeat the above procedures.
5. Allow the engine to idle for at least 30 seconds after starting the engine to warm-up. Drive at
moderate speeds for ashort distance first, espe-
cially in cold weather. CAUTION
Do not leave the vehicle unattended while the
engine is warming up.
6. To stop the engine, move the shift lever to the P (Park) (AT model) or N(Neutral) (MT model) po-
sition, apply the parking brake, and push the igni-
tion switch to the “OFF” position.
STARTING ENGINE (models
without Remote Control Key system)
STARTING ENGINE (models with
Remote Control Key system)
5-18 Starting and driving

DRIVING WITH AUTOMATIC
TRANSMISSION (AT)
The Automatic Transmission (AT) in your vehicle is
electronically controlled to produce maximum power
and smooth operation.
The recommended operating procedures for this
transmission are shown on the following pages. Fol-
low these procedures for maximum vehicle perfor-
mance and driving enjoyment. WARNING
Do not downshift abruptly on slippery roads. This
may cause aloss of control.
CAUTION
• The cold engine idle speed is high, so use
caution when shifting into aforward or re-
verse gear before the engine has warmed up.
• Avoid revving up the engine while the vehicle
is stopped. This could cause unexpected ve-
hicle movement.
• Never shift to either the
P(Park) or R(Re-
verse) position while the vehicle is moving
forward and P(Park) or D(Drive) position
while the vehicle is reversing. This could cause an accident or damage the transmis-
sion. •
Except in an emergency, do not shift to the N
(Neutral) position while driving. Coasting with
the transmission in the
N(Neutral) position
may cause serious damage to the transmis-
sion.
• Start the engine in either the
P(Park) or N
(Neutral) position. The engine will not start in
any other gear position. If it does, have your
vehicle checked by an approved dealer or
qualified workshop.
• Shift into the
P(Park) position and apply the
parking brake when at astandstill for longer
than ashort waiting period.
• Keep the engine at idling speed while shifting
from the
N(Neutral) position to any driving
position.
• To avoid possible damage to your vehicle;
when stopping the vehicle on an uphill grade,
do not hold the vehicle by depressing the ac-
celerator pedal. The footbrake should be used
for this purpose.
Starting vehicle
1. After starting the engine, fully depress the foot- brake pedal before attempting to move the shift
lever out of the P(Park) position.
2. Keep the footbrake pedal depressed and move the shift lever into adriving position.
3. Release the parking brake, the footbrake pedal, and then gradually start the vehicle in motion. The AT is designed so the footbrake pedal MUST
be depressed before shifting from the
P(Park)
position to any driving position while the ignition
switch is in the “ON” position.
The shift lever cannot be moved out of the P
(Park) position and into any of the other gear
positions if the ignition switch is placed in the
“LOCK”, “OFF” or “ACC” position.
CAUTION
• DEPRESS THE FOOTBRAKE PEDAL
-Shifting
the shift lever to D(Drive), R(Reverse), or
manual shift mode without depressing the
footbrake pedal causes the vehicle to move
slowly when the engine is running. Make sure
the footbrake pedal is depressed fully and the
vehicle is stopped before shifting the shift le-
ver.
• MAKE SURE OF THE SHIFT LEVER POSITION
-M
ake sure the shift lever is in the desired
position. D(Drive) and manual shift mode are
used to move forward and R(Reverse) to re-
verse. Depress the accelerator pedal to start
the vehicle and merge with traffic (avoid
abrupt starting and spinning the wheels).
• WARM UP THE ENGINE
-Due to the higher
idle speeds when the engine is cold, extra
caution must be exercised when shifting the
shift lever into the driving position immedi-
ately after starting the engine.
DRIVING THE VEHICLE
Starting and driving5-19

•
PARKING THE VEHICLE
-Depress the foot-
brake pedal and, once the vehicle stops, move
the shift lever into the P(Park) position, pull
the parking brake lever and release the foot-
brake pedal.
Shifting
m :
Push
the button
jAw hile depressing
the footbrake pedal
m :
Push
the button
jA
m :
Just
move the shift lever
WARNING
• Apply the parking brake if the shift lever is in
any position while the engine is not running.
Failure to do so could cause the vehicle to
move unexpectedly or roll away and result in
serious personal injury or property damage. •
If the shift lever cannot be moved from the P
(Park) position while the engine is running and
the footbrake pedal is depressed, the stop
lights may not work. Malfunctioning stop
lights could cause an accident injuring your-
self and others.
After starting the engine, fully depress the footbrake
pedal, push the shift lever button and move the shift
lever out of the P(Park) position.
If the ignition switch is placed in the “OFF” or “ACC”
position for any reason while the shift lever is in any
positions other than the P(Park) position, the igni-
tion switch cannot be placed in the “LOCK” posi-
tion.
If the ignition switch cannot be placed in the “LOCK”
position, perform the following steps:
1. Apply the parking brake.
2. Place the ignition switch in the “ON” position
while depressing the footbrake pedal.
3. Move the shift lever to the P(Park) position.
4. Place the ignition switch in the “LOCK” position.
P( Park):
Use this position when the vehicle is parked or when
starting the engine. Make sure that the vehicle is
completely stopped and move the shift lever into
the P(Park) position. Apply the parking brake.
When parking on ahill, first depress the footbrake
pedal, apply the parking brake, and then move the
shift lever into the P(Park) position. R(
Reverse):
Use this position to reverse. Make sure that the
vehicle is completely stopped before selecting the R
(Reverse) position.
N( Neutral):
Neither the forward nor reverse gear is engaged.
The engine can be started in this position. You may
shift to the N(Neutral) position and restart astalled
engine while the vehicle is moving.
D( Drive):
Use this position for all normal forward driving.
Manual shift mode
When the shift lever is shifted to the manual shift
gate and moved up or down while driving, the trans-
mission enters the manual shift mode. Shift range
can be selected manually.
When shifting up, move the shift lever to the +(up)
side. The transmission shifts to the higher range.
When shifting down, move the shift lever to the −
(down) side. The transmission shifts to the lower
range.
When cancelling the manual shift mode, return the
shift lever to the “D” (Drive) position. The transmis-
sion returns to the normal driving mode.
In the manual shift mode, the shift range is displayed
in the vehicle information display between the speed-
ometer and tachometer. JVS0443X
5-20 Starting and driving

Shift ranges up or down one by one as follows:
M1
→
←M2→
←M3→
←M4→
←M5→
←M6→
←M7
M7(
7th):
Use this position for all normal forward driving at
highway speeds.
M6( 6th) andM5(5th):
Use these positions when driving up long slopes, or
for engine braking when driving down long slopes.
M4( 4th),M3(3rd) andM2(2nd):
Use these positions for hill climbing or engine brak-
ing on downhill grades.
M1( 1st):
Use this position when climbing steep hills slowly or
driving slowly through deep snow, or for maximum
engine braking on steep downhill grades.
• Remember not to drive at high speeds for ex-
tended periods of time in lower than 7th gear.
This reduces fuel economy.
• Moving the shift lever to the same side twice will
shift the ranges in succession. However, if this
motion is rapidly done, the second shifting may
not be completed properly.
• In the manual shift mode, the transmission
may not shift to the selected gear or may au-
tomatically shift to the other gear. This helps
maintain driving performance and reduces the
chance of vehicle damage or loss of control. •
When the transmission does not shift to the
selected gear, the Automatic Transmission
(AT) position indicator light (in the vehicle in-
formation display) will blink and the buzzer
will sound.
• In the manual shift mode, the transmission
automatically shifts down to 1st gear before
the vehicle comes to
astop. When accelerat-
ing again, it is necessary to shift up to the
desired range.
Accelerator downshift -inD(Drive)
position
For passing or climbing hills, depress the accelera-
tor pedal to the floor. This shifts the transmission
down into alower gear, depending on the vehicle
speed.
Shift lock release
If the battery is discharged, the shift lever may not
be moved from the P(Park) position even with the
brake pedal depressed. To release the shift lock, perform the following pro-
cedure:
1. Place the ignition switch in the “OFF” or “LOCK”
position.
2. Apply the parking brake.
3. Remove the shift lock cap jAa nd push down
the shift lock release button.
4. Push and hold the shift lever button and move the shift lever to the N(Neutral) position while
holding down the shift lock release button j
A.
Place the ignition switch in the “ON” position to
release the steering wheel lock.
The vehicle may be moved, by pushing, to the de-
sired location.
If the shift lever cannot be moved out of the P(Park)
position, have an approved dealer or qualified work-
shop check the AT system as soon as possible.
Fail-safe
When the fail-safe operation occurs, the AT will be
locked in any of the forward gears depending on
conditions.
If the vehicle is driven under extreme conditions,
such as excessive wheel spinning and subse-
quent hard braking, the fail-safe system may be
activated. This will occur even if all electrical cir-
cuits are functioning properly. In this case, place
the ignition switch in the “OFF” position and wait
for 3seconds. Then place the ignition switch back
in the “ON” position. The vehicle should return to JVS0444X
Starting
and driving
5-21

The Stop/Start System is designed to prevent un-
necessary fuel consumption, exhaust emissions,
and noise during ajourney:
• When you stop the vehicle with the shift lever in
N(
Neutral) and clutch pedal released, the en-
gine is turned off automatically.
• When you push the clutch pedal, the engine is
automatically turned on.
CAUTION
At the end of the journey the engine must be
stopped and ignition turned off. Lock the vehicle
as normal. Turning the ignition switch OFF will
shut down all electrical systems. Failure to do
this may result in aflat battery.
NOTE
For model with Stop/Start System, use the spe-
cial battery that is enhanced in regard to the
charge-discharge capacity and life performance.
Avoid using anon-special battery for the Stop/
Start System, as this may cause early deteriora-
tion of the battery or amalfunction of the Stop/
Start System. For the battery, it is recommended
to use Genuine RENAULT parts. For more infor-
mation, contact an approved dealer or qualified
workshop.
NOTE
The Stop/Start System will not activate under
the following conditions:
• When the engine is kept idling without any
driving after the engine is turned on. •
When the engine coolant temperature is low.
• When the battery capacity is low.
• When the battery temperature is low.
• When the vehicle is moved.
• When the vacuum in the brake servo
decreases.
• When the engine bonnet is opened with the
engine running.
• When the engine is turned on with the engine
bonnet open.
• When the driver’s seat belt is not fastened.
• When the driver’s door is open.
• When the Stop/Start System indicator blinks
at
alow speed.
• When the fan speed control is in any position
other than OFF (0) while the air flow control is
in the front defogger position.
• When the front defogger switch is on.
• When the temperature inside the vehicle is
too high or low. (When the Auto air condition-
ing system is off, the Stop/Start System will
operate.)
• When the fan speed of the air conditioner is
set to the maximum speed.
• When the Stop/Start OFF switch is turned on.
• When the power consumption is large. •
When the vehicle is travelling at altitudes
higher than 2000
m(6562 ft) (MT model).
• For Manual Transmission (MT) models
• When the shift lever is in any position except
the
N(Neutral) position.
• When the clutch pedal is depressed.
• When the Remote Control Key is not in the
vehicle.
• When the steering wheel is turning or turned
more than 45 degrees.
NOTE
The engine will not restart even if the clutch pedal
is pressed while the Stop/Start System is acti-
vated under the following condition:
• When the engine bonnet is opened.
• When the driver seat belt is unfastened and
the driver’s door is opened.
• When the shift lever is not in the
N(Neutral)
position.
NOTE
It may take some time until the Stop/Start Sys-
tem activates under the following conditions:
• When the battery is discharged.
• When the outside temperature is low or high.
• When the battery is replaced or the battery
terminal is disconnected for extended peri-
ods and then reconnected.
STOP/START SYSTEM
(where fitted)
Starting and driving5-23