Manual transaxle operation

Driving your vehicle / Manual transaxle / Manual transaxle operation

The shift lever can be moved into any of the forward gears without pressing the button (1).

You should press the button (1) when moving the shift lever into reverse.

The manual transaxle has 6 forward gears.

This shift pattern is imprinted on the shift knob. The transaxle is fully synchronized in all forward gears so shifting to either a higher or a lower gear is easily accomplished.

To shift gears, press the clutch pedal down fully, select the desired gear with the gearshift lever, and release the clutch pedal slowly.

If your vehicle is equipped with an ignition lock switch, the engine will not start when starting the engine without depressing the clutch pedal.

The shift lever must be returned to the neutral position before shifting into R (Reverse). The button (1) located at the bottom front of the shift knob must be pressed and held in while moving the shift lever to the R (Reverse) position.

Make sure the vehicle is completely stopped before shifting into R (Reverse). Never operate the engine with the tachometer (rpm) in the red zone.

CAUTION

• When downshifting from fifth gear to fourth gear, caution should be taken not to inadvertently press the shift lever sideways in such a manner that the second gear is engaged. Such a drastic downshift may cause the engine speed to increase to the point that the tachometer will enter the red-zone. Such overrevving of the engine and transaxle may possibly cause engine damage.
• Do not downshift more than 2 gears or downshift the gear when the engine is running at high speed (5,000 RPM or higher). Such a downshifting may damage the engine.
• During cold weather, shifting may be difficult until the transaxle lubricant is warmed up. This is normal and not harmful to the transaxle.
• If you've come to a complete stop and it's hard to shift into 1st or R (Reverse), leave the shift lever in the neutral position and release the clutch. Depress the clutch pedal back down, and then shift into 1st or R (Reverse) gear position.

CAUTION

• To avoid premature clutch wear and damage, do not drive with your foot resting on the clutch pedal. Also, do not use the clutch to hold the vehicle stopped on an uphill grade, while waiting for a traffic light, etc.
• Do not use the shift lever as a handrest during driving, as this can result in premature wear of the transaxle shift forks.
• When operating the clutch pedal, press the clutch pedal down fully. If you don't press the clutch pedal fully, the clutch may be damaged or noise may occur.

WARNING

Before leaving the driver’s seat, always set the parking brake fully and shut the engine off. Then make sure the transaxle is shifted into 1st gear when the vehicle is parked on a level or uphill grade, and shifted into R (Reverse) on a downhill grade. Unexpected and sudden vehicle movement can occur if these precautions are not followed in the order identified.

Using the clutch

The clutch should be depressed all the way to the floor before shifting, then released slowly. The clutch pedal should always be fully released while driving. Do not rest your foot on the clutch pedal while driving. This can cause unnecessary wear. Do not partially engage the clutch to hold the vehicle on an incline. This causes unnecessary wear. Use the foot brake or parking brake to hold the vehicle on an incline. Do not operate the clutch pedal rapidly and repeatedly.

Downshifting

It is important to downshift when you must slow down in heavy traffic or while driving up or down steep hills. Downshifting reduces the chance of stalling and gives better acceleration. When the vehicle is traveling down steep hills, downshifting helps maintain safe speed and prolongs brake life.