Brake-shift interlock

This vehicle is equipped with a brake-shift interlock feature that prevents the gearshift lever from being moved from P (Park) unless the brake pedal is depressed. If you cannot move the gearshift lever out of P (Park) with the brake pedal depressed:

1. Continue depressing the brake pedal, and remove the shift-lock override cap with a 2.5 cm(1 inch) or longer screwdriver.

2. Insert the screwdriver into the shift-lock override opening and push down.

3. Push and hold the thumb button.

4. Move the gearshift lever.

If it is necessary to use the above procedure to move the gearshift lever, it is possible that a fuse has blown and the vehicle's brakelamps may not be operating properly.

Refer to Fuses and relays in the Roadside emergencies chapter.

Do not drive your vehicle until you verify that the brakelamps are working.

If your vehicle gets stuck in mud or snow it may be rocked out by shifting from forward and reverse gears, stopping between shifts, in a steady pattern. Press lightly on the accelerator in each gear.

Do not rock the vehicle for more than a few minutes. The transaxle and tires may be damaged or the engine may overheat.

Always set the parking brake fully and make sure the gearshift lever is latched in P (Park). Turn off the ignition whenever you leave your vehicle.

If the parking brake is fully released, but the brake warning lamp remains illuminated, the brakes may not be working properly.

See your dealer or a qualified service technician.

Understanding gearshift positions

Hold the brake pedal down while you move the gearshift lever fromP (Park) to another position. If you do not hold the brake pedal down, your vehicle may move unexpectedly and injure someone.

P (Park)

Always come to a complete stop before shifting into P (Park). Make sure that the gearshift lever is securely latched in P (Park). This locks the transaxle and prevents the front wheels from rotating.

Always set the parking brake fully and make sure the gearshift lever is latched in P (Park). Turn off the ignition whenever you leave your vehicle.

R (Reverse)

With the gearshift lever in R (Reverse), the vehicle will move backward. You should always come to a complete stop before shifting in and out of R (Reverse).

N (Neutral)

With the gearshift lever in the N (Neutral) position, the vehicle can be started and is free to roll. Hold the brake pedal down while in this position.

(Overdrive)

The overdrive position is the normal driving position for an automatic overdrive transaxle. It works the same way as D (Drive) but shifts to a fourth gear-an overdrive gear-when your vehicle cruises at a constant speed for any length of time. This fourth gear will increase your fuel economy when you travel at cruising speeds

Overdrive may not be appropriate for certain terrains. If the transaxle shifts back and forth between third and fourth gears while you are driving hilly roads or if your vehicle requires additional power for climbing hills, shift into D (Drive).

D (Drive) D (Drive) eliminates the needless shifting between third and fourth gears that your vehicle may do when driving in hilly terrain. It also gives more engine braking than overdrive to slow your vehicle on downgrades.

L (Low)

Use L (Low) when added engine braking is desired or when descending steep hills.

The automatic transaxle will shift into the proper gear to ascend any grade without any need to shift to L (Low).

Do not go faster than 61 km/h (38 mph) when in this gear. You can upshift from L (Low) to (overdrive)
at any time.

When parking, do not use the gearshift in place of the parking brake. Always set the parking brake fully and make sure that the gearshift is securely latched in Park (P). Turn off the ignition whenever you leave your vehicle. Never leave your vehicle unattended while it is running. If you do not take these precautions, your vehicle may move unexpectedly and injure someone.

If your vehicle gets stuck in mud or snow

If your vehicle gets stuck in mud or snow, it may be rocked out by shifting from forward and reverse gears, stopping between shifts in a steady pattern. Press lightly on the accelerator in each gear.

Do not rock the vehicle if the engine is not at normal operating temperature or damage to the transmission may occur.

Do not rock the vehicle for more than a minute or damage to the transmission and tires may occur, or the engine may overheat.

MANUAL TRANSMISSION OPERATION (IF EQUIPPED)

Using the clutch

The manual transaxle has a starter interlock that prevents cranking the engine unless the clutch pedal is fully depressed.

When starting a vehicle with a manual transaxle, you must:

1. Make sure the parking brake is fully set.

2. Press the clutch pedal to the floor, then put the gearshift lever in the neutral position.

3. Start the engine, then press the brake pedal and release the parking brake.

4. Move the gearshift lever to the desired gear, then slowly release the clutch pedal while slowly pressing on the accelerator.

Do not drive with your foot resting on the clutch pedal or use the clutch pedal to hold your vehicle at a standstill while waiting on a hill. These actions will reduce the life of the clutch.

Parking your vehicle

1. Apply the brake and shift into the neutral position.

2. Fully apply the parking brake, then shift into 1 (First).

3. Turn the ignition off.

Do not park your vehicle in Neutral, it may move unexpectedly and injure someone. Use 1 (First) gear and set the parking brake fully.

Recommended shift speeds

Upshift according to the following charts for best fuel economy:

Reverse

1. Make sure that your vehicle is at a complete stop before you shift into R (Reverse). Failure to do so may damage the transaxle.

2. Move the gearshift lever into the neutral position and wait at least three seconds before shifting into R (Reverse).

• The gearshift lever can only be moved into R (Reverse) by moving it from left of 3 (Third) and 4 (Fourth) before shifting into R (Reverse).

  This is a lockout feature that protects the transaxle from accidentally being shifted into R (Reverse) from5 (Overdrive).

DRIVING THROUGH WATER

Do not drive quickly through standing water, especially if the depth is unknown. Traction or brake capability may be limited and if the ignition system gets wet, your engine may stall. Water may also enter your engine's air intake and severely damage your engine.

If driving through deep or standing water is unavoidable, proceed very slowly. Never drive through water that is higher than the bottom of the hubs (for trucks) or the bottom of the wheel rims (for cars).

Once through the water, always try the brakes. Wet brakes do not stop the vehicle as effectively as dry brakes. Drying can be improved by moving your vehicle slowly while applying light pressure on the brake pedal.

Driving through deep water where the transmission vent tube is submerged may allow water into the transmission and cause internal transmission damage. Have the fluid checked and, if water is found, replace the fluid.