Manual transaxle
Manual transaxle operation The manual transaxle has five forward gears.
Press the clutch pedal down fully while shifting, then release it slowly.
A special safety feature prevents inadvertent shifting from 5 (Fifth) to R (Reverse). The gearshift lever must be returned to the neutral position before shifting into R (Reverse).
Make sure the vehicle is completely stopped before shifting into R (Reverse).
Never operate the engine with the tachometer (rpm) in the red zone.
NOTICE
To avoid premature clutch wear and
damage, do not drive with your foot
resting on the clutch pedal. Also,
don’t use the clutch to hold the vehicle
stopped on an upgrade, while
waiting for a traffic light, etc.
WARNING - Manual
transaxle
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.
Downshifting
When you must slow down in heavy
traffic or while driving up steep hills,
downshift before the engine starts to
labor. Downshifting reduces the
chance of stalling and gives better
acceleration when you again need to
increase your speed. When the vehicle
is traveling down steep hills,
downshifting helps maintain safe
speed and prolongs brake life.
See also:
Engine coolant
The high-pressure cooling system has a
reservoir filled with year-round antifreeze
coolant. The reservoir is filled at the factory.
Check the antifreeze protection and
coolant level at least once ...
Automatic transaxle
Checking the automatic transaxle
fluid level
The automatic transaxle fluid level
should be checked regularly.
Keep the vehicle on the level ground with
the parking brake applied and check the
...
Fuel filler lid
Opening the fuel filler lid
The fuel filler lid must be opened from
inside the vehicle by pressing the fuel
filler lid opener button on the driver’s
door. (if equipped)
NOTICE
If the fuel fi ...