Automatic transaxle operation All normal forward driving is done with the shift lever in the D (Drive) position.

To move the shift lever from the P (Park) position, the brake pedal must be depressed and the lock release button must be pressed.

For smooth operation, depress the brake pedal when shifting from N (Neutral) to a forward or reverse gear.

WARNING - Automatic
transaxle
Before leaving the driver’s seat, always make sure the shift lever is in the P (PARK) position; then set the parking brake fully and shut the engine off. Unexpected and sudden vehicle movement can occur if these precautions are not followed in the order identified.

NOTICE
• To avoid damage to your transaxle, do not accelerate the engine in R (Reverse) or any forward gear position with the brakes on.

• When stopped on an upgrade, do not hold the vehicle stationary with engine power. Use the service brake or the parking brake.

• Do not shift from N (Neutral) or P (Park) into D (Drive), or R (Reverse) when the engine is above idle speed.

Transaxle ranges
P (Park)
This position locks the transaxle and prevents the front wheels from rotating.

Always come to a complete stop before shifting into this position.

WARNING
• Shifting into P (Park) while the vehicle is in motion will cause the drive wheels to lock which will cause you to lose control of the vehicle.

• Do not use the P (Park) position in place of the parking brake.

Always make sure the shift lever is latched in the P (Park) position so that it cannot be moved unless the lock release button is pushed in, AND set the parking brake fully • Before leaving the driver’s seat, always make sure the shift lever is in the P (Park) position. Set the parking brake fully, shut the engine off and take the key with you. Unexpected and sudden vehicle movement can occur if you do not follow these precautions in the order specified.

• Never leave a child unattended in a vehicle.

NOTICE
The transaxle may be damaged if you shift into P (Park) while the vehicle is in motion.

R (Reverse)
Use this position to drive the vehicle backward.

NOTICE
Always come to a complete stop before shifting into or out of R (Reverse); you may damage the transaxle if you shift into R while the vehicle is in motion.

N (Neutral)
With the gearshift in the N position, the wheels and transaxle are not locked. The vehicle will roll freely even on the slightest incline unless the parking brake or service brakes are applied.

D (Drive)
This is the normal forward driving position.

The transaxle will automatically shift through a 4-gear sequence, providing the best fuel economy and power.

For extra power when passing another vehicle or climbing grades, depress the accelerator fully, at which time the transaxle will automatically downshift to the next lower gear.

NOTICE
Always come to a complete stop before shifting into D (Drive).

2 (Second Gear)
Use 2 (Second Gear) for more power when climbing hills and for increased braking when going down hills. This position also helps reduce wheel spin on slippery surfaces. When the shift lever is placed in 2 (Second Gear), the transaxle will automatically shift from first to second gear.

L (Low)
Move the shift lever to this position in hard pulling situations and for climbing steep grades.

CAUTION
Do not exceed the recommended maximum speeds in 2 (Second Gear) or L (Low). Operating the vehicle at speeds above the maximum recommended, for 2 (Second Gear) or L (Low) may cause excessive heat to develop which could result in damage to or failure of the automatic transaxle.

O/D (Over Drive) system (if equipped)
Pressing the O/D system button cancels and engages the overdrive system.

When the O/D system is cancelled, the O/D OFF indicator illuminates and the transaxle gear range is limited to 1st through 3rd. The transaxle will not shift to 4th gear until the O/D system button is pressed again to release the switch.

When driving down a sloping road with the transaxle in O/D (4th), you can decrease the vehicle speed without using the brakes by pressing the O/D button.

When the ignition is switched OFF, O/D OFF mode is automatically cancelled.

O/D OFF Indicator ( )
This indicator light illuminates in the instrument panel when the O/D mode is cancelled.

Moving up a steep grade from a standing start
To move up a steep grade from a standing start, depress the brake pedal, shift the shift lever to D (Drive). Select the appropriate gear depending on load weight and steepness of the grade, and release the parking brake. Depress the accelerator gradually while releasing the service brakes.

Shift lock system
For your safety, the Automatic Transaxle has a shift lock system which prevents shifting the transaxle out of P (Park) unless the brake pedal is depressed.

To shift the transaxle out of P (Park): 1. Depress and hold the brake pedal.

2. Start the engine or turn the ignition to the ON position.

3. Depress the lock release button and move the shift lever.

If the brake pedal is repeatedly depressed and released with the shift lever in the P (Park) position, a chattering sound near the shift lever may be heard.

This is a normal condition.

Ignition key interlock system The ignition key cannot be removed unless the shift lever is in the P (Park) position. If the ignition switch is in any other position, the key cannot be removed.