MG ZR Series Owner's Manual page 72

USING THE AUTOMATIC GEARBOX *
The following information is particularly important for driver's
who are unfamiliar with the techniques required to drive cars with
automatic transmission.
Starting
The engine can only be started with the selector lever in the 'P'
(Park) or 'N' (Neutral) positions.
• ALWAYS apply the handbrake and foot brake before starting
the engine.
• KEEP BOTH BRAKES APPLIED while moving the selector
to a drive gear position.
• DO NOT 'rev' the engine or allow it to run above normal idle
speed while selecting 'D' (Drive) or 'R' (Reverse), or while the
car is stationary with a drive gear already selected.
• ALWAYS keep the brakes applied until you are ready to move
off - remember, once a drive gear has been selected, an
'automatic' will tend to creep forward (or backward).
• DO NOT allow the car to remain stationary for any length of
time with a drive gear selected and the engine running (always
select 'N' (Neutral), if the engine is to idle for a prolonged
period).
Cold weather operation
If the car has been standing for a long period (e.g. overnight) in
cold or freezing temperatures, a delay may occur between gear
selection and engagement of the gearbox. This characteristic will
only be evident when making the initial gear selection after a cold
start, and will disappear once the car is being driven.
72
Automatic Transmission
During this delay, the engine should be allowed to idle
WITHOUT any operation of the throttle; pressing the accelerator
pedal before the gears have engaged will cause an uncomfortable
jolt and may even damage the transmission.
Driving
When driving, the transmission will automatically adjust to the
most appropriate ratio, according to accelerator position, vehicle
speed and terrain (whether the car is travelling uphill, downhill or
on the flat).
When accelerating, the engine speed will increase above the
equivalent road speed, as the transmission adjusts to the most
appropriate ratio. When the accelerator pedal is released, engine
speed will drop independently of road speed.
Parking
After bringing the car to a stop, ALWAYS apply the handbrake
and select 'P', before releasing the foot brake and switching off the
engine.
Freeing the car from snow or mud
With engine idling, select 'D' or 'R' and increase engine speed
very slightly making sure the front wheels do not spin. If the
wheels do spin, use minimum engine speed to regain grip. If
unsuccessful, engage 'D' or 'R' alternately and use minimum
engine speed until grip is regained.
Emergency starting
Cars fitted with automatic transmission CAN NOT be 'push'
or 'tow' started.