Automatic transaxle (if so equipped)
Operation of the automatic
transaxle
CAUTION
Before selecting a gear with the engine run-
ning and the vehicle stationary, firmly
5
depress the brake pedal to prevent the vehi-
cle from creeping.
The vehicle will begin to move as soon as the
gear is engaged, especially when the engine
speed or idle speed is high, or with the air
conditioning operating.
Do not release the brake pedal until you are
ready to drive away.
Depress the brake pedal with the right foot at
all times.
Using the left foot could cause driver move-
ment delay in case of an emergency.
To prevent sudden acceleration, never run
the engine at high rpms when shifting from
the "P" (PARK) or "N" (NEUTRAL).
Operating the accelerator pedal while the
other foot is resting on the brake pedal will
affect braking efficiency and may cause pre-
mature wear of brake pads.
5-74
Features and controls
CAUTION
Use the selector lever in the correct shift
position in accordance with driving condi-
N00514501372
tions.
Never coast downhill backward in the driv-
ing shift position {"D" (DRIVE), "L"
(LOW) position or sports mode} or coast
forward in the "R" (REVERSE) position.
Engine stopping and increased brake pedal
and steering effort could lead to an accident.
Do not rev the engine with the brake pedal
pressed when the vehicle is stationary.
This can damage the transaxle.
Also, when you depress the accelerator pedal
while holding down the brake pedal with the
selector lever in the "D" (DRIVE) position,
the engine revolutions may not rise as high
as when performing the same operation with
the selector lever in the "N" (NEUTRAL)
position.
Passing acceleration
To gain extra acceleration in "D" (DRIVE)
position (when passing another vehicle) push
the accelerator to the floor. The automatic
transaxle will automatically downshift.
NOTE
In sports mode, downshifts do not take place
when the accelerator is depressed all the way
to the floor.
Waiting
For short waiting periods, such as at traffic
lights, the vehicle can be left in gear and held
stationary with the service brake.
For longer waiting periods with the engine
running, place the selector lever in the "N"
(NEUTRAL) position and apply the parking
brake, while holding the vehicle stationary
with the service brake.
Prior to moving off after having stopped the
vehicle, make sure that the selector lever is in
"D" (DRIVE) position or Sports mode posi-
tion.
CAUTION
To avoid transaxle overheating, never try to
keep your vehicle stationary on a hill by
using the accelerator pedal. Always apply
the parking brake and/or service brake.
Do not rev the engine unnecessarily while
the vehicle is stationary. Unexpected acceler-
ation may occur if the selector lever is in a
position other than "P" (PARK) or "N"
(NEUTRAL).
Parking
To park the vehicle, first bring it to a com-
plete stop, firmly apply the parking brake,