SE Model

GT and GTP Models

Your automatic transaxle has a shift lever located on the console between the seats.

PARK (P): This position locks your front wheels. It is the best position to use when you start the engine because your vehicle cannot move easily.

Caution: It is dangerous to get out of the vehicle if the shift lever is not fully in P (Park) with the parking brake firmly set. The vehicle can roll.

Do not leave the vehicle when the engine is running unless you have to. If you have left the engine running, the vehicle can move suddenly. You or others could be injured. To be sure the vehicle will not move, even when you are on fairly level ground, always set the parking brake and move the shift lever to P (Park). See Shifting Into Park . If you are pulling a trailer, see Towing a Trailer .

Make sure the shift lever is fully in PARK (P) before starting the engine. Your vehicle has an automatic transaxle shift lock control system. You have to apply your regular brake first and then press the shift lever button before you can shift from PARK (P) while the ignition key is in ON. If you cannot shift out of PARK (P), ease pressure on the shift lever and push the shift lever all the way into PARK (P) as you maintain brake application. Press the shift lever button and then move the shift lever into another gear. See Shifting Out of Park later in this section.

REVERSE (R): Use this gear to back up.

Notice: Shifting to REVERSE (R) while your vehicle is moving forward could damage the transaxle. The repairs would not be covered by your warranty. Shift to REVERSE (R) only after your vehicle is stopped.

To rock your vehicle back and forth to get out of snow, ice, or sand without damaging your transaxle, see If Your Vehicle is Stuck in Sand, Mud, Ice, or Snow .

NEUTRAL (N): In this position, your engine does not connect with the wheels. To restart when you are already moving, use NEUTRAL (N) only. Also, use NEUTRAL (N) when your vehicle is being towed.

Caution: Shifting into a drive gear while the engine is running at high speed is dangerous. Unless your foot is firmly on the brake pedal, the vehicle could move very rapidly. You could lose control and hit people or objects. Do not shift into a drive gear while the engine is running at high speed.

Notice: Shifting out of PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N) while the engine is running at high speed may damage the transaxle. The repairs would not be covered by your warranty. Be sure the engine is not running at high speeds when shifting your vehicle.

DRIVE (D): This position is for normal driving. It provides the best fuel economy for your vehicle. If you need more power for passing, and you are:

Downshifting the transaxle in slippery road conditions could result in skidding, see "Skidding" under Loss of Control .

Notice: If your vehicle seems to accelerate slowly or not shift gears when you go faster, and you continue to drive your vehicle that way, you could damage the transaxle. Have your vehicle serviced right away. You can drive in LOW (L) when you are driving less than 35 mph (56 km/h) and DRIVE (D) for higher speeds until then.

THIRD (3): This position, available on the SE model, is also used for normal driving. However, it reduces vehicle speed more than DRIVE (D) without using your brakes. Here are some times you might choose THIRD (3) instead of DRIVE (D):

LOW (L): This position, available on the SE model, reduces vehicle speed more than THIRD (3) without using your brakes. You can use LOW (L) on hills. It can help control your speed as you go down steep mountain roads, but then you would also want to use your brakes off and on. You can use LOW (L) on very steep hills, or in deep snow or mud. If the shift lever is put in LOW (L), the transaxle will not shift into first gear until the vehicle is going slowly enough.

Notice: Driving in LOW (L) for more than 25 miles (40 km) or at speeds over 55 mph (90 km/h) may damage the transaxle. Also, shifting into LOW (L) at speeds above 65 mph (105 km/h) can cause damage. Drive in THIRD (3) or DRIVE (D) instead of LOW (L).

Notice: Spinning the tires or holding the vehicle in one place on a hill using only the accelerator pedal may damage the transaxle. If you are stuck, do not spin the tires. When stopping on a hill, use the brakes, or parking brake to hold the vehicle in place.

MANUAL MODE (M): This position, available on the GT/GTP models, allows you to change gears similar to a manual transaxle. If your vehicle has this feature, see Manual Shift Mode (MSM) following.

Manual Shift Mode (MSM) (Automatic Transaxle)

To use this feature, do the following:

1. Move the shift lever from DRIVE (D) rearward and then to the right into the MANUAL MODE (M).

While driving in MSM, the transaxle will remain in the driver gear selected. When coming to a stop in the manual position, the vehicle will automatically shift to FIRST (1) gear.

2. Press the shift level forward to upshift or rearward to downshift.

The odometer display on the instrument panel cluster will change from the vehicle's mileage to the letter M, for manual shift mode, and a number indicating the requested gear range when moving the shift lever forward or rearward. See Speedometer and Odometer for more information.

While using the MSM feature the vehicle will have firmer shifting and sportier performance. You can use this for sport driving or when climbing hills to stay in gear longer or to downshift for more power or engine braking.

The transaxle will only allow you to shift into gears appropriate for the vehicle speed and engine revolutions per minute (RPM):

If the vehicle does not respond to a gear change, or detects a problem with the transaxle, the range of gears may be reduced and the Malfunction Indicator Lamp will come on. See Malfunction Indicator Lamp for more information.

SECOND (2)/THIRD (3) Gear Start Feature

Notice: If you attempt a third gear start while trailering or towing a heavy load, you will notice reduced engine power. This could overheat and damage your transmission. Do not attempt a third gear start while trailering or towing your vehicle.

If your vehicle has the 6-speed transaxle, when accelerating your vehicle from a stop in snowy and icy conditions, you may want to shift into SECOND (2), or THIRD (3) gear. A higher gear, and light application of the gas pedal, may allow you to gain more traction on slippery surfaces.

With the TAP-Shift feature, the vehicle can accelerate from a stop in SECOND (2) or THIRD (3).

1. Move the shift lever from DRIVE (D) into the MANUAL MODE (M) position.
2. With the vehicle stopped, press the plus (+) paddle forward to select SECOND (2) or THIRD (3) gear. The vehicle will start from a stop position in SECOND (2) or THIRD (3) gear.
3. Once the vehicle is moving select the desired drive gear.