Suzuki Aerio, Owner'S Manual

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6-5
OPERATING YOUR VEHICLE
54G27-03E
For all normal driving, make sure that the
“O/D OFF” indicator light is off, then put the
gearshift lever into “D” (Drive). Use the
other gearshift lever positions as described
below:
P (Park)
Use this position to lock the transaxle
when the vehicle is parked or when start-
ing the engine. Shift into Park only when
the vehicle is completely stopped.
R (Reverse)
Use this position to back the vehicle from
stop. Make sure that the vehicle is com-
pletely stopped before shifting into
Reverse.
N (Neutral)
Use this position for starting the engine if
the engine stalls and you need to restart it
while the vehicle is moving. You may also
shift into Neutral and depress the brake
pedal to hold the vehicle stationary during
idling.
D (Drive)
Use this position for all normal driving.
With the selector in “D” range, you can get
an automatic downshift by pressing the
accelerator pedal. The higher the vehicle
speed is, the more you will need to press
the accelerator pedal to get a downshift.
2 (Low 2)
Use this position to provide extra power
when climbing hills, or to provide engine
braking when going down hills.
L (Low 1)
Use this position to provide maximum
power when climbing steep hills or driving
through deep snow or mud, or to provide
maximum engine braking when going
down steep hills.
NOTE:
If you move the gearshift lever to a lower
gear while driving faster than the maximum
allowable speed for the lower gear, the
transaxle will not actually downshift until
your speed drops below the maximum
speed for the lower gear.
WARNING
Always depress the brake pedal
before shifting from “P” (Park) or “N”
(Neutral) to a forward or reverse gear,
to help prevent the vehicle from mov-
ing unexpectedly when you shift.
CAUTION
Be sure to take the following precau-
tions to help avoid damage to the
automatic transaxle:
• Make sure that the vehicle is com-
pletely stopped before shifting into
“P” or “R”.
• Do not shift from “P” or “N” to “R”,
“D”, “2” or “L” when the engine is
running above idle speed.
• Do not rev the engine with the tran-
saxle in a drive position (“R”, “D”,
“2” or “L”) and the front wheels not
moving.
• Do not use the accelerator to hold
the vehicle on a hill. Use the vehi-
cle’s brakes.
Using the Transaxle: 10