3-18
79MH0-74E
could move and the gear could be
changed unexpectedly.
Use the gearshift lever positions as
described below:
P (Park)
Use this position to lock the transaxle when
the vehicle is parked or when starting the
engine. Shift into Park only when the vehi-
cle is completely stationary.
R (Reverse)
Use this position to reverse the vehicle from
stop. Make sure that vehicle is completely
stationary 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 gearshift lever in “D” range you can
get an automatic downshift by pressing the
accelerator pedal. The higher the vehicle
speed is, the more you 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 tran-
saxle will not actually downshift until your
speed drops below the maximum speed for
the lower gear.
NOTICE
Do not shift the gearshift lever into
“R” while moving forward, or the
transmission may be damaged. If you
shift into “R” when the vehicle speed
is over 11 km/h, the transmission will
not shift into reverse.
Be sure to take the following precau-
tions to help avoid damage to the
automatic transaxle:
• Make sure that the vehicle is com-
pletely stationary 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.
