8-Speed automatic transmission with sports mode
Starting and driving
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This position is to back up.
At this position the transmission is disen-
gaged. It is the same as the neutral position on
a manual transmission, and should only be
used when the vehicle is stationary for an
extended length of time during driving, such
as in a traffic jam.
This position is used for most city and high-
way driving. The transmission will automati-
cally change its gear depending on road and
driving conditions.
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Whether the vehicle is stationary or in
motion, sports mode is selected by gently
pushing the selector lever from the “D”
(DRIVE) position into the manual gate (A).
To return to “D” range operation, gently push
the selector lever back into the main gate (B).
In sports mode, gear shifts can be made rap-
idly simply by moving the selector lever
backward and forward or shift paddles at the
steering wheel can also be used to perform
gearshift. In contrast to a manual transmis-
sion, the sports mode allows gear shifts with
the accelerator pedal depressed.
“R” REVERSE
CAUTION
Never shift into the “P” (PARK) or “R”
(REVERSE) position while the vehicle is in
motion to avoid a transmission damage.
“N” NEUTRAL
WARNING
Never move the selector lever to the “N”
(NEUTRAL) position while driving. A
serious accident could occur since you
could accidentally move the lever into the
“P” (PARK) or “R” (REVERSE) position
or you will lose engine braking.
On a gradient, the engine should be
started in the “P” (PARK) position, not in
the “N” (NEUTRAL) position.
To prevent rolling, always keep your foot
on the brake pedal when the vehicle is in
“N” (NEUTRAL) position, or when shift-
ing into or out of “N” (NEUTRAL) posi-
tion.
“D” DRIVE
CAUTION
To prevent transmission damage, never shift
into the “D” (DRIVE) position from the “R”
(REVERSE) position while the vehicle is in
motion.
NOTE
While driving on uphills or downhills, when
the accelerator pedal is suddenly released or
depressed or when the brake pedal is
strongly depressed, the transmission shifts
up or shifts down its gear depending on road
and driving conditions. Therefore, the gear
shift timing may change depending on road
and driving conditions, which does not indi-
cate a malfunction.
WARNING
Sport mode
NOTE
You can shift into sports mode with shift
paddles when the selector lever is in the
main gate as well. Also, you can return to the
“D” range operation in any of following
ways.
When returning to “D” range operation, the
selector lever position display will change to
“D” (DRIVE) position.
• Pull the + (SHIFT UP) side shift paddle for-
ward (toward the driver) for over 2 seconds.
• Stop the vehicle.
