The indicator lights in the instrument cluster indicate the shift lever position when the ignition switch is in the ON position.

P (Park)

Always come to a complete stop before shifting into P (Park). This position locks the transaxle and prevents the front wheels from rotating.

WARNING

• Shifting into P (Park) while the vehicle is in motion will cause the drive wheels to lock which will cause you to lose control of the vehicle.
• Do not use the P (Park) position in place of the parking brake. Always make sure the shift lever is latched in the P (Park) position and set the parking brake fully.
• Before leaving the driver’s seat, always make sure the shift lever is in the P (Park) position. Set the parking brake fully, shut the engine off and take the key with you. Unexpected and sudden vehicle movement can occur if you do not follow these precautions in the order specified.
• Never leave a child unattended in a vehicle.

CAUTION

The transaxle may be damaged if you shift into P (Park) while the vehicle is in motion.

R (Reverse)

Use this position to drive the vehicle backward.

CAUTION

Always come to a complete stop before shifting into or out of R (Reverse); you may damage the transaxle if you shift into R while the vehicle is in motion, except as explained in “Rocking the Vehicle”, in this manual.

N (Neutral)

The wheels and transaxle are not locked. The vehicle will roll freely even on the slightest incline unless the parking brake or service brakes are applied.

D (Drive)

This is the normal forward driving position. The transaxle will automatically shift through a 4-gear sequence, providing the best fuel economy and power.

For extra power when passing another vehicle or climbing grades, depress the accelerator fully, at which time the transaxle will automatically downshift to the next lower gear.

✽ NOTICE

Always come to a complete stop before shifting into D (Drive).

3 (Third gear)

Use for towing a trailer during hill climbing or to use engine braking downhill. "3" automatically shifts between 1st, 2nd and 3rd gears. This means that no shiftup to 4th gear is performed. However, the shift-up to 4th gear is done when the car speed exceeds a certain value to prevent the engine from over-revving. Manually move the selector to "D" when returning to normal driving condition.

3 (Third gear)

Use for towing a trailer during hill climbing or to use engine braking downhill.

"3" automatically shifts between 1st, 2nd and 3rd gears. This means that no shiftup to 4th gear is performed. However, the shift-up to 4th gear is done when the car speed exceeds a certain value to prevent the engine from over-revving. Manually move the selector to "D" when returning to normal driving condition.

L (Low gear)

Use for driving up a very steep grade or for engine braking when descending steep hills. When downshifting to "L", the transaxle will temporarily remain in second gear until the vehicle has slowed enough for low gear to engage. Do not exceed 30 mph (50 km/h) in low gear. "L" shifts to 1st gear only. However, shift up to 2nd is performed when the car exceeds a certain speed and, as speed increases, the transaxle will shift up to 3rd gear to prevent over-revving the engine.

✽ NOTICE

• For smooth and safe operation, depress the brake pedal when shifting from "N" (Neutral) position or "P" (Park) position to a forward or "R" (Reverse) gear.
• Fully depress the brake pedal in order to move the shift lever from the "P" (Park) position to any of the other positions.
• It is always possible to shift from "R", "N", "D", "3", "2", "L" position to "P" position. The vehicle must be fully stopped to avoid transaxle damage.

CAUTION

• Shift into "R" and "P" position only when the vehicle has completely stopped.
• Do not accelerate the engine in reverse or any of the forward positions with the brakes applied. • Always apply the footbrake when shifting from "P" or "N", to "R", "D","3", "2" or "L" position.
• Check the automatic transaxle fluid level regularly, and add fluid as necessary.
  See the maintenance schedule for the proper fluid recommendation.