Caution
Shifting the vehicle initially into any gear other than 1 (First) or R (Reverse) can damage the clutch. Shift the manual transmission in the proper sequence, and time the gear shifting with the accelerator to avoid revving the engine and damaging the clutch.
1 (First): Press the clutch pedal and shift into 1 (First). Then, slowly let up on the clutch pedal as you press the accelerator pedal.
If you have come to a complete stop and it is hard to shift into 1 (First), put the shift lever in Neutral and let up on the clutch. Press the clutch pedal back down. Then shift into 1 (First).
2 (Second): Press the clutch pedal as you let up on the accelerator pedal and shift into 2 (Second).
Then, slowly let up on the clutch pedal as you press the accelerator pedal.
3 (Third), 4 (Fourth), and 5 (Fifth): Shift into 3 (Third), 4 (Fourth), and 5 (Fifth) the same way as for 2 (Second). Slowly let up on the clutch pedal as you press the accelerator pedal.
To stop, let up on the accelerator pedal and press the brake pedal.
Just before the vehicle stops, press the clutch pedal and the brake pedal, and shift to Neutral.
Neutral: Use this position when you start or idle the engine.
R (Reverse): To back up, press down the clutch pedal and shift into R (Reverse). Let up on the clutch pedal slowly while pressing the accelerator pedal.
Caution
Shifting to R (Reverse) while the vehicle is moving forward could damage the transmission. The repairs would not be covered by the vehicle warranty. Shift to R (Reverse) only after the vehicle is stopped.
Shift Speeds
Warning
If you skip a gear when downshifting, you could lose control of the vehicle. You could injure yourself or others. Do not shift down more than one gear at a time when downshifting.
Up-Shift Light
Vehicles equipped with a manual
transmission may have an up-shift light. This light indicates when to shift to the
next higher gear for better fuel economy.
For the best fuel economy, accelerate slowly and shift when the light comes on, and if the weather, road, and traffic conditions allow.
It is normal for the light to go on and off if the accelerator position changes quickly. Ignore the light during downshifts.
Passenger Airbag Status Indicator
The vehicle has a passenger sensing system. See Passenger Sensing System on page
3-25 for important safety information. The center display has a passenger airbag
status indicator.
United States
Canada
When the vehicle is started, the passenger airbag status indicator will light
ON a ...
Brake Fluid
The brake/clutch master cylinder
reservoir is filled with DOT 4 brake fluid as indicated on the reservoir cap. See
Engine Compartment Overview on page 10-7 for the location of the reservoir.
There are only two reasons why the brake fluid level in the reservoir might go
down:
The brake fl ...
Seat Adjustment
Manual Seats
Warning
You can lose control of the vehicle if you try to adjust a driver
seat while the vehicle is moving.
Adjust the driver seat only when the vehicle is not moving.
To adjust the seat:
Lift the bar under the front edge of the seat cushion to unlock the seat.
Slide the ...