GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Object Number: 1966824  Size: G1

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.

You can shift into 1 (First) when you are going less than 20 mph (32 km/h). 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), 5 (Fifth):  Shift into 3 (Third), 4 (Fourth) and 5 (Fifth) the same way you do 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 your engine.

R (Reverse):  To back up, press down on the clutch pedal and shift into R (Reverse). Let up on the clutch pedal slowly while pressing the accelerator pedal.

Notice: 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.

Also, use R  (Reverse) along with the parking brake for parking your vehicle.

Shift Speeds

Caution: If you skip a gear when you downshift, 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 you downshift.

This chart shows when to shift to the next gear for the best fuel economy.

Manual Transmission Recommended Shift Speeds

Engine

1 to 2 or 2 to 1

2 to 3 or 3 to 2

3 to 4 or 4 to 3

4 to 5 or 5 to 4

5 to 6 or 6 to 5

1.8 L

15 mph

24 km/h

25 mph

40 km/h

40 mph

64 km/h

45 mph

72 km/h

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If your speed drops below 20 mph (32 km/h), or if the engine is not running smoothly, you should downshift to the next lower gear. You may have to downshift two or more gears to keep the engine running smoothly or for good performance.