This is your shift pattern.

Here is how to operate your transaxle:

FIRST (1): Press the clutch pedal and shift into FIRST (1). Then, slowly let up on the clutch pedal as you press the accelerator pedal. You can shift into FIRST (1) 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 FIRST (1), put the shift lever in NEUTRAL and let up on the clutch. Press the clutch pedal back down. Then shift into FIRST (1).

SECOND (2): Press the clutch pedal as you let up on the accelerator pedal and shift into SECOND (2). Then, slowly let up on the clutch pedal as you press the accelerator pedal.

THIRD (3), FOURTH (4) and FIFTH (5): Shift into THIRD (3), FOURTH (4) and FIFTH (5), the same way you do for SECOND (2). 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.

REVERSE  (R): To back up, press down the clutch pedal, and shift into REVERSE (R). Let up on the clutch pedal slowly while pressing the accelerator pedal. To back up a Red Line model vehicle, press down the clutch pedal, lift up the ring on the shift lever, and shift into REVERSE (R). Let up on the clutch pedal slowly while pressing the accelerator pedal.

Notice: Shifting to REVERSE (R) while your vehicle is moving forward could damage the transaxle. The repairs would not be covered by your warranty. Shift to REVERSE (R) only after your vehicle is stopped.

Also, use REVERSE (R), 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.

Up-Shift Light

United States Only

If you have a manual transaxle, you may have an up-shift light. This light, located on the instrument panel cluster, will show you when to shift to the next higher gear for the best fuel economy.

When this light comes on, you can shift to the next higher gear if weather, road, and traffic conditions let you. For the best fuel economy, accelerate slowly and shift when the light comes on.

If you accelerate and decelerate quickly, it is normal for the light to come on briefly. Ignore the light when you downshift.

Notice: If you skip more than one gear when you downshift, or if you race the engine when you release the clutch pedal while downshifting, you could damage the engine, clutch, driveshaft, or the transaxle. Do not skip gears or race the engine when downshifting.

For information on operating the illuminated ladder tachometer, see Tachometer .