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Automatic

Shift Lever Position IndicatorsIf the malfunction indicator lamp Shifting comes on along with the ‘‘D’’ indicator, there is a problem with the control system. Avoid rapid acceleration, and have the transmission checked by SHIFT LEVER your dealer as soon as possible.

RELEASE BUTTON

These indicators on the instrument To shift from Park to any position, panel show which position the shift press firmly on the pedal and lever is in. pressthereleasebuttononthefront of the shift lever, then pull the lever. The ‘‘D’’ indicator comes on for a YoucannotshiftoutofParkwhen few seconds when you turn the the ignition switch is in the LOCK ignition switch to the ON (II) (0) or the ACCESSORY (I) position. position. If it flashes while (in any shift position), it indicates a possible problem in the transmission.

194 Automatic Transmission

To shift from: Do this: Park (P) － This position mechani- from reverse to neutral, come to a PtoR Press the brake pedal, and cally locks the transmission. Use completestopandthenshift.Press press the shift lever release Park whenever you are turning off or the release button before shifting button. starting the engine. To shift out of into reverse from neutral. RtoP Park, you must press on the brake NtoR Press the shift lever release pedal and have your foot off the Neutral (N) － Use neutral if you D3 to2 button. accelerator pedal. Press the release need to restart a stalled engine, or if 2to1 buttononthefrontoftheshiftlever it is necessary to stop briefly with 1to2 to move it. the engine idling. Shift to the Park 2toD3 position if you need to leave your D3 toD If you have done all of the above and for any reason. Press on the DtoN Move the shift lever. still cannot move the lever out of brake pedal when you are moving Driving DtoD3 Park, seeShift Lock Release on the shift lever from neutral to NtoD page169 . another gear. RtoN To avoid transmission damage, come Drive (D) － Use this position for to a complete stop before shifting your normal driving. The into Park. You must also press the transmission automatically selects a release button to shift into Park. The suitable gear (1 through 5) for your shift lever must be in Park before speed and acceleration. You may you can remove the key from the notice the transmission shifting up at ignition switch. higher engine speeds when the engine is cold. This helps the engine Reverse (R) － Press the brake warm up faster. pedal and press the release button to shift from Park to reverse. To shift CONTINUED

195 Automatic Transmission

Drive (D3 )－－This position is Second (2) To shift to second, Engine Speed Limiter similar to D, except only the first pressthereleasebuttononthefront If you exceed the maximum speed three gears are selected. Use D3 of the shift lever. This position locks for the gear you are in, the engine when towing a trailer in hilly terrain, the transmission in second gear. It speed will enter into the ’s or to provide when does not downshift to first gear red zone. If this occurs, you may feel going down a steep hill. D3 can also when you come to a stop. the engine cut in and out. This is keep the transmission from cycling caused by a limiter in the engine’s between third, fourth, and fifth gears Use second gear: computer controls. The engine will in stop-and-go driving. For more power when climbing. run normally when you reduce the rpm below the red zone. To increase engine braking when going down steep hills.

For starting out on a slippery surface or in deep snow.

To help reduce spin.

First (1) － To shift from second to first, press the release button. This position locks the transmission in first gear. By upshifting and downshifting through 1, 2, D3 , and D, you can operate the transmission much like a without a pedal.

196 Automatic Transmission

Shift Lock Release RELEASE Do this if pushing on the brake pedal BUTTON and pressing the release button does not shift the transmission out of Park:

1. Set the .

2. Remove the key from the ignition switch. NOTCH SHIFT LOCK 3. Putaclothonthenotchofthe COVER RELEASE SLOT Driving shift lock release slot cover. Using a small flat-tipped screwdriver or a 4. Insert a key into the shift lock 6. Remove the key from the shift metal fingernail file, carefully pry release slot. lock release slot, then reinstall the on the notch of the cover to cover. Make sure the notch on the remove it. 5. Push down on the key while you cover is on the shift lever side. pressthereleasebuttononthe Return the key to the ignition shift lever and move the lever out switch, press the brake pedal, and of Park to neutral. restart the engine.

If you need to use the shift lock release, it means your vehicle is developing a problem. Have it checked by your dealer.

197 Parking

Always use the parking brake when Parking Tips If the vehicle is facing uphill, turn you park your vehicle. Make sure Make sure the moonroof (if the front away from the the parking brake is set firmly, or equipped) and the windows are curb. If you have a manual your vehicle may roll if it is parked closed. transmission, put it in first gear. on an incline. Turn off the lights. If the vehicle is facing downhill, If your vehicle has an automatic turn the front wheels toward the transmission, set the parking brake Place any packages, valuables, etc., curb. If you have a manual before you put the transmission in in the trunk or take them with you. transmission, put it in reverse gear. Park. This keeps the vehicle from moving and putting pressure on the Lock the doors. Make sure the parking brake is parking mechanism in the fully released before driving away. transmission. On with security system Driving with the parking brake Check the indicator on the partially set can overheat or instrument panel to verify that the damage the rear . security system is set.

Never park over dry leaves, tall grass, or other flammable Never install a sunshade between the materials. The hot three way upper and lower meters on the catalytic converter could cause instrument panel. If you do, you could these materials to catch on fire. cause heat damage to the upper meter on a very hot day.

198 Braking System

Your vehicle is equipped with front Check the brakes after driving Brake Pad Wear Indicators disc brakes. The brakes on the rear through deep water. Apply the If the brake pads need replacing, you wheels may be disc or drum, brakes moderately to see if they feel will hear a distinctive, metallic depending on the model. A power normal. If not, apply them gently and screeching sound when you apply assist helps reduce the effort needed frequently until they do. Be extra the brake pedal. If you do not have on the brake pedal. The ABS helps cautious in your driving. the brake pads replaced, they will you retain steering control when screech all the time. It is normal for braking very hard. Braking System Design the brakes to occasionally squeal or The hydraulic system that operates squeak when you apply them. Resting your foot on the brake pedal the brakes has two separate circuits. applies the brakes slightly. This Each circuit works diagonally across builds up heat, and reduces brake the vehicle (the left-front brake is Driving effectiveness and brake pad life. In connected with the right-rear brake, addition, fuel economy can be etc.). If one circuit should develop a reduced. It also keeps your brake problem, you will still have braking lights on all the time, confusing at two wheels. driver’s behind you. Constant application of the brakes when going down a long hill builds up heat and reduces their effectiveness. Use the engine to assist the brakes by taking your foot off the accelerator and downshifting to a lower gear.

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