5-Speed Manual Transmission The transmission has five fully Driving Tips Do not “over-speed” the engine synchronized forward speeds. The when shifting down to a lower gear. gear shift pattern is provided on Always depress and release the clutch pedal fully when shifting. the transmission lever knob. The The shift lever cannot be shifted backup lights turn on when directly from fifth gear into shifted into the reverse gear. Do not rest your foot on the clutch Reverse. When shifting into pedal while driving; this can Reverse gear from fifth gear, cause the clutch to slip, resulting depress the clutch pedal and shift in damage to the clutch. completely into Neutral position, then shift into Reverse gear. When you are stopped on an upgrade, do not hold the vehicle in place by letting the clutch pedal up part-way. Use the foot brake or the parking brake.

Never shift into reverse gear until the vehicle is completely stopped.

Instruments and Controls 83 Shift Speed Chart For cruising, choose the highest Transfer Control gear for that speed (cruising speed 4WD Models The lower gears of the is defined as a relatively constant transmission are used for normal speed operation). The “4WD” indicator light acceleration of the vehicle to the illuminates when 4WD is engaged desired cruising speed. The The upshift indicator (U/S) lights with the 4WD-2WD switch. highest gear of the transmission is to show recommended upshift used to maintain the desired points. (Refer to “Indicator speed. The fifth gear is Lights.”) recommended for use in If the engine is “lugging” (the maintaining highway cruising speed you are traveling at is too speeds. Use of the fifth gear in slow for the gear the transmission city traffic is not recommended. is in), downshift to the next lower The shift speed chart shows the gear. You may need to downshift speeds at which each upshift of two or more gear positions to the transmission should be made keep the engine from “lugging” or to get the best vehicle to keep the performance at a performance and fuel economy. satisfactory level. “2H” (High Range, 2-Wheel MANUAL TRANSMISSION SHIFT SPEED CHART Drive) Transmission First to Second to Third to Fourth to Use this for normal driving on dry Type Second Third Fourth Fifth pavement. This position gives 5-Speed Manual 15 mph 25 mph 40 mph 45 mph greater economy, quieter ride and (25 km/h) (40 km/h) (65 km/h) (70 km/h) least drivetrain wear.

84 Instruments and Controls “4L” (Low Range, 4-Wheel Shifting the Transfer Control Drive) Lever Use this for maximum power and 4H ↔ 4L: Stop the vehicle. traction. Top speed is limited to Depress the clutch, then 65 mph (105 km/h). Use “4L” for move the transfer control climbing or descending steep lever from 4H to 4L, or hills, off-road driving, and hard 4L to 4H. pulling in sand, mud or deep Move the transfer control lever snow. quickly and securely between positions. Do not stop midway. Operating the 4WD-2WD Switch The transfer gear box can be 2H 4H: To shift between damaged if the control lever is not ranges, push the switch firmly in gear. Some noise is “4H” (High Range, 4-Wheel with the vehicle going in normal when shifting. Drive) a straight line at any speed below 65 mph If the 4WD indicator continues to Use this for normal driving on blink rapidly, it indicates that the (105 km/h). The 4WD gravel, wet, icy or snow-covered system was shifted out of indicator will blink for a roads. This position provides sequence. Stop the vehicle, select short time as the system greater traction than two-wheel 4WD with the 4WD-2WD switch, drive. Top speed is limited to 65 completes the shift. shift the lever from 4L to 4H, then mph (105 km/h). Taking your foot off the select 2WD. Drive in a straight accelerator pedal for a line to reset the system. If the moment will help to indicator continues to blink, see engage the new range. your Honda dealer.

Instruments and Controls 85