3-9
OPERATING YOUR VEHICLE
60MK0-14E
Using the Transaxle
Manual Transaxle
68LM324
Starting off
To start off, depress the clutch pedal all the
way to the floor and shift into 1st gear.
After releasing the parking brake, gradually
release the clutch. When you hear a
change in the engine’s sound, slowly press
the accelerator while continuing to gradu-
ally release the clutch.
Shifting
All forward gears are synchronized, which
provides for quiet and easy shifting. Always
depress the clutch pedal all the way to the
floor before shifting gears. Keep the engine
speed does not rise into the red zone of
the tachometer.
Downshifting maximum allowable
speeds
*NOTE:
You may not accelerate to the maximum
allowable speed because of the driving sit-
uation and/or the vehicle condition.
EXAMPLE
Downshifting km/h (mph)
2nd to 1st 35 (22)
3rd to 2nd 70 (43)
4th to 3rd 105 (65)
5th to 4th 140 (87)*
NOTICE
When downshifting to a lower gear,
make sure not to downshift at the
speed faster than the maximum
allowable speeds, or severe engine
damage can result.
WARNING
• Reduce your speed and downshift
to a lower gear before going down
a long or steep hill. A lower gear
will allow the engine to provide
braking. Avoid riding the brakes or
they may overheat, resulting in
brake failure.
• When driving on slippery roads, be
sure to slow down before down-
shifting. Excessive and/or sudden
changes in engine speed may
cause loss of traction, which could
cause you to lose control.
NOTICE
Make sure that the vehicle is com-
pletely stationary before you shift
into reverse.
NOTICE
• To help avoid clutch damage, do
not use the clutch pedal as a foot-
rest while driving or use the clutch
to keep the vehicle stationary on a
slope. Depress the clutch fully
when shifting.
• When shifting or starting off, do not
race the engine. Racing the engine
can shorten engine life and cause
negative effect to smooth shifting.