7-22
Starting and operating/Manual transmission
Manual transmission
The manual transmission is a fully synchromeshed, 5-forward-speed and 1-reverse-speed transmission.
The shift pattern is shown on the shift
lever knob. When shifting from 5th gear to
reverse gear, first return the shift lever to
the neutral position then shift into reverse
gear.
To change gears, fully depress the clutch
pedal, move the shift lever, and gradually
let up on the clutch pedal.
If it is difficult to shift into gear, put the
transmission in neutral, release the clutch
pedal momentarily, and then try again.
WARNING
. Do not drive the vehicle with the
clutch disengaged (i.e., when the
clutch pedal is depressed) or
with the shift lever in the neutral
position. Engine braking has no
effect in either of these conditions and the risk of an accident
is consequently increased.
. Do not engage the clutch (i.e.,
release the clutch pedal) suddenly when starting the vehicle.
By doing so the vehicle might
unexpectedly accelerate or the
transmission could malfunction.
CAUTION
Shift into reverse ONLY when the
vehicle has completely stopped. It
may cause damage to the transmission to try shifting into reverse when
the vehicle is moving.
& Shifting speeds
! Recommended shifting speeds
The best compromise between fuel economy and vehicle performance during
normal driving is ensured by shifting up
at the speeds listed in the following table.
Shift up
mph (km/h)
1st to 2nd
15 (24)
2nd to 3rd
25 (40)
3rd to 4th
40 (64)
4th to 5th
45 (72)
! Maximum allowable speeds
The following table shows the maximum
speeds that are possible with each different gear. The tachometer’s needle will
enter the red area if these speeds are
exceeded.
With the exception of cases where sudden
acceleration is required, the vehicle
should not be driven with the tachometer’s
needle inside the red area. Failure to
observe this precaution can lead to
excessive engine wear and poor fuel
economy.