Starting and operating / Manual transmission 7-25
& Shifting speeds
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! Recommended shifting speeds
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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 ) |
5th to 6th |
50 ( 81 ) |
! Maximum allowable speeds
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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 .
Gear |
mph ( km / h ) |
1st |
26 ( 42 ) |
2nd |
52 ( 84 ) |
3rd |
78 ( 126 ) |
4th |
5th |
Legal speed limit
( Posted limit speed )
|
6th |
WARNING
When shifting down a gear , ensure that the vehicle is not travelling at a speed exceeding the Maximum Allowable Speed for the gear which is about to be selected . Failure to observe this precaution can lead to engine overrevving and this in turn can result in engine damage .
In addition , sudden application of engine brakes when the vehicle is travelling on a slippery surface can lead to wheel locking ; as a consequence , control of the vehicle may be lost and the risk of an accident increased .
NOTE
Never exceed the posted speed limit .
& Driving tips CAUTION
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If the accelerator and brake pedals are depressed at the same time , driving torque may be restrained . This is not a malfunction .
Do not drive with your foot resting on the clutch pedal and do not use the clutch to hold your vehicle at a standstill on an upgrade . Either of those actions may cause clutch damage .
Do not drive with your hand resting on the shift lever . This may cause wear on the transmission components .
When it is necessary to reduce vehicle speed due to slow traffic , turning corners , or driving up steep hills , downshift to a lower gear before the engine starts to labor .
On steep downgrades , downshift the transmission to 5th , 4th , 3rd or 2nd gear as necessary ; this helps to maintain a safe speed and to extend brake pad life .
In this way , the engine provides a braking effect . Remember , if you “ ride ” ( over use ) the brakes while descending a hill , they may overheat and not work properly .
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