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Manual Shift Mode
This mode gives you the feel of driving a manual transaxle vehicle by operating the selector lever and allows you to control engine rpm and torque to the drive wheels much like a manual transaxle when more control is desired.
To change to manual shift mode, shift the lever from D to M.
Changing to manual shift mode while driving will not damage the transaxle.
To return to automatic shift mode, shift the lever from M to D.
-
If you change to manual shift mode when the vehicle is stopped, the gear will shift to M1.
-
If you change to manual shift mode without depressing the accelerator pedal when driving in D range, 5th gear/6th gear, the gear will shift to M4/M5.
Indicators
Manual shift mode indicator
In manual shift mode, the “M” of the shift position indicator in the instrument panel illuminates.
Gear position indicator
The numeral for the selected gear illuminates.
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If the gears cannot be shifted down when driving at higher speeds, the gear position indicator will flash twice to signal that the gears cannot be shifted down (to protect the transaxle).
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If the automatic transaxle fluid (ATF) temperature becomes too high, there is the possibility that the transaxle will switch to automatic shift mode, canceling manual shift mode and turning off the gear position indicator illumination. This is a normal function to protect the automatic transaxle. After the ATF temperature has decreased, the gear position indicator illumination turns back on and driving in manual shift mode is restored.
Shifting
Manually Shifting up
(M1 → M2 → M3 → M4 → M5 → M6)
To shift up to a higher gear, move the selector lever back (
) once.
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When driving slowly, the gears may not shift up.
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In manual shift mode, do not run the engine with the tachometer needle in the RED ZONE. When the engine rpm is high, a gear may shift up automatically to protect the engine.
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When depressing the accelerator fully, the transaxle will shift to a lower gear, depending on vehicle speed (Except M2 → M1).
Manually Shifting down
(M6 → M5 → M4 → M3 → M2 → M1)
To shift down to a lower gear, move the selector lever forward (
) once.
Do not use engine braking on slippery road surfaces or at high speeds:
Shifting down while driving on wet, snowy, or frozen roads, or while driving at high speeds causes sudden engine braking, which is dangerous. The sudden change in tire speed could cause the tires to skid. This could lead to loss of vehicle control and an accident.
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When driving at high speeds, the gear may not shift down.
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During deceleration, the gear may automatically shift down depending on vehicle speed.
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When depressing the accelerator fully, the transaxle will shift to a lower gear, depending on vehicle speed (Except M2 → M1).
Second gear fixed mode
When the selector lever is moved back () while the vehicle speed is about 10 km/h (6 mph) or less, the transaxle is set in the second gear fixed mode. The gear is fixed in second while in this mode for easier acceleration from a stop and driving on slippery roads such as snow-covered roads.
If the selector lever is moved back () or forward () while in the second gear fixed mode, the mode will be canceled.
Shift gear (shifting) speed limit
For each gear position while in the manual mode, the speed limit is set as follows: When the selector lever is operated within the range of the speed limit, the gear is shifted.
Shift up
The gear does not shift up while the vehicle speed is lower than the speed limit.
Shift down
The gear does not shift down while the vehicle speed exceeds the speed limit.
If the vehicle speed exceeds the speed limit and the gear does not shift down, the gear position indication flashes 2 times to notify the driver that the gear cannot be shifted.
Kickdown
When the accelerator pedal is depressed fully while driving, the gear shifts down.
The gear also shifts down using kickdown while in the second gear fixed mode.
Auto-shift down
The gear shifts down automatically depending on the vehicle speed during deceleration.
If the vehicle comes to a stop while in the second gear fixed mode, the gear remains in second.
Recommendations for shifting (U.S.A. and Canada)
Upshifting
For normal acceleration and cruising, we recommend these shift points.
|
Gear |
Vehicle speed*1 |
|---|---|
|
M1 to M2 |
24 km/h (15 mph) |
|
M2 to M3 |
40 km/h (25 mph) |
|
M3 to M4 |
65 km/h (40 mph) |
|
M4 to M5 |
73 km/h (45 mph) |
|
M5 to M6 |
81 km/h (50 mph) |
*1: Always observe local speed limit regulations.
Downshifting
When you must slow down in heavy traffic or on a steep upgrade, downshift before the engine starts to overwork. This gives better acceleration when you need more speed.
On a steep downgrade, downshifting helps maintain safe speed and prolongs brake life.
