Manual Transmission Operation for Saturn Astra 2009

Five-Speed

This is the shift pattern.

Here is how to operate the manual transmission:

1 (First): Press the clutch pedal and shift into 1 (First). Then, slowly let up on the clutch pedal as you press the accelerator pedal. You can shift into 1 (First) when you are going less than 20 mph (32 km/h). If you have come to a complete stop and it is hard to shift into 1 (First), put the shift lever in N (Neutral) and let up on the clutch. Press the clutch pedal back down. Then shift into 1 (First).

2 (Second): Press the clutch pedal as you let up on the accelerator pedal and shift into 2 (Second). Then, slowly let up on the clutch pedal as you press the accelerator pedal.

3 (Third), 4 (Fourth) and 5 (Fifth): Shift into 3 (Third), 4 (Fourth) and 5 (Fifth), the same way you do for 2 (Second). Slowly let up on the clutch pedal as you press the accelerator pedal. To stop, let up on the accelerator pedal and press the brake pedal. Just before the vehicle stops, press the clutch pedal and the brake pedal, and shift to N (Neutral).

N (Neutral): Use this position when you start or idle the engine.

R (Reverse): 

With the vehicle stationary, wait three seconds after declutching and pull up on the button on the selector lever to engage R (Reverse) gear. If R (Reverse) gear does not engage, set the selector lever in N (Neutral), and release the clutch pedal. Press the clutch pedal again and repeat the gear selection.

Notice: Shifting to R (Reverse) while the vehicle is moving forward could damage the transmission. The repairs would not be covered by the vehicle warranty. Shift to R (Reverse) only after the vehicle is stopped.

Also, use R (Reverse), along with the parking brake, to park the vehicle.

Shift Speeds

Caution: If you skip a gear when you downshift, you could lose control of the vehicle. You could injure yourself or others. Do not shift down more than one gear at a time when you downshift.