For 1990-2009 cars

The shift lever for the automatic transaxle is located on the console between the seats.

Maximum engine speed is limited when the vehicle is in PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N) to protect driveline components from improper operation.

There are several different positions for the shift lever. When using the manual shift mode a number will also appear on the telltale line below the gear selections. For more information on the manual shift option see "Manual Shift Mode" in this section.

PARK (P): This position locks the front wheels. It is the best position to use when the engine is started because the vehicle cannot move easily.

Caution: It is dangerous to get out of the vehicle if the shift lever is not fully in P (Park) with the parking brake firmly set. The vehicle can roll.

Do not leave the vehicle when the engine is running unless you have to. If you have left the engine running, the vehicle can move suddenly. You or others could be injured. To be sure the vehicle will not move, even when you are on fairly level ground, always set the parking brake and move the shift lever to P (Park). See Shifting Into Park . If you are pulling a trailer, see Towing a Trailer .

Make sure the shift lever is fully in PARK (P) before starting the engine. The vehicle has an automatic transaxle shift lock control system. You must fully apply your regular brakes first and then press the shift lever button, before you can shift from PARK (P) when the ignition is in RUN. If you cannot shift out of PARK (P), ease pressure on the shift lever and push the shift lever all way into PARK (P) as you maintain brake application. Then press the shift lever button and move the shift lever into another gear. See Shifting Out of Park .

REVERSE (R): Use this gear to back up.

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

To rock the vehicle back and forth to get out of snow, ice, or sand without damaging the transaxle, see If Your Vehicle is Stuck in Sand, Mud, Ice, or Snow .

NEUTRAL (N): In this position, the engine does not connect with the wheels. To restart when the vehicle is already moving, use NEUTRAL (N) only. Also, use NEUTRAL (N) when the vehicle is being towed.

Caution: Shifting into a drive gear while the engine is running at high speed is dangerous. Unless your foot is firmly on the brake pedal, the vehicle could move very rapidly. You could lose control and hit people or objects. Do not shift into a drive gear while the engine is running at high speed.

Notice: Shifting out of PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N) while the engine is running at high speed may damage the transaxle. The repairs would not be covered by your warranty. Be sure the engine is not running at high speeds when shifting your vehicle.

DRIVE (D): This position is for normal driving. It provides the best fuel economy for your vehicle. If the vehicle needs more power for passing, and it is:

• | Going less than 35 mph (55 km/h), push the accelerator pedal about halfway down.

• | Going about 35 mph (55 km/h) or more, push the accelerator pedal all the way down.

| The vehicle will shift down to the next gear and have more power.

Downshifting the transaxle in slippery road conditions could result in skidding, see Skidding under Loss of Control .

Notice: Spinning the tires or holding the vehicle in one place on a hill using only the accelerator pedal may damage the transaxle. If you are stuck, do not spin the tires. When stopping on a hill, use the brakes to hold the vehicle in place.

MANUAL SHIFT MODE (M): This position, available on the models with the Manual Shift Mode (MSM), allows you to change gears similar to a manual transaxle. If your vehicle has this feature, see "Manual Shift Mode (MSM)".

### Manual Shift Mode (MSM) (Automatic Transaxle)

To use this feature, do the following:

1. Move the shift lever from DRIVE (D) to the left into the MANUAL SHIFT MODE (M).

While driving in manual mode, the transaxle will remain in the driver selected gear. When coming to a stop in the manual position, the vehicle will automatically shift into FIRST (1) gear.

• | A shift is required to protect the engine or transmission or

• | The vehicle slows almost to a stop, and then automatic downshift will occur.

2. Press the shift lever forward to upshift or rearward to downshift.

A box with the current gear will display in the middle of the telltale line below the gear select

While using the Manual Shift Mode (MSM) feature the vehicle will have firmer shifting and increased performance. You can use this for sport driving or when climbing hills to stay in gear longer or to downshift for more power or engine braking.

The transaxle will only allow you to shift into gears appropriate for the vehicle speed and engine revolutions per minute (RPM):

• | The transaxle will not downshift to the next lower gear if the engine RPM is too high.

• | The transaxle will not automatically shift to the next higher gear if the engine RPM is too high.

• | When coming to a stop in the manual mode, the vehicle will automatically downshift to the proper gear based on speed. Upon acceleration you will need to manually upshift to the desired gear.

### SECOND (2) Gear Start Feature

When accelerating your vehicle from a stop in snowy and icy conditions, you may want to shift into SECOND (2). A higher gear, and light application of the gas pedal, may allow you to gain more traction on slippery surfaces.

With the MANUAL SHIFT MODE, the vehicle can accelerate from a stop in SECOND (2).

1. Move the shift lever from DRIVE (D) into the MANUAL SHIFT MODE (M) position.
2. With the vehicle stopped, press the plus (+) paddle forward to select SECOND (2). The vehicle will start from a stop position in SECOND (2).
3. Once the vehicle is moving select the desired drive gear.