Shifting

After starting the engine, fully depress the brake pedal and move the shift selector from P (Park) to any of the desired shift positions.

Apply the parking brake if the shift selector

Apply the parking brake if the shift selector is in any position while the engine is not running. Failure to do so could cause the vehicle to move unexpectedly or roll away and result in serious personal injury or property damage.

If the key is turned to the OFF or ACC position for any reason while the vehicle is in N (Neutral), or any drive position, the key cannot be turned to the LOCK position and be removed from the ignition switch. If this occurs, perform the following steps.

1. Apply the parking brake when the vehicle is stopped.

2. Move the shift selector to P (Park) to park the vehicle and turn the ignition switch to the LOCK position to remove the key.

P (Park):

To prevent transmission damage, use the

To prevent transmission damage, use the P (Park) or R (Reverse) position only when the vehicle is completely stopped.

Use the P (Park) selector position when the vehicle is parked or when starting the engine. Make sure the vehicle is completely stopped. The brake pedal must be depressed and the shift selector button pushed in to move the shift selector from N (Neutral) or any drive position to P (Park). Apply the parking brake.

When parking on a hill, apply the parking brake first, then place the shift selector into the P (Park) position.

R (Reverse):

To prevent transmission damage, use the

To prevent transmission damage, use the P (Park) or R (Reverse) position only when the vehicle is completely stopped.

Use the R (Reverse) position to back up. Make sure the vehicle is completely stopped before selecting R (Reverse) position. R (Reverse) speed is limited to 25 MPH (40 km/h). Do not exceed 25 MPH (40 km/h) in the R (Reverse) position. The brake pedal must be depressed and the shift selector button pushed in to move the shift selector from P (Park), N (Neutral) or any drive position to R (Reverse).

N (Neutral):

Neither forward nor reverse gear is engaged. The engine can be started in this position. You may shift to N (Neutral) and restart a stalled engine while the vehicle is moving.

D (Drive):

Use this position for all normal forward driving.

L (Low):

Use this position for maximum engine braking on steep downhill gradients/climbing steep slopes and whenever approaching sharp bends. Do not use the L (Low) position in any other circumstances.

    See also:

    Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) position indicator light (if so equipped)
    When the ignition switch is placed in the ON position, this indicator light shows the shift selector position. See “Driving the vehicle” in the “Starting and driving” section of this manu ...

    Engine compartment check locations
    MR20DE engine 1. Engine coolant reservoir 2. Engine oil filler cap 3. Brake fluid reservoir/Clutch fluid reservoir (M/T model) 4. Battery 5. Air cleaner 6. Fuse/fusible link box 7. Ra ...

    Checking engine oil level
    MR20DE QR25DE 1. Park the vehicle on a level surface and apply the parking brake. 2. Start the engine and let it idle until it reaches operating temperature. 3. Turn off the engine. Wait m ...