

4–30
When Driving
Transaxle
Shift Position Indication
  The selector position is indicated when the 
ignition is switched ON.
Gear position indication
    In manual shift mode, the “M” of the shift 
position indication illuminates and the 
numeral for the selected gear is displayed.
Warning Light
            The  warning  light  turns  on  when  the 
system has a malfunction. 
  Refer to Warning Lights on page  4-21 .
Transaxle Ranges
y
The shift position indicator light in the
instrument cluster illuminates. Refer to 
Warning/Indicator Lights on page  4-20 .
y
The selector lever must be in P or N to
operate the starter.
P (Park)
    P locks the transaxle and prevents the front 
wheels from rotating.
WARNING
  Always set the selector lever to P and set 
the parking brake:
  Only setting the selector lever to the 
P position without using the parking 
brake to hold the vehicle is dangerous. 
If P fails to hold, the vehicle could move 
and cause an accident.
CAUTION
¾
Shifting into P, N or R while the vehicle is
moving can damage your transaxle.
¾
Shifting into a driving gear or reverse
when the engine is running faster than 
idle can damage the transaxle.
R (Reverse)
    In position R, the vehicle moves only 
backward. You must be at a complete 
stop before shifting to or from R, except 
under rare circumstances as explained in 
Rocking the Vehicle (page  3-47 ).
N (Neutral)
    In N, the wheels and transaxle are not 
locked. The vehicle will roll freely even 
on the slightest incline unless the parking 
brake or brakes are on.
WARNING
  If the engine is running faster than idle, 
do not shift from N or P into a driving 
gear:
  It's dangerous to shift from N or P 
into a driving gear when the engine 
is running faster than idle. If this is 
done, the vehicle could move suddenly, 
causing an accident or serious injury.
  
  Do not shift into N when driving the 
vehicle:
  Shifting into N while driving is 
dangerous. Engine braking cannot 
be applied when decelerating which 
could lead to an accident or serious 
injury.