Automatic down-shift to a lower gear is achieved by depressing the throttle pedal fully and briskly.
An up-shift will be achieved when approaching the top speed for a particular gear or by releasing the
throttle pedal slightly.
Kick-down can be used for maximum acceleration or when passing at highway speeds.
pg. 60 Automatic Transmission
Starting and stopping a car equipped with automatic transmission
1. Enter the car and check that the seat is adjusted properly. Make sure that the brake pedal can be
depressed completely. Move the seat closer if necessary.
2. Fasten the seat belt.
3. Apply the parking brake if not already set. Depress the brake pedal with your right foot.
4. Place the gear selector in Park (or neutral).
5. Without touching the accelerator pedal, turn the ignition key to the starting position. Release the key
as soon as the engine starts.
6. Select the desired gear. There is a slight delay before the gear engages which is most notable when
selecting Reverse. Do not accelerate until you have felt the gear engage!
Note: Too-rapid acceleration immediately after selecting a gear will cause harsh engagement and
premature transmission wear.
7. Release parking brake, then foot brake, and accelerate. To stop the car release the accelerator and
apply the brakes with your right foot.
It is not necessary to move the gear selector as the transmission will downshift automatically.
When idling for extended periods of time, select position N to prevent unnecessary heating of the
transmission.
WARNING! Always place gear selector in Park and apply parking brake before leaving vehicle. Never
leave car unattended with engine running.