06
Using the clutch (if equipped)
The clutch pedal should be depressed
all the way to the floor before:
Downshifting
Downshift when you must slow down in
heavy traffic or drive up a steep hill to
prevent engine load.
- Starting the engine
Also, downshifting reduces the chance
of stalling and can accelerate when you
need to increase your speed again.
When the vehicle is going downhill,
downshifting helps maintain safe speed
by providing brake power from the
engine and enables less wear on the
brakes.
The engine will not start without
depressing the clutch pedal.
- Shifting
To start your vehicle, slowly release
the clutch pedal and depress the
accelerator.
When releasing the clutch pedal,
release it slowly. The clutch pedal
should always be released whilst driv-
ing.
NOTICE
To prevent damage to the engine,
clutch and transmission:
• When downshifting from 5th gear
to 4th gear, be careful not to inad-
vertently push the shift lever side-
ways engaging the 2nd gear. A
drastic downshift may cause the
engine speed to increase to the
point the tachometer will enter the
red-zone.
NOTICE
To prevent unnecessary wear or
damage to the clutch:
• Do not rest your foot on the clutch
pedal whilst driving.
• Do not hold the vehicle with the
clutch on an incline, whilst waiting
for the traffic light, etc.
• Do not downshift more than two
gear at a time or downshift the
gear when the engine is running at
high speed (5,000 RPM or higher).
Such a downshifting may damage
the engine, clutch and the trans-
mission.
• Always depress the clutch pedal
down fully to prevent noise or
damage.
• Do not start with the 2nd (second)
gear engaged except when you
start on a slippery road.
• Depress the clutch pedal all the
way and be careful not to depress
the pedal again before returning to
the upright position after you
release the pedal. If you depress
the pedal before returning to the
original position repeatedly, it may
cause the clutch system failure.
6-15
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