Automatic Transaxle
Shift-Lock System
The shift-lock system prevents shifting out of P unless the brake pedal is depressed.
To shift from P:
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Depress and hold the brake pedal.
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Start the engine.
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Press and hold the lock-release button.
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Move the selector lever.
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When the ignition is switched to ACC or the ignition is switched off, the selector lever cannot be shifted from P position.
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The ignition cannot be switched to OFF if the selector lever is not in P position.
Shift-Lock Override
Transaxle Ranges
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The shift position indication in the instrument cluster illuminates.
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The selector lever must be in P or N position to operate the starter.
P (Park)
P locks the transaxle and prevents the front wheels from rotating.
Always set the selector lever to P position 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.
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Shifting into P, N or R while the vehicle is moving can damage your transaxle.
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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 (Search).
(With parking sensor system)
When the selector lever is shifted to the R position with the ignition switched ON, the parking sensor system is activated and a beep sound is heard.
Refer to Parking Sensor System (Search).
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.
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.
Do not shift into N when driving the vehicle. Doing so can cause transaxle damage.
Apply the parking brake or depress the brake pedal before moving the selector lever from N position to prevent the vehicle from moving unexpectedly.
D (Drive)
D is the normal driving position. From a stop, the transaxle will automatically shift through a 6-gear sequence.
M (Manual)
M is the manual shift mode position. Gears can be shifted up or down by operating the selector lever. Refer to Manual Shift Mode (Search).
Active Adaptive Shift (AAS)
Active Adaptive Shift (AAS) automatically controls the transaxle shift points to best suit the road conditions and driver input. This improves driving feel. The transaxle may switch to AAS mode when driving up and down slopes, cornering, driving at high elevations, or depressing the accelerator pedal quickly while the selector lever is in the D position. Depending on the road and driving conditions/vehicle operations, gear shifting could be delayed or not occur, however, this does not indicate a problem because the AAS mode will maintain the optimum gear position.
Indicators
Manual shift mode indication
In manual shift mode, the “M” of the shift position indication in the instrument panel illuminates.
Gear position indication
The numeral for the selected gear illuminates.
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If the gears cannot be shifted down when driving at higher speeds, the gear position indication will flash twice to signal that the gears cannot be shifted down (to protect the transaxle).
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If the automatic transaxle fluid (ATF) temperature becomes too high, there is the possibility that the transaxle will switch to automatic shift mode, cancelling manual shift mode and turning off the gear position indication illumination. This is a normal function to protect the AT. After the ATF temperature has decreased, the gear position indication illumination turns back on and driving in manual shift mode is restored.
Manually Shifting Up
You can shift gears up by operating the selector lever.
M1 → M2 → M3 → M4 → M5 → M6
To shift up to a higher gear, tap the selector lever back 
once.
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When driving slowly, the gears may not shift up.
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Do not drive the vehicle with the tachometer needle in the RED ZONE while in manual shift mode. In addition, manual shift mode switches to automatic shift mode while the accelerator pedal is completely depressed.
This function is cancelled while the TCS is turned off. However, if the vehicle is continuously driven at a high rpm, the gears may automatically shift up to protect the engine.
Second Gear Fixed Mode
When the selector lever is moved back while the vehicle speed is about 10 km/h (6.2 mph) or less, the transaxle is set in the second gear fixed mode. The gear is fixed in second while in this mode for easier acceleration from a stop and driving on slippery roads such as snow-covered roads.
If the selector lever is moved back or forward 
while in the second gear fixed mode, the mode will be cancelled.
