2004 Hyundai Santa Fe Owner's Manual - Page 143

2 DRIVING YOUR HYUNDAI 6 4. Turn the ignition key to the "START" position and release it when the engine starts. After the engine has started, allow the engine to run for 10 to 20 seconds prior to placing the vehicle in gear. The starter should not be operated for more than 15 seconds at a time. Wait 15-30 seconds between starting attempts to protect the starter from overheating. OPERATING THE MANUAL TRANSAXLE C070A02A-AAT NOTE: o To shift into reverse, rest the lever in neutral for at least 3 seconds after your car is completely stopped. Then move the lever into the reverse position. o During cold weather, shifting may be difficult until the transaxle lubricant has warmed up. This is normal and not harmful to the transaxle. o If you've come to a complete stop and it's hard to shift into 1st or R(Reverse), put the shift lever in N(Neutral) position and release the clutch. Press the clutch pedal back down, and then shift into 1st or R(Reverse) gear position. o Do not use the shift lever as a handrest during driving, as this can result in premature wear of the transaxle shift forks. C070A01O Your Hyundai's manual transaxle has a conventional shift pattern. This shift pattern is imprinted on the shift knob. The transaxle is fully synchronized in all forward gears so shifting to either a higher or a lower gear is easily accomplished. ! CAUTION: When downshifting from fifth gear to fourth gear, caution should be taken not to inadvertently press the gear lever sideways in such a manner that second gear is engaged. Such a drastic downshift may cause the engine speed to increase to the point that the tachometer will enter the red-zone. Such over-revving of the engine may possibly cause engine damage.