2008 Suzuki Forenza Owner's Manual - Page 62

FEATURES AND CONTROLS by blocking the straight movement of the shift lever when the vehicle is moving. PARK (P): This position locks your front wheels. It's the best position to use when you start your engine because your vehicle can't move easily. Also, this is the only position from which you can remove the key after turning it to LOCK. lever all the way into PARK (P) - as you maintain brake application. Then move the shift lever into the gear you wish. See "Shifting Out of Park (P)" on a later page in this section. REVERSE (R): Use this gear to back up. In order to move from NEUTRAL (N) to REVERSE (R), you must press down on the shift lever while shifting. WARNING Shifting into a drive gear while your engine is "racing" (running at high speed) is dangerous. Unless your foot is firmly on the brake pedal, your vehicle could move very rapidly. You could lose control and hit people or objects. Don't shift into a drive gear while your engine is racing. WARNING It is dangerous to get out of your vehicle if the shift lever is not fully in PARK (P) with the parking brake firmly set. Your vehicle can roll. Don't leave your vehicle when the engine is running unless you have to. If you have left the engine running, the vehicle can move suddenly. You or others could be injured. To be sure your vehicle won't move, even when you're on fairly level ground, always set your parking brake and move the shift lever to PARK (P). See "Shifting Into Park (P)" in the Index. Ensure the shift lever is fully in PARK (P) before starting the engine. Your vehicle has an automatic transmission shift lock control system. You have to apply your regular brakes before you can shift from PARK (P) when the ignition is in the ON position. If you cannot shift out of PARK (P), ease pressure on the shift lever - push the shift CAUTION Shifting to REVERSE (R) while your vehicle is moving forward could damage your transmission. The repairs would not be covered by your warranty. Shift to REVERSE (R) only after your vehicle is stopped. To rock your vehicle back and forth to get out of snow, ice or sand without damaging your transmission, see "If You Are Stuck: In Sand, Mud, Ice or Snow" in section 4. NEUTRAL (N): In this position, your engine doesn't connect with the wheels. To restart when you're already moving, use NEUTRAL (N) only. Also, use NEUTRAL (N) when your vehicle is being towed. CAUTION Damage to your transmission caused by shifting into a drive gear with the engine racing isn't covered by your warranty. Be sure the engine is not racing when shifting your vehicle. AUTOMATIC OVERDRIVE (D): This position is for normal driving. THIRD (3): This position is also used for normal driving, however, it offers more power and lower fuel economy than AUTOMATIC OVERDRIVE (D). Here are some times you might choose THIRD (3) instead of AUTOMATIC OVERDRIVE (D): • When driving on hilly, winding roads. • When doing down a steep hill. 2-14