2009 Suzuki SX4 Owner's Manual - Page 163

Using the Transaxle: 10 OPERATING YOUR VEHICLE L (Low 1) Use this position to provide maximum power when climbing steep hills or driving through deep snow or mud, or to provide maximum engine braking when going down steep hills. NOTE: If you move the gearshift lever to a lower gear while driving faster than the maximum allowable speed for the lower gear, the transaxle will not actually downshift until your speed drops below the maximum speed for the lower gear. Manual Transaxle WARNING EXAMPLE • Reduce your speed and downshift to a lower gear before going down a long or steep hill. Downshifting will allow the engine to provide braking. Avoid riding the brakes or they may overheat, resulting in brake failure. • When driving on slippery roads, be sure to slow down before downshifting. Large and sudden changes in engine speed may cause loss of traction, which could cause you to lose control. • Make sure that the vehicle is completely stopped before you shift into reverse. CAUTION Be sure to take the following precautions to help avoid damage to the automatic transaxle: • Make sure that the vehicle is completely stationary before shifting into "P" or "R". • Do not shift from "P" or "N" to "R", "D", "3", "2", or "L" when the engine is running above idle speed. • Do not rev the engine with the transaxle in a drive position ("R", "D", "3", "2", or "L") and the front wheels not moving. • Do not use the accelerator to hold the vehicle on a hill. Use the vehicle's brakes. 79J002 Starting off To start off, depress the clutch pedal all the way to the floor and shift into 1st gear. After releasing the parking brake, gradually release the clutch. When you hear a change in the engine's sound, slowly press the accelerator while continuing to gradually release the clutch. Shifting All forward gears are synchronized, which provides for quiet, and easy shifting. Always depress the clutch pedal all the way to the floor before shifting gears. Keep the engine speed does not rise into the red zone of the tachometer. CAUTION • To help avoid clutch damage, do not use the clutch pedal as a footrest while driving or use the clutch to keep the vehicle stationary on a slope. Depress the clutch fully when shifting. • When shifting or starting off, do not race the engine. Racing the engine can shorten engine life and affect smooth shifting. 6-6 80J22-03E