2009 Mercury Milan Owner Guide 2nd Printing - Page 217

Driving Do not rock the vehicle for more than a minute or damage to the transmission and tires may occur, or the engine may overheat. MANUAL TRANSMISSION OPERATION (IF EQUIPPED) 1 2 3 4 5 R Using the clutch Manual transmission vehicles have a starter interlock that prevents cranking the engine unless the clutch pedal is fully depressed. To start the vehicle: 1. Make sure the parking brake is fully set. 1. Press the clutch pedal to the floor, then put the gearshift lever in the neutral position. R 1 3 5 2. Start the engine. 2 4 6 3. Press the brake pedal and move the gearshift lever to the desired gear; 1 (First) or R (Reverse). 4. Release the parking brake, then slowly release the clutch pedal while slowly pressing on the accelerator. During each shift, the clutch pedal must be fully depressed to the floor. Make sure the floor mat is properly positioned so it doesn't interfere with the full extension of the clutch pedal. Failure to fully depress the clutch pedal to the floor may cause increased shift efforts, prematurely wear transmission components or damage the transmission. Do not drive with your foot resting on the clutch pedal or use the clutch pedal to hold your vehicle at a standstill while waiting on a hill. These actions will severely reduce the life of the clutch and could nullify a clutch warranty claim. Recommended shift speeds Do not downshift into 1 (First) when your vehicle is moving faster than 15 mph (24 km/h). This will damage the clutch. 217 2009 Milan (mln) Owners Guide, 2nd Printing USA (fus)