1996 Pontiac Sunfire Owner's Manual - Page 75

THIRD (3), FOURTH (4) and FIFTH (5): Shift into THIRD (3), FOURTH (4) AND FIFTH ( 3 , the same way you do for SECOND(2). Slowly let up on the clutch pedal as you press the accelerator pedal. To stop, let up on the accelerator pedal and press the brake pedal. Just before the vehicle stops, press the clutch pedal and the brake pedal,and shift to NEUTRAL (N). Shift Speeds I A CAUTION: If you skip more thanone gear when you downshift, you could lose control of your vehicle. And you could injure yourself or others. Don't shift from FIFTH (5),to SECOND ( ) or from 2, FOURTH (4) to .FIRST(1). NEUTRAL (N): Use this position when you start or idle your engine. REVERSE (R): To back up, press down the clutch pedal and shift into REVERSE (R). Let up on the clutch pedal slowly while pressing the accelerator pedal. Acceleration Shift Speeds This chart shows you when to shift to the next higher gear for best fuel economy. NOTICE: Shift to REVERSE (R) only after your vehicle is stopped. Shifting to REVERSE (R) while your vehicle is moving could damage your transaxle. ; FIRST (1)to SECOND (2) SECOND (2) to THIRD (3) THIRD (3) to FOURTH (4) FOURTH (4) to FIFTH (5) 17 mph (27 k h m) 30 rnph (48 h h / ) 39 mph (63 h h / ) 45 mph (72 b h / ) Also, use REVERSE (R), along with the parking brake, for parking your vehicle. If your speed drops below 20 mph (32 km/h), or if the engine is not running smoothly, you should downshift to the next lower gear. You may have to downshift two or more gears to keep the engine running smoothly or for good performance.