2006 Pontiac GTO Owner's Manual - Page 82

NEUTRAL: Use this position when you start or idle your engine. Your shift lever is in NEUTRAL when it is centered in the shift pattern, not in any gear. REVERSE (R): To back up, press down the clutch pedal and shift into REVERSE (R). Apply pressure to get the lever past FIFTH (5) and SIXTH (6) into REVERSE (R). Let up on the clutch pedal slowly while pressing the accelerator pedal. Shift Speeds {CAUTION: If you skip a gear when you downshift, you could lose control of your vehicle. You could injure yourself or others. Do not shift down more than one gear at a time when you downshift. This chart shows when to shift to the next gear for the best fuel economy. Manual Transmission Recommended Shift Speeds 1 to 2 2 to 3 3 to 4 4 to 5 5 to 6 16 mph 22 mph 30 mph 40 mph 50 mph (25 km/h) (35 km/h) (48 km/h) (65 km/h) (80 km/h) 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. 2-22