2007 Suzuki Aerio Owner's Manual - Page 134

OPERATING YOUR VEHICLE WARNING Always depress the brake pedal before shifting from "P" (Park) or "N" (Neutral) to a forward or reverse gear, to help prevent the vehicle from moving unexpectedly when you shift. For all normal driving, make sure that the "O/D OFF" indicator light is off, then put the gearshift lever into "D" (Drive). Use the other gearshift lever positions as described below: P (Park) Use this position to lock the transaxle when the vehicle is parked or when starting the engine. Shift into Park only when the vehicle is completely stopped. R (Reverse) Use this position to back the vehicle from stop. Make sure that the vehicle is completely stopped before shifting into Reverse. N (Neutral) Use this position for starting the engine if the engine stalls and you need to restart it while the vehicle is moving. You may also shift into Neutral and depress the brake pedal to hold the vehicle stationary during idling. D (Drive) Use this position for all normal driving. With the selector in "D" range, you can get an automatic downshift by pressing the accelerator pedal. The higher the vehicle speed is, the more you will need to press the accelerator pedal to get a downshift. 2 (Low 2) Use this position to provide extra power when climbing hills, or to provide engine braking when going down hills. 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. CAUTION Be sure to take the following precautions to help avoid damage to the automatic transaxle: • Make sure that the vehicle is completely stopped before shifting into "P" or "R". • Do not shift from "P" or "N" to "R", "D", "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", "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. 6-5