right for at least one second. The transmission will now
operate automatically, shifting between the five available
gears.
Autostickா General Information
•
You can start out in first or second gear. The system
will ignore attempts to upshift at too low of a vehicle
speed.
•
The transmission will automatically downshift to first
gear when coming to a stop.
•
Starting out in second gear is helpful in snowy or icy
conditions.
•
Avoid using speed control when Autostick is en-
gaged.
•
The transmission will not automatically shift up when
maximum engine speed is reached while Autostick is
engaged.
•
Transmission shifting will be more noticeable when
Autostick is engaged.
DRIVING ON SLIPPERY SURFACES
Acceleration
Rapid acceleration on snow covered, wet, or other slip-
pery surfaces may cause the rear wheels to pull errati-
cally to the right or left. This phenomenon occurs when
there is a difference in the surface traction under the rear
(driving) wheels.
WARNING!
Rapid acceleration on slippery surfaces is danger-
ous. Unequal traction can cause sudden pulling of
the rear wheels. You could lose control of the vehicle
and possibly have an accident. Accelerate slowly and
carefully whenever there is likely to be poor traction
(ice, snow, wet mud, loose sand, etc.).
Traction
When driving on wet or slushy roads, it is possible for a
wedge of water to build up between the tire and road
surface. This is known as hydroplaning and may cause
216 STARTING AND OPERATING