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OPERATION
Shifting Gears
WARNING! Forced shifting (without depressing the clutch pedal) could cause damage to the engine,
transmission and drive train. Such damage could cause loss of control, which could result in serious
injury or death. Always depress the clutch pedal fully to disengage the clutch before shifting gears.
The SLINGSHOT vehicle is equipped with a 5-speed
transmission. Neutral is located between gears. When the shift
lever is in neutral, it should move freely from left to right.
1. Start the engine. See page 42.
2. With the engine at idle speed and the clutch disengaged
(pedal depressed), apply the brakes.
3. Move the shift lever into first gear.
4. Release the brake pedal.
5. In one smooth motion, simultaneously release the clutch
pedal while slowly depressing the throttle pedal. As the
clutch begins to engage, the vehicle will move forward.
6. To shift to a higher gear, accelerate smoothly to the recommended shift point. See page
44. Perform the following actions quickly and precisely:
a) Simultaneously release the throttle pedal completely while disengaging the clutch
(depressing the clutch pedal).
b) Move the shift lever to the next gear.
c) Simultaneously release the clutch pedal while depressing the throttle pedal.
NOTE: Within the recommended speed ranges (page 44), you can downshift to slow the vehicle or to
increase power. You may want to downshift when climbing a hill or passing. Downshifting also
helps to decrease speed when combined with releasing the throttle pedal.
4. To shift to a lower gear (downshift), reduce speed to the recommended shift point. See
page 44. Perform the following actions quickly and precisely:
a) Simultaneously release the throttle pedal completely while disengaging the clutch
(depressing the clutch pedal).
b) Move the shift lever to the next lower gear.
c) Simultaneously release the clutch pedal while depressing the throttle pedal.
WARNING! Downshifting improperly could cause transmission damage, loss of traction and loss of
control, which could result in serious injury or death.
• Reduce speed before downshifting. Always downshift within the recommended shift points.
• Use extreme caution when downshifting on wet, slippery or other low traction surfaces. Release
the clutch pedal very gradually in these conditions.
• Avoid downshifting in a curve. Downshift before entering the curve. Avoid coasting (clutch
disengaged) through curves and corners.
Shift Pattern