Automatic Transaxle
Automatic Transaxle Controls
The Sport AT has an option that is not included in the traditional automatic transaxle that gives the driver the option of selecting each gear instead of leaving it to the transaxle to shift gears. Even if you intend to use the automatic transaxle functions as a traditional automatic, you should also be aware that you can inadvertently shift into manual shift mode and an inappropriate gear may be retained as the vehicle speed increases. If you notice the engine speed going higher or hear the engine racing, confirm you have not accidentally slipped into manual shift mode (Search).
Shift-Lock System
The shift-lock system prevents shifting out of P unless the brake pedal is depressed.
To shift from P:
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Depress and hold the brake pedal.
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Start the engine.
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Press and hold the lock-release button.
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Move the selector lever.
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When the ignition is switched to ACC or the ignition is switched off, the selector lever cannot be shifted from P position.
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The ignition cannot be switched to OFF if the selector lever is not in P position.
Manual Shift Mode
The manual shift mode gives you the feel of driving a manual transaxle vehicle by allowing you to operate the selector lever manually. This allows you to control engine rpm and torque to the drive wheels much like a manual transaxle when more control is desired.
To change to manual shift mode, shift the lever from D to M.
To return to automatic shift mode, shift the lever from M to D.
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If you change to manual shift mode when the vehicle is stopped, the gear will shift to M1.
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If you change to manual shift mode without depressing the accelerator pedal when driving in D range, 5th gear/6th gear, the gear will shift to M4/M5.
Indicators
Manual shift mode indication
In manual shift mode, the “M” of the shift position indication in the instrument panel illuminates.
Gear position indication
The numeral for the selected gear illuminates.
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If the gears cannot be shifted down when driving at higher speeds, the gear position indication will flash twice to signal that the gears cannot be shifted down (to protect the transaxle).
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If the automatic transaxle fluid (ATF) temperature becomes too high, there is the possibility that the transaxle will switch to automatic shift mode, canceling manual shift mode and turning off the gear position indication illumination. This is a normal function to protect the AT. After the ATF temperature has decreased, the gear position indication illumination turns back on and driving in manual shift mode is restored.
Manually Shifting Down
You can shift gears down by operating the selector lever.
M6 → M5 → M4 → M3 → M2→ M1
To shift down to a lower gear, tap the selector lever forward 
once.
Do not use engine braking on slippery road surfaces or at high speeds:
Shifting down while driving on wet, snowy, or frozen roads, or while driving at high speeds causes sudden engine braking, which is dangerous. The sudden change in tire speed could cause the tires to skid. This could lead to loss of vehicle control and an accident.
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When driving at high speeds, the gear may not shift down.
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During deceleration, the gear may automatically shift down depending on vehicle speed.
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When depressing the accelerator fully, the transaxle will shift to a lower gear, depending on vehicle speed. However, the gears do not kickdown while the TCS is turned off.
while the vehicle speed is about 10 km/h (6.2 mph) or less, the transaxle is set in the second gear fixed mode. The gear is fixed in second while in this mode for easier acceleration from a stop and driving on slippery roads such as snow-covered roads.