Automatic Transmission

Automatic Transmission Operation

The automatic transmission has eight forward speeds and one reverse speed.

The individual speeds are selected automatically in the D (Drive) position.

Transmission Ranges

The shift position indicator in the instrument cluster displays the shift position when the ignition switch is in the ON position.

WARNING

To reduce the risk of serious injury or death:

• ALWAYS check the area around your vehicle for people, especially children, before shifting the vehicle into D (Drive) or R (Reverse).
• Before leaving the driver's seat, always check that the shift lever is in P (Park), then apply the parking brake and turn the ignition switch to the LOCK/OFF position. Unexpected and sudden vehicle movement may occur if these precautions are not followed.
• Do not use engine braking (downshifting from a higher gear to a lower gear) abruptly on slippery roads. The vehicle may skid, causing an accident.

P (Park)

Always come to a complete stop before shifting into P (Park).

To shift out of P (Park), you must firmly depress the brake pedal and make sure your foot is not on the accelerator pedal.

The shift lever must be in P (Park) before turning off the engine.

WARNING

• Shifting into P (Park) while the vehicle is moving may cause you to lose control of the vehicle.
• After the vehicle has stopped, always make sure the shift lever is in P (Park), apply the parking brake, and turn the engine off.
• Do not use P (Park) in place of the parking brake.

R (Reverse)

Use this position to drive the vehicle in reverse.

NOTICE

Always come to a complete stop before shifting into or out of R (Reverse). You may damage the transmission if you shift into R (Reverse) while the vehicle is moving.

When the vehicle is stopped in R (Reverse), if you open the driver's door with the seat belt unfastened, the shift lever automatically shifts to P (Park).

However, when the vehicle is moving in R (Reverse), if you open the driver's door with the seat belt unfastened, the shift lever may not automatically shift to P (Park) to protect the automatic transmission.

N (Neutral)

The wheels and transmission are disengaged.

Use N (Neutral) if you need to restart a stalled engine, or if you need to stop with the engine running. Shift into P (Park) if you need to leave your vehicle for any reason.

Always depress the brake pedal when shifting from N (Neutral) into another gear.

WARNING

Do not shift into gear while your foot is firmly on the brake pedal. Shifting into gear while the engine is running at high speed may cause the vehicle to move very quickly. You could lose control of the vehicle and strike people or objects.

D (Drive)

This is the normal driving position. The transmission will shift automatically through a sequence of 8 forward gears, providing better fuel economy and power.

To drive the vehicle forward, shift to D (Drive) while depressing the brake pedal with the engine running. Then gradually depress the accelerator pedal.

For additional power when passing another vehicle or driving uphill, press the accelerator fully. The transmission will automatically downshift to the next lower gear (or gears, as appropriate).

When the vehicle is stopped in D (Drive), if you open the driver's door with the seat belt unfastened, the shift lever automatically shifts to P (Park).

However, when the vehicle is moving in D (Drive), if you open the driver's door with the seat belt unfastened, the shift lever may not automatically shift to P (Park) to protect the automatic transmission.

Shift Lock System

For your safety, the automatic transmission has a shift lock system that prevents shifting from P (Park) or N (Neutral) to R (Reverse) or D (Drive) unless the brake pedal is depressed.

To shift from P (Park) or N (Neutral) to R (Reverse) or D (Drive):

1. Depress and hold the brake pedal.

2. Start the engine or turn the ignition switch to the ON position.

3. Depress the brake pedal and shift to R (Reverse) or D (Drive).

When the battery is discharged:

You cannot shift gears when the battery is discharged.

In an emergency, follow these steps to move the shift lever to N (Neutral) position on level ground.

1. Connect the battery cables from another vehicle or another battery to the battery terminals in the engine compartment to jump start. For more information, refer to "Jump Starting" in chapter 6.

2. Release the parking brake and turn the engine start/stop button to the ON position.

3. Shift to N (Neutral) position. Refer to "Remaining in Neutral when the Vehicle is Off" in this chapter.