Automatic Transmission Operation

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

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

WARNING

To reduce the risk of serious injury or death:

• ALWAYS check the area around the vehicle for people, especially children, before shifting into D (Drive) or R (Reverse).
• Before leaving the driver's seat, always check that the shift lever is in the P (Park) position, then apply the parking brake and turn the ignition switch to the LOCK/OFF position. Unintended and sudden vehicle movement may occur if these precautions are not observed.

The indicator in the instrument cluster shows the position of the shift lever when the ignition switch is in the ON position.

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.

If you have done all of the above but still cannot move the shift lever out of the P (Park) position, refer to "Shift-Lock Release" on page 5-17.

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 stopping the vehicle, always make sure the shift lever is in P (Park), apply the parking brake, and turn off the engine.
• Do not use P (Park) as a substitute for the parking brake.

R (Reverse)

Use this position to drive the vehicle in reverse.

CAUTION

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.

N (Neutral)

Wheels and transmission are not involved.

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

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

WARNING

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

D (Drive)

This is the normal driving position. The transmission will automatically shift through a 6-speed sequence to provide the best fuel economy and performance.

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

Sport Mode

Whether the vehicle is stationary or moving, sport mode is selected by moving the shift lever from the D (Drive) position to the manual gate.

To return to D (Drive) range operation, return the shift lever to its original position in the gate.

In sport mode, moving the shift lever forward and backward allows you to select the appropriate gear range for current driving conditions.

+ (Up): Push the lever forward once to shift up one gear.

- (Down): Pull the lever backward once to shift down one gear.

✽ NOTICE

• Only six forward gears can be selected. To reverse or park the vehicle, move the shift lever to the R (Reverse) or P (Park) position as required.
• Downshifting occurs automatically when the vehicle decelerates. When the vehicle stops, 1st gear is automatically engaged.
• When the engine speed approaches the red zone, the transmission automatically shifts to a higher gear.
• If the driver pushes the lever to the + (Up) or - (Down) position, the transmission may not perform the requested shift if the next gear is outside the permissible engine speed range. The driver should shift to higher gears according to road conditions and keep the engine speed below the red zone.
• When driving on a slippery road, move the shift lever forward to the + (up) position. This causes the transmission to shift into 2nd gear, which is better for smooth driving on slippery roads. Move the shift lever to the - (down) side to shift into 1st gear.

Shift Lock System

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

To shift the transmission from P (Park) or N (Neutral) into R (Reverse):

1. Depress and hold the brake pedal.

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

3. Move the shift lever.

Shift Lock Release

If the shift lever cannot be moved from P (Park) or N (Neutral) into R (Reverse) with the brake pedal depressed, continue to depress the brake pedal, then perform the following steps:

1. Turn the ignition switch to the LOCK/OFF position.

2. Apply the parking brake.

3. Carefully remove the cover (1) that covers the shift-lock release access hole.

4. Insert the key (or screwdriver) into the access hole and press down on the key (or screwdriver).

5. While holding the key (or screwdriver) down, move the shift lever to the N (Neutral) position.

6. Remove the key (or screwdriver) from the shift lock release access hole, then install the cover.

7. Depress the brake pedal and restart the engine.

If it is necessary to use the shift-lock release, have the vehicle inspected by an authorized HYUNDAI dealer immediately.

Ignition Key Lock System

The ignition key cannot be removed unless the shift lever is in the P (Park) position.