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.

The shift position indicator on the instrument cluster displays the position of the shift lever/button 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 into D (Drive) or R (Reverse).
• Before leaving the driver's seat, always make sure the shift lever/button is in the P (Park) position, then apply the parking brake and switch the ignition to the LOCK/OFF position. Sudden and unexpected vehicle movement may occur if these precautions are not followed.
• Do not use engine braking (using manual shift mode or paddle shifters to downshift) on slippery roads. The vehicle may lose traction with the road surface, which may result in a collision.

P (Park)

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

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

If you cannot move the shift lever out of the P (Park) position, refer to the "Shift-Lock Release" section in this chapter, if equipped with a shift lever.

WARNING

• Shifting into P (Park) while the vehicle is moving may result in loss of vehicle control.
• When parking on a slope, shift into P (Park), apply the parking brake, and turn the wheels toward the curb so the vehicle does not roll downhill.
• Do not use P (Park) instead 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 R (Reverse) or out of it to prevent transmission damage.

NOTICE

For vehicles with a shift button, when the vehicle is stopped in R (Reverse) or D (Drive), if the driver's door is open and the driver's seat belt is not fastened, the transmission automatically shifts into P (Park).

If the vehicle is moving in R (Reverse) or D (Drive) and the driver's door is opened and the driver's seat belt is unfastened, the transmission may automatically shift into P (Park) to prevent transmission damage.

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 to P (Park) if you need to leave the vehicle for any reason.

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

WARNING

• Do not shift gears unless your foot is firmly on the brake pedal.
• Do not shift gears while the accelerator pedal is pressed. Wait until the engine speed is normal. The vehicle may move suddenly if you shift gears and release the brake pedal while the engine speed is high.

Staying in N (Neutral) When the Vehicle Is Off (Button Type)

If you want to stay in N (Neutral) after the engine is turned off (ignition switch in ACC position), follow these steps:

1. Release the parking brake when the engine is running or the START/STOP button is in the ON position. If Auto Hold is activated, turn off Auto Hold.

2. Press the N (Neutral) button while depressing the brake pedal.

3. Remove your foot from the brake pedal. The message "Press and hold OK button to stay in neutral when the vehicle is off" appears on the instrument cluster display.

4. Press and hold the OK button on the steering wheel for more than 1 second.

5. When the message "Vehicle will stay in (N). Shift gear to cancel" appears on the instrument cluster display, press the START/STOP button while depressing the brake pedal.

If the driver's door is opened, the transmission shifts into P (Park) and the START/STOP button switch is turned to the OFF position.

NOTICE

With the transmission in N (Neutral), press the START/STOP button until the ignition switch is in the ACC position. Note that the doors cannot be locked in the ACC position. The battery may discharge if left in the ACC position for a long time.

D (Drive)

The transmission shifts automatically through an 8-speed sequence to provide the best fuel economy and performance.

Shift into D (Drive) while depressing the brake pedal with the engine running. Then release the brake pedal and press the accelerator pedal.

For additional power when passing another vehicle or driving uphill, fully depress the accelerator pedal. The transmission automatically shifts to the next lower gear.

For vehicles with a shift button, when the vehicle is stopped in D (Drive) and the driver's door is opened with the seat belt unfastened, the transmission automatically shifts to P (Park).

If the vehicle is moving in D (Drive) and the driver's door is opened with the seat belt unfastened, the transmission may not shift automatically to P (Park) in order to protect the automatic transmission.

The DRIVE MODE switch, located on the shift lever/button console, allows the driver to change from NORMAL mode to SPORT mode (if equipped).

For more information, refer to the "Integrated Drive Mode Control System" section later in this chapter.

DS (Sport Driving) Mode

To enter DS mode, move the shift lever from D (Drive) to the left, without shifting to + or downshifting to -.

Engine and transmission control logic is automatically optimized for sporty driving.

In DS mode, when the shift lever is moved to + (Up) or - (Down), the transmission switches to manual shift mode. If the shift lever is moved back to D (Drive), it returns to D (Drive) and shifts automatically. The vehicle operates according to the mode selected from the drive mode (NORMAL, SPORT).

Manual shift mode (lever type)

A: + (Up), B: - (Down)

Whether the vehicle is stopped or moving, manual shift mode is entered by moving the shift lever from the D (Drive) position into the manual gate. To return to D (Drive) mode, move the shift lever back into the main gate.

In manual shift mode, move the lever forward and backward to select the gear range suitable for current driving conditions.

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

- (Down): Pull the lever back once to downshift by one gear.

Information

• Downshifting occurs automatically when the vehicle decelerates. When the vehicle stops, first gear is selected automatically.
• When engine speed approaches the red zone, the transmission upshifts automatically.
• If the driver moves the lever to + (Up) or - (Down), the gear may not shift if the next gear would be outside the permissible engine speed range.
• When driving on a slippery road, push the shift lever toward + (Up) to shift to 2nd gear, which is better for smooth driving on slippery roads. Push the shift lever toward - (Down) to shift back to 1st gear.

Ignition Key Lock System

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

Shift Lock System

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

To shift from P (Park) to R (Reverse):

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 into R (Reverse).

Shift-lock release (lever type)

If the shift lever cannot be moved from P (Park) to R (Reverse) with the brake pedal depressed, then:

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

2. Apply the parking brake.

3. Carefully lift the shift lever cover.

4. Move the shift lever while pressing the release button 1 with a tool (such as a flat-blade screwdriver).

If you need to use the Shift-Lock release, have the system inspected by an authorized HYUNDAI dealer immediately.

When the battery is discharged (button type):

You cannot shift gears when the battery is discharged.

In an emergency:

1. Connect jumper cables from another vehicle or another battery, following the "Jump Starting" instructions in chapter 8.

2. Release the parking brake with the ignition key in the ON position.

3. Shift the transmission to N (Neutral). Refer to "Staying in N (Neutral) when the engine is off (button type)" in this chapter.

Parking

Always come to a complete stop and keep depressing the brake pedal. Shift the transmission to P (Park), apply the parking brake, and turn the ignition switch to the LOCK/OFF position. Take the key with you when leaving the vehicle.

WARNING

• When you remain in the vehicle with the engine running, be careful not to depress the accelerator pedal for a long time. The engine or exhaust system may overheat and cause a fire.
• Exhaust gas and the exhaust system are very hot and may cause a fire. Keep away from exhaust system components.
• Do not stop or park over flammable materials such as dry grass, paper, or leaves. They may ignite and cause a fire.