Gear Ranges

Do not depress the accelerator pedal when shifting out of PARK or NEUTRAL.

NOTE:

After selecting any transmission range, wait a moment for the selected gear to engage before accelerating. This is especially important when the engine is cold.

PARK (P)

This range supplements the parking brake by locking the transmission. The engine can be started in this range. Never attempt to use PARK while the vehicle is moving. Apply the parking brake when exiting the vehicle in this range.

When parking on a grade, apply the parking brake before shifting the transmission into PARK. As an additional precaution, turn the front wheels toward the curb when facing downhill and away from the curb when facing uphill.

When exiting the vehicle, always:

• Apply the parking brake.
• Shift the transmission into PARK.
• Turn the ignition OFF.
• Take the key fob with you.

NOTE:

On four-wheel-drive vehicles, make sure the transfer case is in the drive position.

• Never use the PARK position as a substitute for the parking brake. Always fully apply the parking brake when leaving the vehicle to protect against vehicle movement and possible injury or damage.
• Your vehicle can move and cause injury to you or others if it is not in PARK. Check by attempting to move the shift lever out of PARK with the brake pedal released. Make sure the transmission is in PARK before leaving the vehicle.
• The transmission may not engage PARK if the vehicle is moving. Always bring the vehicle to a complete stop before shifting into PARK, and make sure the transmission gear position indicator firmly shows PARK (P) without flashing. Make sure the vehicle is completely stopped and PARK is properly indicated before leaving the vehicle.
• It is dangerous to shift out of PARK or NEUTRAL if the engine speed is above idle speed. If your foot is not firmly applying the brake pedal, the vehicle may accelerate quickly forward or backward. You may lose control of the vehicle and strike someone or something. Only shift into a gear when the engine is running normally at idle and your foot is firmly applying the brake pedal.
• Unintended vehicle movement can injure those in or near the vehicle. As with all vehicles, you should never leave the vehicle while the engine is running. Before leaving the vehicle, always come to a complete stop, then apply the parking brake, shift the transmission into PARK, and turn the ignition to OFF. When the ignition is in OFF mode, the transmission is locked in PARK, protecting the vehicle from unwanted movement.
• When leaving the vehicle, always make sure the ignition is in OFF mode, remove the key fob from the vehicle, and lock the vehicle.
• Never leave children alone in a vehicle, or with access to an unlocked vehicle. Allowing children to be in a vehicle unattended is dangerous for many reasons. A child or others could be seriously or fatally injured. Children should be warned not to touch the parking brake, brake pedal, or gear shift lever.
• Do not leave the key fob inside or near the vehicle (or in a location accessible to children), and do not leave the ignition in the ACC or ON/RUN position. A child could operate the power windows, other controls, or move the vehicle.

• Before moving the gear selector out of PARK, you must start the engine and depress the brake pedal. Otherwise, damage to the gear selector may result.
• DO NOT start the engine when shifting from PARK or NEUTRAL into another transmission range, as this may damage the transmission.

The following indicators should be used to make sure you have correctly engaged the transmission in the PARK position:

• When shifting into PARK, press the release button on the gear selector and firmly move the gear selector fully forward until it stops and seats completely.
• Check the transmission range display and make sure it indicates the PARK position (P) and is not flashing.
• With the brake pedal released, make sure the gear selector does not move out of the PARK position.

REVERSE (R)

This range is for moving the vehicle in reverse. Shift into REVERSE only after the vehicle has come to a complete stop.

NEUTRAL (N)

Use this range when the vehicle will be stationary for an extended time with the engine running. Apply the parking brake and shift the transmission into PARK if you must leave the vehicle.

• Towing the vehicle, coasting, or driving for any other reason with the transmission in NEUTRAL may cause serious transmission damage.
• For recreational towing.
• For towing the vehicle with limited capability.

DRIVE (D)

This range should be used for most city and highway driving. It provides the smoothest upshifts and downshifts and the best fuel economy. The transmission automatically shifts through all forward gears. The DRIVE position should be used for all normal driving conditions.

When frequent gear changes occur (for example, when operating the vehicle under heavy load conditions, in hilly terrain, while driving into strong headwinds, or when towing a heavy trailer), use AutoStick shift control to select a lower gear. Under these conditions, using a lower gear will improve performance and extend transmission life by reducing excessive shifting and heat buildup.

At extremely low temperatures (-22°F [-30°C] or below), transmission operation may be modified depending on engine and transmission temperature and vehicle speed. Normal operation will resume after the transmission temperature has risen to an appropriate level.

MANUAL (M)

The MANUAL (M, +/-) position (next to the DRIVE position) provides full manual gear shift control, also known as AutoStick mode. Moving the gear selector forward (-) or rearward (+) in MANUAL (AutoStick) position manually selects the gear and displays the current gear in the instrument cluster.