Automatic Transmission Operation

The automatic transmission has 4 forward speeds and one reverse speed. The gears are selected automatically, depending on the position of the shift lever.

NOTICE

The first few shifts on a new vehicle, or after the battery has been disconnected, may be somewhat harsh. This is a normal condition, and the shift pattern will be adapted after the TCM (Transmission Control Module) or PCM (Powertrain Control Module) has cycled several times.

For smooth operation, depress the brake pedal when shifting from N (Neutral) to D (Drive) or R (Reverse).

WARNING

Automatic Transmission

• Always check the areas 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 is in the P (Park) position, then apply the parking brake fully and turn the engine off. Sudden and unexpected vehicle movement may occur if these precautions are not followed in this order.
• Do not use engine braking (downshifting from a higher gear to a lower gear) abruptly on slippery road surfaces. The vehicle may skid, which may result in an accident.

CAUTION

• To avoid damaging the transmission, do not accelerate the engine in R (Reverse) or any forward drive position with the brakes applied.
• When stopped on a slope, do not hold the vehicle stationary with engine power. Use the brake pedal or parking brake.
• Do not shift from N (Neutral) or P (Park) into D (Drive) or R (Reverse) when the engine speed is above idle.

Transmission Ranges

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). This position locks the transmission and prevents the drive wheels from rotating.

WARNING

• Shifting into P (Park) while the vehicle is moving will lock the drive wheels, which may cause you to lose control of the vehicle.
• Do not use P (Park) in place of the parking brake. Always make sure the shift lever is locked in P (Park) and apply the parking brake fully.
• Never leave children unattended in the vehicle.

CAUTION

The transmission may be damaged if you shift into P (Park) while the vehicle is moving.

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, except in the cases described in "Rocking the Vehicle" on page 6-61.

N (Neutral)

The wheels and transmission are not engaged. The vehicle will roll freely even on the slightest incline unless the parking brake or service brakes are applied.

WARNING

Do not drive with the shift lever in N (Neutral). The engine brake will not operate and an accident may result.

- Parking in N (Neutral)

Follow the instructions below when parking and you want the vehicle to move when pushed.

1. After parking the vehicle, depress the brake pedal and move the shift lever to the [P] position with the ignition switch in [ON] or with the engine running.

2. If the parking brake is applied, release the parking brake.

3. While depressing the brake pedal, turn the ignition switch to [OFF].

- For vehicles equipped with a smart key, the ignition switch can be moved to [OFF] only when the shift lever is in [P].

4. Move the shift lever to the [N] (Neutral) position while depressing the brake pedal. The vehicle will then be able to move when external force is applied.

CAUTION

• Except when parking in Neutral, always park the vehicle in [P] (Park) for safety and apply the parking brake.
• Before parking in [N] (Neutral), first make sure the parking area is level and flat. Do not park in [N] on any slopes or grades. If the vehicle is parked and left in [N], it may roll and cause serious damage and injury.

D (Drive)

This is the normal forward driving position. The transmission shifts automatically through a sequence of 4 gears, providing better fuel economy and performance.

For additional power when passing another vehicle or climbing a hill, depress the accelerator pedal fully (more than 80%) until the kickdown mechanism (if equipped) clicks; the transmission will then automatically downshift to the next lower gear.

NOTICE

Always come to a complete stop before shifting into D (Drive).

3 (Third gear)

Used for towing a trailer up a hill or for engine braking down a slope.

"3" automatically shifts between 1st, 2nd and 3rd gears. This means that no shift to 4th gear occurs. However, an upshift to 4th gear is made when vehicle speed exceeds a specified value to prevent the engine from overrunning. Manually move the selector to "D" when returning to normal driving conditions.

2 (Second gear)

Use for driving on slippery roads, climbing hills or engine braking on a downhill grade. "2" automatically shifts between 1st and 2nd gears.

This means that no shift to 3rd gear occurs. However, an upshift to 3rd gear is made when vehicle speed exceeds a specified value to prevent the engine from overrunning. Manually move the selector to "D" when returning to normal driving conditions.

1 (First gear)

Use for climbing a very steep hill or for engine braking when descending steep hills. When shifted to "1", the transmission will temporarily remain in 2nd gear until the vehicle slows sufficiently to engage 1st gear. Do not exceed 50 km/h in 1st gear.

"1" shifts to 1st gear only. However, an upshift to 2nd gear is made when vehicle speed exceeds a specified value and, as speed increases, the transmission shifts up to 3rd gear to prevent the engine from overrunning.

NOTICE

• For smooth and safe operation, depress the brake pedal when shifting from "N" (Neutral) or "P" (Park) into "D" (Drive) or "R" (Reverse).
• Fully depress the brake pedal to move the shift lever from "P" (Park) to any of the other positions.
• You can always shift from "R", "N", "D", "3", "2", "1" to the "P" position. The vehicle must be completely stopped to avoid damaging the transmission.

CAUTION

• Shift to the "R" and "P" positions only when the vehicle has come to a complete stop.
• Do not race the engine in reverse or in any of the forward positions with the brakes applied.
• Always depress the brake pedal when shifting from "P" or "N" to "R", "D", "3", "2" or "1".
• Check the automatic transmission fluid regularly. Level the fluid and add fluid as necessary. Refer to the maintenance schedule for the correct fluid recommendation.

Shift Lock System (if equipped)

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

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

1. Depress and hold the brake pedal.

2. Move the shift lever.

If the brake pedal is repeatedly depressed and released while the shift lever is in P (Park), a clicking noise may be heard near the shift lever. This is a normal condition.

WARNING

Always fully depress the brake pedal before and during shifting out of P (Park) into another position to avoid unintended vehicle movement, which may injure persons in or near the vehicle.