Automatic Transmission Operation

The automatic transmission has 6 forward speeds and one reverse speed. Gear speeds 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 normal, and the shift sequence will adjust after the TCM (Transmission Control Module) or PCM (Powertrain Control Module) has shifted several times.

For smooth operation, depress the brake pedal when shifting from N (Neutral) to a forward or reverse gear.

WARNING

Automatic Transmission

• 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 make sure the shift lever is in P (Park), then fully apply the parking brake and turn the engine off. If these precautions are not followed in this order, unexpected and sudden vehicle movement may occur.
• 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 transaxle, do not race the engine in R (Reverse) or any forward gear with the brakes applied.
• When stopped on a slope, do not hold the vehicle in place with engine power. Use the service brake or the parking brake.
• Do not shift from N (Neutral) or P (Park) into D (Drive) or R (Reverse) when the engine is running above idle speed.

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 to P (Park). This position locks the transmission and prevents the front wheels from rotating.

WARNING

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

CAUTION

The transmission may be damaged if you shift to 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 transaxle if you shift into R while the vehicle is moving, except as described in "Rocking the Vehicle".

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 brake is applied.

WARNING

Do not drive with the shift lever in N (Neutral). The engine braking will not function and may cause an accident.

-Parking in N (Neutral)

Follow the steps below when parking, and when you want the vehicle to move when pressed.

1. After parking the vehicle, press the brake pedal and move the shift lever to the "P" position when the ignition switch is in the "ON" position or while the engine is running.

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

3. While holding down the brake pedal, turn the ignition switch to the "OFF" position.
- For vehicles equipped with a Smart Key, the ignition switch can only be turned to the "OFF" position when the shift lever is in the "P" position.

4. While holding down the brake pedal, move the shift lever to the "N" (Neutral) position by pressing the "SHIFT LOCK RELEASE" button or by inserting a tool (such as a flat-blade screwdriver) into the "SHIFT LOCK RELEASE" access hole and pressing. The vehicle will then be able to move when an external force is applied.

CAUTION

• Always park the vehicle in the "P" (Park) position for safety, and apply the parking brake, except when parking in neutral.
• Before parking in "N" (Neutral), first make sure the parking surface is level and flat. Do not park in "N" (Neutral) on any slope or incline. If parked and left in the "N" position, the vehicle may roll and cause serious damage and injury.

D (Drive)

This is the normal forward driving position. The transmission shifts automatically through a 6-speed sequence, providing the best fuel economy and performance.

For additional power when passing another vehicle or climbing a hill, press the accelerator pedal fully. At this time, the transaxle will automatically downshift to the next lower gear.

NOTICE

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

Sport Mode

Regardless of whether the vehicle is stationary or moving, select Sport mode by moving the shift lever from the D (Drive) position to the manual gate. To return to the D (Drive) range, push the shift lever back into the main gate.

In Sport Mode, moving the shift lever forward and backward allows you to shift gears quickly. Unlike a manual transmission, Sport Mode allows gear shifting while the accelerator pedal is pressed.

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

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

NOTICE

• In Sport Mode, the driver should upshift according to driving conditions, making sure the engine speed does not exceed the red zone.
• In Sport mode, only 6 forward gears can be selected. To change or park the vehicle, move the shift lever to R (Reverse) or P (Park) as required.
• In Sport Mode, downshifting is performed automatically when the vehicle decelerates. When the vehicle stops, 1st gear is automatically selected.
• In Sport mode, when the engine speed approaches the red zone, the shift points change to automatically upshift.
• To maintain the required level of performance and safety, the system may not perform certain gear shifts when the shift lever is operated.
• When driving on a slippery road, move the shift lever forward to the + (upper) position. This shifts the transmission into 2nd gear, which is better for smooth driving on slippery roads. Move the shift lever to the - (down) position to shift back to 1st gear.