Automatic transmission operation
The automatic transmission has 4 forward speeds and one reverse speed. The individual speeds are selected automatically, depending on the position of the shift lever.
The first few shifts on a new vehicle, if the battery has been disconnected, may be somewhat abrupt. This is a normal condition, and the shifting sequence will adjust after shifts are cycled a few times by the TCM (Transmission Control Module) or PCM (Powertrain Control Module).
For smooth operation, depress the brake pedal when shifting from N (Neutral) to a forward or reverse gear.
Automatic transmission
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Always check the surrounding areas near your vehicle for people, especially children, before shifting a car into D (Drive) or R (Reverse).
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Before leaving the driver’s seat, always make sure the shift lever is in the P (Park) position; then set the parking brake fully and shut the engine off. Unexpected and sudden vehicle movement can occur if these precautions are not followed in the order identified.
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Do not use the engine brake (shifting from a high gear to lower gear) rapidly on slippery roads. The vehicle may slip causing an accident.
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To avoid damage to your transmission, do not accelerate the engine in R (Reverse) or any forward gear position with the brakes on.
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When stopped on an incline, do not hold the vehicle stationary with engine power. Use the service brake or the parking brake.
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Do not shift from N (Neutral) or P (Park) into D (Drive), or R (Reverse) when the engine is above idle speed.
Transmission ranges
The indicator in the instrument cluster displays the shift lever position 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.
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Shifting into P (Park) whilst the vehicle is in motion will cause the drive wheels to lock which will cause you to lose control of the vehicle.
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Do not use the P (Park) position in place of the parking brake. Always make sure the shift lever is latched in the P (Park) position and set the parking brake fully.
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Never leave a child unattended in a vehicle.
The transmission may be damaged if you shift into P (Park) whilst the vehicle is in motion.
R (Reverse)
Use this position to drive the vehicle backward.
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) whilst the vehicle is in motion, except as explained refer to More Details.
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.
Do not drive with the shift lever in N (Neutral). The engine brake will not work and lead to an accident.
Follow below steps when parking and you want the vehicle to move when pushed.
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After parking your vehicle, step on the brake pedal and move the shift lever to [P] with the ignition button in [ON] or whilst the engine is running.
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If the parking brake is applied unlock the parking brake.
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Whilst pressing the brake pedal, turn the ignition button [OFF].
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Change the gear shift lever to [N](Neutral) whilst pressing the brake pedal. Then, the vehicle will move when external force is applied.
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With the exception of parking in neutral gear, always park the vehicle in [P] (Park) for safety and engage the parking brake.
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Before parking in [N] (Neutral) gear, first make sure the parking ground is level and flat. Do not park in [N] gear on any slopes or gradients.
If parked and left in [N], the vehicle may move and cause serious damage and injury.
D (Drive)
This is the normal forward driving position. The transmission will automatically shift through a 4-gear sequence, providing the best fuel economy and power.
For extra power when passing another vehicle or climbing grades, depress the accelerator pedal fully (more than 80%) until the kick down mechanism (if equipped) works with a clicking noise, at which time the transmission will automatically downshift to the next lower gear.
Always come to a complete stop before shifting into D (Drive).
3 (Third gear)
Use for towing a trailer during hill climbing or to use engine braking downhill.
"3" automatically shifts between 1st, 2nd and 3rd gears. This means that no shift-up to 4th gear is performed. However, the shift-up to 4th gear is done when the car speed exceeds a certain value to prevent the engine from over-revving. Manually move the selector to "D" when returning to normal driving condition.
2 (Second gear)
Use for driving on a slippery road, hill climbing or engine braking downhill. "2" automatically shifts between first and second gears.
This means that no shift-up to 3rd gear is performed. However, the shift-up to third gear is done when the car speed exceeds a certain value to prevent the engine from over-revving. Manually move the selector to "D" returning to normal driving condition.
1 (First gear)
Use for driving up a very steep grade or for engine braking when descending steep hills. When downshifting to "1", the transmission will temporarily remain in second gear until the vehicle has slowed enough for low gear to engage. Do not exceed 50 km/h (30 mph) in low gear.
"1" shifts to 1st gear only. However, shift up to 2nd is performed when the car exceeds a certain speed and, as speed increases, the transmission will shift up to 3rd gear to prevent over-revving the engine.
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For smooth and safe operation, depress the brake pedal when shifting from "N" (Neutral) position or "P" (Park) position to a forward or "R" (Reverse) gear.
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Fully depress the brake pedal in order to move the shift lever from the "P" (Park) position to any of the other positions.
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It is always possible to shift from "R", "N", "D", "3", "2", "1" position to "P" position. The vehicle must be fully stopped to avoid transmission damage.
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Shift into "R" and "P" position only when the vehicle has completely stopped.
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Do not accelerate the engine in reverse or any of the forward positions with the brakes applied.
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Always apply the footbrake when shifting from "P" or "N", to "R", "D","3", "2" or "1" position.
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Check the automatic transmission fluid level regularly, and add fluid as necessary.
See the maintenance schedule for the proper fluid recommendation.
Shift lock system (if equipped)
For your safety, the automatic transmission has a shift lock system which prevents shifting the transmission from P (Park) into R (Reverse) unless the brake pedal is depressed.
To shift the transmission from P (Park) into R (Reverse):
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Depress and hold the brake pedal.
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Move the shift lever.
If the brake pedal is repeatedly depressed and released with the shift lever in the P (Park) position, a chattering noise near the shift lever may be heard. This is a normal condition.
Always fully depress the brake pedal before and whilst shifting out of the P (Park) position into another position to avoid inadvertent motion of the vehicle which could injure persons in or around the car.