Shift Lever Position Indicators

These indicators on the instrument panel show which position the shift lever is in.

The ‘‘D’’ indicator comes on for a few seconds when you turn the ignition switch to the ON (II) position. If it flashes while driving (in any shift position), it indicates a possible problem in the transmission.

If the malfunction indicator lamp comes on along with the ‘‘D’’ indicator, there is a problem with the automatic transmission control system. Avoid rapid acceleration, and have the transmission checked by your dealer as soon as possible.

Shifting

To shift from any position, press firmly on the brake pedal and the release button on the side of the shift lever. You cannot shift out of Park when the ignition switch is in the LOCK (0) or ACCESSORY (I) position.

Park (P) - This position mechanically locks the transmission. Use Park whenever you are turning off or starting the engine. To shift out of Park, you must press on the brake pedal and have your foot off the accelerator pedal. Press the release button on the side of the shift lever to move it.

If you have done all of the above and still cannot move the lever out of Park, see Shift Lock Release.

To avoid transmission damage, come to a complete stop before shifting into Park. You must also press the release button to shift into Park. The shift lever must be in Park before you can remove the key from the ignition switch.

Reverse (R) - Press the brake pedal and the release button on the side of the shift lever to shift from Park to reverse. To shift from reverse to neutral, come to a complete stop and then shift. Press the release button before shifting into reverse from neutral.

Neutral (N) - Use neutral if you need to restart a stalled engine, or if it is necessary to stop briefly with the engine idling. Shift to the Park position if you need to leave your vehicle for any reason. Press on the brake pedal when you are moving the shift lever from neutral to another gear.

Drive (D) - Use this position for your normal driving. The transmission automatically selects a suitable gear (1 through 5) for your speed and acceleration. You may notice the transmission shifting up at higher engine speeds when the engine is cold. This helps the engine warm up faster.

D3 Mode

Press the D3 switch on the side of the shift lever to turn this mode on or off; the D3 mode indicator comes on whenever the D3 mode is selected.

D3 mode can be turned on or off only when the ignition switch is in the ON (II) position and the shift lever is in the D position.

When the D3 mode is on, the transmission selects only the first three gears. Use D3 mode when towing a trailer, or to provide engine braking when going down a steep hill.

D3 mode can also keep the transmission from cycling between third and fourth gears in stop-and-go driving.

Shifting out from the D position will cancel the D3 mode, and theD3 indicator will go out. Selecting the D position again will resume the D3 mode and the indicator comes on.

Turning the ignition switch to the LOCK (0) position turns this mode off. When you restart the engine, select the D position and press the D3 mode switch again to use this mode.

The D3 mode indicator also comes on for a few seconds when you turn the ignition switch to the ON (II) position.

Second (2) - To shift to second, press the release button on the side of the shift lever. This position locks the transmission in second gear. It does not downshift to first gear when you come to a stop.

Use second gear:

For more power when climbing.

To increase engine braking when going down steep hills.

For starting out on a slippery surface or in deep snow.

To help reduce wheel spin.

When driving downhill with a trailer.

First (1) - To shift from second to first, press the release button on the side of the shift lever. This position locks the transmission in first gear.

By upshifting and downshifting through 1, 2, D , and D, you can operate the transmission much like a manual transmission without a clutch pedal.

3

If you shift into first gear when the vehicle speed is above 31 mph (50 km/h), the transmission shifts into second gear first to avoid sudden engine braking.

Engine Speed Limiter

If you exceed the maximum speed for the gear you are in, the engine speed will enter into the tachometer’s red zone. If this occurs, you may feel the engine cut in and out. This is caused by a limiter in the engine’s computer controls. The engine will run normally when you reduce the rpm below the red zone.

Shift Lock Release

This allows you to move the shift lever out of Park if the normal method of pushing on the brake pedal and pressing the release button does not work.

1. Set the parking brake.

2. Remove the key from the ignition switch.

3. Put a cloth on the edge of the shift lock release slot cover. Using a small flat-tipped screwdriver or metal fingernail file, carefully pry on the edge of the cover to remove it.

4. Insert the key in the shift lock release slot.

5. Push down on the key while you press the release button on the shift lever and move the shift lever out of Park to neutral.

6. Remove the key from the shift lock release slot, then reinstall the cover. Make sure the notch on the cover is on the right side. Insert the key back into the ignition switch, press the brake pedal, and restart the engine.

If you need to use the shift lock release, it means your vehicle is developing a problem. Have the vehicle checked by your dealer.