If the vehicle has an automatic transmission, the shift lever is located on the console between the seats.

Movement between certain positions requires pushing the release button on the front of the shifter.

P (Park): This position locks the front wheels. It is the best position to use when you start the engine because the vehicle cannot move easily.

Caution: It is dangerous to get out of the vehicle if the shift lever is not fully in P (Park) with the parking brake firmly set. The vehicle can roll.

Do not leave the vehicle when the engine is running unless you have to. If you have left the engine running, the vehicle can move suddenly. You or others could be injured. To be sure the vehicle will not move, even when you are on fairly level ground, always set the parking brake and move the shift lever to P (Park). See Shifting Into Park .

Ensure that the shift lever is fully in P (Park) before starting the engine. The vehicle has an automatic transmission shift lock control system. You have to apply the brake pedal before you can shift from P (Park) when the key is in ON/RUN. If you cannot shift out of P (Park) while holding the brake pedal down, see Shifting Out of Park.

R (Reverse): Use this gear to back up. When shifting from N (Neutral) to R (Reverse), you need to apply the brake pedal and push the release button on the front of the shifter.

Notice: Shifting to R (Reverse) while the vehicle is moving forward could damage the transmission. The repairs would not be covered by the vehicle warranty. Shift to R (Reverse) only after the vehicle is stopped.

To rock the vehicle back and forth to get out of snow, ice or sand without damaging the transmission, see If Your Vehicle is Stuck in Sand, Mud, Ice, or Snow.

N (Neutral): In this position, the engine does not connect with the wheels. To restart the engine while the vehicle is already moving, use N (Neutral) only. Also, use N (Neutral) when the vehicle is being towed.

Caution: Shifting into a drive gear while the engine is running at high speed is dangerous. Unless your foot is firmly on the brake pedal, the vehicle could move very rapidly. You could lose control and hit people or objects. Do not shift into a drive gear while the engine is running at high speed.

Notice: Shifting out of P (Park) or N (Neutral) with the engine running at high speed may damage the transmission. The repairs would not be covered by the vehicle warranty. Be sure the engine is not running at high speed when shifting the vehicle.

D4 (Automatic Overdrive): This position is for normal driving.

When operating the vehicle in severe cold conditions, the transmission may be prevented from shifting into D4 gear until the transmission fluid has warmed up to it's operational temperature.

Notice: If the vehicle seems to start up rather slowly or not shift gears when you go faster, and you continue to drive the vehicle that way, you could damage the transmission. Have the vehicle serviced right away. You can drive in 2 (Second) when you are driving less than 35 mph (55 km/h) and D4 (Automatic Overdrive) for higher speeds until then.

2 (Second): This position gives you more power but lower fuel economy. You can use 2 (Second) on hills. It can help control vehicle speed as you go down steep mountain roads, while using the brakes off and on.

Notice: Do not drive in 2 (Second) at speeds over 65 mph (105 km/h), or you can damage the transmission. Use D4 (Automatic Overdrive) as much as possible. Do not shift into 2 (Second) unless you are going slower than 65 mph (105 km/h) or you can damage the engine.

1 (First): This position gives you even more power but lower fuel economy than 2 (Second). You can use it on very steep hills, or in deep snow or mud. If the shift lever is put in 1 (First), the transmission will not shift into first gear until the vehicle is going slowly enough.

Notice: Spinning the tires or holding the vehicle in one place on a hill using only the accelerator pedal may damage the transmission. The repair will not be covered by the vehicle warranty. If you are stuck, do not spin the tires. When stopping on a hill, use the brakes to hold the vehicle in place.

If there is a malfunction with the automatic transmission, the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) or the HOLD indicator light will turn on or flash. See Malfunction Indicator Lamp or Hold Mode Light.

Have the vehicle fixed as soon as possible.

Hold Mode

If the vehicle's transmission has hold mode, you can select this mode to allow the automatic transmission to stay in a specific gear range.

Press the HOLD button on the shift lever console to turn on hold mode. Press the button again to turn off hold mode, and return to normal automatic transmission operation.

The HOLD light will light up on the instrument panel cluster. See Hold Mode Light.

When hold mode is activated, the transmission runs as follows:

Selector Lever Position	Gear Range
D4	Third Gear
2	Second Gear
1	First Gear

Hold Mode Features

Winter Function

Select hold mode while in D4 (Automatic Overdrive) or 2 (Second) gear to help the vehicle maintain traction on slippery road surfaces, such as snow, mud, or ice.