SE Model

GT and GXP Models

Your automatic transmission has a shift lever located on the console between the seats.

PARK (P): This position locks your front wheels. It is the best position to use when you start the engine because your 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 . If you are pulling a trailer, see Towing a Trailer .

Make sure the shift lever is fully in PARK (P) before starting the engine. Your vehicle has an automatic transmission shift lock control system. You have to apply your regular brake first and then press the shift lever button before you can shift from PARK (P) while the ignition key is in ON/RUN. If you cannot shift out of PARK (P), ease pressure on the shift lever and push the shift lever all the way into PARK (P) as you maintain brake application. Press the shift lever button and then move the shift lever into another gear. See Shifting Out of Park later in this section.

REVERSE (R): Use this gear to back up.

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

NEUTRAL (N): In this position, your engine does not connect with the wheels. To restart when you are already moving, use NEUTRAL (N) only. Also, use NEUTRAL (N) when your 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.

DRIVE (D): This position is for normal driving. It provides the best fuel economy for your vehicle. If you need more power for passing, and you are:

Downshifting the transmission in slippery road conditions could result in skidding, see "Skidding" under Loss of Control .

Notice: If your vehicle seems to accelerate slowly or not shift gears when you go faster, and you continue to drive your vehicle that way, you could damage the transmission. Have your vehicle serviced right away. You can drive in L (Low) when you are driving less than 35 mph (56 km/h) and D (Drive) for higher speeds until then.

THIRD (3): This position, available on the SE model, is also used for normal driving. However, it reduces vehicle speed more than DRIVE (D) without using your brakes. Here are some times you might choose THIRD (3) instead of DRIVE (D):

LOW (L): This position, available on the SE model, reduces vehicle speed more than THIRD (3) without using your brakes. You can use LOW (L) on hills. It can help control your speed as you go down steep mountain roads, but then you would also want to use your brakes off and on. You can use LOW (L) on very steep hills, or in deep snow or mud. If the shift lever is put in LOW (L), the transmission will not shift into first gear until the vehicle is going slowly enough.

Notice: Driving in LOW (L) for more than 25 miles (40 km) or at speeds over 55 mph (90 km/h) may damage the transmission. Also, shifting into LOW (L) at speeds above 65 mph (105 km/h) can cause damage. Drive in THIRD (3) or DRIVE (D) instead of LOW (L).

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.

MANUAL MODE (M): This position, available on the GT/GXP models, allows you to change gears similar to a manual transmission. If your vehicle has this feature, see Manual Shift Mode (MSM) following.

Manual Shift Mode (MSM)

To use this feature, do the following:

1. Move the shift lever from DRIVE (D) rearward and then to the right into the MANUAL MODE (M).

While driving in manual shift mode, the transmission will remain in the driver gear selected.

2. Press the shift level forward to upshift or rearward to downshift.

The odometer display on the instrument panel cluster will change from the vehicle's mileage to the letter M, for manual shift mode, and a number indicating the requested gear range when moving the shift lever forward or rearward. See Speedometer and Odometer for more information.

While using the MSM feature the vehicle will have firmer shifting and sportier performance. You can use this for sport driving or when climbing hills to stay in gear longer or to downshift for more power or engine braking.

The transmission will only allow you to shift into gears appropriate for the vehicle speed and engine revolutions per minute (RPM):

If the vehicle does not respond to a gear change, or detects a problem with the transmission, the range of gears may be reduced and the Malfunction Indicator Lamp will come on. See Malfunction Indicator Lamp for more information.

SECOND (2)/THIRD (3) Gear Start Feature

Notice: If you attempt a third gear start while trailering or towing a heavy load, you will notice reduced engine power. This could overheat and damage your transmission. Do not attempt a third gear start while trailering or towing your vehicle.

If your vehicle has the 6-speed transmission, when accelerating your vehicle from a stop in snowy and icy conditions, you may want to shift into SECOND (2), or THIRD (3) gear. A higher gear, and light application of the gas pedal, may allow you to gain more traction on slippery surfaces.

With the MSM, the vehicle can accelerate from a stop in SECOND (2) or THIRD (3).

1. Move the shift lever from DRIVE (D) into the MANUAL MODE (M) position.
2. With the vehicle stopped, move the lever forward towards the plus (+) to select SECOND (2) or THIRD (3) gear. The vehicle will start from a stop position in SECOND (2) or THIRD (3) gear.
3. Once the vehicle is moving select the desired drive gear.