Five-Speed Automatic and VTi Variable

If your vehicle is equipped with either the five-speed automatic transaxle or the VTi variable automatic transaxle, the shift lever is located on the console between the seats.

There are several different positions for the automatic transaxle.

PARK (P): This position locks your front wheels. It is the best position to use when you start your 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 .

Ensure the shift lever is fully in PARK (P) before starting the engine. Your vehicle has an automatic transaxle shift lock control system. You have to fully apply your regular brakes before you can shift from PARK (P) when the ignition key is in RUN. If you cannot shift out of PARK (P), ease pressure on the shift lever - push the shift lever all the way into PARK (P) and also release the shift lever button as you maintain brake application. Then move the shift lever into the gear you wish. Press the shift lever button before moving the shift lever. See Shifting Out of Park .

For vehicles with the VTi variable transaxle, if the TRANS COLD message is displayed in cold temperatures (below -13°F (-25°C)) and the shift lever is moved out of PARK (P), the transaxle will not go into gear. Return the shift lever to PARK (P) and wait for the TRANS COLD message to turn off.

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

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

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

For vehicles with the VTi variable transaxle, if you accidentally shift into REVERSE (R) while the vehicle is moving forward or into DRIVE (D) while the vehicle is moving backward, the transaxle will remain in NEUTRAL (N) to protect itself.

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 PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N) while the engine is running at high speed may damage the transaxle. The repairs would not be covered by your warranty. Be sure the engine is not running at high speeds when shifting your vehicle.

Notice: Shifting to a drive gear from NEUTRAL (N) while the vehicle is moving could damage the transaxle. Make sure the vehicle is stopped before shifting from NEUTRAL (N) into a drive gear.

AUTOMATIC OVERDRIVE (D): This position is for normal driving with the automatic transaxle. If you need more power for passing, and you are:

INTERMEDIATE (I): This position is also used for normal driving, however, it offers more power and lower fuel economy than AUTOMATIC OVERDRIVE (D). Here are some times you might choose INTERMEDIATE (I) instead of AUTOMATIC OVERDRIVE (D):

LOW (L): This position gives you more power but lower fuel economy. 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.

Notice: If you drive in LOW (L) for more than 25 miles (40 km) or at speeds over 55 mph (90 km/h), you could damage your engine and/or transaxle. Use DRIVE (D) or INTERMEDIATE (I) as much as possible. Shift into LOW (L) only if your vehicle is going slower than 65 mph (105 km/h).

Notice: Spinning the tires or holding the vehicle in one place on a hill using only the accelerator pedal may damage the transaxle. If you are stuck, do not spin the tires. When stopping on a hill, use the brakes, or parking brake to hold the vehicle in place.

Shift Lock Release

This vehicle is equipped with an electric shift lock release system. The shift lock release is designed to do the following:

The following procedure allows the ignition to be turned to LOCK and for ignition key removal in case of a dead battery or low voltage battery for vehicles equipped with a column shift lever.

1. Make sure the shift lever is in PARK (P).



2. Using a tool, pry off the cover from the bottom of the steering column.



3. Place your finger into the access hole and locate the plunger.
4. Press and hold the plunger toward the driver's door while turning the ignition key to LOCK. Remove the key.

Have your vehicle serviced at your retailer as soon as possible.

The following procedure is used to shift the transaxle out of PARK (P) in case of a dead battery or low voltage battery.

1. Turn the ignition to LOCK and remove the key.
2. Carefully pry the shift lock override cover from the floor shift console.



3. Insert the end of your ignition key into the slot and press down firmly.
4. Apply the brake and move the shift lever to NEUTRAL (N).
5. While maintaining brake application, start the vehicle and move the shift lever into the desired gear position.
6. Have the vehicle fixed as soon as possible.