Six-Speed Automatic Transmission

The shift lever position display (located in the instrument panel cluster) indicates the transmission gear range. You must press the brake pedal to move the shift lever out of the PARK position (Refer to “Brake/Transmission Shift Interlock System” in this section). To drive, move the shift lever from PARK or NEUTRAL to the DRIVE position.

The electronically-controlled transmission provides a precise shift schedule. The transmission electronics are self-calibrating; therefore, the first few shifts on a new vehicle may be somewhat abrupt. This is a normal condition, and precision shifts will develop within a few hundred miles (kilometers).

Shift Lever

Shift Lever

Shifting from DRIVE to PARK or REVERSE should be done only after the accelerator pedal is released and the vehicle is stopped. Be sure to keep your foot on the brake pedal when moving the shift lever between these gears.

The transmission shift lever has only PARK, REVERSE, NEUTRAL, and DRIVE shift positions. Manual shifts can be made using the AutoStick shift control (refer to “AutoStick ” in “Starting and Operating” for further information). Moving the shift lever forward or rearward (–/ +) while in the AutoStick position (beside the DRIVE position) will manually select the transmission gear, and will display the current gear in the instrument cluster as 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1.

    See also:

    Enhanced Seat Belt Use Reminder System(BeltAlert )
    BeltAlert is a feature intended to remind the driver and front passenger (if equipped with front passenger BeltAlert ) to fasten their seat belts. The feature is active whenever the ignition is on ...

    AutoStick — If Equipped
    AutoStick is a driver-interactive feature providing manual shift control, giving you more control of the vehicle. AutoStick allows you to maximize engine braking, eliminate undesirable upshifts an ...

    Lap/Shoulder Belts
    All the seating positions in your vehicle are equipped with combination lap/shoulder belts. The belt webbing retractor is designed to lock during very sudden stops or accidents. This feature allo ...