Safety Warning
DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.
Gear Selection
The shift lever has seven positions; P: PARK, R: REVERSE, N: NEUTRAL, D: DRIVE 1st through 5th gear ranges, D3: 1st through 3rd gear ranges, 2: 2nd gear, and 1: 1st gear.
| Position | Description |
|---|---|
| P: PARK | Front wheels locked; park pawl engaged with park gear on secondary shaft. All clutches are released. |
| R: REVERSE | Reverse; reverse selector engaged with countershaft reverse gear and 5th clutch engaged. |
| N: NEUTRAL | All clutches are released. |
| D: DRIVE (1st through 5th) |
General driving; starts off in 1st, shifts automatically to 2nd, 3rd, 4th, then 5th, depending on vehicle speed and accelerator pedal position. Downshifts through 4th, 3rd, 2nd, and 1st on deceleration to stop. The lock-up mechanism operates in 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 5th gear. |
| D3: DRIVE (1st through 3rd) |
Used for rapid acceleration at highway speeds and general driving; up-hill and down-hill driving; starts off in 1st, shifts automatically to 2nd, then 3rd, depending on vehicle speed and accelerator pedal position. Downshifts through 2nd to 1st on deceleration to stop. The lock-up mechanism operates in 2nd and 3rd gear. |
| 2: SECOND | Used for engine braking or better traction starting off on loose or slippery surfaces; stays in 2nd gear; does not shift up or down. |
| 1: FIRST | Used for engine braking; stays in 1st gear; does not shift up. |
Starting is possible only in the P and N positions because of a slide-type neutral-safety switch.
NO RELATED
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When to See a Mechanic
Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:
- • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.