Pic. 1.6. Different positions of the automatic transmission selector lever
Various positions of the selector of an automatic transmission are resulted on fig. 1.6.
Attention! While the vehicle is moving, never move the selector lever to the «R» or «R».
Description of the respective positions of the automatic transmission selector lever
P - parking lock
Drive wheels are blocked. The selector lever should only be set to this position when the vehicle is at a complete stop.
Attention! To prevent the vehicle from rolling uncontrollably after the vehicle has come to a complete stop, always apply the parking brake. Be sure to additionally set the automatic transmission selector lever to the position «R».
On a sloping road, apply the parking brake, and then set the selector lever to the parking lock position. Thanks to this procedure, the locking mechanism will not be too heavily loaded, and subsequently the selector lever can be easily removed from this position.
R - reverse
Turn on only when the car is completely stopped and when the engine is idling. In position «R» when the ignition is on, the reversing lights are on.
N - neutral position (idle position)
D - move forward
Gears are switched automatically from lower to higher and vice versa, depending on the load on the engine and speed.
Under certain driving conditions, it is advisable to temporarily use one of the following positions.
2 - the position of engine braking and 2nd gear engagement
Recommended for long climbs and descents. Automatically shifts up and down 1st or 2nd gear depending on engine load and road speed, high gears remain locked to prevent unnecessary upshifts. This also increases the efficiency of engine braking.
The maximum speed of the vehicle must not exceed 108 km/h.
L - the position of enhanced engine braking and the inclusion of 1st gear
This position is recommended when driving on steep ascents and descents. The vehicle only moves in 1st gear, higher gears are locked to prevent unnecessary upshifts. This achieves the highest possible engine braking efficiency.
The maximum speed of the vehicle must not exceed 59 km/h.
It is not recommended to operate the car in this position of the selector lever for a long time, as this leads to overheating of the gearbox.
During normal use of the vehicle, it is recommended to adhere to the following tips for choosing automatic transmission modes.
Engine start. The engine can only be started when the selector lever is in positions «N» or «R».
car movement. To move the selector lever from position «D» into the provisions «R» or «R» be sure to stop the vehicle, release the accelerator pedal and press the brake pedal.
Pic. 1.7. Selector lever: 1 - lock button; 2 - enable the function «overdrive»
The transfer of the selector lever to different positions is possible only after pressing the lock button in the selector handle (pic. 1.7).
Before moving into position «R» from the provisions «R» or «N» depress the brake pedal and press the lock button in the selector lever handle.
To move the selector lever to one of the driving positions with the vehicle stationary and the engine running, press the brake pedal.
Attention! When selecting positions on a stationary vehicle, do not press the accelerator pedal.
If, while the vehicle is moving, the selector lever is accidentally moved to the «N», before shifting the lever to any other forward motion position, release the accelerator pedal and reduce the engine speed to idle.
On a road with a normal surface, set the selector lever to the position «D», while the gears switch automatically from lower to higher and vice versa, depending on the load on the engine and speed.
Attention! With the engine running, when the selector lever is in any of the driving positions, hold the car by pressing the brake pedal, because even at idle the transmission of torque to the wheels is not completely interrupted - the car «crawling».
Attention! If one of the driving positions is selected while the vehicle is stationary, under no circumstances should the accelerator pedal be depressed (and increase the fuel supply by hand from the engine compartment), otherwise, the vehicle may start moving even if the parking brake is applied.
Attention! Before carrying out any operation with the engine running, set the selector lever to position «R» and apply the parking brake.
Pic. 1.8. Mode Switch Location «ECT-Power» on cars produced before 2001 (position «A» - the button is pressed - sport mode; position «IN» – the button is depressed — economy mode)
The automatic transmission control system provides for various transmission modes. Driving mode selection button located on the instrument panel (pic. 1.8).
Depending on the driving conditions of the car, the driver selects an economical mode that reduces fuel consumption, or an active mode, which can be conditionally called «sports».
In economy mode, due to early upshifts and late downshifts, fuel savings are possible.
So-called «sports» the transmission program is selected when the accelerator pedal is controlled sharply enough. When choosing «sports» mode, the engine power reserves are fully utilized due to some delay in shifting to a higher gear.
The automatic transmission has a mode «overdrive», which is activated by a button on the selector lever (see fig. 1.7). Mode «overdrive» allows you to limit fuel consumption in normal vehicle operation. Disable mode «overdrive» is carried out by pressing a button, while the indicator in the instrument cluster lights up. This mode improves engine braking.
Forced early downshift device (kick-down)
The device provides maximum acceleration of the vehicle under the given driving conditions. As soon as the force on the accelerator pedal exceeds a certain threshold value, depending on the speed and speed of movement, a shift to one of the lower gears takes place. Switching to the next higher gear will follow only when the maximum allowable value of the engine speed is reached.
Attention! On slippery roads, forcibly predictive downshifting can cause the drive wheels to spin.
Towing a car to start the engine
Attention! Never attempt to tow or push a vehicle with an automatic transmission in order to start the engine.
When the battery is discharged, the battery of another vehicle can be used to start the engine using the connecting wires.