WARNING:
Always set the parking brake fully and make sure the gearshift is latched in P (Park). Turn the ignition to the off position and remove the key whenever you leave your vehicle.
WARNING:
Do not apply the brake pedal and accelerator pedal simultaneously. Applying both pedals simultaneously for more than three seconds will limit engine rpm, which may result in difficulty maintaining speed in traffic and could lead to serious injury. |
Understanding the Positions of Your Automatic Transmission

This vehicle is equipped with an adaptive transmission shift strategy. Adaptive transmission shift strategy offers the optimal transmission operation and shift quality. When the vehicle’s battery has been disconnected for any type of service or repair, the transmission will need to relearn the normal shift strategy parameters, much like having to reset your radio stations when your vehicle battery has been disconnected. The adaptive transmission shift strategy allows the transmission to relearn these operating parameters.
This learning process could take several transmission upshifts and downshifts; during this learning process, slightly firmer shifts may occur. After this learning process, normal shift feel and shift scheduling will resume.
Putting your vehicle in or out of gear:
- Fully press down the brake pedal.
- Move the gearshift lever into the desired gear.
- Come to a complete stop.
- Move the gearshift lever and securely latch it in P (Park)
P (Park)
This position locks the transmission and prevents the rear wheels from turning. Come to a complete stop before putting your vehicle into and out of P (Park)
R (Reverse)
With the gearshift lever in R (Reverse), the vehicle will move backward. Always come to a complete stop before shifting into and out of R (Reverse).
N (Neutral)
With the gearshift lever in N (Neutral), the vehicle can be started and is free to roll. Hold the brake pedal down while in this position.
D (Overdrive) with tow/haul off
D (Overdrive) with tow/haul off is the normal driving position for the best fuel economy. The overdrive function allows automatic upshifts and downshifts through gears one through five.
D (Overdrive) with tow/haul on

The tow/haul feature improves transmission operation when towing a trailer or a heavy load. All transmission gear ranges are available when using tow/haul.

To activate tow/haul, press the button on the end of the gearshift lever. The TOW HAUL indicator light will illuminate in the instrument cluster.
Tow/haul delays upshifts to reduce frequency of transmission shifting. Tow/haul also provides engine braking in all forward gears when the transmission is in the D (Overdrive) position; this engine braking will slow the vehicle and assist the driver in controlling the vehicle when descending a grade. Depending on driving conditions and load conditions, the transmission may downshift, slow the vehicle and control the vehicle speed when descending a hill, without the accelerator pedal being pressed. The amount of downshift braking provided will vary based upon the amount the brake pedal is pressed.
Grade braking downshifts occur automatically when all three of the following occur:
- Positive vehicle acceleration (natural acceleration from driving on a decline) is sensed.
- Nearly all pressure is released from the accelerator pedal.
- A minimum amount of time has expired since the last grade braking downshift.
Grade braking downshift mode is immediately exited if the Tow/Haul mode is deactivated or if the accelerator pedal is depressed beyond a minimum threshold.
To deactivate the tow/haul feature and return to normal driving mode, press the button on the end of the gearshift lever. The TOW HAUL light will no longer be illuminated.
When you shut-off and restart the engine, the transmission will automatically return to normal D (Overdrive) mode (tow/haul off).
WARNING:
Do not use the tow/haul feature when driving in icy or slippery conditions as the increased engine braking can cause the rear wheels to slide and the vehicle to swing around with the possible loss of vehicle control. |
3 (Third)
Transmission starts and operates in third gear only
Used for improved traction on slippery roads. Selecting 3 (Third) provides engine braking.
2 (Second)
Use 2 (Second) to start-up on slippery roads or to provide additional engine braking on downgrades.
1 (First)
- Provides maximum engine braking
- Allows upshifts by moving gearshift lever
- The transmission will not downshift into 1 (First) at high speeds; it will downshift to a lower gear and then shift into 1 (First) when the vehicle reaches slower speeds.
Forced downshifts
- Allowed in D (Overdrive) with the tow/haul feature on or off
- Press the accelerator to the floor
- Allows transmission to select an appropriate gear
Brake-Shift Interlock
WARNING:
Do not drive your vehicle until you verify that the brake lamps are working.
WARNING:
If your brake lamps are not working properly or if you have disconnected the vehicle battery cables, the vehicle brake lamps and hazard flashers may not properly warn traffic of a vehicle breakdown or approaching danger, which can increase the risk of serious injury or death. To minimize the risk of serious injury or death, be aware of your surroundings, use other hazard signaling devices if available, and move the vehicle to a safe location away from traffic as soon as possible.
WARNING:
When doing this procedure, you will be taking the vehicle out of park which means the vehicle can roll freely. To avoid unwanted vehicle movement, always fully set the parking brake prior to doing this procedure. Use wheel chocks if appropriate.
WARNING:
If the parking brake is fully released, but the brake warning lamp remains illuminated, the brakes may not be working properly. See your authorized dealer. |
Your vehicle is equipped with a brake-shift interlock feature that prevents the gearshift lever from being moved from P (Park) unless the brake pedal is pressed.
If you cannot move the gearshift lever out of P (Park) position with the ignition in the 4 (on) position and the brake pedal pressed, a malfunction may have occurred. It is possible that a fuse has blown or the vehicle’s brake lamps are not operating properly. Refer to Fuses and relays in the Roadside Emergencies chapter. If the fuses and brake lamps are working properly, and the vehicle still will not shift out of (P) Park, see your authorized dealer for service.
In an emergency, to disable the malfunctioning brake-shift interlock feature in order to shift the vehicle from P (Park) follow these steps:
- Apply the parking brake. Turn key to the lock position, and then remove the key.
- Disconnect the negative (black) battery cable from the battery.
- Insert the key and turn to the off position. Shift to N (Neutral).
- Reconnect the negative (black) battery cable to the battery.
- Start the vehicle.
Note:
See your authorized dealer as soon as possible if this procedure is used.
If Your Vehicle Gets Stuck In Mud or Snow
Note:
Do not rock the vehicle if the engine is not at normal operating temperature or damage to the transmission may occur.
Note:
Do not rock the vehicle for more than a minute or damage to the transmission and tires may occur, or the engine may overheat.
If your vehicle gets stuck in mud or snow, it may be rocked out by shifting between forward and reverse gears, stopping between shifts in a steady pattern. Press lightly on the accelerator in each gear.