WARNING:
Always set the parking brake fully and make sure the transmission is latched in park (P). Turn the ignition off and remove the key whenever you leave your vehicle. |
Understanding the Shift Positions of the 5–Speed Automatic Transmission

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 park (P).
Park (P)
This position locks the transmission and prevents the wheels from turning.
Reverse (R)
With the transmission in reverse (R), your vehicle moves backward. Always come to a complete stop before shifting into and out of reverse (R).
Neutral (N)
With the transmission in neutral (N), you can start your vehicle and it is free to roll. Hold the brake pedal down while in this position.
Drive (D)
Drive (D) is the normal driving position for the best fuel economy. The overdrive function allows automatic upshifts and downshifts through gears one through five.
Third (3)
Transmission operates in third (3) gear only. Use third (3) gear for improved traction on slippery roads.
Second (2)
Transmission operates in second (2) gear only. Use second (2) gear to start-up on slippery roads.
First (1)
- Transmission operates in first (1) gear only.
- Provides maximum engine braking.
- Allows upshifts by moving gearshift lever.
- Does not downshift into first (1) gear at high speeds; allows for first (1) gear when vehicle reaches slower speeds.
Forced downshifts
- Allowed in drive (D) with the tow/haul feature on or off.
- Press the accelerator to the floor.
- Allows transmission to select an appropriate gear.
Tow/Haul Mode

To activate tow/haul, press the button on the gearshift lever. The TOW HAUL indicator light illuminates in the instrument cluster.
The tow/haul feature:
- Delays upshifts to reduce the frequency of transmission shifting.
- Provides engine braking in all forward gears, which slows your vehicle and assists you in controlling your vehicle when descending a grade.
- Depending on driving conditions and load conditions, may downshift the transmission, slow your vehicle and control your vehicle speed when descending a hill, without pressing the accelerator pedal. The amount of downshift braking provided varies based upon the amount you press the brake pedal.
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 deactivate the tow/haul feature and return to normal driving mode, press the button on the gearshift lever again. The TOW HAUL light deactivates. Tow/haul also deactivates when you power down your vehicle.
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 your vehicle to swing around with the possible loss of vehicle control. |
Understanding the Shift Positions of a 6–Speed Automatic Transmission

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 park (P).
Park (P)
This position locks the transmission and prevents the wheels from turning.
Reverse (R)
With the transmission in reverse (R), your vehicle moves backward. Always come to a complete stop before shifting into and out of reverse (R).
Neutral (N)
With the transmission in neutral (N), you can start your vehicle and it is free to roll. Hold the brake pedal down while in this position.
Drive (D)
Drive (D) is the normal driving position for the best fuel economy. The overdrive function allows automatic upshifts and downshifts through gears one through six.
Fourth (4)
Trasnmission operates in fourth (4) gear only. Used for improved traction on slippery roads.
Second (2)
Transmission operates in second (2) gear only. Use second (2) gear to start-up on slippery roads.
First (1)
- Transmission operates in first (1) gear only.
- Provides maximum engine braking.
- Allows upshifts by moving gearshift lever.
- Does not downshift into first (1) gear at high speeds; allows for first (1) gear when vehicle reaches slower speeds.
Forced downshifts
- Allowed in drive (D) with the tow/haul feature on or off.
- Press the accelerator to the floor.
- Allows transmission to select an appropriate gear.
Tow/Haul Mode

To activate tow/haul, press the button on the gearshift lever. The TOW HAUL indicator light illuminates in the instrument cluster.
The tow/haul feature:
- Delays upshifts to reduce the frequency of transmission shifting.
- Provides engine braking in all forward gears, which slows your vehicle and assists you in controlling your vehicle when descending a grade.
- Depending on driving conditions and load conditions, may downshift the transmission, slow your vehicle and control your vehicle speed when descending a hill, without pressing the accelerator pedal. The amount of downshift braking provided will vary based upon the amount you press the brake pedal.
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 deactivate the tow/haul feature and return to normal driving mode, press the button on the gearshift lever again. The TOW HAUL light deactivates. Tow/haul also deactivates when you power down your vehicle.
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 your vehicle to swing around with the possible loss of vehicle control. |
Brake-Shift Interlock
WARNING:
Do not drive your vehicle until you verify that the brake lamps are working.
WARNING:
When doing this procedure, you will be taking your vehicle out of park which means your 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 moving from park (P) when the ignition is in the 3 (on) position and the brake pedal is not pressed.
If you cannot move the gearshift lever out of park (P) 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 your vehicle’s brake lamps are not operating properly. See
Fuse Specification Chart.
If the fuse is not blown and the brake lamps are working properly, the following procedure allows you to move the gearshift lever from park (P):
- Apply the parking brake and turn the ignition on.
- Use a screwdriver to remove the lower trim panel under the steering column. Make sure not to disturb the wires on the electrical connector.
- Locate the brake-shift interlock solenoid underneath the steering column.

- Pull back on the solenoid, and at the same time, shift the transmission into neutral (N).
- Start your vehicle.
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 your vehicle if the engine is not at normal operating temperature or damage to the transmission may occur.
Note:
Do not rock your vehicle for more than a minute or damage to the transmission and tires may occur, or the engine may overheat.
If your vehicle is stuck in mud or snow, you may rock it out by shifting between forward and reverse gears, stopping between shifts in a steady pattern. Press lightly on the accelerator in each gear.