Range Selection

Range Selection
Depending on the vehicle options selected, the transmission range selector may have different range positions.

Base Range Shifter:

The standard range selector has eight positions: P, R, N, D5, 4, 3, 2 and 1.

Optional Range Shifter:

The optional select shift transmission (SST) range selector has seven positions P, R, N, D5, D4, + and -. This option will allow the driver to manually upshift and downshift into any gear range.

Park
In the PARK position:
^ there is no power flow through the transmission.
^ the parking pawl locks the output shaft to the case.
^ the engine may be started.
^ the ignition key may be removed.

Reverse
In the REVERSE position:
^ the vehicle may be operated in a rearward direction, at a reduced gear ratio.
^ backup lamps are illuminated.

Neutral
In the NEUTRAL position:
^ there is no power flow through the transmission.
^ the output shaft is not held and is free to turn.
^ the engine may be started.

D5 (Overdrive)
D5 (overdrive) is the normal position for most forward driving.
The D5 (overdrive) position provides:
^ automatic shift 1-5 and 5-1.
^ apply and release of the torque converter clutch.
^ maximum fuel economy during normal operation.
^ engine braking in 5th gear.

D4 (Overdrive Canceled)
This position provides:
^ automatic shift 1-4 and 4-1.
^ apply and release of the torque converter clutch.
^ engine braking in 4th gear.

Position 3 - 3rd Gear (Base Shifter)
This position provides:
^ third gear start and hold.
^ the torque converter clutch may apply and release.
^ improved traction on slippery roads.
^ engine braking.

Position 2 - 2nd Gear (Base Shifter)
This position provides:
^ second gear start and hold.
^ the torque converter clutch may apply and release.
^ improved traction on slippery roads.
^ engine braking.

Position 1 - 1st Gear (Base Shifter)
If position is selected at normal road speeds, the transmission will downshift into the next lower gear and continue downshifting until the vehicle reaches 1st gear.
This position provides:
^ first gear operation only.
^ engine braking for descending steep grades.

+ and - Position Operation (Optional Shifter)
These positions allow the driver to manually select the appropriate upshift (+) or downshift (-) and gear range.
^ Can only be entered from the D5 position.
^ Gear ranges 1-5 provide the same function and ratio as found in the D5 or D4 automatic mode positions.
^ Transmission will not upshift or downshift unless the selector lever is moved forward or rearward.
^ One tap forward (+) will command the transmission to upshift one gear range.
^ One tap rearward (-) will command the transmission to downshift one gear range.
^ Upshifts are allowed at any vehicle speed.
^ A 2nd gear start up is normal. A 3rd gear start up will be allowed only if selected. All other selections will revert to 2nd gear.
^ If the driver starts in 2nd gear and does not pass 60% throttle, the transmission will remain in 2nd gear. No automatic shift will occur.
^ If the driver passes 60% throttle, then a 2-1 automatic kickdown will occur, scheduled by the PCM as used in D5. Once this, has occurred, 1st gear will hold until 2nd gear is selected by the driver moving the shift handle. No automatic upshift is possible under this condition.
^ Once a kickdown has occurred, manual shifting in and out of 1st gear is allowed until the next time the vehicle stops.
^ A shift to 1st gear with the vehicle at rest is never allowed.
^ When downshifting at normal road speeds, the transmission will only allow a downshift into the next lower gear.
^ If the shifter (-) is tapped more than once in rapid succession, the transmission will downshift only into the next lower gear. Then when the vehicle reaches a speed below a calibrated entry speed, the transmission will allow a downshift into the next lower gear, if again selected by the driver. This is to prevent engine and transmission damage and to keep the engine and transmission within allowable rpm ranges.
^ An electronic indicator on the instrument cluster will display the selected gear.

Park Sense Switch
The park sense switch prevents the redundant PRNDL from displaying "P" until the shifter is in the PARK position.

Electronic Transmission Error Indicator
The vehicle is equipped with a redundant electronic gearshift indicator. This character appears with the key in the run position and displays the same gear selection as shown on the range selector floor console next to the range selector lever. If an "E" character flashes or remains on, this indicates a transmission malfunction.