Transaxle Range Selector and Shift Patterns

The gearshift lever has six positions, and appear as follows: P, R, N, D, 2, and 1. These positions are:
- PARK (P).
- REVERSE(R).
- NEUTRAL(N).
- DRIVE (D).
- SECOND (2).
- MANUAL LOW (1).

Additionally, an Overdrive (O/D) control switch allows overdrive to be canceled.

PARK
There is no powerflow through the transaxle in PARK (P). The parking pawl locks the output shaft to the transaxle case to prevent the vehicle from rolling. However, for safety reasons, the parking brake should also be used when the vehicle is parked and not in use. The engine can be started in the park range. PARK must be selected before the ignition key can be removed.

REVERSE
The reverse gear enables the vehicle to be operated in a rearward direction, at a reduced ratio. There is engine braking in REVERSE (R).

NEUTRAL
There is no powerflow through the transaxle in NEUTRAL (N). However, the vehicle's wheels are free to move because the output shaft is not held by the parking pawl. The engine may be started in NEUTRAL, but the ignition key cannot be removed while the vehicle is in this range.

DRIVE
DRIVE (D) is the normal gearshift lever position for most forward driving conditions. This, position provides all automatic shifts (first through fourth), application and release of the torque converter clutch, and maximum fuel economy during normal operation. OVERDRIVE (O/D) may be canceled by depressing the overdrive (O/D) control switch located on the end of the gearshift lever. With O/D canceled, the transaxle will allow automatic shifts from first through third gears only. Shifting through all four gears may be activated again by depressing the 0/D control switch. This should be done at closed throttle for best shift response.

SECOND
The SECOND (2) gear position allows the transaxle to shift up to second gear only. Engine braking occurs in second gear, making this position useful on steep grades.

MANUAL LOW
Selection of MANUAL LOW (1) position at idle will allow first gear operation only (no upshifts). If this position is selected at normal road speeds, the transaxle will initially downshift into second gear, then downshift into first gear when vehicle speed falls below approximately 45 km/h (28 mph).

The manual low position will provide engine braking, making it especially useful for descending steep grades.

OVERDRIVE (O/D) CONTROL SWITCH
The transaxle control system is equipped with an Overdrive (O/D) control switch used to inhibit fourth gear operation. The O/D OFF lamp on the instrument panel will illuminate when fourth gear has been "locked out." If the O/D control switch is depressed during fourth gear operation, a 4-3 downshift will occur and the coasting clutch will apply to provide engine braking. The O/D control switch should be used when descending hills or during city driving to provide engine braking. The O/D control switch is located on the end of the gearshift lever.