Modes/Range Selection

Vehicles equipped with the AX4N automatic transaxle and a 3.OL (2V) engine do not use a Transmission Control Switch (TCS). The shift quadrant has the following positions: P, R, N, (D), D and 1.

PARK
No power flow is transferred through the transaxle in PARK. A parking pawl actuating rod assembly presses the parking pawl into the park gear on the final drive sun gear. This locks the final drive and prevents the vehicle from rolling. For safety reasons, the parking brake should always be applied whenever the vehicle is parked.

REVERSE
Allows the vehicle to be operated in a rearward direction, at a reduced gear ratio. Engine braking is provided in REVERSE.

NEUTRAL
As in PARK, there is no power transferred through the transaxle in NEUTRAL. However, the final drive is not locked by the parking pawl assembly, so the wheels are free to rotate. The engine may be started in NEUTRAL.

OVERDRIVE
This position provides all automatic shifts for first through fourth gears. This position also provides apply and release of the Torque Converter Clutch (TCC). Coast braking occurs in third gear.

DRIVE
This position provides all automatic shifts for first through third gears. This position also provides apply and release of the Torque Converter Clutch (TCC). Coast braking occurs in third gear.

MANUAL 1
Provides a first gear hold after automatic or manual downshift. The transaxle is prevented from downshifting into first gear above a specific speed (approximately 48 km/h (30 mph)) to protect the powertrain from over-speeding. Engine braking is provided in low position making it especially useful for descending steep grades.