External Controls

External Controls









The transaxle selector lever linkage consists of:

- a selector lever cable that connects the transaxle manual control lever to the selector lever assembly.
- a Brake Shift Interlock Actuator (BSIA) that is integral to the selector lever assembly.
- a Transmission Control Switch (TCS) that turns off the operation of 6th gear.

The selector lever assembly:

- locks the transaxle selector lever in the PARK position when the ignition switch is in the LOCK position.
- requires the transaxle selector lever to be in the PARK position to turn the ignition switch to the LOCK position.


Range Selection

This transaxle has 5 range positions: P, R, N, D and L.






Park

In the PARK position:

- there is no powerflow through the transaxle.
- the parking pawl locks the final drive.
- 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.
- engine braking will occur.


Neutral

In the NEUTRAL position:

- there is no powerflow through the transaxle.
- the output shaft is not held and is free to turn.
- the engine may be started.


Drive Position With Grade Assist

DRIVE is the normal position for most forward driving.

DRIVE provides:

- automatic shifts - 1st through 6th gears.
- apply and release of the Torque Converter Clutch (TCC).
- maximum fuel economy during normal operation.


Manual L Position

This position provides:

- maximum engine braking.
- downshifts to the lowest available gear for the current vehicle speed.

Manual L position allows for 1st gear when the vehicle reaches slower speeds.


Drive with Grade Assist - Transmission Control Switch (TCS)





Drive with grade assist is activated when the TCS is pressed. The TCS is located on the selector lever knob. When the TCS is pressed, the 6th gear or O/D upshift is prevented or the transaxle shifts down to 5th gear. The TCS is meant to be used when driving conditions cause excessive shifting from 6th to other gears such as hilly terrain, mountainous areas or when engine braking is required.

Grade Assist

- Grade assist is activated.
- The transaxle operates in gears 1 through 5.
- The grade assist lamp illuminates on the Instrument Cluster (IC).
- Improves vehicle handling in hilly terrain or mountainous areas by providing additional grade (engine) braking and extends lower gear operation on uphill climbs.
- Additional engine braking is provided through the transaxle shift strategy which reacts to vehicle inputs (vehicle acceleration, accelerator pedal, brake pedal and vehicle speed).
- The transaxle will select gears that will provide the engine braking desired, based on the vehicle inputs, this will increase engine rpm during engine braking.

It is recommended to return to DRIVE mode on flat terrain to provide the best fuel economy and transaxle function. The transaxle returns to O/D when the TCS is pressed again or anytime the key is turned OFF.


Gear Availability