Automatic Transmission

Automatic Transmission Controls

The Sport AT has an option that is not included in the traditional automatic transmission that gives the driver the option of selecting each gear instead of leaving it to the transmission to shift gears. Even if you intend to use the automatic transmission functions as a traditional automatic, you should also be aware that you can inadvertently shift into manual shift mode and an inappropriate gear may be retained as the vehicle speed increases. If you notice the engine speed going higher or hear the engine racing, confirm you have not accidentally slipped into manual shift mode (Search).

Indicators

Manual shift mode indication

In manual shift mode, the “M” of the shift position indication in the instrument panel illuminates.

Gear position indication

The numeral for the selected gear illuminates.

If the gears cannot be shifted down when driving at higher speeds, the gear position indication will flash twice to signal that the gears cannot be shifted down (to protect the transmission).

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Manually Shifting Up

You can shift gears up by operating the selector lever or the steering shift switches (Some Models).

M1 → M2 → M3 → M4 → M5 → M6

Using selector lever

To shift up to a higher gear, tap the selector lever back once.

Using steering shift switch (Some Models)

To shift up to a higher gear with the steering shift switches, pull the UP switch () toward you once with your fingers.

Keep your hands on the steering wheel rim when using fingers on the steering shift switches:

Putting your hands inside the rim of the steering wheel when using the steering shift switches is dangerous. If the driver's air bag were to deploy in a collision, your hands could be impacted causing injury.

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When driving slowly, the gears may not shift up.
Do not drive the vehicle with the tachometer needle in the RED ZONE while in manual shift mode. In addition, manual shift mode switches to automatic shift mode while the accelerator pedal is completely depressed.

This function is cancelled while the DSC is turned off. However, if the vehicle is continuously driven at a high rpm, the gears may automatically shift up to protect the engine.
The steering shift switch can be used temporarily even if the selector lever is in the D position while driving. In addition, it returns to automatic shift mode when the UP switch () is pulled rearward for a sufficient amount of time.

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Second Gear Fixed Mode

When the selector lever is moved back while the vehicle speed is about 10 km/h (6.2 mph) or less, the transmission is set in the second gear fixed mode. The gear is fixed in second while in this mode for easier acceleration from a stop and driving on slippery roads such as snow-covered roads.

If the selector lever is moved back or forward while in the second gear fixed mode, the mode will be cancelled.

Direct Mode (Some Models)

Direct mode can be used for temporarily switching gears by operating the steering shift switch while the vehicle is being driven with the selector lever in the D position.

While in direct mode, the D and M indication illuminate and the gear position in use is illuminated.

Direct mode is cancelled (released) under the following conditions.

The UP switch () is pulled rearward for a certain amount of time or longer.
The vehicle is driven for a certain amount of time or longer (time differs depending on the driving conditions while operating).
The vehicle is stopped or moving at a slow speed.

Shifting up and down while in direct mode may not be possible depending on the vehicle speed. In addition, because direct mode is cancelled (released) depending on the rate of acceleration or if the accelerator is fully depressed, use of the manual shift mode is recommended if you need to drive the vehicle in a particular gear for long periods.

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Driving Tips