Eight-Speed Automatic Transmission – 3.6L Engine

The transmission gear display (PRND) (located in the instrument cluster) indicates the transmission gear range.

Transmission gear position is also indicated in the display in the shift knob. The shift lever is spring-loaded and returns to a home position when it is released. To select a gear range, press the lock button on the shift lever and move the lever rearward or forward. You must also press the brake pedal to shift the transmission out of the PARK position (refer to “Brake/Transmission Shift Interlock System” in this section). To shift past multiple gear ranges at once (such as PARK to DRIVE), move the lever past the first (or second) detent. Select the DRIVE range for normal driving.

The electronically-controlled transmission provides a precise shift schedule. The transmission electronics are self-calibrating; therefore, the first few shifts on a new vehicle may be somewhat abrupt. This is a normal condition, and precision shifts will develop within a few hundred miles (kilometers).

Shifting from DRIVE to PARK or REVERSE should be done only after the accelerator pedal is released and the vehicle is stopped. Be sure to keep your foot on the brake pedal when moving the shift lever between these gears.

    See also:

    Manual Operation
    This system offers a full complement of manual override features, which consist of Blower Preferred Automatic, Mode Preferred Automatic, or Blower and Mode Preferred Automatic. This means the op ...

    Gear Ranges
    DO NOT race the engine when shifting from PARK or NEUTRAL into another gear range. ...

    Key-In-Ignition Reminder
    Opening the driver’s door when the key is in the ignition sounds a signal to remind you to remove the key. NOTE: • The Key-In-Ignition reminder only sounds when the ignition key is placed in ...