The automatic transmission has a shift lever located on the console between the seats.

P (Park): This position locks the front wheels. It is the best position to use when starting the engine because the vehicle cannot move easily.

WARNING
It is dangerous to get out of the vehicle if the shift lever is not fully in P (Park) with the parking brake firmly set. The vehicle can roll.

See Shifting Into Park on page 9‑20. If you are pulling a trailer, see Driving Characteristics and Towing Tips on page 9‑45.

Make sure the shift lever is fully in P (Park) before starting the engine.

The vehicle has an automatic transmission shift lock control system. You must fully apply the regular brake first and then press the shift lever button before shifting from P (Park) when the ignition key is in ON/RUN. If you cannot shift out of P (Park), ease pressure on the shift lever, then push the shift lever all the way into P (Park) as you maintain brake application. Then press the shift lever button and move the shift lever into another gear. See Shifting out of Park on page 9‑21.

R (Reverse): Use this gear to back up.

Notice: Shifting to R (Reverse) while the vehicle is moving forward could damage the transmission. The repairs would not be covered by the vehicle warranty. Shift to R (Reverse) only after the vehicle is stopped.

To rock the vehicle back and forth to get out of snow, ice, or sand without damaging the transmission, see If the Vehicle Is Stuck on page 9‑10.

N (Neutral): In this position, the engine does not connect with the wheels. To restart the engine when the vehicle is already moving, use N (Neutral) only. Also, use N (Neutral) when the vehicle is being towed.

WARNING
Shifting into a drive gear while the engine is running at high speed is dangerous. Unless your foot is firmly on the brake pedal, the vehicle could move very rapidly.

You could lose control and hit people or objects. Do not shift into a drive gear while the engine is running at high speed.

Notice: Shifting out of P (Park) or N (Neutral) with the engine running at high speed may damage the transmission. The repairs would not be covered by the vehicle warranty. Be sure the engine is not running at high speed when shifting the vehicle.

D (Drive): This position is for normal driving. It provides the best fuel economy. If you need more power for passing, and you are:
• Going less than 56 km/h (35 mph), push the accelerator pedal about halfway down.
• Going about 56 km/h (35 mph) or more, push the accelerator all the way down.

Notice: If the vehicle seems to accelerate slowly or not shift gears when you go faster, and you continue to drive the vehicle that way, you could damage the transmission. Have the vehicle serviced right away. You can drive in L (Low) when you are driving less than 56 km/h (35 mph) and D (Drive) for higher speeds until then.

If the vehicle is stopped on a hill, with your foot off the brake pedal, the vehicle may roll. This is normal and is due to the torque converter designed to improve fuel economy and performance. Use the brake to hold the vehicle on a hill. Do not use the accelerator pedal.

L (Low): This position gives you access to gear ranges. This provides more engine braking but lower fuel economy than D (Drive).

You can use it on very steep hills, or in deep snow or mud.

• Manual Mode
• Tow/Haul Mode