CAUTION:
Damage to the transmission may occur if the following precautions are not observed: • Shift into PARK only after the vehicle has come to a complete stop.

• Shift into or out of REVERSE only after the vehicle has come to a complete stop and the engine is at idle speed.

• Do not shift from REVERSE, PARK, or NEUTRAL into any forward gear when the engine is above idle speed.

• Before shifting into any gear, make sure your foot is firmly on the brake pedal.

NOTE: You must press and hold the brake pedal down while shifting out of PARK.

WARNING:
• It is dangerous to move the shift lever out of PARK or NEUTRAL if the engine speed is higher than idle speed. If your foot is not firmly on the brake pedal, the vehicle could accelerate quickly forward or in reverse. You could lose control of the vehicle and hit someone or something. Only shift into gear when the engine is idling normally and when your right foot is firmly on the brake pedal.

• Unintended movement of a vehicle could injure those in and near the vehicle. As with all vehicles, you should never exit a vehicle while the engine is running. Before exiting a vehicle, you should always shift the vehicle into PARK, remove the key fob from the ignition switch, and apply the parking brake. Once the key fob is removed from the ignition switch, the shift lever is locked in the PARK position, securing the vehicle against unwanted movement. Furthermore, you should never leave unattended children inside a vehicle.

Key Ignition Park Interlock

This vehicle is equipped with a Key Ignition Park Interlock which requires the shift lever to be placed in PARK prior to rotating the key fob to the LOCK position. The key fob can only be removed from the ignition when the ignition is in the LOCK position and once removed the shift lever is locked in PARK.

Brake/Transmission Interlock System

This vehicle is equipped with a Brake Transmission Shift Interlock System (BTSI) that holds the shift lever in the PARK position when the ignition switch is in the LOCK position. To move the shift lever out of the PARK position, the ignition switch must be turned to the ON or START position (engine running or not) and the brake pedal must be pressed.

BTSI Override

There is an override for the BTSI that allows you to move the shift lever out of the PARK position if an electrical system malfunction occurs (i.e., dead battery). To activate the override system, perform the following steps: 1. Firmly apply the parking brake.

2. Insert the key fob into the ignition switch and rotate it to the ON position.

3. Remove the cubby bin liner located in the center console behind the shift lever.

4. Insert a screwdriver or similar small tool into the hole at the front of the cubby bin and push the manual override release lever forward.

5. While holding the release lever forward, move the shift lever from PARK to NEUTRAL.

6. Release the manual override.

Automatic Transmission Ignition Interlock System

This system prevents the key fob from being removed unless the shift lever is in PARK. It also prevents shifting out of PARK unless the ignition switch is in the ON position and the brake pedal is applied.

Four-Speed or Six-Speed Automatic Transmission

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).

Shift Lever

Gear Ranges

PARK

This range supplements the parking brake by locking the transmission. The engine can be started in this range.

Never attempt to use PARK while vehicle is in motion.

Apply parking brake when leaving vehicle in this range.

When parking on a flat surface, place the shift lever in the PARK position first, and then apply the parking brake.

When parking on a hill, it is important to set the parking brake before placing the shift lever in PARK, otherwise the load on the transmission locking mechanism may make it difficult to move the shift lever out of PARK. As an added precaution, turn the front wheels toward the curb on a downhill grade and away from the curb on an uphill grade.

WARNING:
• Never use the PARK position as a substitute for the parking brake. Always apply the parking brake fully when parked to guard against vehicle movement and possible injury or damage.

• Never leave children in the vehicle alone. Leaving unattended children in a vehicle is dangerous for a number of reasons. The child or others could be seriously or fatally injured. They could operate the windows, other vehicle controls or move the vehicle.

CAUTION:
DO NOT race the engine when shifting from PARK or NEUTRAL positions into another gear range as this can damage the drivetrain.

REVERSE

This range is for moving the vehicle backward. Shift into REVERSE only after the vehicle has come to a complete stop.

NEUTRAL

This range is used when vehicle is standing for prolonged periods with engine running. Engine may be started in this range. Set the parking brake if you must leave the vehicle.

WARNING:
Do not coast in NEUTRAL and never turn off the ignition to coast down a hill. These are unsafe practices that limit your response to changing traffic or road conditions. You might lose control of the vehicle and have an accident.

DRIVE — Six-Speed Transmission

This range should be used for most city and highway driving. It provides the smoothest upshifts, downshifts, and best fuel economy. However, use the AutoStick mode and select the “5” range when frequent transmission shifting occurs while using the DRIVE range, such as when operating the vehicle under heavy loading conditions, (i.e., in hilly terrain, traveling into strong head winds or while towing heavy trailers). Under these conditions, using the “5” range will improve performance and extend transmission life by reducing excessive shifting and heat build-up.

“D” (Overdrive) — Four-Speed Transmission

This range should be used for most city and highway driving. It provides the smoothest upshifts, downshifts, and best fuel economy. However, select the “3” range when frequent transmission shifting occurs while using the “D” (Overdrive) range, such as when operating the vehicle under heavy loading conditions, (i.e., in hilly terrain, traveling into strong head winds or while towing heavy trailers). Under these conditions, using the “3” range will improve performance and extend transmission life by reducing excessive shifting and heat build-up.

“3” (Drive) — Four-Speed Transmission

This range eliminates shifts into “D” (Overdrive). The transmission will operate normally in first, second, and third gear while in this range. The “3” (Drive) range should also be used when descending steep grades to prevent brake system distress.

NOTE: Using the “3” (Drive) range while operating the vehicle under heavy operating conditions will improve performance and extend transmission life by reducing excessive shifting and heat build up.

“L” (Low) — Four-Speed Transmission

This range should be used for engine braking when descending very steep grades. In this range, upshifts will occur only to prevent engine overspeed while downshifts occur earlier than other gear range selections.

CAUTION:
If the transmission operating temperature exceeds acceptable limits, the vehicle computer will override “D” (Overdrive) and “5” range (for six-speed AutoStick transmission) and “3” range (for fourspeed auto transmission) by changing shift points.

This is done to prevent transmission damage due to overheating.

Reset Mode - Electronic Transmission

The transmission is monitored electronically for abnormal conditions. If a condition is detected that could cause damage, the transmission automatically shifts into second gear (third gear for six-speed). The transmission remains in second gear (third gear for six-speed) despite the forward gear selected. PARK, REVERSE, and NEUTRAL will continue to operate. This Reset feature allows the vehicle to be driven to an authorized dealer for service without damaging the transmission.

In the event of a momentary problem, the transmission can be reset to regain all forward gears by performing the following steps:
1. Stop the vehicle.

2. Shift into PARK.

3. Turn the ignition switch to the LOCK position.

4. Restart the engine.

5. Shift into the desired gear range and resume driving.

NOTE: Even if the transmission can be reset, it is recommended that you visit an authorized dealer at your earliest possible convenience. Your authorized dealer has diagnostic equipment to determine if the problem could recur.

If the transmission cannot be reset, authorized dealer service is required.