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 for vehicles equipped with a TCS and P, R, N, D and M for vehicles equipped with paddle shifters.

Selector Lever (vehicles equipped with a TCS)





Selector Lever (vehicles equipped with paddle shifters)






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.

In the DRIVE position:

- the transaxle provides automatic shifts - 1st through 6th gears.
- the Torque Converter Clutch (TCC) is applied and released.
- the transaxle provides maximum fuel economy during normal operation.


Manual L Position (vehicles equipped with a TCS)

In manual L position:

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

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


Manual Position (vehicles equipped with paddle shifters)

In manual position:

- the transaxle provides maximum engine braking.
- gears 1 through 5 are available.
- the driver can manually shift the transaxle to gears 1 through 6 using the steering wheel mounted paddle shifters.
- grade assist is activated.
- the grade assist lamp illuminates on the Instrument Cluster (IC).
- 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.


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 Overdrive (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 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.


Select Shift





When the selector lever is moved to the M position, the driver can shift the transaxle manually using the steering wheel mounted paddle shifters.










With Select Shift:

- the driver can manually shift the transaxle to gears 1 through 6.
- the current gear illuminates on the Instrument Cluster (IC).
- the transaxle provides additional grade (engine) braking.
- the driver upshifts the transaxle by pulling the paddle shifter backward.
- the driver downshifts the transaxle by pushing the paddle shifter forward.
- 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.

The transaxle will make some shifts automatically primarily to protect the engine from stalling.

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 selector lever is moved to the DRIVE position.


Gear Availability