Modes/Range Selection

Vehicles equipped with the AX4N transaxle and a 3.0L (4V) or 3.4L SHO use a Transmission Control Switch (TCS). The shift quadrant has the following positions: P,R,N,D,2 and 1.

Park
The transaxle is in neutral with the output shaft locked. This prevents the vehicle from rolling forward or backward. For safety reasons, the vehicle parking brake should be used in addition to the transaxle PARK position. Do not select the PARK position until the vehicle comes to a complete stop, because it mechanically locks the output shaft. The engine may be started in the PARK position. This is the only position in which the ignition key can be removed.

Reverse
Allows the vehicle to be operated in a rearward direction, at a reduced gear ratio. Engine braking is provided in REVERSE.

Neutral
As in PARK, there is no power transferred through the transaxle in NEUTRAL. However, the final drive is not locked by the parking pawl assembly, so the wheels are free to rotate. The engine may be started in NEUTRAL.

Drive
This position provides all automatic shifts for first through fourth gears. This position also provides apply and release of the Torque Converter Clutch (TCC). Coast braking occurs in third gear. Fourth (OD) gear can be removed from the shift schedule by depressing the Transmission Control Switch (TCS) on the transaxle range selector lever. Shift schedule status is displayed on the instrument cluster by the Transmission Control Indicator Lamp (TCIL) below the tachometer. If the TOIL display reads "O/D OFF", overdrive has been removed from the shift schedule and is not available. Depressing the TCS a second time restores overdrive to the shift schedule.

Manual 2
This position provides second gear start. Application of the Torque Converter Clutch (TCC) may also occur in this range depending on transaxle and vehicle conditions. This position can be selected when starting on slippery roads for improved traction or engine braking.

Manual 1
Provides a first gear hold after automatic or manual downshift. The transaxle is prevented from downshifting into first gear above a specific speed (approximately 24 km/h (15 mph)) to protect the powertrain from over-speeding. Engine braking is provided in 1 position making it especially useful for descending steep grades.