Chevrolet Trax: Automatic Transmission

The selected gear is also shown in the instrument cluster.

P (Park): This position locks the drive 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.

Do not leave the vehicle when the engine is running. If you have left the engine running, the vehicle can move suddenly. You or others could be injured. To be sure the vehicle will not move, even when you are on fairly level ground, always set the parking brake and move the shift lever to P (Park).

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

The vehicle has an automatic transmission shift lock control system. The regular brake must be fully applied first and then the shift lever button pressed 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.

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

Caution

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

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.

The vehicle has an automatic neutral shift feature which allows the transmission to automatically shift to N (Neutral) when the vehicle is stopped with a forward gear engaged. The reduced load on the engine improves vehicle fuel economy.

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.

Caution

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 more power is needed for passing, and the vehicle is:

• 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.

M(Manual Mode): This position allows shifting similar to a manual transmission.

Caution

If the vehicle accelerates slowly, or does not shift gears, the transmission could be damaged.

Have the vehicle serviced right away.

Manual Mode

Driver Shift Control (DSC)

To use this feature:

1. Move the shift lever from D (Drive) rearward to M(Manual).

   While driving in manual mode, the transmission will remain in the driver selected gear. When coming to a stop in the manual position, the vehicle will automatically shift into 1 (First) gear.

2. Press the + (plus) end of the button on the side of the shift lever to upshift, or push the − (minus) end of the button to downshift.

The instrument cluster will change from the currently displayed message to the letter "M," for Manual position, and a number indicating the requested gear.

While using the DSC feature, the transmission will have firmer shifting and sportier performance. This can be used for sport driving or when climbing hills to stay in gear longer or to downshift for more power or engine braking.

The transmission will only allow you to shift into gears appropriate for the vehicle speed and engine revolutions per minute (rpm):

• The transmission will not allow shifting to the next higher gear if the vehicle speed or engine rpm is too low.
• The transmission will not allow shifting to the next lower gear if the vehicle speed or engine rpm is too high.

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