Safety Warning
DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.
Shift Lever Mechanism: Notes
The shift lever has five positions; the P, R, N, D, and L positions. The D position has two modes; automatic shift mode and sequential sportshift mode with the shift lever moved to the M position. The shift lever movement and position is indicated by the A/T gear position indicator panel. The shift lever cannot be shifted out of the P position and into the R position without pressing the shift lever. The shift lock/reverse lock mechanism is an additional shift lever lockout mechanism. The shift lever is engaged with the shift lever link in the P, R, N, D, and L positions. This unit shifts the transmission using the shift cable connected between the shift cable link and the transmission control shaft.
In the M position, the shift lever is disengaged from the shift lever link, and the shift lever can be used to shift gears manually between 1st through 5th, much like a manual transmission.
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When to See a Mechanic
Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:
- • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.