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; P, R, N, D, and L. The D position has two modes; automatic shift mode and sequential shift mode with the shift lever moved to M. The shift lever movement and position is indicated by the A/T gear position indicator panel. The shift lever can not be shifted out of P and into R without pressing the shift lever. The shift lock/ reverse lock mechanism is an additional the shift lever lockout mechanism. The shift lever is engaged with the shift lever link in P, R, N, D, and L. This unit shifts the transmission using the shift cable connected between the shift cable link and the transmission selector control shaft.
In M, 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.
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