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.
S Position Automatic Shift Mode and Sequential Sportshift Mode
The S position has two shifting modes; the automatic shift mode and the sequential sportshift mode. In the S position automatic shift mode, the transmission upshifts and downshifts automatically from 1st through 4th gear, if the paddle shifters are not pressed. In the automatic shift mode, the shift indicator and the M indicator in the gauge control module do not come on.
When the paddle shifter + (upshift switch) or paddle shifter - (downshift switch) is pressed, the automatic shift mode is canceled and the sequential sportshift mode comes into operation. The shift indicator displays the number of the selected gear, and the M indicator comes on. In the sequential sportshift mode, the driver can shift up and down manually from 1st through 5th gear by using the paddle shifters, much like a manual transmission. The paddle shifters are installed on the back of the steering wheel, and the driver can shift gears by pressing the paddle shifters without taking either hand off the steering wheel.
In the sequential sportshift mode, the transmission must be shifted up and down by pressing the paddle shifters. However, if the vehicle is coasting at a speed that would cause the engine to over-rev by downshifting, the transmission will not shift when the paddle shifter - is pressed. The shift indicator blinks the number of the selected gear position several times, then returns to the current gear. If the vehicle speed reaches an appropriate speed while the shift indicator is blinking, the transmission downshifts and the shift indicator displays the selected gear. Likewise, if the vehicle is driving below an appropriate speed to upshift when the paddle shifter + is pressed, the transmission will not shift. The shift indicator blinks the number of the selected gear several times, and then returns to the number of the current gear. If the vehicle speed reaches an appropriate upshift speed while the shift indicator is blinking, the transmission upshifts and the shift indicator displays the selected gear.
This mode has automatic downshifting areas so the vehicle can run smoothly with more power to cope with upcoming acceleration. When coasting in 5th gear or 4th gear, the transmission downshifts to the next lower gear if the vehicle slows down to the programmed speed, or by pressing the brake pedal.
When the transmission decelerates to a stop, the transmission shifts to 1st gear automatically. The transmission can be shifted to 2nd gear by pressing the paddle shifter + while the vehicle is stopped, and the vehicle can start off in 2nd gear.
The sequential sportshift mode is canceled when moving the shift lever to any position other than S.
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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.