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.
D position D3 Driving Mode Control
This automatic transmission is equipped with the D3 driving mode in D. The D position has two modes; general driving mode (shifts gears automatically 1st through 5th), and the D3 driving mode (shifts gears automatically 1st through 3rd). The transmission switches the mode when the D3 switch on the end of the shift lever knob is pressed with the transmission in D.
When the transmission is switched into the D3 driving mode, the D3 indicator next to the D indicator in the gauge assembly comes on. In the D3 driving mode, the D3 driving mode is cancelled by pressing the D3 switch, and the D3 indicator goes off. Also, the D3 driving mode is cancelled when the ignition switch is turned to LOCK (0). When the shift lever is moved out of D in the D3 driving mode, the D3 indicator goes off, but the transmission returns to the D3 driving mode when the shift lever is returned to D, and the D3 indicator comes on again.
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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.