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-Paddle Shift Mode
The S position has two shifting modes; the sport driving mode and the S-paddle shift mode. In sport driving mode, the transmission automatically adjusts to keep the engine at a higher rpm than D-position setting, and the steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters are ready to be activated to switch to the S-paddle shift mode. In the sport driving 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 sport driving mode is canceled and the S-paddle shift mode comes into operation. The shift indicator displays the number of the selected stage position, and the M indicator comes on. In the S-paddle shift mode, the driver can shift up and down manually from 1st through 7th stage position 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 stages positions by pressing the paddle shifters without taking either hand off the steering wheel.
In the S-paddle shift 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 - (downshift switch) is pressed. The shift indicator blinks the number of the selected stage position several times, then returns to the current stage. If the vehicle speed reaches an appropriate speed while the shift indicator is blinking, the transmission downshifts and the shift indicator displays the selected stage. Likewise, if the vehicle speed is below an appropriate speed to upshift when the paddle shifter + (upshift switch) is pressed, the transmission will not shift. The shift indicator blinks the number of the selected stage several times, and then returns to the number of the current stage. 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 stage.
This mode has automatic upshifting areas to prevent engine over-revving, and downshifting areas so the vehicle can run smoothly with more power to cope with upcoming acceleration. When coasting, the transmission downshifts to the next lower stage 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 stage automatically. The transmission can be shifted to 2nd stage by pressing the paddle shifter + (upshift switch) while the vehicle is stopped, and the vehicle can start off in 2nd stage.
The S-paddle shift mode is canceled when moving the shift lever to any position other than S or pressing the paddle shifter + (upshift switch) is held for about 2 seconds.
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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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