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.
Manual Mode Control
By operating the "+" or "-" switch on the select lever in D range with the sports shift switch ON (in sports mode), the system switches to manual mode. In this state, operating the "+" switch causes upshifting while operating the "-" switch causes downshifting; manual shifting is enabled and the selected gear position is held while driving.
However, at certain vehicle speeds or ATF temperatures, the following inhibiting control is performed.
- Upshift inhibiting and auto downshift control
The gear upshifts each time the "+" switch is operated, however, when the vehicle speed is too low for the selected gear speed, the TCM inhibits further upshifting. If the vehicle speed becomes too slow for the current gear speed, a downshift will be made automatically to prevent engine stall. When the vehicle comes to a stop, the transmission will always be controlled to shift to 1st speed unless the vehicle was in Manual mode 2nd hold control.
- Downshift inhibiting control
The gear downshifts each time the "-" switch is operated, however, when the vehicle speed is too low for the selected gear speed, the TCM inhibits further shifting. A manual shifting inhibiting buzzer will sound to warn the driver.
- Engine over speed prevention control
If the engine speed exceeds the preset value during accelerating, the fuel supply is cut to prevent over-revving of the engine.
- Control when the temperature is low or hot
When the ATF temperature is low as in cases such as immediately after start in winter, upshifting to 4th is inhibited to quicken warm up. Upshifting to 4th is also inhibited if the ATF temperature becomes extremely high after severe driving, to prevent further temperature rise.
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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.