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.
Gearshift Program
Normal program
When driving at normal acceleration, the transmission control module (TCM) uses a pre-set shifting program, optimized to shift for economy driving. This shifting program is suitable for "normal" driving which provides earlier up shifts and lock-up.
The shifting program adapts automatically to different driving scenarios, for example:
- driving on grade with trailer
- driving at high elevation
- driving in warm climate
- driving with poor fuel quality.
Also, the transmission's oil pressure is adapted to give smooth engagement of the gears.
Driving uphill
Transmission control module (TCM) can also change shifting pattern during driving on an uphill grade. This is to avoid frequent shifting. Then shifting takes place at higher RPM.
Driving downhill
Shifting points are adjusted to obtain more engine brake when driving on downhills.
Sport mode (only certain engine versions)
The sport mode is achieved by shifting the gear lever from D to the right to the end position at +/- .
At the same time, the symbol in the combined instrument panel display changes from D . Usually a downshift occurs as soon as S mode is active.
Driving in S mode gives a more sporty feeling when driving actively. Shifting occurs at higher engine speeds compared with driving in D mode. During active driving, a lower gear is prioritized, which means delayed upshifts.
Shifts to a higher gears also take place faster and more distinct. The transmission has an adaptive function which means that it adapts to the driving in sport mode.
The starting point in sport mode, calm driving, is that shifting points are the same as for normal driving but with more sensitive pedal.
The gearbox is manual, Geartronic mode, when the gear lever is moved forwards or backwards in manual mode. The information display symbol changes then from S to the engaged gear, 1-6.
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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.