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.
Gear Selector Assembly
The gear selector assembly is in the tunnel console. It is mechanically connected to the transmission by a cable which moves the gear valve. The gear valve is integrated in the Transmission control module (TCM). The gear selected is indicated by a row of LEDs in the top panel on the gear selector assembly.
Gear selector assemblies with Geartronic, in addition to P/R/N/D modes, have a manual (M) shifting mode. The manual gear positions can be selected at any point while driving. The engaged gear is locked until the driver selects another gear. The automatic transmission only down shifts if the vehicle slows down to very low speed. To downshift the gear selector must be moved to minus (-). To upshift the gear selector must be moved to plus (+). At start, 3rd is the highest possible gear.
The engine can only be started in position P or N.
| Position | Meaning | Function |
| P | Park | The transmission's output shaft is locked, so that the vehicle does not roll. This position should be selected when the engine is started or the vehicle is parked. |
| R | Reverse | Reverse gear. This mode may only be engaged when the vehicle is completely stationary. |
| N | Neutral | Neutral means that no gear is engaged. The engine can start and run freely. |
| D | Drive | When D is engaged, the engine drives the vehicle forward except when idling. The D position is used for all forward motion. Up and down shifting occurs automatically depending on acceleration and speed. |
| M | Manual | This position allows the driver to change gears manually. |
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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.