The shift lever is located on the center console. When you change gears, the different shift positions will display on the instrument panel cluster.

There are several different positions for the automatic transaxle.

PARK (P): This position locks your front wheels. It is the best position to use when you start your engine because your vehicle cannot move easily.

Caution: It is dangerous to get out of the vehicle if the shift lever is not fully in P (Park) with the parking brake firmly set. The vehicle can roll.

Do not leave the vehicle when the engine is running unless you have to. If you have left the engine running, the vehicle can move suddenly. You or others could be injured. To be sure the vehicle will not move, even when you are on fairly level ground, always set the parking brake and move the shift lever to P (Park). See Shifting Into Park . If you are pulling a trailer, see Towing a Trailer .

Make sure the shift lever is fully in PARK (P) before starting the engine. Your vehicle has an automatic transaxle shift lock control system. You must fully apply your regular brakes first and then press the shift lever button before you can shift from PARK (P) when the ignition key is in RUN. If you cannot shift out of PARK (P), ease pressure on the shift lever and push the shift lever all the way into PARK (P) as you maintain brake application. Then press the shift lever button and move the shift lever into another gear. See Shifting Out of Park .

REVERSE (R): Use this gear to back up.

Notice: Shifting to REVERSE (R) while your vehicle is moving forward could damage the transaxle. The repairs would not be covered by your warranty. Shift to REVERSE (R) only after your vehicle is stopped.

To rock your vehicle back and forth to get out of snow, ice, or sand without damaging your transaxle, see If Your Vehicle is Stuck in Sand, Mud, Ice, or Snow .

NEUTRAL (N):  In this position, your engine does not connect with the wheels. To restart when you are already moving, use NEUTRAL (N) only. Also, use NEUTRAL (N) when your vehicle is being towed.

Caution: Shifting into a drive gear while the engine is running at high speed is dangerous. Unless your foot is firmly on the brake pedal, the vehicle could move very rapidly. You could lose control and hit people or objects. Do not shift into a drive gear while the engine is running at high speed.

Notice: Shifting out of PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N) while the engine is running at high speed may damage the transaxle. The repairs would not be covered by your warranty. Be sure the engine is not running at high speeds when shifting your vehicle.

Notice: Shifting to a drive gear from NEUTRAL (N) while the vehicle is moving could damage the transaxle. Make sure the vehicle is stopped before shifting from NEUTRAL (N) into a drive gear.

DRIVE (D): This position is for normal driving with the automatic transaxle. It provides the best fuel economy for your vehicle. If you need more power for passing, and you are:

Downshifting the transaxle in slippery road conditions could result in skidding, see "Skidding" under Loss of Control .

INTERMEDIATE (I):  This position is also used for normal driving. However, it reduces vehicle speed without using your brakes for slight downgrades where the vehicle would otherwise accelerate due to steepness of grade. If constant upshifting or downshifting occurs while driving up steep hills, this position can be used to prevent repetitive types of shifts. You might choose INTERMEDIATE (I) instead of DRIVE (D) when driving on hilly, winding roads and when towing a trailer, so that there is less shifting between gears.

LOW (L): This position reduces vehicle speed more than INTERMEDIATE (I) without actually using your brakes. You can use it on very steep hills, or in deep snow or mud. If the shift lever is put in LOW (L), the transaxle will not shift into LOW (L) until the vehicle is going slowly enough.

Notice: Spinning the tires or holding the vehicle in one place on a hill using only the accelerator pedal may damage the transaxle. If you are stuck, do not spin the tires. When stopping on a hill, use the brakes to hold the vehicle in place.

Transaxle Overheating

If the transaxle fluid temperature rises above 284°F (140°C) or rises rapidly, the Engine Coolant Temperature Warning Light will flash. See Engine Coolant Temperature Warning Light for more information. When the transaxle overheats it will go into a protection mode and will default shift into fifth gear if in the DRIVE (D) position, or second gear if in the LOW (L) position. Continue driving the vehicle in either position depending on the required vehicle speed and load. Once the fluid temperature lowers to the normal temperature range, the transaxle will return to the normal shift patterns. Towing or driving on long hills can cause the transaxle fluid temperature to be higher than normal. If the transaxle fluid temperature will not cool, you may need to pull over and check the transaxle fluid level. You should also check the engine coolant temperature. If it is hot, see Engine Overheating .