Q: How do I use the shifter?

asked by on January 13, 2016

How do I use the shifter?

Your Continuously Variable Transmission has five positions: P (Park), R (Reverse), N (Neutral), D (Drive), and L (Low). In order to move the car out of P, you will need to depress the brake pedal, and press the button on the shifter. To move from N to R, from R to P, or from D to L, you will need to press the button on the shifter, but you won’t need the brake depressed. To move from any other positions, simply push the shifter.

The statements expressed above are only for informational purposes and should be independently verified. Please see our terms of service for more details

Get an instant quote for your car

Our certified mechanics come to you ・Backed by 12-month, 12,000-mile guarantee・Fair and transparent pricing


Experienced Mechanic?

Earn up to $70/hr

What others are asking

Turn signals not working
Hello! Your turn signal light malfunction is a common issue that many owners of your particular vehicle face. It's commonly caused by a faulty column switch, or a short in the wiring harness of the turn signal circuit. The harness...
gears not shifting in drive, only works in reverse and park, ABS and traction control ights are on
Many different things can cause the transmission to not be able to change gears. The most likely would be a transmission linkage problem, a shift solenoid, a bad position sensor, or a failing transmission. A qualified technician, such as one...
My car jerks slightly when I'm at a steady speed or trying to stay at a constant speed only around 40mph to 50 mph
In the future, please include the codes as they can help use pinpoint and give you a more accurate answer. The surging you feel while under light throttle, which is what is happening at a cruise, is due to a...
The vehicle jolts only when I am accelerating to get on the expressway. What may be the cause?
This sounds like you are getting an engine misfire on acceleration. You will need to have the ignition system checked to see if you need plugs (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/spark-plugs-replacement) and wires (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/ignition-cable-spark-plug-wires-replacement) or if it is a bad coil (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/ignition-coil-replacement). Most likely...
My car is jerking from 2nd to 3rd gear and downshifts. Will jerk a little
Hi, thanks for writing in. Your car has what is called a secondary shifter valve or solenoid valve that is operated or directed by the PCM (Powertrain Control Module) which is what controls the drivetrain and transmission. Code P0661 (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/p0661-obd-ii-trouble-code-intake-manifold-tuning-valve-control-circuit-low-bank-1-by-valerie-johnston)...
Hi thanks for this chance. Based on auto indicator I took my car for service. I had to pay $586
In my opinion, I don't believe that you were cheated. These seem like fairly standard prices for those services. If you would like a point of comparison, you can enter your vehicle information and the same services into our estimator...
Just got a new radiator now it's making a clicking sound
Hello and thank you for contacting YourMechanic. With the information that is given, the only thing that can make a clicking sound after installing a new radiator is a radiator fan (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/cooling-radiator-fan-motor-replacement) is coming in contact with the radiator, the...
My '98 expedition drives fine for a while, then after a few hours, when sitting still, it idles rough then shuts off.
After some testing done to verify the EGR valve flow to see if the valve is intermittently sticking open causing the stall. This can be done using a scanner with the capability to open and close the EGR valve and...
Dash lights not working
Hello. The symptoms you are describing can be caused by a few different things. If the same lights as before are no longer working then it may be possible that there is an issue with the instrument cluster that is...

Related articles

A Buyer’s Guide to the 2012 Chevrolet Sonic
The The 2012 Chevrolet Sonic is not only the only domestic subcompact sedan (or hatchback) on the market today, but it’s also one of the most versatile models in its class. This entry-level subcompact car – available in both sedan...
2012 Ford Focus vs. 2012 Mazda 3: Which One Should I Buy?
Compact sedans and hatchbacks provide a great ride on a budget, with the evolution from a stodgy, unattractive exterior (and interior!) to a more fully-featured trim set and exterior design. Driving enjoyment is improved throughout the class, which are known...
Symptoms of a Bad or Failing Shift Interlock Solenoid
The shift interlock solenoid needs to be replaced if the vehicle cannot shift out of park and the battery is not dead.