Automatic Transmission Operation - Suzuki 2008 XL7 Owner's Manual

Automatic Transmission Operation

The shift lever for the automatic transmis-
sion is located on the console between the
seats.
Maximum engine speed is limited when
the vehicle is in PARK (P) or NEUTRAL
(N) to protect driveline components from
improper operation.
There are several different positions for the
shift lever. When using the manual shift
mode a number will also appear on the tell-
tale line below the gear selections. For
more information on the manual shift
option see "Manual Shift Mode" in this sec-
tion.
PARK (P):
This position locks the front wheels. It is
the best position to use when the engine is
started because the vehicle cannot move
easily.
WARNING
It is dangerous to get out of your
vehicle if the shift lever is not fully in
PARK (P) with the parking brake
firmly set. Your vehicle can roll.
Do not leave your 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
your vehicle will not move, even
when you are on fairly level ground,
always set your parking brake and
move the shift lever to PARK (P).
Refer to "Shifting Into Park (P)" in
this section. If you are pulling a
trailer, refer to "Towing a Trailer" in
"Towing" in the "Driving Your Vehi-
cle" section.
Make sure the shift lever is fully in PARK
(P) before starting the engine. The vehicle
1722684
has an automatic transmission 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 is in RUN. If
you cannot shift out of PARK (P), ease
pressure on the shift lever and push the
shift lever all way into PARK (P) as you
maintain brake application. Then press the
shift lever button and move the shift lever
into another gear. Refer to "Shifting Out of
Park (P)" in this section.
FEATURES AND CONTROLS
REVERSE (R):
Use this gear to back up.
CAUTION
Shifting to REVERSE (R) while your
vehicle is moving forward could dam-
age the transmission. The repairs
would not be covered by your war-
ranty. Shift to REVERSE (R) only after
your vehicle is stopped.
To rock the vehicle back and forth to get
out of snow, ice, or sand without damaging
the transmission, refer to "If Your Vehicle is
Stuck in Sand, Mud, Ice, or Snow" in "Your
Driving, the Road, and Your Vehicle" in the
"Driving Your Vehicle" section.
NEUTRAL (N):
In this position, the engine does not con-
nect with the wheels. To restart when the
vehicle is already moving, use NEUTRAL
(N) only. Also, use NEUTRAL (N) when the
vehicle is being towed.
WARNING
Shifting into a drive gear while the
engine is running at high speed is
dangerous. Unless your foot is firmly
on the brake pedal, your vehicle
could move very rapidly. You could
lose control and hit people or
objects. Do not shift into a drive gear
while your engine is running at high
speed.
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