Range Selector Position Indicators
The tachometer assembly includes additional indicator lamps that allow the driver to easily control the position of the AT range selector. To the right of the range indicators is the gear indicator, which functions in manual transmission control mode. Indicator "D4" automatically lights up for a few seconds when the ignition is turned on (the key is turned in the lock to position "ON" [II]). Flashing indicator "D4" while driving (regardless of the position of the range selector) indicates a possible AT malfunction. In this case, sudden acceleration of the car should be avoided. Contact a Honda Dealership immediately to have the automatic transmission checked and repaired.
Range Selector Lever Positions
The transmission range selector lever can be in one of eight detent positions. When starting the engine, the lever should only be in position "R" or "N". If the vehicle is stopped while one of the driving ranges is engaged in the automatic transmission "D4", "D3", "2", "1", "R", or "N", it is necessary to fully release the gas pedal and depress the brake pedal for reliable braking of the car. To switch to manual control mode, move the position selector lever "D4" towards you. In this position, it is possible to switch manually.
When shifting automatic transmission ranges, move the lever along the guide groove. Range lever locks in position "R", if the ignition key is turned to the "LOCK" (0) or"ACC" (I). In this case, the withdrawal of the lever from the position "R" impossible even when depressing the brake pedal.
Position "R". In this position of the range selector lever, the output shaft of the transmission is mechanically blocked. Always move the range selector lever to the position "R" when turning off or starting the engine. To move the range selector lever out of position "R", it is necessary to depress the brake pedal, after releasing the gas pedal. Move the range selector lever to the right and move it out of position "R".
If, after performing all the above steps, you still cannot move the lever from the position "R", you need to unlock it by following the instructions below.
To avoid damage to the AT, move the lever to the position "R" only after the vehicle has come to a complete stop. Note: Removing the key from the ignition lock becomes possible only after moving the selector lever to the position "R".
Position "R". Techniques for controlling the range selector lever when moving it to the position "R" (Reverse) out of position "R" described above. Switching the lever to the position "R" out of position "N" (neutral) do it only after the vehicle has come to a complete stop.
The automatic transmission is equipped with a special safety device that prevents the lever from being accidentally moved to the"R", if the vehicle speed exceeds 10-12 km/h.
If reverse does not engage after the vehicle has come to a complete stop, depress the brake pedal and slowly move the range selector lever first to "N", then to position "R".
If the safety device malfunctions, or if the battery is disconnected from the on-board network or the battery is discharged, it is impossible to engage the reverse range. In this case, it is necessary to remove the reverse range lock.
Position "N". use position "N" (neutral) when starting a stalled engine while the vehicle is moving and during short stops of the vehicle with the engine running. If for any reason you need to move away from the vehicle, first move the range selector lever to the position "R" (Parking). When pulling the lever out of position "N" depress the foot brake pedal.
Position "D4". The range selector lever must be in this position at all times when the vehicle is moving under normal road conditions. In the range "D4" (Movement) automatic shifting of forward gears is provided depending on the vehicle speed and the degree of depression on the accelerator pedal. While driving, you may notice that automatic upshifts occur later, i.e. at higher speeds, if the vehicle's engine has not yet warmed up to normal operating temperature. This ensures faster warm-up of the engine.
Manual shift mode. If the range selector lever is in the "D4", it is possible to enable manual gearshift mode. In this mode, the gears are shifted using the same lever as on models equipped with a manual transmission, but without using the clutch pedal. To engage manual shift mode, move the shift lever from the position "D4" to the left (towards the driver's seat). The transmission returns to automatic control mode when the lever is moved back to the right (towards the passenger seat).
In manual gearshift mode, the transmission is controlled by successively pressing the lever forward or backward. If you press the lever forward, the transmission will shift to the next higher stage. Conversely, pushing the lever back shifts the gearbox to the adjacent lower gear. The number of the included gear is displayed on the dashboard. The gear indicator is located on the tachometer dial to the right of the indicator "D4".
When the shift lever is moved to the position corresponding to the manual transmission mode, the indicator of the currently engaged gear lights up on the instrument panel. For example, if fourth gear is engaged, to the right of the indicator "D4" the number will be displayed "4".When you change gears in manual mode, the indicator will change accordingly. If you turn on the manual transmission control mode while the car is stationary, the first gear will automatically turn on, and the number will be displayed in the indicator window "1".
The start of movement and acceleration of the car will occur in first gear, then you must manually engage the second and subsequent gears. In manual transmission control mode, it is necessary to monitor the tachometer so that the maximum permissible engine speed is not exceeded. In the process of accelerating the car, turn on adjacent higher gears in a timely manner, preventing the tachometer needle from entering the red zone of the scale.
If the driver does not press the range selector lever, the transmission will operate in the same gear (1st, 2nd, 3rd or 4th), without shifting. When the gas pedal is fully depressed, the gearbox does not shift either.
In manual transmission control mode, it is possible to automatically shift the transmission from fourth to third gear in the following cases:
- a) Vehicle speed has dropped below 27 km/h.
- b) The car is moving uphill at a speed of 27 to 60 km/h.
- c) The foot brake pedal is depressed while the vehicle is moving downhill.
Automatic gear shift "down" shifting to third gear provides increased traction when driving uphill, and also improves engine braking efficiency when driving the car on a steep descent.
In addition, in manual control mode, the transmission automatically shifts to the first stage when the vehicle slows down and stops. This switchover occurs when the vehicle speed is reduced to 10 km/h.
If you try to manually engage one of the lower gears on the go, at which the engine speed will exceed the maximum permissible value, then this switching is automatically blocked.
If the vehicle is moving in fourth gear and the driver's command to engage third gear is blocked, the number on the instrument panel will flash several times "3", then the indicator lights up again "4". Similarly, if the vehicle is moving in third gear and the driver's command to engage second gear is inhibited, the indicator on the instrument panel flashes several times "2", and then the indicator lights up again "3".
If, during the blinking of the locked gear indicator, the vehicle speed decreases so much that after changing the gear, the engine speed cannot exceed the maximum permissible value, then the lock is released and the adjacent lower stage is switched on in the transmission.
At low ambient temperatures, when the transmission temperature does not exceed -10°C, the manual transmission mode may not work.
IN Specifications the recommended gearshift speeds in the gearbox are given.
Position "D3". If the range selector lever is in the"D3", the automatic transmission functions in the same way as the case of switching the range "D4" (Movement). The difference is that the transition to fourth gear is excluded. Range "D3"recommended when towing a trailer in hilly terrain or when applying engine braking on steep downhill grades "D3" also useful for eliminating unnecessary automatic transmission cycling between third and fourth gears. Such cyclic shifting of the gearbox can be observed, for example, when driving in heavy traffic with frequent decelerations and stops of the car.
For a sharp acceleration of the car when the gearbox is operating in the range "D4"or "D3" squeeze the gas pedal to the stop.
In this case, the gearbox will automatically shift to an adjacent lower gear. If the vehicle speed is low, then the gearbox can immediately switch down two steps.
Position "2". When the range is turned on "2" the automatic transmission will always operate in second gear. When the vehicle is stopped, the transmission does not shift into first gear. The constant engagement of the second gear provides good traction dynamics of the car on the slopes and the possibility of intensive engine braking on steep descents. Range "2" it is recommended to turn it on when driving on a slippery road surface, as well as when driving in deep snow. This helps to prevent severe slippage of the vehicle's drive wheels.
When the range is turned on "2" while the vehicle is moving, the second gear in the transmission is automatically delayed and occurs only after the vehicle speed drops to a safe level at which the engine speed does not exceed the maximum allowable value.
Position "1". When the range is turned on "1" the automatic transmission will always operate in first gear. If the inclusion of the range "1" produced at speeds over 50 km/h, the transmission will first shift to second gear. The inclusion of an intermediate stage allows you to eliminate sharp and unexpected engine braking.
Maximum allowable vehicle speeds
The Specifications show the maximum allowable vehicle speeds when engaging various ranges of the automatic transmission. In case of exceeding the specified Specifications values, the tachometer needle enters the red zone of the scale, indicating that the permissible engine speed is exceeded. At the same time, the electronic unit of the engine control system begins to limit the speed of the crankshaft, reducing the fuel supply, which can be felt by changing the engine operating mode. The operation of the engine returns to normal as soon as the tachometer needle leaves the red zone of the scale.
To avoid engine damage, before changing gear, make sure that the tachometer needle does not go beyond the value of the maximum allowable speed in this gear and is not in the red zone of the scale.
Disengagement of range selector lever lock
If you cannot move the range selector lever out of position "R" using the usual method (while depressing the brake pedal), perform the following operations (the same should be done to remove the blocking of the inclusion of the reverse range):
- a) Engage the parking brake;
- b) Check that the ignition is off (the key must be turned to position "OFF" [0]). If the reverse range lock is to be released, the ignition key must be in the "ACC" (I);
- c) Use a piece of cloth to cover the cover, which is located to the right of the lever guide slot and blocks access to the lock release device, using a small flathead screwdriver (not included in the tool kit) or other suitable tool, gently press the edge and remove the cover;
- d) Insert the screwdriver bit into the slot
- e) Press down on the screwdriver and at the same time move the lever from the position "R" into position "N";.
- f) To release the reverse range lock, move the lever from the position "N" into position "R", then - to the position"R";
- g) Remove the screwdriver from the slot and replace the new cover. Step on the brake pedal and start the engine.
If you had to use the method described above to unlock the range selector lever, then a possible cause of the violation is a transmission malfunction. Have a Honda dealer check and repair your vehicle.
Car parking
When leaving the car in a parking lot, always apply the parking brake. Remember that the parking brake warning light built into the instrument panel only serves to remind the driver to release the parking brake before driving off. Burning of a control lamp does not guarantee completeness of cocking of a parking brake. Make sure the parking brake is properly applied to prevent the vehicle from rolling on a slope.
First apply the parking brake, and then move the automatic transmission range selector lever to the position "R". This sequence of actions prevents accidental starting of the car and eliminates the transfer of a significant load on the transmission output shaft locking mechanism from the force rolling the car. Unloading the transmission output shaft lock-up clutch from the vehicle rolling force. The unloading of the clutch of the transmission output shaft lock ensures that the lever can be easily removed from the position when the vehicle is subsequently started "R".
When parking the vehicle on an uphill slope, turn the front wheels away from the curb and vice versa.
Before driving, make sure the parking brake is fully released. When driving with the parking brake not fully released, overheating and failure of the brake mechanisms of the rear wheels are possible. In addition, this may lead to a malfunction of the ABS.