Automatic gearbox

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Automatic gearbox

Electronic selector lever 1

R: reverse gear
N: neutral
D: automatic mode
P: parking, button 2
The gear engaged is displayed on the instrument panel.

One-touch selector

Move the selector lever 1 one or two notches upwards or downwards to engage the desired position (R, N or D) then release the lever and it will return to the stable position.
The position engaged lights up on the instrument panel.
If certain conditions prevent shifting from one position to another, the current position flashes on the instrument panel.

To engage position P

With the vehicle at a standstill and the engine or the ignition on, press the button 2 to engage the position P.

To disengage position P

With the vehicle stationary and the engine on, press the brake pedal and move the selector lever 1 upwards or downwards according to the position desired.
If the brake pedal is not pressed down fully, the "Press brake pedal" message and the warning light are displayed on the instrument panel.

To engage neutral

With the vehicle stationary and the engine on, to engage N position, it is necessary to press the brake pedal before moving the selector lever 1 one notch upwards or downwards.
WARNING
Check that the P indicator light is displayed on the instrument panel before leaving the vehicle.
Risk of loss of immobilisation of the vehicle

Driving in automatic mode

With the vehicle stationary, the engine on and your foot on the brake pedal, move the selector lever 1 two notches downwards to engage D position.
The gears will change automatically at the right time and at the most suitable engine speed as the automatic system takes into account the vehicle load and road contour and adjusts itself to the particular driving style you have chosen.
Note: with the engine running and the vehicle travelling at between 0 and 5 mph (0 and 8 km/h), in position N or R, it is necessary to depress the brake pedal to engage position D.
Economical driving
When driving, always leave the lever in position D, keeping the accelerator pedal lightly depressed to ensure automatic gear changes at a lower engine speed.
Accelerating and overtaking
Depress the accelerator pedal briskly and fully (so that it goes beyond the kickdown point).
It is also possible to shift down at any time for overtaking purposes, by pressing the left-hand paddle.

To select reverse gear

With the vehicle stationary and the engine on, move the selector lever 1 two notches upwards to engage R position.
If the brake pedal is not pressed, a beep will sound, the R position will flash for approximately five seconds on the grid displayed on the instrument panel and the "Press brake pedal" message is displayed for approximately five seconds.
Note: with the engine running and the vehicle travelling at between 0 and 5 mph (0 and 8 km/h), in position N or D, it is necessary to depress the brake pedal to engage position R.

Gear change paddles 3 and 4

(except the E-Tech full hybrid version)
Depending on the vehicle, paddles 3 and 4 can be used to change gear when the lever is in D position.
3: shift down a gear (-).
4: shift up a gear (+).
The P, N and R positions cannot be accessed using paddles.

Driving in manual mode

(vehicles equipped with gear shift paddles)
When driving in D position, you can switch to manual driving mode using paddle 3 or 4 on the steering wheel. Depending on the vehicle, two manual driving modes are available:
  • the "temporary" manual mode can be used to force gear shifting by briefly pressing one of the two paddles. The driving mode D and the gear engaged appear on the instrument panel.
Note: the gearbox automatically returns to automatic mode D if the gear engaged is no longer optimal to vehicle performance or if no action has been taken on a paddle for a certain amount of time.
  • permanent manual mode is activated by pressing and holding either of the paddles. The driving mode M and the engaged gear will appear on the display 5 on the instrument panel.
Note: depending on the vehicle, the return to automatic mode is carried out by pressing and holding the right-hand paddle or by moving the one-touch lever 1 one or two notches downwards.
In all situations:
  • to shift down through the gears, press the left-hand paddle;
  • to move up through the gears, press the right-hand paddle.
Note: the + and - indicators advise the driver to shift up or down a gear.

Special cases

In certain driving conditions (e.g. requiring engine protection, operation of the Electronic Stability Program: ESC, etc.) the system may change the gear automatically.
Likewise, to prevent incorrect manoeuvres, a gear change may be refused by the automatic system: in this case the gear display flashes for a few seconds as a warning.

Special circumstances

  • If the road type or weather conditions (steep uphill slopes, sudden downhill slopes, deep snow, sand or mud) make it difficult to stay in automatic mode. On vehicles equipped with gear shift paddles, it is advisable to change to manual mode using the paddles. This will prevent the automatic gearbox from changing gears repeatedly when driving uphill, and permit engine braking on long descents.
  • In very cold weather, to avoid the engine stalling, wait a few seconds before moving the selector lever from position P or N and engaging the lever in D or R.

Parking the vehicle

P position is engaged automatically and the electronic parking brake (if the vehicle is equipped) is applied when:
  • the engine is stopped;
  • the driver's seatbelt is unfastened and the vehicle is stopped;
and
  • the driver's door is opened and the vehicle is stopped.
P is displayed on the instrument panel.
As position P is automatically engaged when the engine is stopped, it is sometimes necessary to place the vehicle in position N for some car washes, for example:
  • With the engine running, press the P button, shift the selector lever 1 a notch upwards or downwards then switch off the engine.
  • With the engine off and the ignition on, shift the selector lever 1 one notch upwards or downwards.
The next time the engine is restarted, position P is engaged automatically according to the cases described earlier.
Tip
The P position must only be engaged when the vehicle is stationary.
Tip
When facing uphill, to remain stopped, do not keep your foot on the accelerator.
Risk of overheating the automatic gearbox.
WARNING
For safety reasons, do not switch off the ignition before the vehicle has come to a complete standstill.
Maintenance period
Refer to the maintenance document for your vehicle or consult an Approved Dealer to check whether the automatic gearbox requires scheduled maintenance.
If it does not need to be serviced, there is no need to top up the oil.

Operating faults

  • when driving, if the "Check gearbox" message appears on the instrument panel this indicates a fault.
Contact an approved dealer as soon as possible;
  • when driving, if the "Gearbox overheating" or "Cool the gearbox: stop temporarily" message appears on the instrument panel, stop as soon as possible to enable the gearbox to cool until the message disappears;
  • when driving, if the "Risk of gearbox failure" message appears on the instrument panel, the engine performance is deliberately limited in order to maintain the gearbox.
Contact an approved dealer as soon as possible;
WARNING
An impact to the underside of the vehicle while manoeuvring (e.g. striking a post, raised kerb or other street furniture) may result in damage to the vehicle (e.g. deformation of an axle).
To avoid any risk of accident, have your vehicle checked by an approved dealer.
In the event of engine failure or an electrical fault (battery fault) affecting operation of the automatic gearbox, ensure that the vehicle is properly immobilised.
If the "Auto gearbox P failure" message appears on the instrument panel, P position cannot be engaged. Be sure to secure the vehicle with the electronic parking brake and consult an approved dealer.