Gear control

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Gear control

Automatic gearbox

Selector lever 1

P: park
R: reverse gear
N: neutral
D: automatic mode
M: manual mode
+: shift up a gear
˗: shift down a gear
The gear that is currently engaged is displayed on the instrument panel A.
Note: press button 2 to shift from D or N position to R or P position.

Operation

With the selection lever 1 in P position, switch on the ignition.
To move out of P position, you must press the brake pedal before pressing the unlocking button 2.
With your foot on the brake pedal (the warning light on the display goes out), disengage P position.
Only engageDorRwhen the vehicle is stopped, with your foot on the brake and the accelerator pedal released.

Driving in automatic mode

Set the lever 1 to D position.
In the majority of driving conditions, you will no longer have to use your gear lever: the gears change automatically, at the right time, to a suitable engine speed because the automated system takes the vehicle's load, road profile and the selected driving style into account.
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).
This will enable you to change down to the optimum gear within the engine range.

Driving in manual mode

With the selector lever in D position, shift the lever to the right to engage M position. Shifting the lever repeatedly allows you to change gears manually:
  • to move down through the gears, push the lever forwards;
  • to move up through the gears, push the lever backwards.
The gear selected is displayed on the instrument panel.

Special cases

In certain driving conditions (resulting in, for example, engine protection, operation of the Electronic Stability Control: ESC, etc.) the automated 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, it is advisable to use manual mode (depending on the vehicle). This will prevent the "automatic gearbox" from changing gears repeatedly when driving uphill, and permit engine braking on long descents.
  • In cold weather, to avoid stalling start the engine and wait a few seconds before disengaging P or N position and shifting the lever to D or R position.
Tip
When facing uphill, to remain stopped, do not keep your foot on the accelerator.
Risk of overheating the automatic gearbox.

Parking the vehicle

With the vehicle stationary, move the lever to P position while keeping your foot on the brake pedal: the gearbox is in neutral and the drive wheels are mechanically locked by the driveshaft.
Apply the handbrake or, depending on the vehicle, ensure that the electronic parking brake is applied.
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.

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.
WARNING
For safety reasons, do not switch off the ignition before the vehicle has come to a complete standstill.

Load mode

If the vehicle is being driven with a heavy load, press the switch 3: depending on the vehicle, the Perfo or Sport warning light will appear on the instrument panel.
Load mode is deselected every time the engine is switched off. It will be necessary to select it again.
Load mode may be used to equal effect in both automatic and manual modes.

Operating faults

  • When driving, if the "WARNING: Check Gearbox" message appears on the instrument panel, this indicates a fault.
Contact your approved Dealer as soon as possible;
  • When driving, if the "WARNING: Gearbox Overheating" message appears on the instrument panel, stop as soon as possible to let the gearbox cool down and wait for the message to disappear;
  • Breakdown recovery of a vehicle with an automatic gearbox TOWING: BREAKDOWN.
When setting off, if the lever is locked in position P when you press the brake pedal (e.g. battery fault), it is possible to manually release the lever to unblock the drive wheels. To do this, unclip the base of the gaiter and press button 4 while simultaneously pressing button 2 on the lever to unlock the lever and shift to N position.
Contact your approved Dealer as soon as possible;