Hyundai Tucson: Automatic transaxle / Automatic transaxle operation

The automatic transaxle has six forward speeds and one reverse speed.

The individual speeds are selected automatically in the D (Drive) position.

WARNING

To reduce the risk of serious injury or death:

• ALWAYS check the surrounding areas near your vehicle for people, especially children, before shifting a vehicle into D (Drive) or R (Reverse).
• Before leaving the driver’s seat, always make sure the shift lever is in the P (Park) position, then set the parking brake, and place the ignition switch in the LOCK/OFF position. Unexpected and sudden vehicle movement can occur if these precautions are not followed.

The indicator in the instrument cluster displays the shift lever position when the ignition switch is in the ON position.

P (Park)

Always come to a complete stop before shifting into P (Park).

To shift from P (Park), you must depress firmly on the brake pedal and make sure your foot is off the accelerator pedal.

If you have done all of the above and still cannot shift the lever out of P (Park), see “Shift-Lock Release” on page 5-17.

The shift lever must be in P (Park) before turning the engine off.

WARNING

• Shifting into P (Park) while the vehicle is in motion may cause you to lose control of the vehicle.
• After the vehicle has stopped, always make sure the shift lever is in P (Park), apply the parking brake, and turn the engine off.
• Do not use the P (Park) position in place of the parking brake.

R (Reverse)

Use this position to drive the vehicle backward.

CAUTION

Always come to a complete stop before shifting into or out of R (Reverse); you may damage the transaxle if you shift into R (Reverse) while the vehicle is in motion.

N (Neutral)

The wheels and transaxle are not engaged.

Use N (Neutral) if you need to restart a stalled engine, or if it is necessary to stop with the engine ON. Shift into P (Park) if you need to leave your vehicle for any reason.

Always depress the brake pedal when you are shifting from N (Neutral) to another gear.

WARNING

Do not shift into gear unless your foot is firmly on the brake pedal. Shifting into gear when the engine is running at high speed can cause the vehicle to move very rapidly. You could lose control and hit people or objects.

D (Drive)

This is the normal driving position. The transaxle will automatically shift through a 6-gear sequence, providing the best fuel economy and power.

For extra power when passing another vehicle or driving uphill, depress the accelerator fully. The transaxle will automatically downshift to the next lower gear (or gears, as appropriate).

Sports mode

Whether the vehicle is stationary or in motion, sports mode is selected by pushing the shift lever from the D (Drive) position into the manual gate.

To return to D (Drive) range operation, push the shift lever back into the main gate.

In Sports Mode, moving the shift lever backwards and forwards will allow you to select the desired range of gears for the current driving conditions.

+ (Up) : Push the lever forward once to shift up one gear.

- (Down) : Pull the lever backwards once to shift down one gear.

✽ NOTICE

• Only the six forward gears can be selected. To reverse or park the vehicle, move the shift lever to the R (Reverse) or P (Park) position as required.
• Downshifts are made automatically when the vehicle slows down. When the vehicle stops, 1st gear is automatically selected.
• When the engine rpm approaches the red zone the transaxle will upshift automatically.
• If the driver presses the lever to + (Up) or - (Down) position, the transaxle may not make the requested gear change if the next gear is outside of the allowable engine rpm range. The driver must execute upshifts in accordance with road conditions, taking care to keep the engine rpms below the red zone.
• When driving on a slippery road, push the shift lever forward into the + (Up) position. This causes the transaxle to shift into the 2nd gear which is better for smooth driving on a slippery road. Push the shift lever to the - (Down) side to shift back to the 1st gear.

Shift-lock system

For your safety, the automatic transaxle has a shift-lock system which prevents shifting the transaxle from P (Park) or N (Neutral) into R (Reverse) unless the brake pedal is depressed.

To shift the transaxle from P (Park) or N (Neutral) into R (Reverse):

1.Depress and hold the brake pedal.

2.Start the engine or place the ignition switch in the ON position.

3.Move the shift lever.

Shift-lock release

If the shift lever cannot be moved from the P (Park) or N (Neutral) position into R (Reverse) position with the brake pedal depressed, continue depressing the brake, and then do the following:

1.Place the ignition switch in the LOCK/OFF position.

2.Apply the parking brake.

3.Carefully remove the cap (1) covering the shift-lock access hole.

4.Insert a key (or screwdriver) into the access hole and press down on the key (or screwdriver).

5.Move the shift lever to N (Neutral) while holding down the key (or screwdriver).

6.Remove the key (or screwdriver) from the shift-lock access hole then install the cap.

7.Depress the brake pedal, and then restart the engine.

If you need to use the shift-lock release, have your vehicle inspected by an authorized HYUNDAI dealer immediately.

Ignition key interlock system

The ignition key cannot be removed unless the shift lever is in the P (Park) position.