What is the shift lock release button?
Literally, the name is Shift Lock Release
can be translated as: removing the transmission block.
... In this case, the Shift Lock Release
. By clicking on it, you can safely switch the automatic transmission to neutral mode and move the car to the desired location.
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Manu
Alternative names: Hold, ETC Snow, Snow, current gear lock switch. When pressed, the currently selected gear is blocked from downshifting or upshifting, and a warning lamp in the instrument cluster lights up.
The button can be used in conjunction with the “D” mode and a manually selected gear – values 1, 2, 3, L on the mode scale.
In the first case, the car will start from 2nd gear. This will avoid slipping on ice and snow. In the second case, it makes it easier to climb/overtake and allows you to effectively use engine braking on steep descents, preventing overheating of the brake system elements and saving their life.
Rules for proper use
Automatic transmission cutaway
Every owner of a car with an automatic transmission needs to know how to properly operate an automatic transmission:
- The main advice for driving an automatic transmission is that the automatic transmission does not tolerate any kind of wheel slip. This rule is especially relevant in winter, when there is a lot of snow or ice around; at this time you need to drive your car carefully. The same rule applies to drivers - racers who like to drive with slippage even on dry asphalt. Today's cars are often equipped with various traction control systems, and this is very necessary for automatic transmissions. But sometimes this system needs to be turned off (for example, when your car is stuck). It is impossible to completely disable the wheel slip system, but you can reduce its impact to a minimum.
- When driving an automatic transmission, you cannot engage neutral gear without good reason. This mode cannot be abused on an automatic transmission. This mode is considered to be “service” and is needed to drive without turning on the engine.
- There is no need to tow a vehicle with an automatic transmission, a trailer or another vehicle. The machine is simply not suitable for this. Of course, any transmission has a certain reserve of strength and your car will not break down right away, however, systematic driving with heavy loads will endlessly bring a serious automatic transmission malfunction closer. If you are going to use a trailer very often in a car with an automatic transmission, choose a car that has a significant margin of safety from the very beginning. For example, a powerful jeep. The box of such a car is designed for the considerable weight of the jeep itself, as a result of which the weight of the trailer itself will have a slight impact on the automatic transmission.
- Not . Certain drivers, of course, sometimes push-start cars with automatic transmissions, but this will eventually lead to the transmission breaking down.
- Under no circumstances should a car with an automatic transmission be towed while tied. This is the worst thing that can be done to an automatic transmission. It is associated with the fact that transmission fluid must continuously circulate in the box while driving. If the car’s engine is turned off, the automatic transmission is not properly lubricated and this will certainly harm it. The practical manual for operating the gearbox states that towing is possible over short distances, up to twenty to fifty kilometers, at a speed of no more than 20-30 km/h. However, in practice, if the service station is located further than 3-5 km, it is preferable to use the services of a tow truck. Payment for services for a tow truck will not be very high, but serious consequences for the automatic transmission can be completely avoided.
Apart from this, we must not forget that an automatic transmission is an extremely complex device that requires timely maintenance and replacement of transmission fluid. The service must be carried out on time, and in driving conditions on our roads before it occurs. If you take into account all our recommendations, the box will serve you long and reliably.
Let's sum it up
As you can see, on most selectors, the button on the automatic transmission handle is a “block” from accidental activation of modes and gears. Typically, such a button is located so that it is as convenient as possible for the driver to press it when manipulating the lever.
We also recommend reading the article on how to properly operate an automatic transmission. From this article you will learn how to drive a car with an automatic transmission correctly, as well as what you need to consider when operating an automatic transmission and a car with an automatic transmission to maximize the service life and resource of the unit. At the same time, some automatic transmission manufacturers, in addition to this button, can also separately install additional keys (activating the Overdrive mode of automatic transmission, Tiptronic, etc.).
In some cases, this arrangement greatly facilitates the process of driving a car with an automatic transmission, allowing you to quickly enable or disable one or another mode.
O/D Off
The second name is Overdrive mode. By default it is disabled and blocks the use of higher gears. The mode status is displayed by a lamp on the instrument cluster or by the backlight of the button: on - off, off - on.
It is recommended to turn on the “Overdrive” mode when driving on the highway at speeds above 80 km/h. This will reduce fuel consumption by reducing the gear ratio between the primary and secondary gears, the engine speed required to maintain speed, and the consistency of the latter.
In the city, it is better not to turn on the mode, since the automatic transmission will often switch between direct and overdrive gears, reducing the life of moving parts.
Operating principle of automatic transmission
Several types of automatic transmissions with their own characteristic features are installed on vehicles.
In a simplified way, the mechanism of operation of a classic automatic transmission consists of transmitting torque from the engine crankshaft to transmission devices, while the gear ratio varies in accordance with the position of the selector lever and the driving conditions of the vehicle.
When the engine starts, working fluid enters the hydraulic transformer and the pressure increases. The blades of the centrifugal pump begin to move, the reactor wheel and the main turbine are motionless in this mode.
When you switch the selector lever and supply fuel using the accelerator pedal, the pump blades increase speed. The increasing speed of the vortex flows begins to rotate the turbine blades. The oil vortices either spread to the stationary reactor or return back to the turbine, increasing its efficiency. The torque is transferred to the wheels, and the car begins to move.
Upon reaching the required speed, the pump wheel and the bladed central turbine move at the same speed, while the vortices of the transmission fluid enter the reactor wheel from the opposite side (movement is possible only in one direction) and it begins to rotate. The unit switches to the hydraulic coupling state.
If the resistance to the wheels increases (uphill movement), the reactor wheel stops rotation and adds torque to the centrifugal pump. When the required speed and torque are reached, the gear in the planetary unit changes.
The electronic control unit transmits a command, as a result of which the braking band and friction discs slow down the downshift, and the increased movement of fluid flows through the valve accelerates the upshift and ensures gear changes without reducing power.
When the machine stops completely or the speed decreases, the pressure of the working fluid decreases and the gear decreases.
When the engine is stopped, there is no pressure in the torque converter, so starting the car with a push is impossible.
Article on the topic: Key synchronization methods
Pwr what is it in a car – Car Expert
Novice drivers are often confused about the operating modes of automatic transmissions, especially those who learned to drive a car with a manual transmission. Let's look at what all the positions and buttons on the automatic selector mean.
Parking mode "P"
In this position, the car is parked in a parking space, the wheels are blocked and the car will not roll away, even if it is on a hill. However, it is worth remembering that it is still necessary to raise the handbrake, this will extend the life of the “automatic”. The automatic transmission selector lever is moved to the “P” position when the car comes to a complete stop with the brake pedal pressed.
Reverse "R"
Used for driving in reverse. Just like in the “P” position, this mode can only be activated when the car comes to a complete stop with the brake pedal pressed.
Full speed ahead "D"
The main “automatic” mode is used to keep the car moving forward. It turns on from the “P” position when the brake pedal is pressed. After switching on, as soon as the driver releases the handbrake and releases the brake, the car will begin to slowly roll forward.
Neutral "N"
This is more of a service mode, used when the car needs to be moved and the engine is turned off, or when it is loaded onto a tow truck. In this position, the gearboxes do not block the wheels and the car rolls smoothly. You cannot leave your car in the parking lot in this mode; there is a “P” mode for this.
What are these numbers?
On some automatic transmissions, in addition to letters symbolizing the operating mode, there are also numbers - 3, 2, 1. The number “3” means that the box will only shift up to third gear. It is recommended to use this position on dirt roads and roads with frequent ascents and descents.
The number “2” includes a mode in which, respectively, only the first and second gears are engaged. Used in forests, mountains and when driving through mud. The position with the number “1” (also referred to as “L”) engages only first gear.
It is used when driving through deep snowdrifts, sand and other difficult-to-pass surfaces.
"Overdrive"
Some cars have a button labeled OD or Overdrive, which means overdrive. Pressing this button turns on the highest
gears in the box bypassing all others. It is recommended to use if the vehicle speed is at least 80 km/h.
Sports mode
On expensive cars with an automatic transmission there may be one of these modes - PWR, POWER, S, SPORT. Pressing the button changes the gear shift settings to sportier ones, and the box allows the engine to accelerate the car more dynamically.
Eco mode
With the tightening of environmental requirements, eco modes began to appear on cars. Pressing the button labeled ECON or NORM results in a more relaxed ride. Engine speed does not rise above average, and fuel consumption decreases.
Winter mode
Some cars have a winter mode that is extremely relevant for Russia; it can be called SNOW, WINTER, W, HOLD. Enabling the mode makes it much easier to drive through slush on the road or in deep snow outside the city.
Kickdown
To quickly accelerate, automatic transmissions have a “Kickdown” mode. To activate it, sharply press the gas pedal to the floor. After this, the box drops one or two gears down, the speed increases, and the car begins to accelerate faster.
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Starting the engine with automatic transmission
Starting an engine with an automatic transmission has the following features:
- In a car with automatic transmission there are only two pedals: brake and gas.
. Therefore, the driver's left leg is practically not used. When starting the engine, the gas pedal is not pressed, but in some brands of cars the brake pedal must be pressed, otherwise the engine will not start (read the operating manual).However, driving instructors advise making it a rule to always press the brake pedal before starting the engine with an automatic transmission. This will prevent the car from spontaneously moving in neutral mode “N”, and will also allow you to quickly switch to driving modes “D” or “R”. (It will not be possible to switch to the indicated modes and move away without pressing the brake pedal).
- In cars with automatic transmission, protection is provided - automatic engine start blocking if the gear shift lever is in the wrong position
. This means that an engine with an automatic transmission can only be started if the gear shift lever is in one of two positions: either “P” (park) or “N” (neutral). If the PP lever is in any other position intended for movement, the locking protection against incorrect starting will be activated.This protective function is very useful, especially for beginners, and especially in cities with high “car density”, where cars are parked closely together in parking lots and in traffic. After all, even experienced drivers sometimes forget to “decelerate the car” before starting the engine, as a result of which, when starting, the car immediately starts moving and crashes into the nearest car or obstacle.
You can start the engine with an automatic transmission in both “P” (parking) and “N” (neutral) modes, but manufacturers recommend using only “P” mode. Therefore, it is better to set one more rule for yourself - park and start the engine only in “parking” mode.
- After turning the key in the ignition before starting the starter, it is recommended to wait a few seconds
to give the fuel pump time to turn on and pump up the compression.
It should be remembered that on some brands of cars with automatic transmission, gear shifting is impossible without inserting and turning the key in the ignition (unlocking the gearbox). Also, on some brands it is impossible to remove the key from the ignition switch if the PP lever is in the “D” position. (Read the instruction manual).
Types of automatic transmission
According to technicians, the hydromechanical automatic transmission is represented only by the planetary part of the unit. After all, it is responsible for changing gears and, together with the torque converter, is a single automatic device. The automatic transmission includes a classic hydraulic transformer, a robot and a variator.
Classic automatic transmission
The advantage of a classic automatic transmission is that the transmission of torque to the chassis is provided by the oil fluid in the torque converter.
This allows you to avoid clutch problems that are often detected when operating machines that have other types of gearboxes installed. If you maintain the box in a timely manner, you can use it almost forever.
Robotic gearbox
View of a robotic gearbox.
It is a kind of alternative to mechanics, only the design has a double clutch controlled electronically. The main advantage of the robot is considered to be fuel efficiency. The design has software installed, the work of which is to rationally determine the torque.
The box is called adaptive, because it is able to adapt to your driving style. Most often, the clutch breaks in a robot, because... it cannot bear heavy loads, such as when driving in difficult terrain.
Variable speed drive
The device provides smooth, stepless transmission of torque to the vehicle chassis. The CVT reduces gasoline consumption and improves dynamics, providing the engine with a gentle operating mode. Such an automated box is not durable and does not tolerate heavy loads. Inside the unit, parts constantly rub against each other, which limits the life of the variator.
Starting and stopping with automatic transmission
Most drivers who switch from a manual to an automatic transmission initially automatically perform actions that they are accustomed to performing repeatedly when driving a car with a manual transmission. Therefore, before starting to drive with an automatic transmission on the road in general traffic, such drivers are advised to first practice alone.
So, the standard procedure for starting a car with an automatic transmission is as follows:
- Insert the key into the ignition.
- Depress the brake pedal with your right foot (the left foot is not used when driving with an automatic transmission).
- Check the position of the gear shift lever - it should be in the “P” - “parking” position.
- Start the engine (with the brake pedal pressed).
- Also, with the brake pedal pressed, switch the PP lever to position “D” - “drive” (moving forward).
- Fully release the brake pedal, after which the car will move off and begin to move forward at a low speed - about 5 km/h.
- To increase the speed, you need to press the gas pedal. The harder you press the gas pedal, the higher the gears and speed will be.
- To stop the car, you need to remove your right foot from the gas pedal and press the brake pedal. The car will stop.
- If you plan to leave the car after stopping, then with the brake pedal pressed, move the gear lever to the “P” - “parking” mode. If you need to stop in a traffic jam, at a traffic light or a pedestrian crossing, then, naturally, there is no need to switch the PP lever to “parking”. Once you decide to continue driving again, release the brake pedal and press the gas pedal to increase speed.
Many modern automatic transmissions have an imitation of the mechanical gear shift mode “M” (as on a manual transmission) for up/down gears using the “+” and “–” buttons on the gearshift lever. That is, the driver is given the opportunity to manually increase or decrease gears, taking away this function from the “automatic”. In this case, the transition to a mechanical gear shift mode can be made while driving, when the car is already driving in “D” mode.
To prevent engine damage when switching to manual mode “M” while driving, all automatic transmissions have special protection. Switching to manual control “M” is relevant in the following situations:
- When driving off-road, use a lower gear to avoid slipping.
- When coasting down a hill, with engine braking. It is not recommended to use the neutral “N” mode for coasting, as it is harmful to the automatic transmission. And coasting in “D” mode is not entirely convenient, since there is a gradual decrease in speed.
- For comfortable cornering and other maneuvers, including sharp acceleration when overtaking.
