AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
Selector lever 1
P: park
R: reverse
N: neutral
D: automatic mode
M: manual mode
3: zone displaying gearbox mode or gear engaged in manual mode
Note: press button 2 to go from position D or N to R or P.
Operation
With gear lever 1 in position P, start the engine.
To move out of that position, you must depress the brake pedal (the c warning light on the display 4 comes on) before pressing the unlocking button 2.
With your foot on the brake pedal (warning light c in display 4 goes out), move the lever out of position P.
Only engage D or R when the vehicle is stopped, with your foot on the brake and the accelerator pedal released.
Driving in automatic mode
Select position D. In most traffic conditions, you will not have to touch the gear selector lever again: the gears will change automatically at the right time and at the most suitable engine speed because the automatic system takes into account the vehicle load and road contour and adjusts itself to the particular driving style you have chosen.
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 firmly 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 position D, move the lever to the left. Shifting the lever repeatedly allows you to change gears manually:
- To move down through the gears, push the lever backwards;
- To move up through the gears, push the lever forwards.
The gear selected is displayed on the instrument panel.
Special cases
Under certain driving conditions (e.g. engine protection, electronic stability program (ESP) operational etc.: ESC)) the automatic 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 contours and bends do not allow you to stay in automatic mode (e.g.: in the mountains), we recommend that you change to manual mode.
This will prevent the automatic gearbox from changing gears repeatedly when climbing, and permit engine braking on long descents.
- In cold weather, to prevent the engine from stalling, wait a few moments before shifting the selector lever from position P or N and engaging D or R.
In very cold weather, the system may prevent the gears from being shifted in manual mode until the gearbox reaches the right temperature.
Parking the vehicle
When the vehicle is stopped, move the lever to position P 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.
Maintenance period
Refer to the your vehicle maintenance document 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.
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.
Operating faults
When three horizontal bars on the display 3 come on accompanied by the warning light © or ®, this indicates a gearbox fault. Contact an authorised dealer as soon as possible.
Warning light ® requires you to stop immediately, for your own safety, as soon as traffic conditions allow.
Breakdown of a vehicle with an automatic gearbox
Refer to the information on “Towing” in Section 5.
When setting off, if the lever is locked in position P, even though you are depressing the brake pedal and pressing the unlocking button 2, the lever can still be released manually.
To do this, unclip the base of the gear lever 5 starting on the side below the air conditioning controls. Then raise the button 6 and simultaneously press the unlock button 2 on the lever.
For safety reasons, do not switch off the ignition before the vehicle has come to a complete standstill.