Kia Picanto: Automatic transaxle / Automatic transaxle operation

The automatic transaxle has 4 forward speeds and one reverse speed. The individual speeds are selected automatically, depending on the position of the shift lever.

NOTICE

The first few shifts on a new vehicle, if the battery has been disconnected, may be somewhat abrupt. This is a normal condition, and the shifting sequence will adjust after shifts are cycled a few times by the TCM (Transaxle Control Module) or PCM (Powertrain Control Module).

For smooth operation, depress the brake pedal when shifting from N (Neutral) to a forward or reverse gear.

WARNING

Automatic transaxle

• Always check the surrounding areas near your vehicle for people, especially children, before shifting a car 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 fully and shut the engine off. Unexpected and sudden vehicle movement can occur if these precautions are not followed in the order identified.
• Do not use the engine brake (shifting from a high gear to lower gear) rapidly on slippery roads. The vehicle may slip causing an accident.

CAUTION

• To avoid damage to your transaxle, do not accelerate the engine in R (Reverse) or any forward gear position with the brakes on.
• When stopped on an incline, do not hold the vehicle stationary with engine power. Use the service brake or the parking brake.
• Do not shift from N (Neutral) or P (Park) into D (Drive), or R (Reverse) when the engine is above idle speed.

Transaxle ranges

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). This position locks the transaxle and prevents the drive wheels from rotating.

WARNING

• Shifting into P (Park) while the vehicle is in motion will cause the drive wheels to lock which will cause you to lose control of the vehicle.
• Do not use the P (Park) position in place of the parking brake. Always make sure the shift lever is latched in the P (Park) position and set the parking brake fully.
• Never leave a child unattended in a vehicle.

CAUTION

The transaxle may be damaged if you shift into P (Park) while the vehicle is in motion.

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, except as explained in “Rocking the vehicle” on page 6-61 .

N (Neutral)

The wheels and transaxle are not engaged. The vehicle will roll freely even on the slightest incline unless the parking brake or service brakes are applied.

WARNING

Do not drive with the shift lever in N (Neutral). The engine brake will not work and lead to an accident.

- Parking in N (Neutral) gear

Follow below steps when parking and you want the vehicle to move when pushed.

1. After parking your vehicle, step on the brake pedal and move the shift lever to [P] with the ignition button in [ON] or while the engine is running.

2. If the parking brake is applied unlock the parking brake.

3. While pressing the brake pedal, turn the ignition button [OFF].

- For smart key equipped vehicles, the ignition switch can be moved to [OFF] only when the shift lever is in [P].

4. Change the gear shift lever to [N] (Neutral) while pressing the brake pedal. Then, the vehicle will move when external force is applied.

CAUTION

• With the exception of parking in neutral gear, always park the vehicle in [P] (Park) for safety and engage the parking brake.
• Before parking in [N] (Neutral) gear, first make sure the parking ground is level and flat. Do not park in [N] gear on any slopes or gradients. If parked and left in [N], the vehicle may move and cause serious damage and injury.

D (Drive)

This is the normal forward driving position. The transaxle will automatically shift through a 4-gear sequence, providing the best fuel economy and power.

For extra power when passing another vehicle or climbing grades, depress the accelerator pedal fully (more than 80%) until the kick down mechanism (if equipped) works with a clicking noise, at which time the transaxle will automatically downshift to the next lower gear.

NOTICE

Always come to a complete stop before shifting into D (Drive).

3 (Third gear)

Use for towing a trailer during hill climbing or to use engine braking downhill.

"3" automatically shifts between 1st, 2nd and 3rd gears. This means that no shift-up to 4th gear is performed. However, the shift-up to 4th gear is done when the car speed exceeds a certain value to prevent the engine from over-revving. Manually move the selector to "D" when returning to normal driving condition.

2 (Second gear)

Use for driving on a slippery road, hill climbing or engine braking downhill. "2" automatically shifts between first and second gears.

This means that no shift-up to 3rd gear is performed. However, the shiftup to third gear is done when the car speed exceeds a certain value to prevent the engine from over-revving. Manually move the selector to "D" returning to normal driving condition.

1 (First gear)

Use for driving up a very steep grade or for engine braking when descending steep hills. When downshifting to "1", the transaxle will temporarily remain in second gear until the vehicle has slowed enough for low gear to engage. Do not exceed 50 km/h (30 mph) in low gear.

"1" shifts to 1st gear only. However, shift up to 2nd is performed when the car exceeds a certain speed and, as speed increases, the transaxle will shift up to 3rd gear to prevent over-revving the engine.

NOTICE

• For smooth and safe operation, depress the brake pedal when shifting from "N" (Neutral) position or "P" (Park) position to a forward or "R" (Reverse) gear.
• Fully depress the brake pedal in order to move the shift lever from the "P" (Park) position to any of the other positions.
• It is always possible to shift from "R", "N", "D", "3", "2", "1" position to "P" position. The vehicle must be fully stopped to avoid transaxle damage.

CAUTION

• Shift into "R" and "P" position only when the vehicle has completely stopped.
• Do not accelerate the engine in reverse or any of the forward positions with the brakes applied.
• Always apply the footbrake when shifting from "P" or "N", to "R", "D","3", "2" or "1" position.
• Check the automatic transaxle fluid level regularly, and add fluid as necessary. See the maintenance schedule for the proper fluid recommendation.

Shift lock system (if equipped)

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

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

1. Depress and hold the brake pedal.

2. Move the shift lever.

If the brake pedal is repeatedly depressed and released with the shift lever in the P (Park) position, a chattering noise near the shift lever may be heard. This is a normal condition.

WARNING

Always fully depress the brake pedal before and while shifting out of the P (Park) position into another position to avoid inadvertent motion of the vehicle which could injure persons in or around the car.