1994 Volvo 850
Never engage R while is moving forward.
N (Neutral)
Neutral = no gear is engaged. Use the parking brake. The engine can be started with the gear selector in
this position.
D (Drive)
D is the normal driving position and should be used as often as possible to help improve fuel economy.
When modes E or S are selected, upshift and downshift of the forward gears occur automatically and are
governed by accelerator pedal position and vehicle speed.
3 (Intermediate position)
Automatically shifts up and down between 1st, 2nd, and 3rd gears when in driving modes E or S. There
is no upshift from 3rd gear. Position 3 can be used for driving in hilly terrain, for towing trailers or for
increased engine braking power.
L (low position)
No upshift can occur when L is engaged. Select position L for driving in first and second gears. Use this
position to select low gear with no upshift, e.g. when ascending and descending steep grades.
Kick-down
Automatic shift to a lower gear (kick-down) is achieved by depressing the accelerator pedal fully and
briskly. An upshift will be achieved when approaching the top speed for a particular gear or by releasing
the accelerator pedal slightly. Kick-down can be used for maximum acceleration or when passing at
highway speeds.
"Lock-up"
The transmission has a "lock-up" function which reduces engine speed and saves fuel. "Lock-up" is
based on the fact that the gearbox's torque converter is disengaged for changes between 3rd and 4th
gears.
"Lock-up" can sometimes be felt as an additional gear change.
pg. 4:8 Automatic transmission
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