{"id":84237,"date":"2023-04-03T09:29:35","date_gmt":"2023-04-03T09:29:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.dubizzle.com\/blog\/cars\/?p=84237"},"modified":"2023-09-14T21:38:11","modified_gmt":"2023-09-14T21:38:11","slug":"automatic-gear-shift-lever","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.dubizzle.com\/blog\/cars\/automatic-gear-shift-lever\/","title":{"rendered":"Automatic Gear Shift Lever: All Letters Explained"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Throughout automobile history, manufacturers have continuously strived to enhance the driving experience through innovation. Automatic transmission is one such innovation that makes driving convenient. A vast majority now prefers automatic transmission cars. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

While they are easier to drive, there are small differences that may spark curiosity. For instance, anyone new to automatic cars would wonder what the letters and numbers on the automatic gear mean.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In this guide, we will explain the numbers or alphabet on the automatic gear shift lever \u2013 but before that, you must understand how the automatic transmission<\/a> works.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

WHAT DOES THE P-R-N-D-L MEAN?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"P-R-N-D-L
An automatic gear shifter has the letters P-R-N-D-L, and some cars may have M and S too<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Automatic car drivers come across the P-R-N-D-L. The automatic gear shift lever letters and numbers represent a distinctive task or setting. Knowing the details about these letters will help understand the automatic gear shift lever mechanism. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

You may also find letters other than the P-R-N-D-L, depending on the car model. P stands for parking, R for reverse, N for neutral, D for driving, and L represents low driving gear. Some cars may have an M that represents a manual shifting option.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Let\u2019s learn more about each letter and number on the automatic gear shift lever.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

P: Parking<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

P in an automatic gear shift lever stands for Park. When the driver moves the gear shift lever to the P position, it engages a locking mechanism in the transmission that prevents the vehicle from moving. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

It is essential for safety since it ensures the vehicle cannot roll away when parked. When the car is in the P position, the engine disconnects from the wheels preventing the engine from damage due to the strain of trying to move the stationary vehicle. However, it may happen that the car won’t shift from park mode<\/a>. Catering to this, you will need to check the transmission and brakes. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

R: Reverse<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Reverse
Drivers must apply brakes before shifting to the reverse gear represented by an ‘R’ on the automatic gear shifter<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

R refers to Reverse. When the automatic gear shift lever is in the R position, it engages the reverse gear in the transmission, allowing the vehicle to move backwards.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Driver must come to a complete stop before shifting to reverse. It will make sure that there is enough clearance behind the vehicle before backing up. Besides, use the rearview and side mirrors to check for obstacles or pedestrians before reversing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

N: Neutral<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

N stands for Neutral. When the driver moves the automatic gear shift lever to the N position, it disengages the transmission from the engine. That said, it allows the vehicle to roll freely without the engine’s power. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

When the vehicle needs to be pushed or towed, or the engine needs to be started, but the car is not moving, the N position helps. It is important to note that the vehicle should be in the N position and not in gear if on a slope or incline. Therefore, the car emergency brakes<\/a> should be engaged when parked in the N position.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

D: Drive<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"D+
Some cars have D+ and D- instead of D1 and D2 to indicate lower and higher gear<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

D in an automatic gear shift lever means Drive. It engages the forward gears in the transmission. The transmission will automatically shift between the gears as the vehicle accelerates and decelerates. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The D position is for normal driving in most situations, such as on the highway or in city traffic. The vehicle will move forward when engaged in D when the driver presses the accelerator pedal. Some cars also have the following types of D gear modes:<\/p>\n\n\n\n