Selector
The display on the instrument panel informs about the selected mode and the selected gear:
- P - parking;
- R - reverse;
- N - neutral position;
- D - movement in automatic mode;
- 4 - indication of the gear switched on manually.
Pic. 1.86. Scheme of switching ranges of the lever of the selector of an automatic transmission
Driving in automatic mode
Move the selector to position D. In most cases, under normal traffic conditions, the selector is no longer used: gear shifting occurs automatically at the right time and at the optimum engine speed, because «automation» takes into account vehicle load, road profile and selected driving style.
Engine starting
By moving the selector to position P or N, turn on the ignition.
Step on the brake pedal (the control lamp will go out) and move the selector from position P to the desired position.
Move the selector to position D or R only when the vehicle is stationary. Your foot should be on the brake pedal and the accelerator pedal should be released.
To move the selector from position P, you must press the brake pedal, and then - on the unlock button.
Economic driving
During normal driving, the selector is always in position D. Keep the accelerator pedal lightly depressed for automatic gear changes at relatively low engine speeds.
Acceleration and overtaking
Firmly press the accelerator pedal all the way (to overcome resistance to pedal movement).
This will allow, taking into account the capabilities of the engine, to switch to the optimal downshift.
Driving in non-automatic mode
Set the selector to position D, then move it to the left.
By successive movements of the selector, you can shift gears manually:
- to switch to a lower gear, move the selector back;
- to shift up a gear, move the selector forward.
The selected gear is shown on the display on the instrument panel.
Special driving conditions
For some driving modes (for example, when the engine overload protection system, ESP system, etc. is operating.) the automatic transmission can independently select the required gear.
In addition, in order not to «false inclusions», the automatic transmission may refuse to change gears. In this case, the transmission indication will flash for a few seconds to warn you.
If the profile of the road and its sinuosity do not allow you to drive in automatic mode (like in the mountains), we recommend that you switch to the manual gearshift mode. This is necessary to avoid successive gear shifts given by «automation» uphill, and provide engine braking on long descents.
In very cold weather, wait a while before moving the selector from P or N to D or R to avoid stopping the engine.
If the car is not equipped with an anti-slip system: on slippery roads or on roads whose surface does not provide reliable grip of the tires to the surface, to prevent slipping, you should switch to manual gear shifting and engage second gear when starting off.
Stopping the car
After a complete stop of the car, keeping your foot on the brake pedal, move the selector to position P, while the gearbox will turn into neutral gear, and the drive wheels will be mechanically blocked by the transmission.
Attention! On a cold engine, an increased idle speed is maintained. Therefore, while the engine has not warmed up and is running at a high idle speed, be especially careful when switching on the forward or reverse ranges.
Attention! Do not press the accelerator pedal hard when the vehicle is stationary and do not increase the engine speed to high values. This may cause the vehicle to move unexpectedly.
Faults
Appearance of a message while moving «Check gearbox» and the service required warning light on the instrument panel illuminates to indicate a malfunction.
Contact a Renault dealer as soon as possible.
If a message appears while driving «Transmission overheating» and turning on the service indicator lamp on the instrument panel, try not to leave the selector in position D (or R), as far as traffic conditions permit. Always return it to the N position during stops.
Pic. 1.87. Selector release button
At the beginning of the movement, if the selector is locked in position P with the brake pedal depressed, it is possible to release the selector manually. To do this, detach the upper part of the cover at the base of the selector. Simultaneously press in the place indicated by the mark on the boot and on the release button on the selector (pic. 1.87).