Driver Shift Control (DSC)

Notice: Driving with the engine at a high rpm without upshifting while using Driver Shift Control (DSC), could damage the vehicle.
Always upshift when necessary while using DSC.

Driver Shift Control (DSC) allows you to shift an automatic transmission similar to a manual transmission. To use the DSC feature:

1. Move the shift lever to the left from D (Drive) to M (Manual Mode).

If you do not move the shift lever forward or rearward, the vehicle will be in Sport Mode. When you are in Sport Mode the vehicle will still shift automatically.

The transmission may remain in a gear longer than it would in the normal driving mode based on braking, throttle input, and vehicle lateral acceleration.

SPORT MODE ON will be displayed in the DIC. See Ride Control System Messages. The word “sport” will display below the odometer.

The gear position will also be indicated in the tachometer.

Within Sport Mode there is a further performance feature called Performance Mode Lift Foot (PMLF) Mode.

The feature is activated automatically when sports oriented driving is detected, based on cornering and on/off throttle application. PMLF allows the transmission to hold the current gear instead of upshifting when the throttle is lifted.

2. To enter M(Manual Mode), press the shift lever forward to upshift or rearward to downshift.

An M will be displayed in the DIC.

3. To return to Sport Mode from M (Manual Mode), press and briefly hold the shift lever forward.

The tachometer display on the instrument panel cluster will show which gear the vehicle is in.

The number indicates the requested gear range when moving the shift lever forward or rearward.

See Tachometer for more information.

While using the DSC feature, the vehicle will have firmer, quicker shifting. You can use this for sport driving or when climbing or descending hills, to stay in gear longer, or to downshift for more power or engine braking.

The transmission will only allow you to shift into gears appropriate for the vehicle speed and engine revolutions per minute (rpm).

The transmission will not automatically shift to the next lower gear if the engine rpm is too high, nor to the next higher gear when the maximum engine rpm is reached.

If shifting is prevented for any reason, the currently selected gear will flash multiple times, indicating that the transmission has not shifted gears.

While in the DSC mode, the transmission will automatically downshift when the vehicle comes to a stop. This will allow for more power during take-off.

When accelerating the vehicle from a stop in snowy and icy conditions, you may want to shift into second gear. A higher gear ratio allows you to gain more traction on slippery surfaces.