The shift lever is located on the center console between the front seats.

There are several different positions for the shift lever.

P (Park): This position locks the rear wheels. Use this position when starting the engine because the vehicle cannot move easily.

WARNING!
It is dangerous to get out of the vehicle if the shift lever is not fully in P (Park) with the parking brake firmly set. The vehicle can roll.
Do not leave the vehicle when the engine is running unless you have to. If you have left the engine running, the vehicle can move suddenly. You or others could be injured. To be sure the vehicle will not move, even when you are on fairly level ground, always set the parking brake and move the shift lever to P (Park).
See Shifting Into Park. If you are pulling a trailer, see Driving Characteristics and Towing Tips.

Make sure the shift lever is fully in P (Park) before starting the engine.

The vehicle has an electronic shift lock release system. Fully apply the regular brakes first and then press the shift lever button before shifting from P (Park) when the ignition key is in ON/RUN. If you cannot shift out of P (Park), ease pressure on the shift lever and push the shift lever all the way into P (Park) as you maintain brake application. Then press the shift lever button and move the shift lever into another gear. See Shifting out of Park.

Notice: Shifting to R (Reverse) while the vehicle is moving forward could damage the transmission. The repairs would not be covered by the vehicle warranty. Shift to R (Reverse) only after the vehicle is stopped.

R (Reverse): Use this gear to back up.

At low vehicle speeds, R (Reverse) can be used to rock the vehicle back and forth to get out of snow, ice, or sand without damaging your transmission. See If the Vehicle Is Stuck for additional information.

N (Neutral): In this position, the engine does not connect with the wheels. To restart when the vehicle is already moving, use N (Neutral) only. You can also use N (Neutral) when the vehicle is being towed.

WARNING!
Shifting into a drive gear while the engine is running at high speed is dangerous. Unless your foot is firmly on the brake pedal, the vehicle could move very rapidly.
You could lose control and hit people or objects. Do not shift into a drive gear while the engine is running at high speed.

Notice: Shifting out of P (Park) or N (Neutral) with the engine running at high speed may damage the transmission. The repairs would not be covered by the vehicle warranty. Be sure the engine is not running at high speed when shifting the vehicle.

D (Drive): This position is for normal driving. It provides the best fuel economy. If you need more power for passing, and you are:

- Going less than 55 km/h (35 mph), push the accelerator pedal about halfway down.

- Going about 55 km/h (35 mph) or more, push the accelerator all the way down.

The transmission will shift down to a lower gear and have more power.

Downshifting the transmission in slippery road conditions could result in skidding; see “Skidding” under Loss of Control When the CTS–V is in D(Drive), the first forward gear automatic shift after start will be from 1 (First) gear.

Following starts will begin in 2 (Second) gear. When in M (ManualMode), the vehicle will start in 1 (First) gear every time.

M (Manual Mode): This position allows the driver to select the range of gears appropriate for current driving conditions. See Driver Shift Control (DSC) later in this section.

Notice: Spinning the tires or holding the vehicle in one place on a hill using only the accelerator pedal may damage the transmission. If you are stuck, do not spin the tires.
When stopping on a hill, use the brakes to hold the vehicle in place.

• Manual Mode