2009 Honda Accord Owner's Manual - Page 289

Main Menu Table Of Contents Automatic Transmission Drive (D) Use this position for your normal driving. The transmission automatically selects a suitable gear (1 through 5) for your speed and acceleration. You may notice the transmission shifting up at higher engine speeds when the engine is cold. This helps the engine warm up faster. Drive (D3) This position is similar to D, except only the first three gears are selected. Use D3 when towing a trailer in hilly terrain, or to provide engine braking when going down a steep hill. D3 can also keep the transmission from cycling between third and fourth gears in stop-and-go driving. Second (2) To shift to second, press the release button on the front of the shift lever. This position locks the transmission in second gear. It does not downshift to first gear when you come to a stop. Use second gear: For more power when climbing. To increase engine braking when going down steep hills. For starting out on a slippery surface or in deep snow. To help reduce wheel spin. When driving downhill with a trailer. First (1) To shift from second to first, press the release button on the front of the shift lever. This position locks the transmission in first gear. By upshifting and downshifting through 1, 2, D3, and D, you can operate this transmission much like a manual transmission without a clutch pedal. 286 2009 Accord Sedan