2008 Suzuki XL7 Owner's Manual - Page 67

FEATURES AND CONTROLS Automatic Transmission Operation The shift lever for the automatic transmission is located on the console between the seats. Maximum engine speed is limited when the vehicle is in PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N) to protect driveline components from improper operation. WARNING It is dangerous to get out of your vehicle if the shift lever is not fully in PARK (P) with the parking brake firmly set. Your vehicle can roll. Do not leave your 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 your vehicle will not move, even when you are on fairly level ground, always set your parking brake and move the shift lever to PARK (P). Refer to "Shifting Into Park (P)" in this section. If you are pulling a trailer, refer to "Towing a Trailer" in "Towing" in the "Driving Your Vehicle" section. Make sure the shift lever is fully in PARK (P) before starting the engine. The vehicle has an automatic transmission shift lock control system. You must fully apply your regular brakes first and then press the shift lever button, before you can shift from PARK (P) when the ignition is in RUN. If you cannot shift out of PARK (P), ease pressure on the shift lever and push the shift lever all way into PARK (P) as you maintain brake application. Then press the shift lever button and move the shift lever into another gear. Refer to "Shifting Out of Park (P)" in this section. REVERSE (R): Use this gear to back up. CAUTION Shifting to REVERSE (R) while your vehicle is moving forward could damage the transmission. The repairs would not be covered by your warranty. Shift to REVERSE (R) only after your vehicle is stopped. To rock the vehicle back and forth to get out of snow, ice, or sand without damaging the transmission, refer to "If Your Vehicle is Stuck in Sand, Mud, Ice, or Snow" in "Your Driving, the Road, and Your Vehicle" in the "Driving Your Vehicle" section. NEUTRAL (N): In this position, the engine does not connect with the wheels. To restart when the vehicle is already moving, use NEUTRAL (N) only. Also, use NEUTRAL (N) when the vehicle is being towed. 1722684 There are several different positions for the shift lever. When using the manual shift mode a number will also appear on the telltale line below the gear selections. For more information on the manual shift option see "Manual Shift Mode" in this section. PARK (P): This position locks the front wheels. It is the best position to use when the engine is started because the vehicle cannot move easily. 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, your vehicle could move very rapidly. You could lose control and hit people or objects. Do not shift into a drive gear while your engine is running at high speed. 2-14