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HOW TO CHANGE GEARS WITH STEERING-COLUMN-MOUNTED ELECTRONIC PRECISION SHIFT

Available Electronic Precision Shift (EPS) replaces a traditional gearshift with an electronic system that makes shifting gears easier.

This feature may work differently, depending on your vehicle, so see your Owner’s Manual for details.

HOW IT WORKS

The steering-column-mounted version of the Electronic Precision Shift (EPS) system uses a shifting stalk mounted behind the right side of your steering column. There’s a dedicated PARK (“P”) button at the tip of the stalk.

Your vehicle must be on to use this feature.

If you have a push-/pull-button system, use these instructions instead.

If you have an electronic lever that looks like a joystick on your center console, use these instructions instead.

Here’s how to shift gears with the steering-column-mounted stalk:

Shift into PARK:

  • Press the brake pedal
  • Come to a complete stop
  • Press the “P” button on the tip of the stalk
  • The “P” will light up red

Shift into DRIVE:

  • Press the brake pedal
  • Pull the stalk rearward toward you then down toward the letter “D”
  • When the “D” lights up red you can release the stalk

Shift into REVERSE:

  • Press the brake pedal
  • Pull the stalk rearward toward you then up toward the letter “R”
  • When the “R” lights up red you can release the stalk

Shift into NEUTRAL:

  • Press the brake pedal
  • Pull the stalk toward you and briefly hold
  • When the “N” lights up red you can release the stalk

Shift into MANUAL or LOW:

Press the “M” or “L” button located on the steering wheel. (Which button you have depends on how your vehicle is equipped.) The LOW or MANUAL button only works when your vehicle is already in DRIVE.

  • Use the steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters to shift gears while in MANUAL or LOW
  • To shift back into DRIVE, pull the stalk rearward toward you, then down toward the letter “D”
  • The vehicle can shift between DRIVE and MANUAL or LOW at any speed

If you shut off your vehicle when you are stopped and in DRIVE or REVERSE, it will automatically shift to PARK.

CAR WASH MODE

There are certain steps to follow to keep your EPS in NEUTRAL (“N”) during an automatic car wash, whether you’re getting out of or staying in the vehicle. Additional steps might be needed depending on:

  1. Whether the vehicle is on or off during the car wash. 

  2. Whether the vehicle is equipped with door handles that pivot outward under certain circumstances.  

Staying in the Vehicle

If you stay in the vehicle while it remains on during the car wash, follow these steps:

  1. Drive to the entrance of the car wash. 

  2. Press the brake pedal. 

  3. Shift to NEUTRAL. 

  4. Release the brake pedal.  

  5. If your vehicle has outside door handles that extend outward, lock the doors (if unlocked) with the interior lock switch or remote key. Once locked, the outside door handles will return to a flush position. 

  6. The vehicle is now ready for the car wash.
     

If the car wash requires you to turn off the vehicle, follow these steps: 

  1. Drive to the entrance of the car wash.
     
  2. Press the brake pedal. 

  3. Shift to NEUTRAL. 

  4. Turn the vehicle off and release the brake pedal. 
      
  5. The indicator should continue to show “N.” If it does not, repeat steps 2–4. 

  6. If your vehicle has outside door handles that extend outward, lock the doors (if unlocked) with the interior lock switch or remote key. Once locked, the outside door handles will return to a flush position. 

  7. The vehicle is now ready for the car wash.
     

Exiting the Vehicle

If you get out of the vehicle while it remains on during the car wash, follow these steps: 

  1. Drive to the entrance of the car wash. 

  2. Press the brake pedal. 

  3. Open the door. 

  4. Shift to NEUTRAL. 

  5. Release the brake pedal. 

  6. The indicator should continue to show “N.” If it does not, repeat Steps 2–4. 

  7. Exit the vehicle and close the door.
      
  8. If your vehicle has outside door handles that extend outward, lock the doors with the remote key. Once locked, the outside door handles will return to a flush position. 

  9. The vehicle is now ready for the car wash.
     

If the car wash requires you to turn off the vehicle, do so after shifting to NEUTRAL (step 4), then proceed with steps 5–8. 
 

Note: If you exit the vehicle to use a car wash, the vehicle may automatically shift to PARK upon reentry.       

For your security, please don’t include personal info such as phone number, address or credit card details.

RELATED LINKS AND RESOURCES

Electronic Precision Shift, Buttons

Electronic Precision Shift, Lever

Electric Parking Brake

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To find out if your vehicle has this feature, contact your dealer or refer to your vehicle’s equipment list. Please check your Owner’s Manual for more information about features.