Chevrolet Captiva Owners Manual: Automatic Transmission

There are several different positions for the automatic transmission.

P (Park): This position locks the wheels. It is the best position to use 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.

See Shifting Into Park on page 9-18 and Driving Characteristics and Towing Tips on page 9-41.

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

The vehicle has an automatic transmission shift lock control system. You have to fully apply the regular brakes first and then press the shift lever button before you can shift 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 on page 9-19.

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

Caution

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.

To rock the vehicle back and forth to get out of snow, ice, or sand without damaging the transmission, see If the Vehicle Is Stuck on page 9-9.

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

Caution

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 with the automatic transmission. It provides the best fuel economy. If you need more power for passing, and you are:

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

Downshifting the transmission in slippery road conditions could result in skidding. See "Skidding" under Loss of Control on page 9-5.

M(Manual): This position allows you to change gears similar to a manual transmission. If equipped, see Manual Mode on page 9-23.

Caution

Spinning the tires or holding the vehicle in one place on a hill using only the accelerator pedal may damage the transmission.

The repair will not be covered by the vehicle warranty. If you are stuck, do not spin the tires. When stopping on a hill, use the brakes to hold the vehicle in place.

The automatic transmission in the Chevrolet Captiva First generation (C100/C140) is designed to provide smooth and effortless shifting for a comfortable driving experience. It operates using a hydraulic system that controls the engagement of gears based on vehicle speed, engine load, and driver input.

One of the key features of the automatic transmission is its ability to shift gears automatically without the need for manual intervention. This is achieved through a series of sensors and solenoids that monitor various parameters such as engine speed, throttle position, and vehicle speed to determine the optimal gear for the current driving conditions.

The transmission fluid plays a crucial role in ensuring smooth operation and longevity of the automatic transmission. It lubricates the moving parts, dissipates heat generated during operation, and helps maintain the hydraulic pressure required for gear engagement. Regular maintenance, including periodic fluid checks and changes as per the manufacturer's recommendations, is essential to keep the automatic transmission in good condition.

Modern automatic transmissions often come with features like overdrive for improved fuel efficiency on highways, manual shift modes for more control over gear selection, and adaptive algorithms that adjust shift points based on driving behavior and road conditions. Understanding and utilizing these features can enhance the overall driving experience and prolong the life of the automatic transmission in the Chevrolet Captiva (2006-2018).

• Manual Mode
• Fuel Economy Mode