The selector has six positions "P", "N", "R", "D", "2" And "L".
Position "P"
It is selected when the car is parked for a long time. In this position of the range select lever in the box, all controls are turned off, and its output shaft is blocked, the movement of the car is impossible. Move the lever to this position only at a complete stop. Moving the lever into position "R" while driving will damage the transmission.
Position "R"
Reverse. The range select lever can only be moved to this position when the vehicle is stationary. Moving the lever to position "R" while moving forward, it can lead to failure of the gearbox and other transmission components.
Position "N"
Corresponds to neutral. In the gearbox, all controls are turned off, which ensures the absence of a rigid kinematic connection between its drive and driven shafts. the car can move freely.
It is not recommended to move the range select lever to the position "N" while coasting (by inertia). Never turn off the ignition when driving downhill. This practice is dangerous because in this case, you can lose control of the car.
Position "D"
Basic driving mode. It provides automatic switching from the first to the fourth (A350E - fifth) transmission. In normal driving conditions, it is recommended to use it.
Position "2"
Driving is allowed only in first and second gears. Recommended for use, for example, on winding mountain roads. Switching to third and fourth gears is prohibited. In this range, the engine braking mode is effectively used
Position "L"
Driving is allowed only in first gear. This range allows maximum implementation of the engine braking mode. It is recommended when driving on steep descents, climbs and off-road.
Mode "O/D"
Permission to use the fourth overdrive is carried out using a special button "O/D", located on the selector. If it is in the recessed position and the range select lever is in the "D", then upshifting is allowed. Otherwise, the inclusion of the fourth overdrive is prohibited. The state of the control system in this case is reflected using the indicator "O/D OFF". If the use of overdrive is enabled, the indicator is off, and when it is disabled, it lights up. This mode is used when driving at high speed on highways. If possible, do not use this mode in the city, especially on a winter road - this eliminates the overdrive and allows you to more efficiently use the engine braking mode. Do not enable mode "O/D" when the vehicle is fully loaded. If frequent shifts 3-4 occur to prevent increased wear of automatic transmission parts. turn off the O/D mode.
Special programs
The control system includes several programs: "sports", "POWER", economical "NORMAL", winter "SNOW" or "MANU".
The choice of the control program is carried out by the automatic transmission operation selection switch located on the instrument cluster. When a program is selected, the corresponding indicator lights up.
"Sports" program
This program is set to maximize the use of engine power (switch "POWER"). Therefore, upshifts occur in the region of maximum engine speed, at which the engine develops maximum power.
The car, in this case, accelerates with much greater accelerations.
If this program is selected, the indicator in the instrument cluster lights up "ECT-S PWR".
"economical" program
The program is tuned to ensure movement with minimal fuel consumption. In this case, upshifts occur approximately when the engine speed reaches the average values, which corresponds to the minimum on the fuel consumption characteristic. The movement of the car in this case is smooth, calm.
"Winter" program (models since 1996) This is a special program for starting off on slippery roads. The essence lies in the fact that starting off occurs from the second or third gear (and then switching occurs according to a special algorithm laid down by the manufacturer). Normally, gear changes occur at low engine speeds in the same way as in economy mode. To activate this program, there is a special switch, which has the designation "SNOW".
Program "MANU"
The program is designed to make winter driving easier. If you choose a position "2", then the car will start off in second gear - this allows you to start moving without wheel slip.
The switch is used to enable this program "MANU". If this program is selected, the indicator lights up in the instrument cluster.