Manual Mode Shifting Operation

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2019 Buick Cascada, 2018 Buick Cascada, and 2017 Buick Cascada. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Driver Shift Control Mode

Driver Shift Control Mode, also known as Manual Mode, allows the transmission to remain in a selected gear. This allows the driver to select the transmission gear similar to a manual transmission. When coming to a stop in Driver Shift Control Mode, the transmission will automatically shift into first (1) gear.

When using Driver Shift Control Mode, the transmission will have firmer shifting and a sportier performance. This can be used for sport driving or when climbing hills to stay in a gear longer or to downshift for more power or increased engine braking when descending a grade.

To use this feature:

Operate the S3 Transmission Shift Lever left of D to enter Driver Shift Control Mode.
Press the S3 Transmission Shift Lever forward to increase the current gear, or rearward to decrease the current gear.

When you shift from Drive to Driver Shift Control Mode, the transmission will stay in the current gear. The Driver Information Center (DIC) will display an M indicating Driver Shift Control Mode and a number indicating the current gear the transmission is in.

The transmission will only shift into gears appropriate for the vehicle speed and engine revolutions per minute (RPM):

The K71 Transmission Control Module will not allow shifting to the next higher gear if the vehicle speed or engine RPM is too low.
The K71 Transmission Control Module will not allow shifting to the next lower gear if the vehicle speed or engine RPM is too high.