Manual First Gear (L4 Hybrid): Notes

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2007 Saturn Vue. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

IMPORTANT: As a safety feature, Manual First - Third Gear is also possible at high speeds.

A manual 2-1 downshift is initiated by moving the gear selector lever to the Manual First (1) position. However, the transmission will not downshift into First gear until the vehicle speed is below approximately 60 km/h (37 mph). At higher vehicle speeds the PCM will keep the 1-2 shift solenoid valve de-energized (Off) and the transmission will operate in Manual First - Second Gear. In Manual First the transmission is electronically prevented from upshifting into Third or Fourth gears under any conditions. Also, the coast clutch remains applied, as in Manual Third and Manual Second, and the clutch provides engine compression braking in First and Second gears.

Under certain conditions the hybrid vehicles engine will shut off and the electric auxiliary transmission fluid pump will start running to keep the transmission pressurized and ready for the engine restart. This engine off condition is a fuel economy feature and the L4 hybrid transmission's electric auxiliary fluid pump is an enabling component.