Gear shift lever for automatic transmission
An automatic transmission shift lever, also known as a gear selector, is a device that allows the driver to select the desired gear. It is located in the center console of the car and usually has several positions:
*P (Park): Locks the transmission to prevent the vehicle from moving.
* R (Reverse): Activates reverse gear.
* N (Neutral): Disconnects the transmission from the engine, allowing the vehicle to roll freely.
* D (Drive): Engages all gears for normal driving.
* S (Sport): Changes the gear shift mode for sportier performance.
* L (Low): Engages a low gear ratio for low speed driving, such as when climbing a steep hill.
* +/- (Manual): Allows the driver to manually change gears by moving the lever up (+) to upshift and down (-) to downshift.
Types of gear shift levers
There are different types of gear shift levers for automatic transmissions:
* Steering Column Selector Lever: Located on the steering column to the right of the steering wheel.
* Console selector lever: Located in the center console.
* Rotary selector lever: Rotates around a central axis to select gears.
* Push Button Gear Selector: Uses buttons to select gears.
Functions
The gear shift lever for an automatic transmission performs the following functions:
* Allows the driver to select the desired gear.
* Prevents incorrect gear shifting (for example, reverse gear while driving forward).
* Provides an audible or visual signal when certain gears are engaged (for example, a signal when engaging reverse).