Shifting gears with automatic transmission
Change gear position by pushing the spring-loaded gear selector forward or rearward, or to the side for manual shifting.
Selecting gears
![P6-1917-XC40-Crystal gear shifter + gear selector](https://www.volvocars.com/images/support/imgf0d0ec165d221770c0a801521252ca47_1_--_--_VOICEpnghigh.png?imwidth=1280)
Gear selector positions
Parking – P
![P6-1917-XC40H-Crystal gear shifter P](https://www.volvocars.com/images/support/imgfd7fbb0e3870c0dfc0a801525c72dd2c_2_--_--_VOICEpnghigh.png?imwidth=1280)
Parking is activated using the P button located next to the gear selector.
In the P position, the transmission is mechanically locked.
Select P position when the vehicle is parked. The vehicle can be started when it is in P position. The vehicle must be stationary when P is selected.
When parking – apply the parking brake before shifting to position P.
Warning
Note
Help functions
The system will switch to the P position automatically:
- if the ignition is switched off while D or R is selected and the vehicle is stationary.
- if the vehicle is moving at low speed and the driver unbuckles their seat belt and opens the driver's door without any pedal being depressed.
To park a vehicle with an unbuckled seat belt and open door – end P mode by shifting to R or D again.
If the vehicle is switched off in gear position N, it will not automatically switch to the P position. This makes it possible to wash the vehicle in an automatic car wash.
Reverse – R
Select R when backing up. The vehicle must be stationary when R is selected.
Neutral – N
In N position, the vehicle can roll freely. The vehicle can be started when it is in N position. Apply the parking brake if the vehicle is stationary with the gear selector in the N position.
To move to another gear position when N is selected, the brake pedal must be depressed and the ignition in mode II. For some transmission variants, the engine must be running.
D drive mode
D is the normal driving gear position. The transmission shifts up or down automatically depending on acceleration and speed.
The vehicle must be stationary when the gear selector is moved from R to D.
Manual position – M
![P5P6-1917-8G-Gear shift mode M in driver display](https://www.volvocars.com/images/support/imgcd34f0aae359e4a4c0a801523ad7ed41_1_--_--_VOICEpnghigh.png?imwidth=1280)
With position M, it is possible to shift gears manually. Engine braking will occur when the accelerator pedal is released.
M position is selected by moving the gear selector rearward from D.
- Push the gear selector to the right toward "+" (plus) and release to shift up one gear.
- Push the gear selector to the left toward "–" (minus) and release to shift down one gear.
- Push the gear selector rearward to return to D mode.
For smooth shifting and engine performance, the transmission will shift down automatically if the vehicle's speed becomes too low for the selected gear.