What the Letters on an Automatic Gear Shift Mean
Have you ever been in a car, looked down at the gear shift, and wondered what those letters and numbers mean? If so, you’re not alone. Many modern cars have automatic gear shifters with various letters and numbers.
In this blog post, Toyota of Fort Walton Beach will explain what each letter and number means on an automatic gear shifter. So next time you’re in your car, you’ll be able to decipher what gear you’re in easily!
On a standard automatic gear selector, P is Park, R is Reverse, N is Neutral and D is Drive. Beyond those four, L is Low gear for climbing or descending grades, S is Sport for later shift points, B is Engine Braking on hybrids, and M is Manual mode for shifting yourself with paddles or the lever. Numbers such as 1, 2 and 3 limit the transmission to that gear or below.
Every gear selector letter and number, in one table
| Marking | Stands for | What it does | When to use it |
|---|---|---|---|
| P | Park | Locks the transmission output so the vehicle cannot roll | Parked, engine on or off |
| R | Reverse | Drives the wheels backward | Backing up, at a full stop only |
| N | Neutral | Disconnects the engine from the wheels | Towing, car washes, extended stops |
| D | Drive | Normal forward driving, transmission selects gears automatically | Almost all driving |
| L | Low | Holds the transmission in a low gear | Steep descents, heavy loads, launching a boat |
| S | Sport | Holds gears longer and shifts at higher engine speeds | Merging, passing, twisty roads |
| B | Engine Braking | Increases regenerative braking on hybrids | Long downhill grades in a hybrid |
| M | Manual | Lets the driver select gears with paddles or the lever | Towing, control on grades, driver preference |
| 1, 2, 3 | Gear limit | Restricts the transmission to that gear or below | Same situations as L, with finer control |
Not every Toyota offers every marking. S, B and M availability varies by model and trim, so check your owner’s manual for your vehicle.
What does L mean on a gear shift?
L stands for Low. Selecting L holds the transmission in its lowest gear or gears instead of shifting up, which keeps engine speed high and gives you more engine braking and more pulling power at low road speed. Use it on a steep descent so the engine slows the vehicle instead of the brakes, when towing up a grade, or when backing a trailer down a ramp. Do not use it at highway speed.
What does S mean on a gear shift?
S stands for Sport. In Sport mode the transmission holds each gear longer and shifts at higher engine speeds, so power is available sooner when you press the accelerator. It is useful for merging onto I-10, passing on US 98, or driving a winding road. Fuel economy is lower in S than in D, so it is a mode to use when you want it rather than a default. On many Toyota models, S instead selects S mode, which lets you choose gears yourself using the + and − positions on the shift lever.
What does B mean on a gear shift?
B stands for engine Braking, and it appears on Toyota hybrid models. Selecting B increases the amount of regenerative braking the vehicle applies when you lift off the accelerator, which slows the vehicle and sends energy back to the battery. It is designed for long downhill grades where riding the brake pedal would build heat. In normal driving, leave the selector in D.
What does M mean on a gear shift?
M stands for Manual. In M the driver chooses the gear using paddle shifters behind the wheel or by moving the lever, and the transmission holds that gear until you change it or the electronics intervene to protect the engine. It is most useful when towing, on a long grade, or when you want engine braking without switching to L.
What do the numbers on a gear shift mean?
Numbers such as 1, 2 and 3 limit the transmission to that gear and anything below it. Selecting 2, for example, allows first and second gear but no higher. They do the same job as L but with more precision, and they appear on vehicles with a conventional automatic rather than a continuously variable transmission.
Seeing letters like SE, LE or XLE on the back of a Toyota instead? Those are trim levels, not gear positions.
Choose Your Next Car with Toyota of Fort Walton Beach!
Toyota is one of the most popular car brands on the market, and for a good reason. Toyota cars are known for their durability, comfort, and style. If you’re in the market for a new automatic vehicle, visit Toyota of Fort Walton Beach, serving Niceville, FL. We have a wide selection of new and used Toyota cars, trucks, and SUVs for you to choose from.
We also offer a top-notch service and parts center to keep your Toyota car running like new for many years!
Check out our inventory of Toyota cars!
If your shifter is slow to engage or your transmission shifts roughly, book transmission service with our team.
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