The five classic positions of the CVT (continuously variable transmission) automatic transmission lever are parking, reverse, neutral, drive and engine brake (position “B” or “S” in some models).
In fact, many hybrid or electric engines with CVT or e-CVT (electric) automatic transmissions have this not-so-well-known “B” or “S” position, which we will define in this article.
The CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) gearboxes have now evolved towards the so-called e-CVT in which the torque conversion is performed by a small electric motor, achieving a more effective symbiosis between the engine and the gearbox itself while maintaining its characteristics of lower consumption and emissions and always with great driving comfort.
The arrangement of the gearshift is different in each model, but contains the same positions.
Description of the e-CVT gearshift lever positions
It is obvious that the positions of the automatic gearshift lever have not been created at random, but have a clear raison d’être, and in general are as follows in addition to the logical forward and reverse positions:
- P (Parking): vehicle rest in moments of parking, as it locks the transmission and actuates the automatic parking brake, preventing any movement of the vehicle.
- R (Reverse): reverse gear.
- N (Neutral): it is the same as the neutral position of a manual gearbox, keeping the engine running and functions such as air conditioning, power steering, etc. active. It is the appropriate position for towing.
- D (Drive): position for normal driving by means of the vehicle’s accelerator.
- B (Brake) or S (on some models): This position indicates the use of the engine brake to hold the vehicle in very steep descents (mountain passes, for example), preventing the car from picking up speed, as well as possible overheating of the brakes.
With B or S, an electric hybrid uses the main electric motor as a generator to offer resistance and at the same time recharge the batteries, generating an excess of energy that the batteries do not always manage to absorb completely.
The “Brake” position
The surplus energy is sent to the small motor generator which, while functioning as a motor, performs an idling of the heat engine, thus achieving the special harmony of hybrid engines and safeguarding the longevity of the braking and comfort system.
The “S” position in some older models is used to change the transmission ratio at will, generating retention by shortening the ratio (downshifting) or increasing the ratio by lowering the engine speed.
The purpose of this type of shift is to improve the driving experience, providing a perception of greater control of vehicle speed, and adding rewarding sensations in curvy areas and with intense gear changes, although these sensations do not reach those of a conventional sports transmission, but can come quite close.
Tips for using the automatic gearshift lever
It is essential to always select the most appropriate position in each situation or moment, as well as the way and moment in which to move from one position to another, as follows:
- Shifting from P (parking) to D (driving), from D (driving) to R (reverse), should always be done with the car completely stopped.
- To be towed by breakdown or tow truck, always place the car in position N (Neutral), to avoid damage to the transmission.
- Never use position B or S on flat terrain, only on steep descents.
- Always put the vehicle in position P when it is parked and always when it is completely stopped.