What Do the 2 and L Gears Mean on an Automatic Transmission?
1 Answers
L stands for LOW, meaning low gear, which is the same as the numerical gear 1. Both are used to limit the gear to the lowest position to obtain high torque without shifting up. The number 2 represents limiting the gear between 1st and 2nd gears, which is useful for starting on slippery roads or moving slowly to restrict gear shifting. When driving on icy or snowy roads or in traffic jams, where the vehicle moves slowly, using D gear can cause the gear to fluctuate, increasing fuel consumption. Switching to L gear ensures the vehicle remains in 1st or 2nd gear, avoiding extra fuel consumption and wear on the vehicle. It is also suitable for uphill and downhill driving. In addition, automatic transmissions have other gears like P, R, N, D, S, and M. Here’s a detailed introduction: P (Parking) Gear: Used for long-term parking. It locks the vehicle's rotating parts mechanically by engaging the parking brake inside the transmission, securing the output shaft and applying the handbrake to prevent movement. R (Reverse) Gear: Used for reversing. Many models have a safety mechanism requiring the driver to press a button on the gear lever before shifting to R. N (Neutral) Gear: Similar to manual transmission neutral but not identical. N gear can be used when starting the engine, towing, or during temporary stops (e.g., at traffic lights). D (Drive) Gear: The most commonly used gear for normal driving conditions. S (Sport) Mode: In this mode, gears can shift freely, but the shift timing is delayed to keep the engine at higher RPMs for increased power. However, this mode increases fuel consumption. M (Manual) Gear: This is the manual mode for automatic transmission vehicles. In M gear, drivers can manually shift gears using the + and - symbols near the gear lever. The + symbol upshifts, while the - symbol downshifts.