What do the '+' and '-' signs on the D gear of an automatic transmission mean?
2 Answers
D gear's '+' and '-' signs generally appear on manual-automatic transmissions. The characteristic of this type of transmission is that, in addition to the computer automatically controlling the gears, there is also a manual mode for manually selecting the desired gear. The following is an introduction to the D gear: 1. Introduction: Also known as the forward gear, when the gear shift lever is placed in this position, the hydraulic system control device automatically connects the corresponding forward gear oil circuit based on the throttle opening signal and vehicle speed signal. 2. Function: The planetary gear system obtains the corresponding transmission ratio under the control of the actuator, and as driving conditions change, it automatically shifts up and down within the forward gears to achieve the automatic transmission function.
As a veteran driver with over a decade of experience driving automatic transmission cars, I often use the + and - symbols while in D gear, which represent the manual shift mode function. The + button is for upshifting—for example, when you're accelerating, pressing it shifts to a higher gear, making the engine RPM more economical and efficient. The - button is for downshifting; pressing it when overtaking or climbing a steep hill shifts to a lower gear, instantly increasing torque to give the car more power to surge forward. This design primarily adds some manual control fun and flexibility to automatic transmissions. In daily city driving, automatic mode is sufficient, but it's super convenient to switch when driving on mountain roads or trying to save fuel. Personally, I love using it on long trips to enhance the driving experience—it's not as cumbersome as a pure manual transmission with clutch pedals, making it especially suitable for beginners wanting to practice gear-shifting skills. In short, it makes your automatic car feel more like a game with a strong sense of control, but always remember: safety first—don't overdo it and damage the car.
