What Does the Minus Sign on an Automatic Transmission Mean?

[Jessica]

Automatic transmission plus and minus signs indicate manual mode. In manual mode, the driver can manually shift up or down, similar to driving a manual transmission car. The car will not automatically shift gears, and usually, only a manual-automatic transmission will have these symbols. To use it, simply push it up or pull it down. Automatic transmission generally refers to the car's automatic gear-shifting mechanism: while driving, the automatic transmission's control system selects the appropriate gear based on the engine's speed and load, replacing the driver's subjective judgment and shifting operations. A typical automatic transmission car has six gear positions, from top to bottom: P, R, N, D, S, L. When switching between gears other than D and S, you need to first press the brake, then move the gear lever to the desired gear, and finally release the brake to complete the gear shift.

[DelJoel]

I've been driving for years, and coming across the minus sign on an automatic transmission is quite common. Simply put, this minus button is used for manual downshifting. In the manual mode of an automatic transmission, pressing the minus sign allows you to lower the gear, for example, from 4th to 3rd gear, which increases the engine RPM and provides stronger power. This is particularly useful when driving on mountain roads or climbing slopes, as it allows for easier acceleration without needing to press the throttle hard, preventing the car from struggling. It also helps with engine braking when going downhill, reducing brake wear. I tried it for the first time in city traffic jams and found it gave me more flexible control, reducing reliance on the computer for automatic shifting. However, be careful not to downshift too aggressively, as shifting to too low a gear might damage the engine, especially at high speeds. Many modern cars have these +/- buttons either on the gear lever or behind the steering wheel, known as paddle shifters, which are quite convenient. In short, it enhances driving autonomy, but should be used in moderation—safety first.

[EleanorDella]

As someone who frequently tinkers with cars, I believe the minus sign on an automatic transmission is essentially a tool for manual intervention. Pressing the minus sign directly downshifts, which fundamentally controls the transmission to shift into a lower gear earlier, increasing engine torque output—ideal for overtaking or climbing steep slopes to enhance burst power. I often use it during my daily commute to tackle overpasses; pressing it immediately revs up the engine, making the car more responsive and powerful. However, in principle, it doesn’t alter the automatic transmission's working mode but merely simulates manual control. Frequent downshifting may increase fuel consumption or even cause overheating, so it’s best to use it judiciously—for instance, there’s no need to press it unnecessarily on flat roads. Chatting with friends about cars, I’ve noticed many beginners overlook this feature. Yet, it’s quite useful in challenging conditions like snowy weather or rough terrain, helping stabilize speed. The operation is straightforward—just practice a few times in a safe area to get the hang of it.

[OLane]

When I first started learning to drive, I was also curious about what the minus sign was for. I asked my instructor and found out that on an automatic transmission car, it's part of the manual mode. Pressing the minus sign lowers the gear to give the engine more power. Like the first time I test drove, when I encountered a slope and the car was struggling a bit, I lightly pressed the minus sign, the RPM increased, and I easily climbed up. This is very friendly for beginners—no need to understand complex mechanisms, just treat it as an extra control button. When going downhill or making sharp turns, pressing it a few times can naturally slow down and prevent skidding. Now that I use it more, I find it super practical, especially in urban areas with lots of traffic lights and chaotic traffic. Manually downshifting helps me maintain the right speed and avoid sudden braking. Just remember not to press it recklessly. Even if you occasionally press it by mistake in a panic, the system will automatically protect and correct it.