What is the HOLD light?
3 Answers
HOLD light is the gear lock indicator light. It allows locking in any gear of an automatic transmission car (except for P, R, N three gears). When the HOLD light is on, it indicates that the gear has been locked in a certain position. When climbing hills or driving on icy roads that require low gear operation, you can activate HOLD to lock in second gear for driving. The button for this switch should be in the middle position of the gear lever. Press it again to turn it off. Generally, do not turn it on as it may be harmful to the transmission. Automatic gear lock is a forced downshift key, used when the gear is stuck or when towing. When HOLD is in the on state, every time you brake to a complete stop, the parking brake system will automatically activate, and you will feel a release of force on the brake pedal. At this point, you can release the brake pedal without the car rolling away. Working principle of the gear lock indicator light: The transmission computer uses this sensor to know the gear selected by the driver and perform corresponding controls. The relationship between the neutral switch and the gear switch: In older car models, the P and N gear switches are connected in series with the motor start switch, and the car can only be started when in these two positions. In newer car models, the computer identifies the neutral signal and then instructs whether to connect the motor.
I've been driving for over a decade, and this HOLD light has come on in my car more than once. It indicates the activation of the automatic transmission's hold mode. Normally, the light doesn't illuminate when driving on flat ground, but when encountering steep slopes or slippery conditions like snow or wet roads, pressing the button makes the light come on. This means the car locks into a lower gear, such as 2nd or 3rd, and stops automatically shifting up. Doing this can prevent slipping or rolling back, increasing traction—somewhat like a safety assist feature. I once used it on a mountain road, and the car felt much more stable. However, be careful not to mistakenly use it while driving at high speeds. Leaving the light on could increase fuel consumption and wear out transmission components. It's advisable to only activate it when climbing hills or on slippery roads, and to regularly check if the button functions properly to prevent it from getting stuck and causing the light to stay on, which could lead to issues.
As a new car owner, I discovered the HOLD light while exploring various buttons in my car. It's a small icon on the dashboard, and when illuminated in yellow, it indicates that the car is locked in a specific gear to prevent frequent shifting. My car's manual states it's suitable for snowy conditions or steep slopes to prevent rolling. Initially, I curiously pressed it and the light came on—the car did feel more stable but with slightly reduced power. Later, I used it twice on icy roads, and it worked effectively. However, avoid keeping it on constantly as it may increase engine strain. I recommend checking the wiring during regular maintenance to avoid situations like mine where the light malfunctioned unnoticed.
