What is the HOLD light?
3 Answers
HOLD light is the gear lock indicator light. When the HOLD light is on, it indicates that the gear is locked in a specific position. When driving uphill or on icy/snowy roads that require low-gear operation, you can activate HOLD to lock the transmission in second gear. The button for this switch is located in the middle of the gear lever. Pressing it again will deactivate the function. Normally, it's not recommended to use this feature as it may harm the transmission. Automatic gear lock is a forced downshift key, used when gears get stuck or during towing. When HOLD is activated, the parking brake system will automatically engage each time the vehicle comes to a complete stop after braking. You'll feel a release of pressure on the brake pedal, at which point you can release the pedal without worrying about the vehicle rolling. Working principle of gear lock indicator light: The transmission control unit uses this sensor to detect the gear selected by the driver and performs corresponding control actions. Relationship between neutral switch and gear position switch: In older vehicles, the P (Park) and N (Neutral) switches were connected in series with the starter motor switch, meaning the engine could only be started in these two positions. In newer vehicles, the control unit identifies the neutral signal first, then decides whether to engage the starter motor.
When the HOLD light on the dashboard illuminates, I know the transmission hold mode is activated. This feature is particularly useful for specific road conditions, especially when climbing steep slopes or descending long hills, as it prevents the transmission from automatically shifting and locks the current gear to ensure stable power output. Last time I went to a ski resort and encountered icy roads, I manually pressed the HOLD button near the gear lever, and sure enough, the wheels stopped slipping. However, if this light stays on continuously, it indicates the system is still active—note that it's not a malfunction indicator. Remember to press the button to turn it off once road conditions improve, as prolonged use may affect the transmission's lifespan. The activation method varies slightly between different car models; in the Japanese cars I've driven, it's usually located near the gear shift lever.
I love using the HOLD function when driving an automatic transmission car on mountain roads. Simply put, when this light appears on the dashboard, it means the transmission has entered manual control mode, and the system won't automatically shift gears. It uses a solenoid valve to directly lock the current gear, ensuring sufficient power at low gears when climbing hills and utilizing engine braking on long descents to prevent brake overheating. Once, while driving a friend's German car, I noticed his HOLD button was behind the steering wheel and required holding for three seconds to activate, which felt safer than my Japanese car's design. Remember, a flashing dashboard light after activation indicates the transmission is switching modes, and a steady light means it's fully engaged. It's very effective for preventing skidding on muddy roads during rain, but be careful not to accidentally press the button at high speeds.
