Why Does the Automatic Transmission Show 'S' When Shifted to 'D'?
2 Answers
The reason the automatic transmission shows 'S' when shifted to 'D' is that shifting from 'D' to 'S' only requires pressing the shift lock, without the need to release the throttle or apply the brake. From 'P' to 'R', 'R' to 'P': Both require pressing the shift lock and applying the brake. From 'R' to 'N': No need to press the shift lock or apply the brake. From 'N' to 'R': Requires pressing the shift lock and applying the brake. From 'N' to 'D': Requires pressing the shift lock and applying the brake. From 'D' to 'S': Requires pressing the shift lock, but no need to release the throttle or apply the brake. From 'S' to 'D': Simply push directly, no need to release the throttle or apply the brake. From 'D(+,-)' to 'D': No need to release the throttle or apply the brake, no need to press the shift lock, just shift directly. After shifting, it will automatically adjust to the appropriate gear for 'D' based on factors like RPM and torque. From 'D' to 'D(+,-)': No need to release the throttle or apply the brake, no need to press the shift lock, just shift directly. After shifting, it will immediately be in the corresponding gear for 'D'.
I had the exact same situation the last time I was driving, and it really threw me off. The D gear is supposed to be the normal driving mode, but the dashboard showed the S gear, which felt a bit baffling. Actually, in many automatic transmission cars, especially those with sport modes, you can manually switch to S gear while in D gear, such as via the paddle shifters on the steering wheel or a button on the center console—you might have accidentally pressed one of them. The S gear mainly increases engine RPM for more responsive acceleration, making it more suitable for mountain roads or overtaking. If this wasn’t intentional, quickly check your vehicle settings or whether the dashboard is displaying incorrectly; sometimes minor glitches like poor wiring connections can cause this. I recommend trying to restart the engine or manually switching back to normal mode. If it keeps happening, it’s best to get a checkup at the shop.
