![circle of gear order of the stick circle of gear order of the stick](https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/31tGoDUApmL.jpg)
As you accelerate, the drive gear will apply power to the wheels and progressively shift into higher ‘gears’ as the engine RPM reaches the desired level. This is when the automatic transmission ‘gear’ is activated. What does the D mean on an Automatic Transmission? Most people do not use the N setting unless their car engine will not start and they need to push it or have the vehicle towed. This setting releases the gear(s) (forward and reverse) and allows the tires to spin freely.
#Circle of gear order of the stick free#
The “N” is an indicator that your automatic transmission is in NEUTRAL or a free spinning mode. What does the N mean on an Automatic Transmission? A car can’t be started in reverse gear, as it would be very unsafe to do so. When you shift the gear lever from P to R, the automatic transmission’s reverse gear is engaged - which spins the drive shaft backward, allowing the drive wheels to spin in ‘reverse’. The “R” stands for REVERSE, or the gear selected to drive the vehicle backward. What does the R mean on an Automatic Transmission? However, most vehicles also require the car to be started while the transmission is in the “PARK” setting for safety purposes. Many people use the park setting as a brake, which is a primary purpose for this transmission setting. When the gear shifter is in park, the transmission ‘gears’ are locked, which restricts the wheels from being able to spin forward or backward. The “P” on an automatic transmission stands for the PARK setting. The gears inside an automatic transmission are hydraulically shifted and can range from three to nine speeds while in a forward ‘gear’. The letters on an automatic transmission are often described as an individual “gear” setting, but that’s a bit misleading. What does the P mean on an Automatic Transmission? To simplify things, we will break down each letter listed on most automatic transmissions.
#Circle of gear order of the stick series#
Depending on the type of vehicle you own, it’s also possible that you might see an “M” or a series of numbers - likely 1 through 3.
![circle of gear order of the stick circle of gear order of the stick](https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/RjQAAOSwwX9e~dPZ/s-l400.jpg)
Each letter stands for an individual setting within the automatic transmission. When you sound them out, it’s phonetically called “Prindle.” In fact, that’s what most engineers call the automatic gear shifter configuration, so it’s a technical term. On most US and imported cars featuring an automatic transmission are a series of letters that spell out P – R – N – D – L. Let’s dive into the automatic gear shift meaning so you’ll understand what each letter or number means. Each letter or number listed on the transmission gear shift represents a unique setting or task for the transmission.
![circle of gear order of the stick circle of gear order of the stick](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/1354/8027/products/MGPOGOSTICKREDAAA-UPDATEDHEROWITHBOX-042321-06_large.jpg)
The automatic transmission is a reliable, hydraulically-operated system that applies the power coming from the engine to your drive wheels. There are more than 10 million automatic-transmission operated vehicles in the United States alone sold each year. Have you ever wondered what those letters on an automatic transmission gear shifter mean? Well, you’re not alone.