Automatic transmissions are designed to make driving more convenient and easier, as the driver does not have to shift gears manually.
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An automatic transmission changes the gears of the vehicle as it is driven. It uses a set of gears, hydraulic fluid, and a system of clutches and bands to automatically shift the vehicle’s gears based on the engine’s speed and torque requirements. Only a few people would know the meaning of the letters and gears mentioned on the gear shift. Continue reading the article below to know what letters and numbers mean on auto transmission cars.
Short on Time – Here’s a Quick Summary
There are different meanings to the letters and numbers mentioned on an auto transmission gear shift. For instance, P stands for Park, representing the car in a parking position, R for Reverse, N for neutral, and D for Drive. While the numbers 1, 2, and 3 represent the car being in first, second, and third gear, respectively.

What Do All the Letters and Numbers Mean on Auto Transmission Cars?
For the comfort of driving, most drivers prefer an automatic transmission, as it is easier to use because of the absence of a clutch pedal. However, while automatic transmissions are very easy to operate, you still need to learn about the different numbers and letters on the shifter.
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On automatic transmission cars, you don’t find the gear positions 1,2,3,4, and so on, just like manual transmissions. You find the letters P, R, N, D, and L, or on some auto transmission cars, there will be numbers 1 and 2.
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The table below shows the meanings of letters and numbers in auto transmission cars.


Before we discuss what these letters and numbers mean, let’s discuss what PRNDL is in the auto transmission world.
Introducing PRNDL
Most imported and US cars having auto transmission have a series of letters spelling out as P-R-N-D-L, known as automatic gear shifter configuration. Each letter represents an individual setting within an auto transmission vehicle.
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PRNDL is an acronym for “Park, Reverse, Neutral, Drive, and Low,” It refers to the gears of an automatic transmission. In an automatic transmission, the PRNDL gears are typically located on the gear selector, a lever or knob that the driver uses to select the desired gear.
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The P position is used for parking the vehicle, the R position is used for reversing, the N position is used for neutral, the D position is used for driving, and the L position is typically used for a lower gear ratio, which can be useful for increased acceleration or towing capacity.
Note: It is important to note that the letters on the gears of an automatic transmission can vary depending on the specific transmission or your vehicle’s make and model, so it is always a good idea to consult the owner’s manual or a mechanic for more information.
In detail, let’s talk about the meaning of all the letters and numbers on auto transmission cars.
Understanding the Meaning of P
The letter P on an automatic transmission refers to the “Park” position. In this position, the transmission is mechanically locked, and you can’t drive the vehicle. The Park position is typically used when the vehicle is stationary and not in use, preventing the vehicle from rolling or moving unintentionally.
To engage the Park position, the driver must first bring the vehicle to a stop and then use the gear selector (a lever or knob typically located on the vehicle’s center console) to move the transmission into the P position.
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Once the transmission is in Park, the vehicle’s parking brake should also be engaged to secure the vehicle further and prevent it from rolling.
Understanding the Meaning of R
The letter R on an automatic transmission refers to the “Reverse” position. The transmission is geared to allow the vehicle to move backward in this position.
To engage the Reverse position, the driver must first bring the vehicle to a stop and then use the gear selector to move the transmission into the R position. Disengage the vehicle’s parking brake before attempting to move the vehicle in Reverse.
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It is important to note that the Reverse position is typically not intended for use at high speeds and is generally only used for backing up or maneuvering the vehicle in tight spaces.
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Understanding the Meaning of N
The letter N on an automatic transmission refers to the “Neutral” position. In this position, the transmission is not mechanically connected to the drivetrain, and the vehicle cannot move under its power.
To engage the Neutral position, the driver must use the gear selector to move the transmission into the N position. The vehicle’s parking brake should also be engaged when the transmission is in a Neutral position to prevent the vehicle from rolling.
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The Neutral position is typically used when the vehicle is stationary and not in use or when the driver wants to start the engine without moving the vehicle. It is also used when the vehicle is being towed or pushed.
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Note: It is important to note that the Neutral position does not completely disengage the engine from the drivetrain, so the engine may still be running when the transmission is in Neutral.
Understanding the Meaning of D
The letter D on an automatic transmission refers to the “Drive” position. In this position, the transmission is geared to allow the vehicle to move forward under its power. To engage the Drive position, the driver must disengage the vehicle’s parking brake before attempting to move the vehicle into Drive.
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The Drive position is typically used for normal driving conditions and is the default position for most vehicles. It allows the transmission to select the appropriate gear ratio for the current driving conditions, such as speed, load, and road grade.
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Understanding the Meaning of L
The letter L on an automatic transmission refers to the “Low” position, typically used for a lower gear ratio. A lower gear ratio can provide increased acceleration and towing capacity, but it can also result in higher engine speeds and reduced fuel efficiency at higher speeds.
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The Low position is typically used when increased torque or power is needed, such as when climbing a steep hill or towing a heavy load. However, it is also sometimes used for enhanced acceleration or performance in certain driving conditions.
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It is important to note that the Low position is not intended for use at high speeds and is generally only used for low-speed driving or for providing additional power when needed.
Understanding Other Letters
While the common letters on an automatic transmission are P, R, N, D, and L, other letters, such as S and M, may be present on different vehicles depending on their make and model. Let’s understand their meanings.
- S: The letter S on an automatic transmission gear shift represents sport setting or sport mode. When you select this mode, your tranny will be limited to the lowest two gears, enhancing the vehicle’s sportiness and increasing RPM. However, driving in the S mode will lead to high gas consumption as the engine will run at higher revolutions per minute. (RPM).
- M: The letter M on an automatic transmission refers to a “Manual Shift” or “Manual Mode,” which allows the driver to manually select the gear ratio of the transmission rather than relying on the automatic shifting of the transmission’s control system.
It is important to note that the Sport or Manual Shift mode is not available on all vehicles, and its specific functions and limitations can vary depending on the make and model of the vehicle.
Understanding Numbers
In older models of auto transmission cars, there will be numbers 1 and 2. These numbers refer to the gears that the transmission can select. The number “1” gear is typically the lowest gear ratio and provides the most torque, or rotational force, to the drivetrain. This allows the vehicle to accelerate from a stop easily or climb steep hills. The number “2” gear is typically the next highest gear ratio and provides less torque than the number “1” gear. Therefore, it is often used for less steep inclines.

Conclusion
The meanings of letters and numbers differ depending on their positions. For instance, the letter P refers to Park and will be used when the car is not in use, R means Reverse, N denotes the neutral position of the vehicle, and D stands for Drive, which will be used in normal driving conditions. Now that you know the meaning of different letters and numbers on auto transmission cars, you’ll be able to better understand and differentiate between different makes and models of cars.
FAQs
Different letters have different meanings. P in auto transmission stands for Park, r for Reverse, N for neutral, D for Drive, and L for low gear ratios. While the numbers 1 and 2 denote first gear and second gear, respectively.
The letter R on an automatic transmission refers to the “Reverse” position. The transmission is geared to allow the vehicle to move backward in this position.
In an automatic transmission, the letters “S” and “B” are often used to represent different modes or ranges of gears.S stands for “Sport” mode. In this mode, the transmission may hold onto gears for longer and shift at higher engine speeds, providing a more responsive and sporty driving experience. This mode also provides quicker acceleration and allows the engine to reach higher revs before shifting.B stands for “Brake” mode. In this mode, the transmission may downshift more aggressively when the driver presses the brake pedal, providing additional engine braking and helping the vehicle slow down more quickly.
D1, D2, and D3 are Drive gear settings in some automatic transmissions which drivers can use when the D function isn’t working. “D1” is typically the lowest range of gears used for driving forward. This range may provide the most torque, or rotational force, to the drivetrain, allowing the vehicle to accelerate from a stop or climb steep hills easily.“D2” is typically the next highest range of gear for driving forward. This range may provide less torque than “D1,”. It is often used for normal driving conditions or when the vehicle needs to maintain a constant speed, such as driving on the highway.“D3” is typically the highest range of gears used for driving forward. This range may provide the least torque and is often used for cruising at high speeds or when the vehicle needs to maintain a very constant speed, such as when driving on the highway in hilly terrain.
The letter M on an automatic transmission refers to a “Manual Shift” or “Manual Mode,” which allows the driver to manually select the gear ratio of the transmission rather than relying on the automatic shifting of the transmission’s control system.