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How to Change Gears With Electronic Precision Shift Buttons

Difficulty Level: Novice | Time Required: 2 minutes | Tools Required: None | Related Parts, Products, Services or Technology: None

Electronic Precision Shift lets you shift gears electronically by pushing or pulling buttons, rather than using a traditional mechanical connection.

This feature may work differently, depending on your vehicle, so see your Owner’s Manual for details. Your vehicle may also have an Electronic Precision Shift lever.

How to Use Electronic Precision Shift

If your vehicle has this feature, you’ll find a push-/pull-button shift system on the centre console or somewhere near the infotainment screen, depending on your model. Some of the buttons should be pushed, and others are switches that you will pull toward you.

If you have a joystick-style shift lever system, use these instructions instead.

To shift into PARK or NEUTRAL, bring the vehicle to a stop and press the “P” or “N” button.

a. If you try to shift into PARK while your vehicle is moving, Electronic Precision Shift will prevent this from happening. You have to press the “P” button again when your vehicle has slowed to a stop.
b. If you turn the vehicle off in DRIVE or REVERSE when the vehicle is stopped, Electronic Precision Shift will automatically shift to PARK. If you turn the vehicle off in NEUTRAL, the vehicle will remain in NEUTRAL. Shift to PARK before exiting.

2. To shift from PARK to NEUTRAL, apply the brake pedal and press and hold the “N” button for one to two seconds. The light on the “N” button should be lit. If it isn’t, press “N” again.

3. To shift into DRIVE or REVERSE, pull the “D” or “R” switch.
a. You have to press and hold the brake pedal to shift from PARK to REVERSE, NEUTRAL or DRIVE, just as if you were using a mechanical shifter.

If you try to shift incorrectly, the Driver Information Center (DIC) will give you feedback with a message such as “Reduce Speed for Requested Shift” or “Conditions Not Correct for Shift.”

Low, Manual or One-Pedal Drive

Your vehicle will also have a LOW or MANUAL button, or a button to turn on One-Pedal Drive mode, depending on the model.

To shift into LOW or MANUAL, press the “L”or “M” button. The LOW or MANUAL button only works when your vehicle is already in DRIVE.

a. To limit the highest gear while in LOW or shift gears while in MANUAL, use the paddle shifters on the steering wheel or the + and – buttons.
b. To shift back to DRIVE, pull the “D” button.

2. On 2022 Bolt EV or Bolt EUV models, press the OPD button to turn on One-Pedal Drive mode. Information about universal home remote will be coming soon.

3. You can learn more about these features and how they work in the Owner’s Manual.

Going Through a Car Wash With Electronic Precision Shift

There are specific steps you must follow when you go through an automatic car wash while the vehicle is in NEUTRAL (“N”), whether you’re getting out of or staying in the vehicle.

Before entering the car wash, refer to the Owner’s Manual to make sure your vehicle is capable of using an automatic car wash. If the vehicle needs to be shut off during the car wash, refer to your Owner’s Manual for instructions.

If you get out of the vehicle during the car wash:

With the vehicle turned on, place your foot on the brake pedal and open the door.
While your door is open and the brake pedal is pressed, put the vehicle in NEUTRAL by pressing the “N” button.
Note: If you open the door to get out of the vehicle in a car wash AFTER engaging NEUTRAL, PARK may automatically engage. So, open the door before shifting to NEUTRAL.
The light on the “N” button should be lit. If it’s not, press “N” again.
Now you can unbuckle your seat belt and get out of the vehicle.
The vehicle may automatically shift to PARK upon re-entry.

If you stay in the vehicle during the car wash:

With the vehicle turned on, place your foot on the brake pedal and shift to NEUTRAL by pressing the “N” button.
The light on the “N” button should be lit. If it’s not, press “N” again.
The vehicle will stay in NEUTRAL until you select a different gear.

How to Change Gears with Electronic Precision Shift Lever

Q&As

Why does my vehicle shift into PARK on its own sometimes?

If you forget to shift to PARK before you shut off the vehicle’s engine, Electronic Precision Shift will automatically shift to PARK unless the vehicle is in NEUTRAL.

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To find out if your vehicle has this feature, contact your dealer or refer to your vehicle’s equipment list. Please check your Owner's Manual for more information about features.

Blazer 2019-2022
Camaro 2019-2022
Colorado 2019-2022
Corvette 2020-2022
Cruze 2019
Equinox 2019-2022
Express Cargo and Express Passenger 2020-2021

Impala 2020
Malibu 2019-2021
Silverado 1500 2019-2022
Silverado 2500HD/3500HD 2020-2022
Sonic 2018-2020
Spark 2019-2021

Suburban 2022
Tahoe 2022
Trailblazer 2022
Traverse 2020-2022
Trax 2018-2022
Volt 2019

Blazer 2019-2022
Camaro 2019-2022
Colorado 2019-2022
Corvette 2020-2022
Cruze 2019
Equinox 2019-2022
Express Cargo and Express Passenger 2020-2021
Impala 2020
Malibu 2019-2021
Silverado 1500 2019-2022
Silverado 2500HD/3500HD 2020-2022
Sonic 2018-2020
Spark 2019-2021
Suburban 2022
Tahoe 2022
Trailblazer 2022
Traverse 2020-2022
Trax 2018-2022
Volt 2019