on ym automatic i have P R N D D3 2

what is d3 and 2 and when, if ever, should i use them?

 

D4 = fourth gear
D3 = third gear
2 = second gear
1 = first gear

Normally, you'll want to be in D4, so that the ecu can pick and use the most effecient gear. However, in low-traction conditions, you may want to use D3 or 2.

The way an auto works is the ecu can pick any gear equal to or lower than the selected gear. The only exception to this rule is 1st gear--the ecu will never choose 1st gear unless you select 1st gear. For example, in D4, the ecu will choose D4, D3, or 2, depending on the rpms. In D3, it will choose between D3 and D2; in 2 and 1, the transmission is locked in second and first gear, respectively.

Auto transmissions are set up so that they can be driven like clutchless standards. It is perfectly safe to drive them like standards (going from 1st to 2nd, 2nd to 3rd, 3rd to 4th, etc.). For the most part, I only downshift for hills, where the ecu can't make up it's mind between D3 and D4 (I find that very annoying--I'd rather have my engine be loud and sit at 4000 rpm than go back and forth between gears). Oh, yeah... I also drive it like a standard when my ADHD kicks in and I get bored. lol

 

i dont have 1 d3 and d4 just 2 d3 and d

 

hmm.. interesting. My '94 EX has a 1...

I'm guessing they basically just left out the 1 since, like I've said before, the car will never shift into 1st unless you make it, but that's just speculation.