Electronic Gearshift Selector

Electronic Gearshift Selector
The Prius electronic gearshift selector is a newly developed momentary select shift-by-wire system that engages the transaxle in Reverse, Neutral, Drive, or engine Brake modes.

- These modes may only be engaged while the vehicle is on and operational (READY-on), except for Neutral which may also be engaged while in the ignition-on mode. After selecting the gear position R, N, D, or B the transaxle remains in that position, identified on the instrument cluster, but the shift selector returns to a default position.

- Unlike a conventional vehicle, the electronic shift selector does not contain a park position. Instead, a separate P switch located above the shift selector engages the park position.

- When the vehicle is stopped, regardless of shift selector position, the electro-mechanical parking pawl is engaged to lock the transaxle into park by either depressing the P switch or pushing the power button to shut off the vehicle.

- Being electronic, the gearshift selector and the park systems depend on the low voltage 12-Volt auxiliary battery for power. If the 12-Volt auxiliary battery is discharged or disconnected, the vehicle cannot be started and cannot be shifted out of park.