Automatic Transmission Shifts Into Park By Itself? Understanding Auto Park Mode

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ServiceNews Article

June 2015
A15060E Version 1

Automatic Transmission Shifts into Park by Itself? Understanding Auto Park Mode

AFFECTED VEHICLES

All models with 9-speed automatic transmission

If you’re wondering why Hondas with 9-speed automatic transmission shift into Park by themselves, it’s because of a convenience feature called Auto Park Mode. This feature automatically shifts the transmission into Park when you turn the ignition to OFF, or if you stop the vehicle, unbuckle the driver’s seatbelt, and open the driver’s door.

There are times, though, when you need to keep the transmission in Neutral such as running the vehicle through an unattended conveyer-style car wash or loading the vehicle onto a flatbed. So, our engineers came up with a way to bypass Auto Park Mode; it’s called Car Wash Mode.

Here’s how to set it:

With the engine running, press the brake pedal, then press the Neutral button on the electronic gear selector.
Within 5 seconds, press the ENGINE START/STOP The ignition goes to ACCESSORY and the engine shuts off.
When you see Shift to Park in the MID and N in the instrument panel, Car Wash Mode is set.

You now have 15 minutes before the transmission automatically shifts into Park and the ignition goes to OFF.