Shift Speeds (Manual Transmission){CAUTION:If you skip a gear when you downshift, youcould lose control of your vehicle. You couldinjure yourself or others. Don’t shift downmore than one gear at a time when youdownshift.Notice: If you skip more than one gear when youdownshift, or if you race the engine when yourelease the clutch pedal while downshifting, youcould damage the engine, clutch, driveshaft or thetransmission. Do not skip gears or race theengine when downshifting.If the vehicle speed drops below 20 mph (32 km/h),or if the engine is not running smoothly, you shoulddownshift to the next lower gear. You may haveto downshift two or more gears to keep the enginerunning smoothly or for good performance.Skip Shift (CTS-V)1r4: This may appear in the message center in thespeedometer during light throttle, low speed maneuvers(15 to 19 mph (24 to 31 km/h)). When this messageappears, you can only shift from FIRST (1) toFOURTH (4) instead of FIRST (1) to SECOND (2).During the shift from FIRST (1) to FOURTH (4), pull theshift lever straight back using light force on the shiftlever. You must complete the shift into FOURTH (4) toturn off this feature. This helps you get the bestpossible fuel economy.Notice: Forcing the shift lever into any gear exceptFOURTH (4) when the skip shift light comes onmay damage the transmission. Shift only fromFIRST (1) to FOURTH (4) when the light comes on.This light comes on when:• The engine coolant temperature is higherthan 169°F (76°C),• you are going 15 to 19 mph (24 to 31 km/h) and• you are 21 percent throttle or less.2-33
