What is the plus and minus on the gear shift Chevy?
In Chevrolet vehicles that offer a manual shift mode for automatic transmissions, the plus (+) and minus (−) marks on or near the gear selector indicate the controls for manual shifting. The plus button or symbol is used to upshift to a higher gear, while the minus is used to downshift to a lower gear. This lets the driver take more direct control over gear selection when desired.
What the plus and minus do
The symbols represent manual control within an automatic transmission. In practice, you typically engage manual mode (often by moving the shifter to a dedicated manual gate or by selecting a “Manual” or “M” mode, or via steering-wheel paddles) and then use the plus and minus to change gears as you drive.
- Upshift (+) moves the transmission to a higher gear, which can improve fuel efficiency at steady speeds or provide more power when accelerating gently.
- Downshift (−) selects a lower gear, increasing engine braking or giving quicker response when you need more power for acceleration or hill climbing.
- These controls are active only when the vehicle is in manual/sport/manual shift mode; in normal drive (D), the transmission selects gears automatically.
- In many Chevrolets, you can also perform the same up/down shifts with paddle shifters behind the steering wheel if the model supports them.
Understanding the “±” in this context helps you tailor performance to conditions like overtaking, descending hills, or engine braking while maintaining control.
Where to find them
The location of the plus and minus controls varies by model and year. Some Chevys place the +/- on the gear shift knob or the shift gate, while others rely on steering-wheel paddles or a separate manual mode control. Always consult your owner's manual for your specific model to confirm how to engage manual shift mode and use ±.
- Gear shift knob or gate labeled with + and − for direct gear changes.
- Paddle shifters behind the steering wheel (common on sportier models and many recent trims).
- A dedicated “Manual” or “M” position on the shifter, which may expose a ± pathway when selected.
- Instrument cluster indications showing current gear and shift mode when in manual/sport mode.
Because Chevrolet uses different setups across trucks, SUVs, and cars, verifying the control scheme for your specific vehicle is important before relying on it in traffic or on hilly terrain.
Model coverage and how it varies
- Sports models and higher-trim variants often use steering-wheel paddle shifters to provide buttery-smooth manual changes without moving the shifter.
- Full-size trucks and many SUVs may support a manual mode via the gear selector or a mode button, with ± appearing on the knob or in the instrument display.
- Performance-oriented variants—such as those with a high-torque automatic transmission—tend to emphasize manual capability for controlled acceleration and engine braking.
- The exact presence and method can change by year; always check the latest owner’s manual or on-vehicle labels for precise instructions.
Because control layouts can differ widely, there’s no universal rule that applies to every Chevy model. If in doubt, review the vehicle’s documentation or contact a dealer for guidance.
Tips for using plus and minus safely
To make the most of manual shifting without compromising safety or transmission health, keep these pointers in mind:
- Enter manual mode only when appropriate for driving conditions (e.g., highway passing, descending hills, or spirited driving in safe environments).
- Upshift at moderate engine speeds to avoid unnecessary stress and fuel waste; downshift when you need engine braking or quicker response.
- Avoid downshifting at very high speeds, as it can cause engine over-rev and transmission strain.
- Be mindful of rev limits and the current gear to prevent stalling on very low speeds or abrupt throttle inputs.
- Return to normal drive (D) when you’re finished with manual control to let the transmission optimize shifts automatically.
Using +/- thoughtfully can improve control and performance, but improper use can lead to rough shifts or reduced efficiency. If you’re new to a Chevy with this feature, practice in a safe area to become familiar with the gear changes and timing.
Common questions
Do I damage the transmission by using the plus and minus?
Using the manual shift mode itself does not inherently damage the transmission, provided you shift within the designed RPM range and avoid downshifting at very high speeds. Follow the vehicle’s RPM and shift guidance to minimize wear.
Is there a benefit to using manual mode?
Manual mode can give you more control in situations such as passing, overtaking, descending long grades with engine braking, or maintaining power in sporty driving. It can also prevent the transmission from hunting for gears in challenging conditions.
Are paddle shifters standard on all Chevrolet models?
No. Paddle shifters are common on many performance-oriented or higher-trim models, but not universal across all Chevrolets. Some vehicles may rely on the gear selector or a dedicated manual mode button for gear changes.
Summary
The plus and minus signs on a Chevy gear shift indicate manual shift control within an automatic transmission, allowing the driver to upshift and downshift when desired. The exact control method—whether via the gear lever gate, paddles behind the steering wheel, or both—depends on the specific model and year. Use manual mode judiciously, keep an eye on RPMs, and return to automatic shifting when manual control is no longer needed. For model-specific instructions, consult the owner’s manual or a Chevrolet dealer.
What is the plus minus on the gear shift on a Chevy Equinox?
The plus (+) and minus (-) buttons on a Chevy Equinox, located on the steering column's electronic shifter (or behind the steering wheel on newer models), are used to manually select gears for specific situations like towing or driving on steep hills. The plus (+) button increases the gear, and the minus (-) button decreases it. This feature is known as manual override mode or low gear range, and it's activated by shifting into drive (D) and then engaging the "L" or low mode button on the steering column.
This video demonstrates how to use the "L" button and the plus/minus buttons on the steering column: 32sbuy with bennyYouTube · Aug 12, 2024
How to use the plus and minus buttons
- Locate the buttons: On newer models, the + and - buttons may be paddle shifters located behind the steering wheel. On older models, they are on the side of the electronic shifter on the steering column.
- Activate manual mode:
- Shift into Drive (D).
- Press the "L" button on the steering column to engage low mode.
- The gear range will be displayed on your dashboard.
- Select a higher gear (+): To upshift, pull the paddle or press the (+) button.
- Select a lower gear (-): To downshift, pull the paddle or press the (-) button.
- Use cases:
- Going downhill: Use the (-) button to downshift and help slow your vehicle, saving wear on your brakes.
- Going uphill: Use the (+) button to upshift to gain power and torque.
- Towing: Use the buttons to maintain the correct gear for towing a trailer.
This video explains how to use the shifter on the steering column: 57sPhillipsChevyYouTube · Jun 3, 2025
When to use plus and minus on gear shift Chevy?
The +/- are to manually shift the transmission. This is handy going up and down steep hills. The tow/haul is just that. You use it when you tow something heavy.
What is the +/- on my gear shift?
The plus (+) and minus (-) symbols on your gear shift allow you to manually change gears in a semi-automatic mode, giving you more control over the car. The minus sign (-) is used to downshift to a lower gear, which is useful for gaining acceleration or for engine braking on steep descents. The plus sign (+) is used to upshift to a higher gear.
You can watch this video to learn how to use the plus and minus symbols on your gear shift: 59sWLWTYouTube · Jan 13, 2018
How to use the manual mode
- Enter manual mode: Move the gear selector from "D" (Drive) into the position with the plus/minus symbols. The current gear will often appear on your dashboard.
- Downshift (-): To shift to a lower gear, push the lever forward (or towards the "-"). This can be helpful for:
- Overtaking: Quickly gain acceleration by downshifting.
- Going downhill: Use a lower gear to control your speed and avoid overheating the brakes.
- Slippery roads: Start in a lower gear (like 1st or 3rd) for better traction.
- Upshift (+): To shift to a higher gear, pull the lever back (or towards the "+"). This can be useful for:
- Saving fuel: The transmission will shift to higher gears to conserve fuel when you don't need maximum power.
- Maintaining momentum: Manually select a gear to keep the car from shifting up or down unnecessarily when following other vehicles.
- Exit manual mode: The shifter will usually return to the center position after you've made a gear change, and the car will continue to shift automatically.
Important notes
- The car will often have a rev limiter to prevent you from damaging the engine by shifting into too low a gear.
- Always check your owner's manual, as features and their exact operation can vary by vehicle model.
What is the plus and minus button on the gear shift on a Chevy Silverado?
In lieu of paddle shifters, there are plus and minus buttons on the column shifter. When the truck is shifted to L, the plus/minus buttons select the desired gear range. Speaking of the paddle shifters, they can do a little-known trick that V8-powered Chevy Silverado drivers might be interested to know.
