can anyone tell me what the abbreviations stand for an automatic transmission, L2 and S1 in particular. Thanks

Question

these are the gear shift abbreviation on a mazda bongo and never owning an automatic transmission car before, we have no idea, they are probably self explanatory, but would rather hear off someone who knows. Thanks

Answer 1

L2 will be low - 2 speeds.
In certain situations (e.g descending a steep hill) you may want engine braking to help keep your speed down. In a manual car, you would select 2nd gear. In an automatic, select L, 2 or L2 (depending on the car) and that prevents the transmission from changing into a higher gear than second.

S1 will be slow - 1st gear.
Just like above, but for really low speed.

The other common abbreviations are:
P - park. Locks the transmission, prevents any movement
R - reverse
N - neutral
D - drive. Allows the transmission to select which forward gear to use, without any restrictions.

Answer 2

D is fully automatic, the gearbox will change up & down as required.
There are some differences in labelling the other gear positions, but often the next one down is 2, which restricts the 'box to 1st, 2nd & third gears (in a 4 speed 'box), then 1 which restricts it to 1st & 2nd.

These restrictions on changing up are used when you might be travelling downhill & need a modicum of engine braking, or when the 'box hunts up & down in traffic.

The S mode sounds like a "sport" mode, where the 'box hangs on to the gears longer before changing up, giving you better acceleration.

Hope this helps.

Answer 3

Those are there when you are driving really slow (like towing a parade float) & you DO NOT want you're transmission shifting. Say if you're moving 10MPH you're transmission might shift from 1st, to 2nd, & back many times causing wear. during normal driving put the shifter in the highest gear. (3rd,4th/5th) It will change gears by itself.