What Does the S and L Mean on a Gear Shift On Honda? (2023 Updated)

The “S” on a gear shift typically stands for “Sport” mode and the “L” is for “Low” mode.

Sport mode is a feature found in many automatic and some semi-automatic transmissions that allows the driver to select a mode where the transmission operates differently than in normal or “Drive” mode.

On the other hand, using low gear (L) means increasing the engine power and reducing the vehicle speed. In situations like towing and hilly driving, you can take advantage of your car’s full power while reducing stress on your brakes.

The specific behavior of both modes can vary between different vehicles and transmission systems.

Some vehicles with manual transmissions also have an “S” position on the gear shift, but in this context, it’s typically used for starting in second gear to improve traction in slippery conditions.

Sport (S) Mode

Sport mode, often indicated by an “S” on the gear shift, is designed to provide a sportier driving experience. When you engage Sport mode, the transmission may:

• Hold onto lower gears for longer, allowing the engine to rev higher before shifting up.
• Provide quicker and more aggressive shifting for a more responsive driving experience.
• Increase throttle sensitivity, making the vehicle more responsive to the driver’s inputs.
• Enhance engine braking by downshifting more readily when you lift off the throttle.

Sport mode is often chosen when a driver wants a more dynamic and engaging driving experience, such as when driving on twisty roads or for more spirited acceleration.

Low (L) Mode

Low mode, sometimes indicated by an “L” on the gear shift, is used for specific driving situations where the driver needs more control over the transmission, such as when descending steep hills or when towing heavy loads. When you engage Low mode, the transmission:

• Limits the use of higher gears, keeping the vehicle in lower gears for better engine braking and control.
• Prevents the transmission from upshifting to higher gears, which can be useful in situations where you want to maintain a lower speed or need more power, such as when towing.

Low mode is not typically used for everyday driving but rather in situations where you need more control over the transmission’s behavior to manage challenging road conditions or heavy loads.

Explaining In Detail: S on Gear Shift

For some drivers out there, the letters on the gear shift might be a new thing. But it’s not rocket science; once you know what they mean, everything will become peachy!

Now, let’s address the elephant in the room; what does the S stand for in your vehicle’s gear shift? 

Well, as we have mentioned before, it indicates the Sports Mode, meaning after shifting your gear to S, you’ll enjoy a specific driving mode installed by the manufacturer to give you a special driving experience. 

After hitting Sports Mode, the automatic transmission in your car will be locked to the two lowest gear configurations. 

When you shift your gear to S, your vehicle’s throttle sensitivity will be heightened, and you’ll start getting a different vibe than the regular times. 

While driving in the S mode, the RPM of your vehicle is increased. In short, this mode is provided so you can have a sports car-like experience. 

Here’re the changes you can expect from your car’s Sports Mode.

Enhanced Throttle Response

When your gear is shifted to S, you’ll feel the difference once you hit the accelerator. The wheels will get more torque than usual; hence, the throttle response will be at the peak. 

As a result, your vehicle will accelerate faster than your regular D mode. 

Moreover, the power won’t take much time to deliver. Thus, the mph time will be minimized as well. 

Increased RPM

The RPM, or Revolutions Per Minute, indicates the number of the crankshaft’s completed rotations. When the Sports Mode is on, the vehicle will be on a higher RPM, making the engine more powerful. 

This way, you’ll enjoy the fastest version of your car. 

Tighter Steering Experience

On the Sports Mode, you’ll feel the steering is getting tighter. But this doesn’t happen in every vehicle, so keep that in mind. 

It offers you better control as the car becomes extra responsive in this mode.

Heightened Torque and Faster acceleration

In the S mode, the engine will make more torque, which will create more power than the regular time. Therefore, your car will be faster than ever.  

Stiffer Suspension

The car’s suspension ensures a hitch-free ride. In some cases, you’ll see an adjustable suspension, which will allow you to adjust the height of your car. 

This way, you can avoid collision with the ground or any obstacles. 

However, driving with the Sports Mode, the vehicle’s body will get lowered. For this reason, cutting corners and enjoying effortless maneuverability will be easier. 

But, the driving session will become less comfortable, a matter of concern. 

What Is the Best Time to Shift Your Gear to S Mode?

The S mode is provided to ensure an exhilarating experience for the drivers. As it offers you enhanced speed, you shouldn’t use it in a congested place. 

However, if riding through an open highway, you should go for this sports mode. 

Moreover, this mode is suitable for experienced drivers. Hence, if you’re not that good at handling super speed and highly responsive vehicles, you shouldn’t go for this mode to be on the safe side. 

Here’s a list of things you need to remember once you hit the S mode in your car − 

• You should go for the Sports Mode on an open road only. Don’t trigger this mode in congested, high-traffic, or residential areas. 
• Ensure not to hit the S shift directly; start your vehicle with the D mode first. It will allow you to have better control over your car.
• When you’re done with your Sports Mode, don’t go to the Gear Selector’s button right away. Just put the gear back on, and that’s it. This way, you can avoid going to any unwanted modes. 
• If you want to slow down immediately, use the brakes. 

How to Shift Your Gear to S Mode – The Proper Way

Shifting to the S gear can be a bit complicated for some drivers. But you don’t have to worry about that anymore, as we’re here to explain it in detail. 

Here’s how you shift the gear in sports mode to avoid unpleasant circumstances.

Step one – Put the Gear in D Mode

As we said in the previous point, you first have to put the gear into Driving (D) mode. It’s just like your manual transmission vehicles. 

You need to put the car in first gear and move up as you accelerate. 

Step Two – Hit the S Mode

While driving in D mode, shift your gear to S; as you accelerate, the car will shift up automatically. 

If you want to decrease the speed, you can put the lever back into the lower gear without trouble. 

The Disadvantages of the Sports Mode

When you shift gear to S, you’ll enjoy a thrilling experience; there’s no doubt about that. But the thing is, this mode comes with some cons as well. 

And here’re the disadvantages. 

Excessive Fuel Consumption

As the vehicle becomes faster and more powerful in the Sports Mode, it will need more fuel. Nothing is surprising about it. 

To support the enhanced speed of the car, you’ll need to supply more gasoline. So, if you’re not ready to pay an extra amount of fuel, you shouldn’t go for this mode. 

Decreased Engine Life

Sports cars are known for their heavy-duty engine. Hence, you can drive them for a long time without causing any damage. 

But when trying to put your regular vehicle through sports mode all the time, the engine will become weary quicker than you think. 

So, if you’re using the S mode all the time, the life expectancy of your car’s engine will be reduced. And you don’t want that! 

Therefore, shift the gear to S when you need it badly; otherwise, stay away from it!

Brake Mode (B) or Low Gear Mode (L)

It is common for some cars to be labeled with L mode instead of B mode, which is low gear mode. It varies from manufacturer to manufacturer, but both are the same.

A low gear is retained in B mode for a variety of reasons. There is more torque with a low gear, but there is less speed. Towing and driving uphill require high torque. While going downhill, you can also use the B or L modes to engine braking.

Different Letters on the Automatic Gearboxes – What Do They Mean?

Besides S, there’re more letters on the automatic gearbox. And here’s a list of those gear options − 

P – Park: When you’re done with driving, you can hit this gear. It will ensure that your vehicle won’t roll down. 

N- Neutral: Once your vehicle is in N gear, it will be in neutral mode. It comes in handy in a car wash session or if you want your car to get towed for some reason.  

R – Reverse: If you want to go backward, this gear position is the one you need. When you shift into this gear, your car will go into reverse if you press the gas pedal. 

D – Drive: This is the basic mode in every vehicle. You can put this on so the car can go forward. And that’s it!

E – Economy: If you select the E mode, the car will go to Economy mode. As a result, fuel consumption will be decreased. 

L – Low Gear: When you shift to the Low Gear, your engine can maintain a higher RPM. And this way, you can prevent your car from stalling while driving uphill. 

Frequently Asked Questions

The Bottom Line

So, what does the S mean on a gear shift, you ask? Well, here’s your answer. 

You’ll see your car’s best performance when you shift your gear to S. 

However, this mode shouldn’t be used regularly if you want to maintain the vehicle’s top-notch condition. But when it’s about experiencing something different and exhilarating, you can go for this S more without any doubt.