[obermd]

First, welcome to CruzeTalk. The Cruze's automatic transmission has a "manualmatic" mode where you can suggest to the car what gear you want to be in. In general, leave the manumatic system alone until you get used to the automatic transmission. In other words, leave it in Drive (D). Manumatic allows you to invoke engine braking, control snow & ice acceleration, and cruise without downshifting for hills.

 

[chevrasaki]

Welcome to the forum! As stated above the M is manual mode and the + and - allow you to change the gears up and down manually. Most people just use D which stands for drive and will automatically select the best gear for you.

I think the the "meter all the way to the left" that you're referring to is the tachometer. It shows you engine RPM (Revolutions Per Minute) It just tells you how fast the engine is turning. For example, if the tachometer reads "2" the engine is spinning at 2,000 RPM. You'll notice it says RPM x 1,000. If you press down on the gas pedal, the RPM will go up along with the speed. When you let off the gas, it will go down. The tachometer will also go up and down depending on the gear changes as well.

 

[AntaniaMarie90]

Oh wow. Thanks so much for that information. I was kind of thinking that but I wasn't sure.

 

[AntaniaMarie90]

First, welcome to CruzeTalk. The Cruze's automatic transmission has a "manualmatic" mode where you can suggest to the car what gear you want to be in. In general, leave the manumatic system alone until you get used to the automatic transmission. In other words, leave it in Drive (D). Manumatic allows you to invoke engine braking, control snow & ice acceleration, and cruise without downshifting for hills.

Thanks

 

[sparkman]

Welcome.

 

[joshuab]

Welcome to CruzeTalk.com & congrats on new purchase of your Cruze!

 

[Eddy Cruze]

My Girlfriend in Miami had her Father, the unopposed ex State of Florida Senator who completed the 8th Grade lease her a CRV. She had many problems and was somewhat not of this Planet. When she asked me what all the symbols meant, the same ones found on any other Car in the last 50 years I think I suggested she read the manual, never did.

I drove a CRV at the time and that is why she got one. Then one day she asked me what kind of Car I had? It was a rough year~