If you’ve recently purchased a Honda with an automatic transmission, you may have noticed that there may be a D3 or D4 option right below the normal D option (on some models, it’s a “D3/D4” on the side of the gear selector).
- D3 Gear Selection = First, second, and third gear available only
- D4 Gear Selection = First, second, third, and fourth gear are available.
When to Use the D3 and D4 Button
Why would you want to use only the first three or four gears? The main reason to use them is to keep from pulling a heavy load in overdrive or going down a steep hill at a slower speed. On older models that don’t have D (only D4 and D3), D means Drive.
What to Do if the D3 or D4 light is on?
If your Honda has the D3 or D4 light illuminated in the instrument cluster, you should turn it off unless you are towing or going down steep grades. The odds are that someone bumped the button. It should be on the left part of your vehicle’s gear shifter, where your thumb would go.
What happens when You Drive in D3 and D4?
A few things happen when you drive your Honda vehicle in D3 or D4.
- Fuel consumption increases (due to lack of overdrive).
- The engine will start revving pretty high, usually around 40 MPH.
- The increased RPM acts as an engine brake.
- The car will not shift after reaching third or fourth gear respectively. If you want a higher gear, you’ll need to shift into drive or push the Honda D3 or D4 button on the side of the shifter.
Will it Cause Damage Driving Around in D3 or D4?
Dropping your car into D3 while driving fast is not a good idea; it can redline the engine if you are going fast enough.
If you have been driving around in D3/D4 all day, it is doubtful that you caused any damage to your vehicle. This is because modern cars and trucks have built-in rev limiters to keep the engine from overrevving.
Common Questions Regarding Honda D3 and D4
Should you Drive in D3 or D4 on the Highway?
Refrain from driving your vehicle on the highway in D3 or D4. You’ll be winding out the engine.
Should You drive in D3 or D4?
If you have an older Honda that doesn’t have a D option and the gear selector looks like this P, R, N, D4, D3, 2, and 1 as an option, D4 is drive. D3 and D4 are standard in older Hondas, such as the Civic.