Hyundai Accent (HC): Smartstream intelligent variable transmission (Smartstream IVT) / Smartstream Intelligent Variable Transmission (Smartstream IVT) Operation

The Smartstream Intelligent Variable Transmission (Smartstream IVT) in the Hyundai Accent automatically adjusts its driving ratios based on vehicle speed and accelerator pedal position. The appropriate “speed” (ratio) is selected automatically according to the shift lever position and current driving conditions, helping deliver smooth acceleration and efficient performance.

WARNING

To reduce the risk of serious injury or death:

• ALWAYS check the surrounding areas near your Hyundai Accent for people, especially children, before shifting a vehicle into D (Drive) or R (Reverse).
• Before leaving the driver's seat, always make sure the shift lever is in the P (Park) position, then set the parking brake, and place the ignition switch in the LOCK/OFF position. Unexpected and sudden vehicle movement can occur if these precautions are not followed.
• When using Manual Shift Mode, use caution when shifting from a higher gear to a lower gear on slippery roads. This could cause the tires to slip and may result in an accident.

Additional tip: For the smoothest response in your Hyundai Accent with Smartstream IVT, apply the accelerator gradually—especially on wet, snowy, or icy roads—to reduce wheel slip and improve stability.

Transmission ranges

The indicator in the instrument cluster displays the shift lever position when the ignition switch is in the ON position, allowing you to confirm the selected range quickly before moving.

P (Park)

Always come to a complete stop before shifting into P (Park).

To shift from P (Park), you must depress firmly on the brake pedal and make sure your foot is off the accelerator pedal.

If you have done all of the above and still cannot shift the lever out of P (Park), see "Shift-Lock Release" in this section.

The shift lever must be in P (Park) before turning the engine off.

WARNING

• Shifting into P (Park) while the vehicle is in motion may cause you to lose control of the vehicle.
• After the vehicle has stopped, always make sure the shift lever is in P (Park), apply the parking brake, and turn the engine off.
• When parking on an incline, place the shift lever in P (Park) and apply the parking brake to prevent the vehicle from rolling downhill.
• For safety, always engage the parking brake with the shift lever in the P (Park) position except for the case of emergency parking.

Information

The RPM (revolutions per minute) may increase or decrease when performing the IVT self-diagnosis.

R (Reverse)

Use this position to drive the vehicle backward.

NOTICE

Always come to a complete stop before shifting into or out of R (Reverse); you may damage the transmission if you shift into R (Reverse) while the vehicle is in motion.

N (Neutral)

The wheels and transmission are not engaged.

Use N (Neutral) if you need to restart a stalled engine.

Shift into P (Park) if you need to leave your vehicle for any reason. Always depress the brake pedal when you are shifting from N (Neutral) to another gear.

WARNING

Do not shift into gear unless your foot is firmly on the brake pedal. Shifting into gear when the engine is running at high speed can cause the vehicle to move very rapidly. You could lose control of the vehicle and hit people or objects.

D (Drive)

This is the normal driving position. The transmission will automatically shift, providing a strong balance of fuel economy and power for everyday Hyundai Accent driving.

For extra power when passing another vehicle or driving uphill, depress the accelerator pedal further until you feel the transmission downshift to a lower gear.

The DRIVE MODE switch, located on the shift lever console, allows the driver to switch from NORMAL mode to SPORT mode.

For more information, refer to "Drive Mode Integrated Control System" later in this chapter.

Manual shift mode

Whether the vehicle is stationary or in motion, manual shift mode is selected by pushing the shift lever from the D (Drive) position into the manual gate. To return to D (Drive) range operation, push the shift lever back into the main gate.

In Manual Shift mode, moving the shift lever backwards and forwards will allow you to select the desired range of gears for the current driving conditions.

+ (Up) : Push the lever forward once to shift up one gear.

- (Down) : Pull the lever backwards once to shift down one gear.

Information

• Only the eight forward gears can be selected in Manual Shift mode. To reverse or park the vehicle, move the shift lever to the R (Reverse) or P (Park) position as required.
• Downshifts are made automatically when the vehicle slows down. When the vehicle stops, 1st gear is automatically selected.
• When the engine rpm approaches the red zone, the transmission will upshift automatically.
• If the driver presses the lever to + (Up) or - (Down) position, the transmission may not make the requested gear change if the next gear is outside of the allowable engine rpm range. The driver must execute upshifts in accordance with road conditions, taking care to keep the engine rpms below the red zone.
• When accelerating from a stop on a slippery road, push the shift lever forward into the + (Up) position. This allows the transmission to shift into the 2nd gear which is better for smooth driving on a slippery road. Push the shift lever to the - (Down) side to shift back to the 1st gear.
• When driving in Manual Shift Mode, slow down before shifting to a lower gear. Otherwise, the lower gear may not be engaged if the engine rpms are outside of the allowable range.

Shift-lock system

For your safety, the intelligent variable transmission (IVT) has a shift-lock system which prevents shifting the transmission from P (Park) into R (Reverse) unless the brake pedal is depressed.

To shift the transmission from P (Park) into R (Reverse):

1. Depress and hold the brake pedal.

2. Start the engine or place the ignition switch in the ON position.

3. Move the shift lever.

Shift-lock release

If the shift lever cannot be moved from the P (Park) position into R (Reverse) position with the brake pedal depressed, continue depressing the brake, and then do the following:

1. Place the ignition switch in the LOCK/OFF position.

2. Apply the parking brake.

3. Carefully remove the cap (1) covering the shift-lock release access hole.

4. Insert a tool (for example, flathead screwdriver) into the access hole and press down on the tool.

5. Move the shift lever.

6. Remove the tool from the shift-lock override access hole then install the cap.

If you need to use the shift-lock release, have your Hyundai Accent inspected by an authorized HYUNDAI dealer as soon as possible.

Always come to a complete stop and continue to depress the brake pedal. Move the shift lever into the P (Park) position, apply the parking brake securely, and place the ignition switch in the LOCK/OFF position. Take the Key with you when exiting the vehicle to help prevent unintended movement and improve overall security for your Hyundai Accent.

WARNING

• When you stay in the vehicle with the engine running, be careful not to depress the accelerator pedal for a long period of time. The engine or exhaust system may overheat and start a fire.
• The exhaust gas and the exhaust system are very hot. Keep away from the exhaust system components.
• Do not stop or park over flammable materials, such as dry grass, paper or leaves. They may ignite and cause a fire.

Additional tip: If you must idle briefly in your Hyundai Accent, keep the area well ventilated and make sure no dry grass, leaves, or debris are near the exhaust components.