Use D3 to provide engine braking when going down a steep hill. D3 can also keep the transmission from cycling between third and fourth gears in stop-and-go driving. For faster acceleration when in D3 or D4, you can get the transmission to automatically downshift by pushing the accelerator pedal to the floor.

Hi There, The blinking D light indicates that there is a problem with the transmission. This may be something mechanical such as a shift solenoid or possibly some electrical such as a transmission speed sensor. This may also indicate that the transmission fluid may be low as well.

The D3 light on Your Honda CR-V is a lamp that will illuminate in the tachometer when You have selected D3 on the gear selector. D3 on a honda cr-v is a transmission mode that eliminates shifting into the overdrive gears above third gear.

D3 is not a service code. It is an indicator that lights-up to the right of the “D” (Drive) indicator on the dash, when you push the button on the end of the shift level. When lit, the transmission will only shift into the lowest 3 gears. It is used when hauling heavy loaded trailers or over large hills/mountains.

Currently, the D is ‘overdrive’ in almost all vehicles – the main purpose of which is to save fuel. Driving the car in this gear than the lower modes means you can have nearly 15% improved gas mileage. In short, the D3 gear utilizes the first three gears in an automatic transmission or locks it on the third gear.

The numbers one two and three indicate different gears. FIRST is the slowest. Second is a little faster, and third is faster yet. D is for DRIVE and the one you should be using most of the time.

On A Steep Downhill, Use Engine Braking Instead Of Your Brakes. Instead of using your brakes to slow your vehicle down on a steep grade, use what is known as “engine braking.” (Big-rig drivers use something similar called “jake brake“.)

General thumb rule is that if you are driving an automatic car, then irrespective of whether the engine is turned on or off- it is not recommended to drive downhill in neutral for the safety of the automatic gearbox.

Don’t ride your brakes going downhill. Sometimes you need to brake to keep from going too fast, but don’t brake unnecessarily as this can build up heat in the brake pads and rotors causing wear and warping.

So, whenever you identify a hazard, cover the brake to prepare for sudden stops or slowing. When covering the brake, be careful not to rest your foot on the brake pedal (also known as riding the brake). Riding the brake is not recommended; it will only confuse other drivers and add unnecessary wear to the brakes.