Dumb Question...But what are these buttons for?

[cableguy11]

A bit of a stupid question, but what are these buttons for? This is my first ever automatic car (and first ever MR2).

its a rev 1 import, the buttons on the gear stick and around the gear stick area, they are:

01) its on the Gear stick it self, when you press it, light on the dash comes on saying OVR DR (or something similar)

02) Its a little red button next to the gear stick, with japanese writing next to it.

03) MANU button

04) PWR Button

I have numbered them in the attached photo. (will try to attach a photo, if it lets me)

Cheers in advance.

[Draven]

The button on the gearstick is overdrive

explained here

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Overdrive_(mechanics)

Manu

and PWR

explained here

https://carfromjapan.com/article/drivin ... matic-car/

[Draven]

PWR basically makes the transmission more responsive to throttle position,

MANU makes it a bit more like a manual you have to shift up and own the gears yourself. careful when using this if you forget you've set it.

[cableguy11]

I see, thanks for your prompt response.

Basically the MANU and PWR buttons are the ones i will not be using ever

The Over Drive sounds like a good one on the motorway.

Do you know what the little red one is for?

[Draven]

I'm pretty sure it is so you can move the gearstick out of park while the engine is off.

[Mullen]

The red one is indeed for getting it out of park with the engine off.
PWR only works when the car is up to temp and raises the shift line from 4.5 to nearly 7k revs
O/D only works at 50mph or above. Good for motorway cruising but not much else & should you need to floor it you'll really notice the difference with it on as it's sluggish.
I love power mode and pretty much leave it on all the time however it's worth noting if you accidentally trigger kick-down in the wet you'll know about it.
The gear ratios are long on these too. In PWR mode without lifting 1st gets you to 45mph, 2nd to 85 & 3rd onwards to around 137, or more likely 112mph when you'll hit the limiter.