# Gear selector **URL:** \ **Category:** General Discussion\ **Tags:** pontiac, g6\ **Created:** [March 25, 2025, 1:06am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/gear-selector/199601 "2025-03-25T01:06:50Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 2\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![titchenellsteven\_193245](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/ea666f/32.png) [@titchenellsteven\_193245](https://community.cartalk.com/u/titchenellsteven_193245)\ **Post date:** [March 25, 2025, 1:06am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/gear-selector/199601/1 "2025-03-25T01:06:50Z")
The gear selector on my Pontiac G6 GT sedan says “P, R, N, D, 3, L” Is L the same as 1st or 2nd"? ---
**Author:** ![davesmopar](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/davesmopar/32/41750_2.png) [@davesmopar](https://community.cartalk.com/u/davesmopar)\ **Post date:** [March 25, 2025, 5:17am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/gear-selector/199601/2 "2025-03-25T05:17:16Z")
Generally “L” means 1st gear and will not shift into 2nd or above depending on the programming of the TCM/ECM.. It is never used under normal circumstances, just not needed… More so if you are trying to control the power to the wheels at a very slow speed, like in mud, snow, and or very steep hill both up or down… Just be very careful using L as gaining speed also means the RPM’s are climbing fast also, and sustained high RPM’s can quickly overheat the engine and transmission fluid causing damage to either or… Best to let the auto in automatic do it’s job…