Maserati Grecale 2023 Automatic Transmission User Manual
Introduction
When you approach the Grecale 2023 with the key fob in your possession, the engine start system recognizes the proximity and enables you to start the engine effortlessly. With a simple push of the start button, located on the dashboard or center console, the engine roars to life, ready to power your journey.
The engine start system in the Grecale 2023 is designed to be both convenient and efficient. It eliminates the need for traditional key insertion and turning, streamlining the starting process. This feature is especially handy in situations where you want to quickly get on the road without fumbling for keys. The engine start feature in the Maserati Grecale 2023 adds a touch of modern convenience and sophistication to your driving experience. It eliminates the hassle of traditional key insertion and offers a seamless way to start the engine, allowing you to quickly get on the road and enjoy the power and performance that Maserati vehicles are known for.
Automatic Transmission
The vehicle is equipped with an electronically controlled 8-speed automatic transmission, which automatically changes gear according to the vehicle’s instantaneous usage parameters (vehicle speed, road gradient and accelerator pedal position).
It is possible to change gear manually pressing the “D/M” (Drive/Manual) button and using the shifting paddles (+/−).
The four button on the dashboard, between the two central screens, replaces the conventional mechanical lever and has no mechanical connection to the transmission. The transmission is operated by electrical actuators on the hydraulic system and all commands to the control system are transmitted by the CAN network.
The electronically-controlled transmission provides a precise shift schedule. The transmission electronics are self-calibrating, therefore the gearshift behavior could become perfect as expected after few hundreds of km.
NOTE:
Entering the car, pressing the ignition device in ON position, the engaged gear shift button LED will turn on.
CAUTION!
In order to properly use the automatic transmission, it is essential that you read through the whole chapter, so that you can understand right from the start what the correct and granted operations are. Damage to the transmission may occur if the following precautions are not observed:
- Shift into P (Park) only after the vehicle has come to a complete stop: this is the default gear mode. After engaged P (Park) it is possible set the ignition device to OFF.
Shift into or out of R (Reverse) only after the vehicle has come to a complete stop and the engine is at idle speed.
Do not shift between P (Park), R (Reverse), N (Neutral) or D (Drive) when the engine is above idle speed.
To effect any change from vehicle stop to P (Park), N (Neutral), it is necessary to keep the brake pedal fully depressed.
WARNING!
- It is dangerous to move the shift lever out of P (Park) or N (Neutral) if the engine speed is higher than idle speed. Only shift into gear when the engine is idling normally and when your foot is firmly pressing on the brake pedal.
As with all vehicles, you should never exit a vehicle while the engine is running. Before exiting a vehicle, always apply the electronic parking brake, shift the transmission into P
(Park), and turn the engine off.
When leaving the vehicle, always remove the key fob and lock your vehicle.
Do not leave the key fob in or near the vehicle.
This vehicle is equipped with a function which requires the transmission to be placed in P (Park) before the engine can be turned off. This prevents the driver from inadvertently leaving the vehicle without having placed the transmission in P (Park). This system also locks the transmission in P (Park) whenever the ignition device is in the STOP position.
Automatic Transmission Buttons
Automatic transmission is operated by four gear shift “pulse activation” buttons, located on the dashboard, between the two central screens which can have the following operating positions:
- P (Park)
R (Reverse);
N (Neutral);
D/M (Drive; Manual)
Transmission status is visible on the central bottom left part of the instrument cluster display, except in Corsa mode, where it is located in the center.
To Engage a Mode (briefly)
To select one of the operating modes, press one of the buttons previously indicated and press the brake pedal at the same time.
NOTE:
The engaged gear “pulse activation” button is also illuminated more than the other ones on the dashboard.
To engage “P” mode, driver must press the “P” button.
In order to engage “R” or “D” mode, driver have to push the related button on the dashboard.
- To engage the N (Neutral) mode from R (Reverse) or D (Drive) mode, the driver has to push the button.
Normally, to engage R (Reverse) mode, press the related button.
To pass from P (Park) mode directly to D (Drive) mode, press the brake pedal and the D (Drive) button.
Normally, to pass from R (Reverse) mode directly to D (Drive) mode and vice versa, press the related button.
The P (Park) mode can be automatically enabled by pressing the “P” button.
To exit P (Park) mode, or to pass from N (Neutral) to D (Drive) or R (Reverse) position when the car is stopped or is moving at a low speed, press the brake pedal.
CAUTION!
- DO NOT accelerate while shifting from P (Park) or N (Neutral) to another mode.
After selecting a transmission mode, wait a few seconds before accelerating. This precaution is particularly important with a cold engine.
Transmission Status on the Instrument Cluster Display
The current gear is displayed and enhanced on the instrument cluster in an area that changes according to the visualization layout:
- Central bottom left side in Classic, Evolved and Relaxed layout
Central position in Corsa mode
If the vehicle is in D (Drive) status, in M (Manual) or temporarily in manual drive mode, the gear position is indicated beside the transmission status (“D” or “M”).
- Automatic Transmission Range P (Park)
Use this position to park the vehicle. The transmission can be shifted from “P” position only with the brake pedal pressed: then push another gear shift button. To move the transmission from “P” position to any other position, the engine must be switched on or in “AutoStop” condition. The engine can be regularly started in P (Park) range. Never attempt to use P (Park) while the vehicle is in motion. When parking on a level surface, you may press the “P” button first, and then apply the electronic parking brake by pulling the trigger upwards. 
- The Instrument cluster will display the related indicator light States (United (Canadian market) or market) and the message for 5 seconds.
- United States Market
- Canadian Market
- When parking on a hill, apply the parking brake before pressing the “P” button. For enhanced security, turn the front wheels toward the kerb on a downhill and away from the kerb on an uphill grade.
WARNING!
- Never use the P (Park) mode as a substitute for the electric parking brake. Always apply the parking brake fully when parked to prevent vehicle movement and possible injury or damage.
Make sure the transmission is in P (Park) before leaving the vehicle.
CAUTION!
DO NOT race the engine when shifting from P (Park) or N (Neutral) into another gear range, as this can damage the drivetrain.
The following indicators should be used to ensure that you have engaged the transmission into the “P” position:
- When shifting into P (Park), push the “P” button on the dashboard.
•With the brake pedal released, verify that “P” position is illuminated on the instrument cluster display.
R (Reverse)
This range is used to move the vehicle backward.
Switching to R (Reverse) starting from N (Neutral) is only possible if the vehicle is moving backwards. We recommend to shift into R (Reverse) only after the vehicle has come to a complete stop.
- Vehicle stationary: switching between R (Reverse) and D (Drive) requires the action on the buttons.
Vehicle moving: the driver can switch from R (Reverse) to N (Neutral) acting on the button without pressing the brake pedal.
N (Neutral)
- Vehicle stationary and engine started: switching from N (Neutral) to P (Park) requires “P” button pressed only. Switching from N (Neutral) to R (Reverse) and/or D (Drive) requires brake pedal.
- Vehicle moving: switching from N
(Neutral) to R (Reverse) and/or D
(Drive) requires pressing the action on the button. Switching to R (Reverse) starting from N (Neutral) is only possible if the vehicle is moving backwards, while switching to D
(Drive) starting from N (Neutral) is only possible if the vehicle is moving forwards.
Set the parking brake and shift the transmission into P (Park) mode if you must leave the vehicle.
NOTE:
To move the car into tunnel washers, or to generally move with engine off, if foreseen use the “Car Wash” mode (see “Bodywork Maintenance and Cure” chapter in section “Maintenance and Care”).
WARNING!
Do not switch to N (Neutral) and/or never turn off the ignition to coast downhill. These are unsafe practices that limit driver’s response to changing traffic or road conditions.
CAUTION!
Towing the vehicle, coasting, or driving for any other reason with the transmission in N (Neutral) can result in transmission damage. See “Towing a Disabled Vehicle” in section “In an Emergency” for further information.
D (Drive)
This range should be used for most city and highway driving. It provides the smoothest upshifts and downshifts and the best fuel economy. The transmission automatically shifts up and down through all gears. The D (Drive) mode provides optimum driving characteristics under all normal operating conditions of the vehicle.
- Vehicle stationary: to switch from D
(Drive) to R (Reverse) requires brake pedal pressed and the action on the button: to reach N (Neutral) starting from D (Drive) is possible by only acting on the button.
To enable special operations while the car is moving at a low speed, such as getting out of marsh or snow, it is possible to run quickly from D (Drive) to R (Reverse), and vice versa, acting on the buttons. - Vehicle moving: switching to N (Neutral) from D (Drive) it is not necessary to press brake pedal.
- From D (Drive) selected mode it is always possible to switch to M (Manual) mode, by pressing the “D/M” button on the dashboard (see following paragraph); to return to “D” position, press again the “D/M” button. It is possible to shift from D (Drive) mode to M (Manual) mode regardless of car speed.
NOTE:
The transmission will return in D (Drive) or M (Manual) mode pressing again the “D/M” button if the transmission has been shifted in N (Neutral) or P (Park) mode in the same key cycle.
- When in D (Drive) mode, using the paddles behind the steering wheel, will cause the system to enter a temporary function and enable the manual shift mode. This range is indicated with a number that represents the current gear beside “D” letter on the cluster display. The system will then switch back to automatic mode according to time elapsed in “temporary” mode and driving conditions.
NOTE:
- To get out of “temporary” M (Manual) mode, hold the shift paddle “+”.
Holding the shift paddle “−” in “temporary” M (Manual) mode, the transmission downshifts in the lower possible for that speed.
At extremely cold temperatures (-23°F / -30°C or below), transmission may be affected by the low temperature of the engine and transmission. Normal operation will resume once the transmission temperature has risen to a normal level.
M (Manual)
This mode is obtained by pressing the D/M (Drive/Manual) button on the central tunnel twice.
In this mode, the transmission interacts with the driver in order to allow manual shift and ensure increased control of the vehicle. The current mode allows the transmission system to optimize the engine brake action, remove undesired shifting into higher and lower gears and improve the overall performance of the vehicle.
This mode allows you to shift the transmission gear forward with the “+” shift paddle or backward with “−” paddle behind the steering wheel. The current transmission gear is displayed on the instrument cluster.
- Manual mode can be activated at any time, with no need to release the brake pedal.
In M (Manual) mode, the transmission will shift up or down (+/–) if manually selected by the driver by using shift paddles on the steering wheel.
The transmission remains in the engaged gear until the driver shifts into another higher or lower gear, except in the following cases. - Lack of accelerator pedal activity will cause the transmission to revert to automatic operation. The transmission will also upshift automatically once maximum engine speed is reached.
If in SPORT and CORSA mode, the transmission will remain in the selected gear even when maximum engine speed is reached. The transmission will upshift only if enabled by the driver. Manual upshift or downshift will be maintained as long as SPORT and CORSA mode are selected, even by full stroke pedal press. - If in “M“ or in SPORT or CORSA mode, the transmission will automatically downshift as the vehicle slows to halt (to prevent engine lugging) and the current gear will display on the instrument cluster. Moving the right shift paddle “+” towards the steering wheel when stationary, will cause the vehicle to start in second gear. If the vehicle speed is too low, the system will ignore further upshifts. Avoid using speed control when the M (Manual) mode is engaged.
When the car stops in M (Manual) mode, the transmission automatically moves in (Park) mode.
Shift Paddles
The driver can change gears with the shift paddles behind the steering wheel when in D (Drive) and M (Manual) mode.
Pull the right shift paddle “+” towards the steering wheel and release it to enter the higher gear; do the same operation with the left shift paddle “−“ to enter the lower gear.
When in D (Drive) mode, by pressing “−“ paddle the transmission shifts to “D1 – D2” temporary mode (or the “Launch Control” on the TROFEO version and in CORSA mode).
Pull simultaneously both paddles to deactivate the D (Drive) temporary mode.
Gear Shift Indicator (GSI)
In order to improve fuel economy, we recommend that you shift gears when the GSI system prompts you to do so. This will help reduce fuel consumption without significantly affecting vehicle performance.
When in “M“ (Manual) or “temporary” manual mode, GSI indicates when a gear shift is needed to change gear.
NOTE:
- Pressing R (Reverse) or P (Park) button when the vehicle is running forward will display a denial message together with the R or P letter blinking on the instrument cluster.
Pressing “D/M” button when the vehicle is running rearward will display a denial message together with the D or M letter blinking on the instrument cluster.
GSI indicates when a gear shift is needed by adding one or two arrows beside the current gear on the cluster display.
- When the new gear is engaged, the GSI turns off. If the shift runs late or is not performed at all, the GSI remains lit for a few seconds then turns off. As soon as new conditions requiring further gear change occur, the GSI will illuminate again.
- NOTE:
The GSI system will only work when the transmission is set in M (Manual), except when in CORSA mode.
When in CORSA mode, a sport gear SHIFT light will help the driver understanding when shifting the gear efficiently. 
- The graphic is composed by three slots; when it is completely filled, it suggests the performance gear shift to the user.
- NOTE:
If the automatic transmission is in D
(Drive) mode, the bar will always be displayed empty. - Transmission Malfunction and Overheating Conditions
Transmission Emergency Control Transmission function is electronically monitored to detect abnormal conditions. If a condition that could result in transmission damage is detected, “Transmission Limp Home Mode” will be activated. In this situation, the transmission may operate only in certain gears, or may not shift at all. Vehicle performance may be severely degraded and the engine may stall.
In some situations, the transmission system may not re-engage if the engine is turned off and restarted.
A message in the instrument cluster will inform the driver about the more serious transmission conditions, and indicate what actions may be necessary. - Transmission Oil Over Temperature
If the transmission oil temperature exceeds the operating limit, the amber warning light illuminates on the instrument cluster 
In this case, slow down until temperature returns to normal level (the light will turn off).
If this is not sufficient, we recommend to stop the vehicle, shift the transmission in P (Park) or N (Neutral) mode and keep the engine idle until the temperature warning light turns off and the message disappears from the display. Resume driving without demanding high engine performance.
If the warning light and the related message turns on again, it is advisable to stop the vehicle, turn off the engine and wait for the engine/transmission assembly to fully cool down.
If the instrument cluster message indicates that the transmission may not re-engage after engine shutdown, perform the following procedure preferably at an Authorized Maserati Dealer.
In the event of a momentary problem, the transmission can be reset to regain all forward gears by performing the following steps.
- Stop the vehicle.
Shift the transmission into P (Park) mode, if possible. - Turn the engine off.
Wait approximately 30 seconds. - Restart the engine.
Shift the transmission into D (Drive) mode and then into the desired gear range. If the problem is no longer detected, the transmission will return to normal operation.
NOTE:
Even if the transmission can be reset, we recommend that you visit an Authorized Maserati Dealer at your earliest possible convenience, which has diagnostic equipment to determine if the problem could recur.
Transmission Manual Release of P (Park) Position
See chapter “Transmission Manual Release of P (Park) Position” in section “In an Emergency”.
FAQs
- What type of automatic transmission does the Maserati Grecale 2023 come with?
The Grecale 2023 typically comes with a high-tech automatic transmission, though this can change depending on the model and setup. - How many gears does the automatic transmission in the Grecale 2023 have?
The automatic transmission can have a variety of gear ratios. Depending on the model and engine choice, the Grecale 2023 may have transmissions with six, eight, or more gears. - Is the automatic transmission in the Grecale 2023 electronically controlled?
Yes, the Grecale 2023’s automatic transmission is typically controlled electronically, enabling precise shifting and top performance. - Does the Grecale 2023 offer manual shifting capabilities with the automatic transmission?
Yes, the Grecale 2023 might come with manual shifting features that let you choose gears by hand using paddle shifters or a gear selector. - Can I switch between different driving modes with the automatic transmission?
The Grecale 2023 might have various driving modes that modify the shift points, responsiveness, and general driving characteristics of the transmission for improved performance or fuel efficiency. - Does the automatic transmission in the Grecale 2023 adapt to driving conditions?
Yes, the Grecale 2023’s automatic transmission typically has adaptive technology, which enables it to change the responsiveness and shift patterns based on the road’s conditions and the driver’s inputs. - Is there a sport mode available in the automatic transmission?
Yes, the Grecale 2023 might have a sport mode that enhances the performance of the transmission for a sportier driving experience. - Can I tow with the automatic transmission in the Grecale 2023?
Depending on the model and engine choice, the Grecale 2023’s towing capacity and capabilities can change. For information on towing, refer to the vehicle’s specifications or get in touch with Maserati. - Does the automatic transmission have a hill-start assist feature?
The Grecale 2023 might have a hill-start assist feature that makes driving smoother and safer by preventing the car from rolling backward when it starts on an incline. - Is there an overdrive feature in the automatic transmission?
The term “overdrive” refers to a gear ratio that enhances fuel efficiency by enabling the engine to operate at a lower RPM. For better fuel efficiency, the Grecale 2023 might offer overdrive in higher gears. - Can I manually downshift gears with the automatic transmission?
The automatic transmission, like any other part of the car, may need routine maintenance, like fluid changes, to ensure peak performance and longevity. For details on recommended maintenance, refer to the owner’s manual or get in touch with Maserati. - Does the automatic transmission require regular maintenance?
Depending on the configuration, the Grecale 2023’s auto start-stop feature, which automatically turns the engine off at idle to save fuel, can typically be enabled or disabled. - Can I disable the automatic transmission’s auto start-stop feature?
The precise technique for putting the automatic transmission in drive, reverse, or park can differ. You can typically choose the desired gear by using a gear selector on the steering wheel or center console. - How do I shift the automatic transmission into park, reverse, or drive?
Always remember to adhere to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Useful Links
View Full User Guide: Maserati Grecale 2023 User Manual | Auto User Guide
Download Manuals: On-Board Owner Documentation | Maserati