Gearbox modes?

[Nick]

I've got a Honda Civic EX, 1997, stock. Nothing special about it, but it's not riced out :) I'm just learning to drive now, and I've got a question...

Near the shifter, it's labeled

P
N
R
D4
D3
2

I know what the first 4 stand for, thankfully :p However, I haven't a clue of what D3 or 2 does, and I don't have the manual from the car, as I'm the third owner. Can anyone help me out with this? :)

[DR2000]

It usually means that the car will not shift above that gear. Could be used for getting uphill, or downhill, and such.

Also sometimes on automatics computer still shifts you, so I think it will try to stay under that gear, but it's not guaranteed.

[tigeraid]

D4 engages overdrive, D3 does not...

i.e. if you leave the shifter in D3, you will come off the line 1st, 2nd, and then 3rd, and stay there

if you leave the shifter in D4, you will come off the line 1st, 2nd, 3rd, then overdive

if you leave the shifter in 2, if it's anything like my crappy old Honda's was, it will start in 1st then shift to 2nd and stay there. Useful for towing, though I don't what in god's name is light enough for a Honda Civic to tow.