AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - MODE 2 or S(SECOND)

This mode limits the transmission to the first two gear ratios, or locks the transmission in second gear on Ford, Kia, and Honda models. 

This can be used to drive in adverse conditions such as snow and ice, as well as climbing or going down hills in the winter time. 

It is usually recommended to use second gear for starting on snow and ice, and use of this position enables this with an automatic transmission. 

Some vehicles will automatically shift up out of second gear in this mode if a certain RPM range is reached in order to prevent engine damage.

Although traditionally considered second gear, there are other names used

Chrysler models with a three-speed automatic since the late 1980s have called this gear 3 while using the traditional names for Drive and Low.