W Mode Trans
 

I have a 2000 V70 XC AWD and a question about the usage of the "W" Mode or winter mode in the trans. The owners manual states the following:
W Winter/Wet driving mode - enhanced vehicle traction
· Mode W will only function if the gear selector is in the (D)rive position.
· Press the button at the base of the gear selector to engage/disengage this driving mode (see illustration).
· An LED in the button will light up to indicate that W is engaged and this will also be displayed in the instrument panel by the indicator lamp in the instrument panel.
· This mode may be selected for starting/moving off on slippery roads.
So If I get this correct when in the D or Drive mode at a stop engage the W Mode then the trans will take off at a lower gear , I see this and the arrow on the dash lights as its supposed to.
Now my question do I have to shift the trans to the next gear I cant its already in drive or will the tranny upshift itself thru the gears back to drive and the arrow on the dash will go out????
What happens if you engage this while the car is moving does the same happen or will the trans get damaged?
The car is great in snow we just got over a foot here in NYC and had to take the Mrs to work.
Thanks Bill '