STARTING AND OPERATING
95
up time of the engine and transmission to
achieve maximum efficiency. Engagement of
the torque converter clutch, and shifts into
EIGHTH or NINTH gear, are inhibited until the
transmission fluid is warm. Normal operation
will resume once the transmission temperature
has risen to a suitable level.
AutoStick
AutoStick is a driver-interactive transmission
feature providing manual shift control, giving
you more control of the vehicle. AutoStick
allows you to maximize engine braking,
eliminate undesirable upshifts and downshifts,
and improve overall vehicle performance. This
system can also provide you with more control
during passing, city driving, cold slippery
conditions, mountain driving, trailer towing and
many other situations.
Operation
When the gear selector is in the AutoStick
position (beside the DRIVE position), it can be
moved forward and rearward. This allows the
driver to manually select the transmission gear
being used. Moving the gear selector forward (-)
triggers a downshift, and rearward (+) an
upshift. The current gear is displayed in the
instrument cluster.
NOTE:
In AutoStick mode, the transmission will only
shift up or down when the driver moves the gear
selector rearward (+) or forward (-), except as
described below.
The transmission will automatically upshift
from FIRST to SECOND when necessary to
prevent engine overspeed.
The transmission will automatically down
-
shift as the vehicle slows (to prevent engine
lugging) and will display the current gear.
The transmission will automatically down
-
shift to FIRST or SECOND gear (depending on
model) when coming to a stop. After a stop,
the driver should manually upshift (+) the
transmission as the vehicle is accelerated.
You can start out (from a stop) in FIRST or
SECOND gear. Starting out in SECOND gear
can be helpful in snow or icy conditions. Tap
the gear selector forward or rearward to
select the desired gear after the vehicle is
brought to a stop.
If a requested downshift would cause the
engine to overspeed, that shift will not occur.
The system will ignore attempts to upshift at
too low of a vehicle speed.
Avoid using Cruise Control when AutoStick is
engaged because the transmission will not
shift automatically.
Transmission shifting will be more noticeable
when AutoStick is enabled.
The system may revert to automatic shift
mode if a fault or overheat condition is
detected.
To disengage AutoStick mode, return the gear
selector to the DRIVE position. You can shift in
or out of the AutoStick position at any time
without taking your foot off the accelerator
pedal.
WARNING!
Do not downshift for additional engine
braking on a slippery surface. The drive
wheels could lose their grip and the vehicle
could skid, causing a collision or personal
injury.
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