Automatic transmission
CAUTION! Damage to the transmission may occur if the follow- ing precautions are not observed:
• Shift into PARK only after the vehicle has come to
a complete stop.
• Shift into or out of REVERSE only after the vehicle
has come to a complete stop and the engine is at idle speed.
(Continued)
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STARTING AND OPERATING 299
CAUTION! (Continued)
• Do not shift between PARK, REVERSE, NEU-
TRAL, or DRIVE when the engine is above idle speed.
• Before shifting into any gear, make sure your foot is firmly pressing the brake pedal.
NOTE: You MUST press and hold the brake pedal while shifting out of PARK.
WARNING!
• It is dangerous to shift out of PARK or NEUTRAL
if the engine speed is higher than idle speed. If your foot is not firmly pressing the brake pedal, the vehicle could accelerate quickly forward or in reverse. You could lose control of the vehicle and hit someone or something. Only shift into gear when the engine is idling normally and your foot is firmly pressing the brake pedal.
(Continued)
300 STARTING AND OPERATING
WARNING! (Continued)
• Unintended movement of a vehicle could injure
those in and near the vehicle. As with all vehicles, you should never exit a vehicle while the engine is running. Before exiting a vehicle, always apply the parking brake, shift the transmission into PARK, turn the engine OFF, and remove the ignition key. Once the key is removed, the transmission is locked in PARK, securing the vehicle against un- wanted movement.
• When leaving the vehicle, always remove the igni- tion key and lock your vehicle.
(Continued)
WARNING! (Continued)
• Never leave children alone in a vehicle, or with
access to an unlocked vehicle. Allowing children to be in a vehicle unattended is dangerous for a number of reasons. A child or others could be seriously or fatally injured. Children should be warned not to touch the parking brake, brake pedal or the shift lever.
• Do not leave the ignition key in or near the vehicle, or in a location accessible to children. A child could operate power windows, other controls, or move the vehicle.
Key Ignition Park Interlock
This vehicle is equipped with a Key Ignition Park Inter- lock which requires the transmission to be in PARK before the ignition switch can be turned to the LOCK
position. The key can only be removed from the ignition when the ignition is in the LOCK position, and once removed, the transmission is locked in PARK.
NOTE: If a malfunction occurs, the system will trap the key in the ignition switch to warn you that this safety feature is inoperable. The engine can be started and stopped but the key cannot be removed until you obtain service.
Brake/Transmission Shift Interlock System
This vehicle is equipped with a Brake Transmission Shift Interlock system (BTSI) that holds the shift lever in PARK unless the brakes are applied. To shift the transmission out of PARK, the ignition switch must be turned to the ON/RUN position (engine running or not) and the brake pedal must be pressed.
Four-Speed Automatic Transmission — If Equipped
The transmission gear position display (located in the instrument cluster) indicates the transmission gear range. You must press the brake pedal to move the shift lever out of PARK (refer to “Brake/Transmission Shift Inter- lock System” in this section). To drive, move the shift lever from PARK or NEUTRAL to the DRIVE position. The electronically-controlled transmission provides a precise shift schedule. The transmission electronics are self-calibrating; therefore, the first few shifts on a new vehicle may be somewhat abrupt. This is a normal condition, and precision shifts will develop within a few hundred miles (kilometers). Only shift from DRIVE to PARK or REVERSE when the accelerator pedal is released and the vehicle is stopped. Be sure to keep your foot on the brake pedal when shifting between these gears.
302 STARTING AND OPERATING
Gear Ranges
DO NOT race the engine when shifting from PARK or NEUTRAL into another gear range.
NOTE: After selecting any gear range, wait a moment to allow the selected gear to engage before accelerating. This is especially important when the engine is cold.
PARK (P)
This range supplements the parking brake by locking the transmission. The engine can be started in this range. Never attempt to use PARK while the vehicle is in motion. Apply the parking brake when leaving the vehicle in this range. When parking on a level surface, you may shift the transmission into PARK first, and then apply the parking brake. When parking on a hill, apply the parking brake before shifting the transmission to PARK, otherwise the load on
the transmission locking mechanism may make it diffi- cult to move the shift lever out of PARK. As an added precaution, turn the front wheels toward the curb on a downhill grade and away from the curb on an uphill grade.
WARNING!
• Never use the PARK position as a substitute for the
parking brake. Always apply the parking brake fully when parked to guard against vehicle move- ment and possible injury or damage.
• Your vehicle could move and injure you and others if it is not completely in PARK. Check by trying to move the shift lever out of PARK with the brake pedal released. Make sure the transmission is in PARK before leaving the vehicle.
(Continued)
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 303
WARNING! (Continued)
• It is dangerous to shift out of PARK or NEUTRAL
if the engine speed is higher than idle speed. If your foot is not firmly pressing the brake pedal, the vehicle could accelerate quickly forward or in re- verse. You could lose control of the vehicle and hit someone or something. Only shift into gear when the engine is idling normally and your foot is firmly pressing the brake pedal.
(Continued)
WARNING! (Continued)
• Unintended movement of a vehicle could injure
those in or near the vehicle. As with all vehicles, you should never exit a vehicle while the engine is running. Before exiting a vehicle, always apply the parking brake, shift the transmission into PARK, turn the engine OFF, and remove the ignition key. Once the key is removed, the transmission is locked in PARK, securing the vehicle against un- wanted movement.
(Continued)
304 STARTING AND OPERATING
WARNING! (Continued)
• When leaving the vehicle, always remove the igni-
tion key and lock your vehicle. Never leave chil- dren alone in a vehicle, or with access to an unlocked vehicle. Allowing children to be in a vehicle unattended is dangerous for a number of reasons. A child or others could be seriously or fatally injured. Children should be warned not to touch the parking brake, brake pedal or the shift lever.
• Do not leave the ignition key in or near the vehicle, or in a location accessible to children. A child could operate power windows, other controls, or move the vehicle.
CAUTION!
• Before moving the shift lever out of PARK, you must turn the ignition switch from the LOCK/OFF position to the ON/RUN position, and also press the brake pedal. Otherwise, damage to the shift lever could result.
• DO NOT race the engine when shifting from PARK or 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 PARK posi- tion: • When shifting into PARK, firmly move the shift lever all the way forward and to the left until it stops and is fully seated.
• Look at the transmission gear position display and verify that it indicates the PARK position.
• With brake pedal released, verify that the shift lever will not move out of PARK.
REVERSE (R)
This range is for moving the vehicle backward. Shift into REVERSE only after the vehicle has come to a complete stop.
NEUTRAL (N)
Use this range when the vehicle is standing for prolonged periods with the engine running. The engine may be started in this range. Apply the parking brake and shift the transmission into PARK if you must leave the vehicle.
WARNING! Do not coast in NEUTRAL and never turn off the ignition to coast down a hill. These are unsafe practices that limit your response to changing traffic or road conditions. You might lose control of the vehicle and have a collision.
CAUTION! Towing the vehicle, coasting, or driving for any other reason with the transmission in NEUTRAL can cause severe transmission damage. Refer to “Recreational Towing” in “Starting And Operating” and “Towing A Disabled Vehicle” in “What To Do In Emergencies” for further information.
DRIVE (D)
This range should be used for most city and highway driving. It provides the smoothest upshifts and down- shifts, and the best fuel economy. The transmission automatically upshifts through all forward gears. The DRIVE position provides optimum driving characteris- tics under all normal operating conditions. When frequent transmission shifting occurs (such as when operating the vehicle under heavy loading condi- tions, in hilly terrain, traveling into strong head winds, or while towing heavy trailers), select the 3 range. Under these conditions, using the 3 range will improve perfor- mance and extend transmission life by reducing exces- sive shifting and heat buildup. If the transmission temperature exceeds normal operat- ing limits, the powertrain controller will modify the DRIVE and “3” range shift points. This is done to prevent transmission damage due to overheating.
During cold temperatures, transmission operation may be modified depending on engine and transmission temperature as well as vehicle speed. This feature im- proves warm up time of the engine and transmission to achieve maximum efficiency. Engagement of the torque converter clutch is inhibited until the transmission fluid is warm (refer to the “Note” under “Torque Converter Clutch” in this section). During extremely cold tempera- tures (-16°F [-27°C] or below), operation may briefly be limited to second gear only. Normal operation will re- sume once the transmission temperature has risen to a suitable level.
DRIVE 3 (3)
This range eliminates shifts into fourth gear. The trans- mission will operate normally in first and second gear. Shifts into third may be delayed to provide second gear operation at higher speeds. Using the 3 range while operating the vehicle under heavy operating conditions will improve performance and extend transmission life by reducing excessive shifting and heat build-up. The 3 range should also be used when descending steep grades to avoid brake system distress.
LOW (L)
Use this range for engine braking when descending very steep grades. In this range, the transmission will down- shift for maximum engine braking, and upshifts will occur only to prevent engine overspeed.
Transmission Limp Home Mode
Transmission function is monitored electronically for abnormal conditions. If a condition is detected that could result in transmission damage, Transmission Limp Home Mode is activated. In this mode, the transmission remains in third gear regardless of which forward gear is selected.
PARK, REVERSE, and NEUTRAL will continue to oper- ate. The Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) may be illu- minated. Limp Home Mode allows the vehicle to be driven to an authorized dealer for service without dam- aging the transmission. In the event of a momentary problem, the transmission can be reset to regain all forward gears by performing the following steps: 1. Stop the vehicle. 2. Shift the transmission into PARK. 3. Turn the ignition switch to the OFF position. 4. Wait approximately 10 seconds. 5. Restart the engine. 6. Shift 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 recom- mend that you visit your authorized dealer at your earliest possible convenience. Your authorized dealer has diagnostic equipment to determine if the problem could recur. If the transmission cannot be reset, authorized dealer service is required.
Overdrive Operation
The automatic transmission includes an electronically controlled Overdrive (fourth gear). The transmission will automatically shift into Overdrive if the following con- ditions are present: • The shift lever is in the DRIVE position. • The transmission fluid has reached an adequate tem-
perature.
• The engine coolant has reached an adequate tempera- ture.
• Vehicle speed is sufficiently high. • The driver is not heavily pressing the accelerator.
Torque Converter Clutch
A feature designed to improve fuel economy has been included in the automatic transmission on your vehicle. A clutch within the torque converter engages automati- cally at calibrated speeds. This may result in a slightly different feeling or response during normal operation in the upper gears. When the vehicle speed drops or during some accelerations, the clutch automatically disengages.
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STARTING AND OPERATING 309
NOTE: The torque converter clutch will not engage until the transmission fluid and engine coolant are warm [usually after 1 to 3 miles (2 to 5 km) of driving]. Because the engine speed is higher when the torque converter clutch is not engaged, it may seem as if the transmission is not shifting into Overdrive when cold. This is normal. Shifting between the DRIVE and 3 ranges, when the transmission is sufficiently warm, will demonstrate that the transmission is able to shift into and out of Overdrive.
Six-Speed Automatic Transmission (62TE) — If Equipped
The transmission gear position display (located in the instrument cluster) indicates the transmission gear range. You must press the brake pedal to move the shift lever out of PARK (refer to “Brake/Transmission Shift Inter- lock System” in this section). To drive, move the shift lever from PARK or NEUTRAL to the DRIVE position.
The electronically-controlled transmission provides a precise shift schedule. The transmission electronics are self-calibrating; therefore, the first few shifts on a new vehicle may be somewhat abrupt. This is a normal condition, and precision shifts will develop within a few hundred miles (kilometers). Only shift from DRIVE to PARK or REVERSE when the accelerator pedal is released and the vehicle is stopped. Be sure to keep your foot on the brake pedal when shifting between these gears. The transmission shift lever has PARK, REVERSE, NEU- TRAL, DRIVE, and AutoStick® shift positions. Manual shifts can be made using the AutoStick® shift control (refer to “AutoStick®” in this section for further informa- tion). Moving the shift lever into the AutoStick® position (below the Drive position) activates AutoStick® mode, providing manual shift control and displaying the cur- rent gear in the instrument cluster.
310 STARTING AND OPERATING
Gear Ranges
DO NOT race the engine when shifting from PARK or NEUTRAL into another gear range.
NOTE: After selecting any gear range, wait a moment to allow the selected gear to engage before accelerating. This is especially important when the engine is cold.
PARK (P)
This range supplements the parking brake by locking the transmission. The engine can be started in this range. Never attempt to use PARK while the vehicle is in motion. Apply the parking brake when leaving the vehicle in this range. When parking on a level surface, you may shift the transmission into PARK first, and then apply the parking brake. When parking on a hill, apply the parking brake before shifting the transmission to PARK, otherwise the load on the transmission locking mechanism may make it diffi- cult to move the shift lever out of PARK. As an added precaution, turn the front wheels toward the curb on a downhill grade and away from the curb on an uphill grade.
Shift Lever
WARNING!
• Never use the PARK position as a substitute for the parking brake. Always apply the parking brake fully when parked to guard against vehicle move- ment and possible injury or damage.
• Your vehicle could move and injure you and others if it is not completely in PARK. Check by trying to move the shift lever out of PARK with the brake pedal released. Make sure the transmission is in PARK before leaving the vehicle.
• It is dangerous to shift out of PARK or NEUTRAL
if the engine speed is higher than idle speed. If your foot is not firmly pressing the brake pedal, the vehicle could accelerate quickly forward or in re- verse. You could lose control of the vehicle and hit someone or something. Only shift into gear when the engine is idling normally and your foot is firmly pressing the brake pedal.
• Unintended movement of a vehicle could injure those in or near the vehicle. As with all vehicles, you should never exit a vehicle while the engine is running. Before exiting a vehicle, always apply the parking brake, shift the transmission into PARK, turn the engine OFF, and remove the ignition key. Once the key is removed, the transmission is locked in PARK, securing the vehicle against un- wanted movement.
• When leaving the vehicle, always remove the igni- tion key and lock your vehicle. Never leave chil- dren alone in a vehicle, or with access to an unlocked vehicle. Allowing children to be in a vehicle unattended is dangerous for a number of reasons. A child or others could be seriously or fatally injured. Children should be warned not to touch the parking brake, brake pedal or the shift lever.
• Do not leave the ignition key in or near the vehicle, or in a location accessible to children. A child could operate power windows, other controls, or move the vehicle.
CAUTION!
• Before moving the shift lever out of PARK, you must turn the ignition switch from the LOCK/OFF position to the ON/RUN position, and also press the brake pedal. Otherwise, damage to the shift lever could result.
• DO NOT race the engine when shifting from PARK or 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 PARK posi- tion: • When shifting into PARK, firmly move the shift lever
all the way forward and to the left until it stops and is fully seated.
• Look at the transmission gear position display and verify that it indicates the PARK position.
• With brake pedal released, verify that the shift lever will not move out of PARK.
REVERSE (R)
This range is for moving the vehicle backward. Shift into REVERSE only after the vehicle has come to a complete stop.
NEUTRAL (N)
Use this range when the vehicle is standing for prolonged periods with the engine running. The engine may be started in this range. Apply the parking brake and shift the transmission into PARK if you must leave the vehicle.
WARNING! Do not coast in NEUTRAL and never turn off the ignition to coast down a hill. These are unsafe practices that limit your response to changing traffic or road conditions. You might lose control of the vehicle and have a collision.
CAUTION! Towing the vehicle, coasting, or driving for any other reason with the transmission in NEUTRAL can cause severe transmission damage. Refer to “Recreational Towing” in “Starting And Operating” and “Towing A Disabled Vehicle” in “What To Do In Emergencies” for further information.
DRIVE (D)
This range should be used for most city and highway driving. It provides the smoothest upshifts and down- shifts, and the best fuel economy. The transmission automatically upshifts through all forward gears. The DRIVE position provides optimum driving characteris- tics under all normal operating conditions. When frequent transmission shifting occurs (such as when operating the vehicle under heavy loading condi- tions, in hilly terrain, traveling into strong head winds, or while towing heavy trailers), use the AutoStick® shift control (refer to “AutoStick®” in this section for further information) to select a lower gear. Under these condi- tions, using a lower gear will improve performance and extend transmission life by reducing excessive shifting and heat buildup.
During cold temperatures, transmission operation may be modified depending on engine and transmission temperature as well as vehicle speed. This feature im- proves warm up time of the engine and transmission to achieve maximum efficiency. Engagement of the torque converter clutch is inhibited until the transmission fluid is warm (refer to the “Note” under “Torque Converter Clutch” in this section). During extremely cold tempera- tures (-16°F [-27°C] or below), operation may briefly be limited to third gear only. Normal operation will resume once the transmission temperature has risen to a suitable level.
Transmission Limp Home Mode
Transmission function is monitored electronically for abnormal conditions. If a condition is detected that could result in transmission damage, Transmission Limp Home Mode is activated. In this mode, the transmission remains in third gear regardless of which forward gear is selected.
PARK, REVERSE, and NEUTRAL will continue to oper- ate. The Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) may be illu- minated. Limp Home Mode allows the vehicle to be driven to an authorized dealer for service without dam- aging the transmission. In the event of a momentary problem, the transmission can be reset to regain all forward gears by performing the following steps: 1. Stop the vehicle. 2. Shift the transmission into PARK. 3. Turn the ignition switch to the OFF position. 4. Wait approximately 10 seconds. 5. Restart the engine. 6. Shift 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 recom- mend that you visit your authorized dealer at your earliest possible convenience. Your authorized dealer has diagnostic equipment to determine if the problem could recur. If the transmission cannot be reset, authorized dealer service is required.
Overdrive Operation
The automatic transmission includes an electronically controlled Overdrive (sixth gear). The transmission will automatically shift into Overdrive if the following con- ditions are present: • The shift lever is in the DRIVE position. • The transmission fluid has reached an adequate temperature.
• The engine coolant has reached an adequate tempera- ture.
• The vehicle speed is sufficiently high.
• The driver is not heavily pressing the accelerator.
Torque Converter Clutch
A feature designed to improve fuel economy has been included in the automatic transmission on your vehicle. A clutch within the torque converter engages automati- cally at calibrated speeds. This may result in a slightly different feeling or response during normal operation in the upper gears. When the vehicle speed drops or during some accelerations, the clutch automatically disengages.
NOTE: The torque converter clutch will not engage until the transmission fluid and engine coolant are warm (usually after 1 to 3 miles [2 to 5 km] of driving). Because the engine speed is higher when the torque converter clutch is not engaged, it may seem as if the transmission is not shifting into Overdrive when cold. This is normal. Using the AutoStick® shift control, when the transmis- sion is sufficiently warm, will demonstrate that the transmission is able to shift into and out of Overdrive.
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