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)
CAUTION! (Continued)
Do not shift from REVERSE, PARK, or NEUTRAL
into any forward gear when the engine is above idle speed.
Before shifting into any gear, make sure your foot is firmly on the brake pedal.
WARNING! It is dangerous to move the shift lever out of PARK or NEUTRAL if the engine speed is higher than idle speed. If your foot is not firmly on 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 when your right foot is firmly on the brake pedal.
Key Ignition Park Interlock
This vehicle is equipped with a Key Ignition Park Inter- lock which requires the shift lever to be placed in PARK prior to turning the key fob to the LOCK position. The key fob can only be removed from the ignition switch when the ignition is in the LOCK position. Once the key fob is removed, the shift lever is locked in PARK.
Brake/Transmission Shift Interlock System
This vehicle is equipped with a Brake Transmission Shift Interlock System (BTSI) that holds the shift lever in the PARK position when the ignition switch is in the LOCK position. To move the shift lever out of the PARK position, the ignition switch must be turned to any other switch position (ACC, ON, or START) (engine running or not) and the brake pedal must be pressed.
Four–Speed Automatic Transmission – If Equipped NOTE: Under extremely cold temperatures (-6°F (-21°C) and when in DRIVE, transmission operation may be briefly limited to only second gear operation. Normal operation will resume once the transmission temperature has risen to a suitable level. Shifting from DRIVE to PARK or REVERSE should be done only after the accelerator pedal is released and the vehicle is stopped. Be sure to keep your foot on the brake when moving the shift lever between these gears.
Gear Ranges
Do not race the engine when shifting from PARK or NEUTRAL position into another gear range.
PARK
This range supplements the parking brake by locking the transmission. The engine can be started in this range. Never use PARK while the vehicle is in motion. Apply the parking brake when leaving the vehicle in this range. Always apply the parking brake first, then place the shift lever in the PARK position.
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 movement and possible injury or damage.
It is dangerous to move the shift lever out of PARK or NEUTRAL if the engine speed is higher than idle speed. If your foot is not firmly on 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 when your right foot is firmly on the brake pedal.
(Continued)
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, you should always shift the transmission into PARK, remove the key fob from the ignition, and apply the parking brake. Once the key fob is removed from the ignition, the shift lever is locked in the PARK position, securing the vehicle against unwanted movement. Furthermore, you should never leave unattended children inside a vehicle.
REVERSE
This range is for moving the vehicle rearward. Use this range only after the vehicle has come to a complete stop.
NEUTRAL
This range is used when the vehicle is standing for prolonged periods with the engine running. The engine may be started in this range. Set the parking brake and shift the transmission into PARK if you must leave the vehicle.
NOTE: Towing the vehicle, coasting, or driving for any other reason with shift lever in NEUTRAL can result in severe transmission damage. Refer to “Recreational Tow- ing” in “Starting and Operating” and “Towing a Disabled Vehicle” in “What To Do In Emergencies” for further information.
DRIVE
This range is for most city and highway driving.
Overdrive Operation
The Overdrive automatic transmission contains an elec- tronically controlled fourth gear (OVERDRIVE). The
transmission will automatically shift from third gear to OVERDRIVE if the following conditions are present: • the shift lever is in DRIVE • the engine coolant has reached normal operating tem-
perature • vehicle speed is above approximately 30 mph
(48 km/h) • the TOW/HAUL switch has not been activated • the transmission has reached normal operating
temperature
NOTE: If the vehicle is started in extremely cold tem- peratures, the transmission may not shift into OVER- DRIVE and will automatically select the most desirable gear for operation at this temperature. Normal operation will resume when the transmission fluid temperature has risen to a suitable level.
If the transmission temperature gets extremely hot, the transmission will automatically select the most desirable gear for operation at this temperature. If the transmission temperature becomes hot enough, the “Transmission Temperature Warning Light” may illuminate and the transmission may downshift out of OVERDRIVE until the transmission cools down. After the transmission cools down, the transmission will resume normal operation. The transmission will downshift from OVERDRIVE to DRIVE if the accelerator pedal is fully pressed at vehicle speeds above approximately 35 mph (56 km/h).
When To Use TOW/HAUL Mode
When driving in hilly areas, towing a trailer, carrying a heavy load, etc., and frequent transmission shifting oc- curs, press the TOW/HAUL switch. This will improve performance and reduce the potential for transmission overheating or failure due to excessive shifting. When
operating in TOW/HAUL mode, the transmission will shift to third gear and fourth gear will be enabled under steady cruise conditions.
The “TOW/HAUL Indicator Light” will illuminate in the instrument cluster to indicate when the switch has been activated. Pressing the switch a second time restores
normal operation. If the TOW/HAUL mode is desired, the switch must be pressed each time the engine is started.
Transmission Limp Home Mode
Transmission function is monitored for abnormal condi- tions. If a condition is detected that could result in transmission damage, the Transmission Limp Home Mode will be engaged. In this mode, the transmission will operate (when in DRIVE) in second gear only. To reset the transmission, use the following procedure: 1. Stop the vehicle. 2. Move the shift lever to the PARK position. 3. Turn OFF the engine and be sure to turn the key fob to the LOCK position. 4. Wait approximately 10 seconds, then restart the en- gine.
TOW/HAUL Switch
5. Move the shift lever to the desired gear range. If the problem is no longer detected, the transmission will return to normal operation. If the problem persists, PARK, REVERSE, and NEUTRAL will continue to oper- ate. Only second gear will operate in the DRIVE position. Have the transmission checked at your authorized dealer as soon as possible.
Torque Converter Clutch
A feature designed to improve fuel economy has been added to the automatic transmission of this vehicle. A clutch within the torque converter engages automatically at calibrated speeds. This may result in a slightly differ- ent feeling or response during normal operation in high gear. When the vehicle speed drops or during accelera- tion, the clutch automatically and smoothly disengages.
Five–Speed Automatic Transmission – If Equipped
The shift lever display located in the instrument panel cluster indicates the transmission gear range. The shift lever is mounted either on the right side of the steering column (if equipped) or on the floor console (if equipped). You must press the brake pedal to move the shift lever out of the PARK position. To drive, move the shift lever from PARK or NEUTRAL to the DRIVE position. Pull the shift lever toward you when shifting into REVERSE or PARK, or when shifting out of PARK (Column Shift Only).
Electronic Range Select (ERS) Operation
The Electronic Range Select (ERS) shift control allows you to limit the highest available gear when the shift lever is in the DRIVE position. Move the console shift lever left (-) or right (+), or toggle the switch on the column shift lever down (-) or up (+) to select the desired top gear. For example, if the driver shifts the transmission
into 3 (third gear), the transmission will never shift above third gear, but can shift down to 2 (second gear) or 1 (first gear), when needed.
On vehicles equipped with 4.7L or 5.7L engines, use of ERS (or TOW/HAUL mode) also enables an additional underdrive gear which is not normally used during through-gear accelerations. This additional gear im- proves vehicle performance and cooling capability when towing a trailer on certain grades. In ERS mode, first
Column Shift Lever
Console Shift Lever
through third gear are underdrive gears, and fourth gear is direct drive. ERS fifth gear (Overdrive) is the same as the normal fourth gear. When in the DRIVE position in first through fourth gear, the first tap down (-), will display the ERS designation for the current gear (the transmission will not downshift). For example, if you are in DRIVE and are in third (direct) gear, when you tap the shift lever/switch one time in the (-) direction, the display will show 4 (ERS 4 is direct gear). Another tap down (-) will shift the transmission down to ERS 3 (the added underdrive gear). When in the DRIVE position in fifth gear, the first tap down (-) will downshift the transmission and display 5 (ERS 5 is the same as normal fourth gear). Another tap down (-) will shift the transmission down to ERS 4 (direct gear). To exit ERS mode, press and hold the shift lever/switch in the (+) position until “D” is once again highlighted in the instrument cluster display.
WARNING! Do not downshift for additional engine braking on a slippery surface. The drive wheels could lose their grip and the vehicle could skid.
| Screen Display | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | *5 | D |
| Actual Gear(s) Allowed |
1 | 1-2 | 1-3 | 1-4 | 1-5 | 1-5 |
* Applies to vehicles equipped with 4.7L and 5.7L engines only.
NOTE: To select the proper gear position for maximum deceleration (engine braking), hold the shift lever/switch in the (-) position continuously while braking. The trans- mission will shift to the range from which the vehicle can best be slowed down.
Gear Ranges
Do not race the engine when shifting from PARK or NEUTRAL position into another gear range.
PARK
This range supplements the parking brake by locking the transmission. The engine can be started in this range. Never use PARK while the vehicle is in motion. Apply the parking brake when leaving the vehicle in this range. Always apply the parking brake first, then place the shift lever in the PARK position. On four-wheel drive vehicles, be sure that the transfer case is in a DRIVE position.
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 movement and possible injury or damage.
(Continued)
WARNING! (Continued)
Your vehicle could move and injure you and others
if it is not completely in PARK. Check by trying to move the shift lever back and forth without first pulling it toward you after you have set it in PARK. Make sure it is in PARK before leaving the vehicle.
It is dangerous to move the shift lever out of PARK or NEUTRAL if the engine speed is higher than idle speed. If your foot is not firmly on 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 when your foot is firmly on the brake pedal.
(Continued)
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, you should always shift the transmission into PARK, remove the key fob from the ignition, and apply the parking brake. Once the key fob is removed from the ignition, the shift lever is locked in the PARK position, securing the vehicle against unwanted movement. Furthermore, you should never leave unattended children inside a vehicle.
REVERSE
This range is for moving the vehicle rearward. Use this range only after the vehicle has come to a complete stop.
NEUTRAL
This range is for when the vehicle is standing for pro- longed periods with the engine running. The engine may be started in this range. Set the parking brake and shift the transmission into PARK if you must leave the vehicle.
DRIVE
This range provides all forward gears, including third gear direct and fourth or fifth gear overdrive (Refer to Overdrive Operation). Use this range for most city and highway driving.
Overdrive Operation
The Overdrive automatic transmission contains an elec- tronically controlled fourth and fifth gear (Overdrive). The transmission will automatically shift from DRIVE to Overdrive if the following conditions are present: • the shift lever is in DRIVE; • the engine coolant (antifreeze) has reached normal
operating temperature; • vehicle speed is above approximately 30 mph
(48 km/h); • the TOW/HAUL switch has not been activated; • transmission has reached normal operating
temperature.
NOTE: If the vehicle is started in extremely cold tem- peratures, the transmission may not shift into Overdrive and will automatically select the most desirable gear for
operation at this temperature. Normal operation will resume when the transmission fluid temperature has risen to a suitable level. If the transmission temperature gets extremely hot, the transmission will automatically select the most desirable gear for operation at this temperature. If the transmission temperature becomes hot enough, the “Transmission Temperature Warning Light” may illuminate and the transmission may downshift out of Overdrive until the transmission cools down. After cool down, the transmis- sion will resume normal operation. The transmission will downshift from Overdrive to DRIVE if the accelerator pedal is fully pressed at vehicle speeds above approximately 35 mph (56 km/h).
When To Use TOW/HAUL Mode
When driving in hilly areas, towing a trailer, carrying a heavy load, etc., and frequent transmission shifting oc- curs, press the TOW/HAUL switch. This will improve
performance and reduce the potential for transmission overheating or failure due to excessive shifting. When operating in the TOW/HAUL mode, fifth gear is dis- abled and 2-3 and 3-4 shift patterns are modified.
Shifts into Overdrive (fourth gear) are allowed during steady cruise (for improved fuel economy) and automatic
closed-throttle downshifts to third gear are performed (for improved braking) when driving conditions warrant. The “TOW/HAUL Indicator Light” will illuminate in the instrument cluster to indicate when the switch has been activated. Pressing the switch a second time restores normal operation. If the TOW/HAUL mode is desired, the button must be pressed each time the engine is started.
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 acceleration when the transmission downshifts to second gear, the clutch automatically disengages.
TOW/HAUL Switch
NOTE:
The torque converter clutch will not engage until the
transmission fluid and engine coolant (antifreeze) are warm [usually after 1 to 3 miles (1.6 to 4.8 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. Pressing the TOW/HAUL switch when the transmission is sufficiently warm will dem- onstrate that the transmission is able to shift into and out of Overdrive.
If the vehicle has not been driven in several days, the first few seconds of operation after shifting the trans- mission into gear may seem sluggish. This is due to the fluid partially draining from the torque converter into the transmission. This condition is normal and will not cause damage to the transmission. The torque con- verter will refill within five seconds after starting the engine.
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