AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
WARNING! (Continued)
NOTE:
You must press and hold the brake pedal while shifting out of PARK.
This vehicle is equipped with an Ignition Park Interlock which requires the transmission to be in PARK (P) before the ignition can be turned to the OFF mode. This helps the driver avoid inadvertently leaving the vehicle without placing the transmission in PARK. This system also locks the transmis- sion in PARK whenever the ignition is in the OFF mode.
NOTE:
The transmission is NOT locked in PARK when the ignition is in the ACC mode (even though the engine will be off). Ensure that the transmission is in PARK, and the ignition is
OFF (not in ACC mode) before exiting the vehicle.
This vehicle is equipped with a Brake Transmission Shift Interlock system (BTSI) that holds the transmission gear selector in PARK unless the brakes are applied. To shift the transmission out of PARK, the engine must be running and the brake pedal must be pressed. The brake pedal must also be pressed to shift from NEUTRAL into DRIVE or REVERSE when the vehicle is stopped or moving at low speeds.
The Fuel Economy (ECO) mode can improve the vehicle's overall fuel economy during normal driving conditions. Push the “ECO” switch in the center stack of the instrument panel to activate or disable ECO mode. A light on the switch indicates when ECO mode is disabled (for regular models) or enabled (for SRT models).
Fuel Economy Mode Switch (Regular Model)
Fuel Economy Mode Switch (SRT Model)
When the Fuel Economy (ECO) Mode is engaged, the vehicle control systems will change the following:
Your vehicle is equipped with an Active Noise Cancellation System. This system uses four microphones embedded in the headliner to detect undesirable exhaust noise, which some- times occurs when operating in specific driving conditions such as ECO and Tow mode. An onboard frequency gener- ator creates counteracting sound waves through the audio system to help keep the vehicle quiet.
The transmission gear range is displayed both beside the gear selector and in the instrument cluster. To select a gear range, press the lock button on the gear selector and move the selector rearward or forward. To shift the transmission out of PARK (P), the engine must be running and the brake pedal must be pressed. You must also press the brake pedal to shift from NEUTRAL (N) into DRIVE (D) or REVERSE (R) when the vehicle is stopped or moving at low speeds. Select the DRIVE range for normal driving.
NOTE:
In the event of a mismatch between the gear selector position and the actual transmission gear (for example, driver selects PARK while driving), the position indicator will blink continuously until the selector is returned to the proper posi- tion, or the requested shift can be completed.
The electronically-controlled transmission adapts its shift schedule based on driver inputs, along with environmental and road conditions. 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 gear selector provides PARK, REVERSE, NEUTRAL, and MANUAL (M) or SPORT (S) (AutoStick)
shift positions. Manual shifts can be made using the AutoStick shift control. Toggling the gear selector forward (-) or rearward (+) while in the MANUAL or SPORT (AutoStick) position (beside the DRIVE position), or tapping the shift paddles (+/-), if equipped, will manually select the
transmission gear, and will display the current gear in the instrument cluster. Refer to "AutoStick" in this section for further information.
Gear Selector
NOTE:
If the gear selector cannot be moved to the PARK, REVERSE, or NEUTRAL position (when pushed forward), it is prob- ably in the AutoStick (+/-) position (beside the DRIVE posi- tion). In AutoStick mode, the transmission gear (1, 2, 3, etc.) is displayed in the instrument cluster. Move the gear selector to the right (into the DRIVE position) for access to PARK, REVERSE, and NEUTRAL.
Do not depress the accelerator pedal 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 exiting the vehicle in this range.
When parking on a level surface, you may shift the transmis- sion into PARK first, and then apply the parking brake.
When parking on a hill, apply the parking brake before shifting the transmission to 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.
When exiting the vehicle, always:
NOTE:
On four-wheel drive vehicles be sure that the transfer case is in a drive position.
WARNING!
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.
The following indicators should be used to ensure that you have properly engaged the transmission into the PARK posi- tion:
NOTE:
If the gear selector cannot be moved to the PARK position (when pushed forward), it is probably in the AutoStick (+/-) position (beside the DRIVE position). In AutoStick mode, the transmission gear (1, 2, 3, etc.) is displayed in the instrument cluster. Move the gear selector to the right (into the DRIVE
[D] position) for access to PARK, REVERSE, and NEUTRAL.
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. Apply the parking brake and shift the transmission into PARK if you must exit the vehicle.
DRIVE (D)
This range should be used for most city and highway driving. It provides the smoothest upshifts and downshifts, and the best fuel economy. The transmission automatically upshifts through all forward gears. The DRIVE position provides optimum driving characteristics under all normal operating conditions.
When frequent transmission shifting occurs (such as when operating the vehicle under heavy loading conditions, in hilly terrain, traveling into strong head winds, or while towing a heavy trailer), use the AutoStick shift control refer to "AutoStick" in this chapter for further information to select a lower gear. Under these conditions, using a lower gear will improve performance and extend transmission life by reducing excessive shifting and heat buildup.
During extremely cold temperatures (-22°F [-30°C] or below), transmission operation may be modified depending on engine and transmission temperature as well as vehicle speed. Normal operation will resume once the transmission temperature has risen to a suitable level.
MANUAL (M) OR SPORT (S) — IF EQUIPPED
The MANUAL (M, +/-) or SPORT (S, +/-) position (beside the DRIVE position) enables full manual control of transmis- sion shifting (also known as AutoStick mode; refer to “Auto-
Stick” in this chapter for further information. Toggling the 5
gear selector forward (-) or rearward (+) while in the
MANUAL or SPORT (AutoStick) position will manually select the transmission gear, and will display the current gear in the instrument cluster.
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 may operate only in certain gears, or may not shift at all. Vehicle performance may be severely degraded and the engine may stall. In some situations, the transmission may not re-engage if the engine is turned off and restarted. The Malfunction
Indicator Light (MIL) may be illuminated. A message in the instrument cluster will inform the driver of the more serious conditions, and indicate what actions may be necessary.
In the event of a momentary problem, the transmission can be reset to regain all forward gears by performing the following steps:
NOTE:
In cases where the instrument cluster message indicates the transmission may not re-engage after engine shutdown, perform this procedure only in a desired location (prefer- ably, at an authorized dealer).
NOTE:
Even if the transmission can be reset, we recommend that you visit an authorized dealer at your earliest possible convenience. An authorized dealer has diagnostic equip- ment to assess the condition of your transmission.
If the transmission cannot be reset, authorized dealer service is required.
When driving in hilly areas, towing a trailer, carrying a heavy load, etc., and frequent transmission shifting occurs, select TOW mode, using the rotary switch on the center console. Selecting TOW mode will improve performance and reduce the potential for transmission overheating or failure due to excessive shifting. Refer to “Selec-Track” in this chapter for further information.
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
To activate AutoStick mode, move the gear selector into the MANUAL (M) or SPORT (S) position (beside the DRIVE (D) position), or tap one of the shift paddles on the steering wheel (if equipped). Tapping the (-) shift paddle (if equipped) to enter AutoStick mode will downshift the trans- mission to the next lower gear, while tapping (+) to enter AutoStick mode will retain the current gear. The current transmission gear will be displayed in the instrument cluster. In AutoStick mode, you can use the gear selector (in the MANUAL or SPORT position), or the shift paddles (if equipped), to manually shift the transmission. Tapping the gear selector forward (-) while in the MANUAL or SPORT position, or tapping the (-) shift paddle (if equipped), will downshift the transmission to the next lower gear. Tapping the selector rearward (+) (or tapping the (+) shift paddle, if equipped) will command an upshift.
NOTE:
The shift paddles (if equipped) may be disabled (or re-enabled, as desired) using the Uconnect Programmable Settings or, in SRT models, using Drive Modes.
In AutoStick mode, the transmission will shift up or down when (+/-) is manually selected by the driver (using the gear selector, or the shift paddles, if equipped), unless an engine lugging or overspeed condition would result. It will remain in the selected gear until another upshift or downshift is chosen, except as described below.
when coming to a stop. After a stop, the driver should 5 manually upshift (+) the transmission as the vehicle is accelerated.
NOTE:
When Selec-Speed or Hill Descent Control is enabled, Auto- Stick is not active.
To disengage AutoStick, return the gear selector to the DRIVE position, or press and hold the (+) shift paddle (if equipped, and the gear selector is already in DRIVE) until "D" is once again indicated in the instrument cluster. You can shift in or out of AutoStick at any time without taking your foot off the accelerator pedal.
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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