AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
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WARNING! |
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Never use the PARK position as a substi- tute for the parking brake. Always apply the parking brake fully when exiting the vehicle to guard against vehicle movement and possible injury or damage.
Your vehicle could move and injure you and others if it is not in PARK. Check by trying to move the transmission gear selector out of PARK with the brake pedal released. Make sure the transmission is in PARK before exiting the vehicle.
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WARNING! |
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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 come to a complete stop, then apply the parking brake, shift the transmission into PARK, and turn the igni- tion OFF. When the ignition is in the OFF mode, the transmission is locked in PARK, securing the vehicle against unwanted movement.
When exiting the vehicle, always make sure the ignition is in the OFF mode, remove the key fob from the vehicle, and lock the vehicle.
Never leave children alone in a vehicle, or with access to an unlocked vehicle. Allowing children to be in a vehicle unat- tended 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 transmission gear selector.
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You must press and hold the brake pedal while shifting out of PARK.
Ignition Park Interlock
This vehicle is equipped with an Ignition Park Interlock which requires the transmission to be in PARK before the ignition can be turned to the OFF mode. This helps the driver avoid inadver- tently leaving the vehicle without placing the transmission in PARK. This system also locks the transmission in PARK whenever the ignition is in the OFF mode.
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 Transmis- sion 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 transmission is controlled using a rotary electronic gear selector located on the instru- ment panel. The transmission gear range (PRND) is displayed both above the gear selector and in the instrument cluster. To select a gear range, simply rotate the gear selector. You must press the brake pedal to shift the transmission out of PARK (or NEUTRAL, when the vehicle is stopped or moving at low speeds). To shift past multiple gear ranges at once (such as PARK to DRIVE), simply rotate the gear selector to the appropriate detent. Select the DRIVE range for normal driving.
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 continu- ously until the selector is returned to the proper position, 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 (kilome- ters).
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 has only PARK, REVERSE, NEUTRAL, and DRIVE positions.
Manual downshifts can be made using the Elec- tronic Range Select (ERS) shift control. Pressing the GEAR -/GEAR + switches (on the steering wheel) while in the DRIVE position will select the highest available transmission gear, and will display that gear limit in the instrument cluster as 1, 2, 3, etc. Refer to “Electronic Range Select (ERS) Operation” in this section for further infor- mation. Some models will display both the selected gear limit, and the actual current gear, while in ERS mode.
Electronic Transmission Gear Selector
Do not depress the accelerator pedal when 5 shifting from PARK or NEUTRAL into another gear range.
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.
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 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. As an added precaution, turn the front wheels toward the curb on a downhill grade and away from the curb on an uphill grade.
On four-wheel drive vehicles be sure that the transfer case is in a drive position.
When exiting the vehicle, always:
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WARNING! |
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Do not leave the key fob in or near the vehicle (or in a location accessible to chil- dren), and do not leave the ignition in the ACC or ON/RUN mode. A child could operate power windows, other controls, or move the vehicle.
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CAUTION! |
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DO NOT race the engine when shifting from PARK or NEUTRAL into another gear range, as this can damage the drivetrain.
Before moving the transmission gear selector out of PARK, you must start the engine, and also press the brake pedal. Otherwise, damage to the gear selector could result.
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The following indicators should be used to ensure that you have properly engaged the transmission into the PARK position:
This range is for moving the vehicle backward. Shift into REVERSE only after the vehicle has come to a complete stop.
Use this range when the vehicle is standing for prolonged periods with the engine running.
Apply the parking brake and shift the transmis- sion into PARK if you must exit the vehicle.
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WARNING! |
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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. |
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CAUTION! |
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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 “In Case Of Emergency” for further information. |
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 characteris- tics 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 5 heavy trailer), select TOW/HAUL mode or use the Electronic Range Select (ERS) shift control refer to "Electronic Range Select [ERS] Opera- tion" in this section for further information to select a lower gear range. Under these condi- tions, using a lower gear range 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 transmis- sion temperature as well as vehicle speed.
Normal operation will resume once the trans- mission temperature has risen to a suitable level. Transmission Limp Home Mode Transmission function is monitored electroni- cally for abnormal conditions. If a condition is detected that could result in transmission damage, Transmission Limp Home Mode is acti- vated. 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 illumi- nated. 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 trans- mission can be reset to regain all forward gears by performing the following steps:
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 (preferably, at an authorized dealer).
Even if the transmission can be reset, we recommend that you visit an authorized dealer at your earliest possible convenience. An autho- rized dealer has diagnostic equipment to assess the condition of your transmission.
If the transmission cannot be reset, authorized dealer service is required.
Electronic Range Select (ERS) Operation The Electronic Range Select (ERS) shift control allows the driver to limit the highest available gear when the transmission is in DRIVE. For example, if you set the transmission gear limit to 4 (FOURTH gear), the transmission will not shift above FOURTH gear (except to prevent engine overspeed), but will shift through the lower gears normally.
You can switch between DRIVE and ERS mode at any vehicle speed. When the transmission gear selector is in DRIVE, the transmission will operate automatically, shifting between all available gears. Tapping the GEAR – switch (on the steering wheel) will activate ERS mode, display the current gear in the instrument cluster, and set that gear as the top available gear. Once in ERS mode, tapping the GEAR – or GEAR + switch will change the top available gear.
ERS Control
1 — GEAR + Switch
2 — GEAR – Switch
To exit ERS mode, simply push and hold the GEAR + switch until the gear limit display disap- pears from the instrument cluster.
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WARNING! |
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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. |
When driving in hilly areas, towing a trailer, carrying a heavy load, etc., and frequent trans- mission shifting occurs, push the TOW/HAUL switch to activate TOW/HAUL mode. This will improve performance and reduce the potential for transmission overheating or failure due to excessive shifting.
TOW/HAUL Switch
The “TOW/HAUL Indicator Light” will illuminate in the instrument cluster to indicate that TOW/ HAUL mode has been activated. Pushing the switch a second time restores normal opera- tion. Normal operation is always the default at engine start-up. If TOW/HAUL mode is desired, the switch must be pushed each time the engine is started.
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WARNING! |
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Do not use the “TOW/HAUL” feature when driving in icy or slippery conditions. The increased engine braking can cause the rear wheels to slide, and the vehicle to swing around with the possible loss of vehicle control, which may cause an accident possibly resulting in personal injury or death. |
Pickup models may use either AS69RC trans- mission, or the 68RFE transmission (which has no PTO access cover).
The transmission gear position display (located in the instrument cluster) indicates the trans- mission gear range. The gear selector is mounted on the right side of the steering column. You must press the brake pedal to move the gear selector out of PARK refer to “Brake/Transmission Shift Interlock System” in 5 this section. To drive, move the gear selector from PARK or NEUTRAL to the DRIVE position. Pull the gear selector toward you when shifting into REVERSE or PARK, or when shifting out of PARK.
The electronically-controlled transmission provides a precise shift schedule. The transmis- sion 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 has only PARK, REVERSE, NEUTRAL, and DRIVE shift positions. Manual downshifts can be made using the Elec- tronic Range Select (ERS) shift control. Pressing the ERS (-/+) switches (on the steering wheel) while in the DRIVE position will select the highest available transmission gear, and will display that gear limit in the instrument cluster as 1, 2, 3, etc. Refer to "Electronic Range Select (ERS) Operation" in this section for further infor- mation. Some models will display both the selected gear limit, and the actual current gear, while in ERS mode.
Do not depress the accelerator pedal when shifting from PARK or NEUTRAL into another gear range.
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.
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 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, other- wise the load on the transmission locking mech- anism may make it difficult to move the gear selector 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.
- When exiting the vehicle, always:
- Apply the parking brake.
- Shift the transmission into PARK.
- Turn the engine OFF.
- Remove the key fob.
On four-wheel drive vehicles be sure that the transfer case is in a drive position.
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CAUTION! |
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DO NOT race the engine when shifting from PARK or NEUTRAL into another gear range, as this can damage the drivetrain.
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CAUTION! |
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Before moving the transmission gear selector out of PARK, you must turn the igni- tion to the ON/RUN mode, and also press the brake pedal. Otherwise, damage to the gear selector could result.
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The following indicators should be used to ensure that you have properly engaged the transmission into the PARK position:
This range is for moving the vehicle backward. Shift into REVERSE only after the vehicle has come to a complete stop.
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 exit the vehicle.
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WARNING! |
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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. |
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CAUTION! |
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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 “In Case Of Emergency” for further information. |
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 underdrive first, second, and third gears, direct fourth gear and overdrive fifth and sixth 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, trav- eling into strong head winds, or while towing a heavy trailer), use the Electronic Range Select (ERS) shift control refer to “Electronic Range Select (ERS) Operation” in this section for further information to select a lower gear range. Under these conditions, using a lower gear range will improve performance and extend transmission life by reducing excessive shifting and heat buildup.
If the transmission temperature exceeds normal operating limits, the powertrain controller will modify the transmission shift schedule and expand the range of torque converter clutch engagement. This is done to prevent transmission damage due to over- heating.
If the transmission becomes extremely hot or is in danger of overheating, the “Transmission Temperature Warning Light” may illuminate and the transmission may operate differently until the transmission cools down.
Use caution when operating a heavily loaded vehicle at low speeds (such as towing a trailer up a steep grade, or in stop-and-go traffic) during hot weather. In these conditions, torque converter slip can impose a significant addi- tional heat load on the cooling system. Down- shifting the transmission to the lowest possible gear (when climbing a grade), or shifting to NEUTRAL (when stopped in heavy traffic) can help to reduce this excess heat generation.
During cold temperatures, transmission opera- tion may be modified depending on engine and transmission temperature as well as vehicle speed. This feature improves warm up time of the engine and transmission to achieve maximum efficiency. Engagement of the torque converter clutch is inhibited until the transmis- sion fluid is warm refer to the “Note” under “Torque Converter Clutch” in this section. On Pickup models with 68RFE transmission, top overdrive gear is also inhibited until the trans- mission fluid is warm, and during extremely cold temperatures (-16°F [-27°C] or below), opera- tion may briefly be limited to first and direct gears only. On trucks with AS69RC transmis- sion, fifth and sixth gears may be inhibited briefly on cold starts below 41°F (5°C), and during very cold temperatures (-4°F [-20°C] or below), operation may briefly be limited to third gear only. During this condition, the ability of the vehicle to accelerate under heavily loaded conditions may be reduced. In all cases, normal operation will resume once the transmission temperature has risen to a suitable level.
Transmission Limp Home Mode Transmission function is monitored electroni- cally for abnormal conditions. If a condition is detected that could result in transmission damage, Transmission Limp Home Mode is acti- vated. In this mode, the transmission remains in fourth gear (for 68RFE transmission) or third gear (for AS69RC transmission) regardless of which forward gear is selected. If an AS69RC-equipped truck enters Limp Home Mode at highway speeds, it will initially engage fifth gear, until the vehicle slows to a speed where third gear can be engaged. PARK, REVERSE, and NEUTRAL will continue to operate. The Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) may be illuminated. Limp Home Mode allows the vehicle to be driven to an authorized dealer for service without damaging the transmission.
In the event of a momentary problem, the trans- mission can be reset to regain all forward gears by performing the following steps:
Even if the transmission can be reset, we recommend that you visit your authorized dealer at your earliest possible convenience. Your authorized dealer has diagnostic equip- ment to assess the condition of your transmis- sion.
If the transmission cannot be reset, authorized dealer service is required.
Electronic Range Select (ERS) Operation The Electronic Range Select (ERS) shift control allows the driver to limit the highest available gear when the transmission is in DRIVE. For example, if you set the transmission gear limit to 4 (FOURTH gear), the transmission will not shift above FOURTH gear, but will shift through the lower gears normally.
You can switch between DRIVE and ERS mode at any vehicle speed. When the gear selector is in the DRIVE position, the transmission will operate automatically, shifting between all available gears. Tapping the ERS (-) switch will activate ERS mode, display the current gear in the instrument cluster, and set that gear as the top available gear. Once in ERS mode, tapping the ERS (-) or (+) switch will change the top available gear.
Electronic Range Select
1 — GEAR + Switch 2 — GEAR – Switch
To exit ERS mode, simply push and hold the ERS (+) switch until the gear limit display disappears from the instrument cluster.
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WARNING! |
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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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Transmis- sion Gear Limit Dis- play |
1 |
2 |
3 |
4 |
5 |
6 |
D |
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Actual Gear(s) Allowed |
1 |
1-2 |
1-3 |
1-4 |
1-5 |
1-6 |
1-6 |
To select the proper gear position for maximum deceleration (engine braking), simply push and hold the ERS (-) switch. The transmission will shift to the range from which the vehicle can best be slowed down.
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CAUTION! |
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When using ERS for engine braking while descending steep grades, be careful not to overspeed the engine. Apply the brakes as needed to prevent engine overspeed. |
The automatic transmission includes an elec- tronically controlled Overdrive (fifth and sixth gears). The transmission will automatically shift into Overdrive if the following conditions are present:
When driving in hilly areas, towing a trailer, carrying a heavy load, etc., and frequent trans- mission shifting occurs, push the TOW/HAUL switch to activate TOW/HAUL mode. This will improve performance and reduce the potential for transmission overheating or failure due to excessive shifting. When operating in TOW/ HAUL mode, transmission upshifts are delayed, and the transmission will automatically down- shift (for engine braking) when the throttle is closed and/or during steady braking maneu- vers.
TOW/HAUL Switch
The “TOW/HAUL Indicator Light” will illuminate in the instrument cluster to indicate that TOW/ HAUL mode has been activated. Pushing the switch a second time restores normal opera- tion. Normal operation is always the default at engine start-up. If TOW/HAUL mode is desired, the switch must be pushed each time the engine is started.
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WARNING! |
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Do not use the “TOW/HAUL” feature when driving in icy or slippery conditions. The increased engine braking can cause the rear wheels to slide, and the vehicle to swing around with the possible loss of vehicle control, which may cause an accident possibly resulting in personal injury or death. |
A feature designed to improve fuel economy has been included in the automatic transmis- sion on your vehicle. A clutch within the torque converter engages automatically 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 auto- matically disengages.
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