Owner`s manual

If the transmission operating temperature exceeds nor-

mal 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 overheat-

ing.

If the transmission becomes extremely hot, the “Trans-

mission Temperature Warning Light” may illuminate and

the transmission may downshift out of Overdrive until

the transmission cools down.

NOTE: 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 additional heat load on the cooling system.

Downshifting 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 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). On cold starts below 41°F (5°C),

fifth and sixth gears maybe inhibitedbriefly. Duringvery

cold temperatures (-4°F [-20°C] or below), operation may

briefly be limited to third gear only. During this condi-

tion, the ability of the vehicle to accelerate under heavily

loaded conditions may be reduced. Normal operation

will resume once the transmission temperature has risen

to a suitable level.

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