Operation Manual

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, or traveling into strong head

winds), use the AutoStick® shift control (refer to the

AutoStick® in this section 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.

If the transmission temperature exceeds normal operat-

ing limits, the transmission controller will expand the

range of torque converter clutch engagement. This is

done to prevent transmission damage due to overheat-

ing.

During cold temperatures, transmission operation may

be modified depending on engine coolant temperature.

Normal operation will resume once the engine tempera-

ture 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.

STARTING AND OPERATING 237