Dodge 2015 Dart - Owner Manual User Manual

Page 447

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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 underdrive first, second,

third, and fourth gears, direct fifth gear and overdrive

sixth gear. The DRIVE position provides optimum driv-

ing characteristics under all normal operating conditions.
When frequent transmission shifting occurs (such as

when operating the vehicle under heavy loading condi-

tions, in hilly terrain, traveling into strong head winds, or

while towing heavy trailers), use the AutoStick shift

control (refer to “AutoStick” in this section for further

information) to select a lower gear. Under these condi-

tions, 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 modify the

transmission shift schedule and expand the range of

torque converter clutch engagement. This is done to

prevent transmission damage due to overheating. If the

transmission becomes extremely hot, the “Transmission

Temperature Warning Light” may illuminate and the

transmission may operate differently until the transmis-

sion cools down.
During very cold temperatures (-4°F [-20°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 transmis-

sion temperature 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

5

STARTING AND OPERATING 445

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