2008 DODGE MAGNUM clutch

shifts, and the best fuel economy. Select the ª3º range
when frequent transmission shifting occurs when using
the Overdrive range, such as when operating the vehicle
under heavy loading conditions (in hilly terrain, travel-
ing into strong head winds, or while towing heavy
trailers.
NOTE:
²If the vehicle is started in cold temperatures, shifts into
Overdrive may be delayed. Normal Overdrive and
shifting operation will resume when the temperature
of the transmission reaches the appropriate tempera-
ture. Refer to the ªNoteº under ªTorque Converter
Clutchº later in this section.
²If the transmission temperature gets too hot, the
transmission may downshift out of Overdrive or en-
gage overdrive at higher vehicle speeds until the
transmission cools down. After cooldown, Overdrive
will resume normal operation.ª3º (Third)
This range eliminates shifts into Overdrive. The transmis-
sion will operate normally in First, Second and Third
while in this range. The ª3º position should also be used
when descending steep grades to prevent brake system
distress.
NOTE:Using the ª3º range while operating the vehicle
under heavy operating conditions will improve perfor-
mance and extend transmission life by reducing exces-
sive shifting and heat build up.
ªLº (Low)
This range should be used for engine braking when
descending very steep grades. In this range, upshifts will
occur only to prevent engine overspeed while downshifts
occur earlier than other gear range selections.
278 STARTING AND OPERATING

CAUTION!
Never race the engine with the brakes on and the
vehicle in gear, and never hold the vehicle on an
incline without applying the brakes. These practices
can cause overheating and damage to the
transmission.
Torque Converter Clutch
A feature designed to improve fuel economy has been
added to the automatic transmission of this vehicle. A
clutch within the torque converter engages automatically
at calibrated speeds. This may result in a slightly differ-
ent feeling or response during normal operation in high
gear. When the vehicle speed drops, or during accelera-
tion, the clutch automatically and smoothly disengages.NOTE:
²The torque converter clutch will not engage until the
transmission fluid and engine coolant is warm (usu-
ally after 1±3 miles [1.6±4.8 km] of driving). Because
engine speed is higher when the torque converter
clutch is not engaged, it may seem as if the transmis-
sion is not shifting into ªOverdriveº when cold. This is
considered a normal condition. Pulling the selector
lever into the ª3º position will show that the transmis-
sion is able to shift into and out of ªOverdrive.º
²If the vehicle has not been driven for several days, the
first few seconds of operation after shifting the trans-
mission into gear may seem sluggish. This is due to the
transmission fluid partially draining from the torque
converter into the transmission. This is considered a
normal condition and it will not cause damage to the
transmission. The torque converter will refill within 5
seconds of shifting from ªPº (Park) into any other gear
position.
STARTING AND OPERATING 279
5

Flat Changing........................ 362
General Information.................... 311
High Speed.......................... 314
Inflation Pressures..................... 312
Jacking...........................363,366
Life of Tires.......................... 317
Load Capacity.....................307,308
Pressure Monitor System (TPMS)........... 322
Quality Grading....................... 456
Radial.............................. 314
Replacement......................... 318
Rotation............................. 321
Safety............................302,311
Self-Sealing.......................... 320
Sizes............................... 304
Snow Tires........................... 321
Spare Tire........................... 364
Spinning............................ 316
Trailer Towing........................ 352Tread Wear Indicators................... 317
To Open Hood.......................... 123
Tongue Weight/Trailer Weight.............. 349
Torque Converter Clutch.................. 279
Towing............................... 342
Behind a Motor Home.................. 357
Disabled Vehicle....................... 377
Guide.............................. 347
Recreational.......................... 357
Weight.............................. 347
Towing Vehicle Behind a Motor Home......... 357
Traction Control......................... 296
Traction Control Light.................... 296
Traction Control Switch................... 296
Trailer Towing.......................... 342
Cooling System Tips.................... 356
Hitches............................. 346
Minimum Requirements................. 350
Trailer and Tongue Weight................ 349
INDEX 479
10