Page 349 of 576

Overdrive Operation
The automatic transmission includes an electronically
controlled Overdrive (fifth gear for 3.6L engine, fourth
and fifth gears for 5.7L engine). The transmission will
automatically shift to Overdrive, if the following condi-
tions are present:
•the shift lever is in DRIVE;
•the engine coolant has reached normal operating tem-
perature;
•vehicle speed is above approximately 30 mph
(48 km/h);
•the TOW/HAUL switch has not been activated;
•transmission has reached normal operating
temperature.
NOTE: If the vehicle is started in extremely cold tem-
peratures, the transmission may not shift into Overdrive and will automatically select the most desirable gear for
operation at this temperature. Normal operation will
resume when the transmission fluid temperature has
risen to a suitable level. Refer to the “Note” under
“Torque Converter Clutch” in this section.
During cold temperature operation you may notice de-
layed upshifts, depending on engine and transmission
temperature. This feature improves the warm-up time of
the engine and transmission.
If the transmission temperature gets extremely hot, the
transmission will automatically select the most desirable
gear for operation at this temperature. If the transmission
temperature becomes hot enough, the “TRANSMISSION
OVER TEMP” message may display, and the transmis-
sion may downshift out of Overdrive until the transmis-
sion cools down. After cool down, the transmission will
resume normal operation.
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 347
Page 351 of 576

In high ambient temperatures with sustained high engine
speed and load, an upshift, followed shortly thereafter by a
downshift, may occur. The “TOW/HAUL Indicator Light”
will turn off. This is a normal part of the overheat protec-
tion strategy when operating in the TOW/HAUL mode.
Transmission Limp Home Mode
Transmission function is monitored for abnormal condi-
tions. If a condition is detected that could result in
transmission damage, the Transmission Limp Home
Mode will be engaged. In this mode, the transmission
will remain in the current gear (3.6L engine) or in direct
gear (5.7L engine) until the vehicle is brought to a stop.
To reset the transmission, use the following procedure:
1. Stop the vehicle.
2. Move the shift lever into the PARK position.
3. Turn the engine off, and be sure to turn the ignition
switch to the LOCK position.4. Wait approximately 10 seconds, then restart the en-
gine.
5. Move the shift lever to the desired gear range.
If the problem is no longer detected, the transmission will
return to normal operation. If the problem persists,
PARK, REVERSE, and NEUTRAL will continue to oper-
ate normally. Only second gear (3.6L engine) or third gear
(5.7L engine) will be available in the DRIVE position.
Have the transmission checked at your authorized dealer
as soon as possible.
Torque Converter Clutch
A feature, designed to improve fuel economy, has been
included in the automatic transmission on your vehicle.
A clutch within the torque converter engages automati-
cally, at a calibrated speed, at light throttle. It engages at
higher speeds under heavier acceleration. This may re-
sult in a slightly different feeling or response during
normal operation in high gear. When the vehicle speed
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 349
Page 352 of 576

drops below a calibrated speed, or during acceleration,
the clutch automatically and smoothly disengages.
NOTE:
•The torque converter clutch will not engage until the
transmission fluid and engine coolant are warm [usu-
ally after 1 to 3 miles (1.6 to 4.8 km) of driving].
Because the engine speed is higher when the torque
converter clutch is not engaged, it may seem as if the
transmission is not shifting into Overdrive when cold.
This is normal. Manually shifting (using the ERS shift
control) between 4 (direct gear) and 5/D (Overdrive
gear) positions will demonstrate that the transmission
is able to shift into and out of Overdrive. For vehicles
with 5.7L engines (which have two Overdrive gears),
the transmission may not shift into the top Overdrive
gear (normal fifth gear) until the transmission fluid
and engine coolant are warm.
•If the vehicle has not been driven in several days, the
first few seconds of operation after shifting the trans-
mission into gear may seem sluggish. This is due to the
fluid partially draining from the torque converter into
the transmission. This condition is normal and will not
cause damage to the transmission. The torque con-
verter will refill within five seconds after starting the
engine.
ALL-WHEEL DRIVE OPERATION
Single-Speed Operating Instructions/Precautions
(3.6L Engine) – If Equipped
This system contains a single-speed (HI range only)
transfer case, which provides convenient full-time all-
wheel drive. No driver interaction is required. The Brake
Traction Control (BTC) System, which combines standard
ABS and Traction Control, provides resistance to any
wheel that is slipping to allow additional torque transfer
to wheels with traction.
350 STARTING AND OPERATING
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Tread Wear Indicators................. 394
Tongue Weight/Trailer Weight .............. 431
Torque Converter Clutch .................. 349
Tow Hooks, Emergency ................... 467
Towing ............................ 424,469
Disabled Vehicle ..................... 469
Guide ............................. 430
Recreational ........................ 439
Weight ............................ 430
Traction Control ......................... 368
Trailer Sway Control (TSC) ................. 373
Trailer Towing .......................... 424
Cooling System Tips .................. 438
Hitches ............................ 429
Minimum Requirements ................ 432
Trailer and Tongue Weight .............. 431
Wiring ............................ 435
Trailer Towing Guide ..................... 430
Trailer Weight .......................... 430 Transfer Case
........................... 502
Electronically Shifted .................. 351
Maintenance ........................ 502
Transmission Automatic ....................... 343,503
Maintenance ........................ 503
Shifting ........................... 342
Transmitter Battery Service
(Remote Keyless Entry) .................... 27
Transmitter Programming
(Remote Keyless Entry) .................... 24
Transmitter, Garage Door Opener (HomeLink®) . . 206
Transmitter, Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) ........ 24
Tread Wear Indicators .................... 394
Turn Signals ...................... 248,519,521
UCI Connector ......................... 308
Uconnect™ (Hands-Free Phone) ............. 119
Uniform Tire Quality Grades ................ 551
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INDEX 571