Page 356 of 587

•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.
The transmission will downshift from Overdrive, to the
most desirable gear, if the accelerator pedal is fully
pressed at vehicle speeds above approximately 35 mph
(56 km/h).
When to Use TOW/HAUL Mode – If Equipped
When driving in hilly areas, towing a trailer, carrying a
heavy load, etc., and frequent transmission shifting oc-
curs, press the TOW/HAUL switch. This will improve
performance and reduce the potential for transmission
overheating or failure due to excessive shifting. When
354 STARTING AND OPERATING
Page 358 of 587

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. 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
drops below a calibrated speed, or during acceleration,
the clutch automatically and smoothly disengages.
NOTE:
•The torque converter clutch may 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
356 STARTING AND OPERATING
Page 363 of 587

4WD LOW to 4WD HI
With the vehicle at speeds of 0 to 3 mph (0 to 5 km/h), the
ignition switch in the ON position or the engine running,
shift the transmission into NEUTRAL, and press the
“4WD LOW” button once on the transfer case switch. The
“4WD LOW” indicator light in the instrument cluster
will flash and go out when the shift is complete.
NOTE:
•If shift conditions/interlocks are not met, or a transfer
case motor temperature protection condition exists, a
“For 4x4 High Slow Below 3 MPH or 5 KPH Put Trans
in N Press 4 Low” message will flash from the
Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC). Refer to
“Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC)” in
“Understanding Your Instrument Panel” for further
information.
•Shifting into or out of 4WD LOW is possible with the
vehicle completely stopped; however, difficulty mayoccur due to the mating clutch teeth not being prop-
erly aligned. Several attempts may be required for
clutch teeth alignment and shift completion to occur.
The preferred method is with the vehicle rolling 0 to
3 mph (0 to 5 km/h). If the vehicle is moving faster
than 3 mph (5 km/h), the transfer case will not allow
the shift.
NEUTRAL Shift Procedure
1. Turn the ignition switch to the ON position, engine off.
2. Vehicle stopped, with foot on brake.
3. Place the transmission into NEUTRAL.
4. Hold down the NEUTRAL “pin” switch (with a pen,
etc.) for four seconds until the LED light by the switch
starts to blink indicating shift in progress. The light will
stop blinking (stay on solid) when the NEUTRAL shift is
complete. A “To Tow Vehicle Safely, Read Neutral Shift
Procedure in Owners Manual” message will display on5
STARTING AND OPERATING 361
Page 583 of 587

Snow Tires........................... 413
Spare Tire ........................... 464
Spinning ............................ 409
Tread Wear Indicators ................... 410
Wheel Mounting ...................... 470
Tongue Weight/Trailer Weight .............. 445
Torque Converter Clutch .................. 356
Tow Hooks, Emergency ................... 475
Tow/Haul Indicator Light ................. 250
Towing ............................ 438,477
Disabled Vehicle ....................... 477
Guide .............................. 444
Recreational .......................... 453
Weight .............................. 444
Traction Control ......................... 382
Trailer Sway Control (TSC) ................. 387
Trailer Towing .......................... 438
Cooling System Tips .................... 452
Hitches ............................. 443 Minimum Requirements
................. 446
Trailer and Tongue Weight ............... 445
Wiring .............................. 449
Trailer Towing Guide ..................... 444
Trailer Weight .......................... 444
Transfer Case ........................... 510
Maintenance ......................... 510
Transmission Automatic ........................ 350,511
Maintenance .......................... 511
Shifting ............................. 349
Transmitter Battery Service
(Remote Keyless Entry) .................... 26
Transmitter Programming
(Remote Keyless Entry) .................... 23
Transmitter, Garage Door Opener (HomeLink®) . . 208
Transmitter, Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) ........ 23
Tread Wear Indicators .................... 410
Turn Signals ...................... 250,528,530
10
INDEX 581