2015 CHRYSLER TOWN AND COUNTRY torque converter

When the Fuel Economy (ECON) Mode is engaged, the
vehicle control systems will change the following:
•The transmission will upshift sooner and downshift
later.
•The transmission will skip select gears during shifts to
allow the engine to operate at lower speeds.
•The torque converter clutch may engage at lower
engine speeds and remain on longer.
•The engine idle speed will be lower.
•The overall driving performance will be more conser-
vative.
•Some ECON mode functions may be temporarily
inhibited based on temperature and other factors.
Six-Speed Automatic Transmission
The transmission gear position display (located in the
instrument cluster) indicates the transmission gear range.
You must press the brake pedal to move the shift lever
out of PARK (Refer to “Brake/Transmission Shift Inter-
lock System” in this section). To drive, move the shift
lever from PARK or NEUTRAL to the DRIVE position.
Fuel Economy Mode Switch
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 487

During cold temperatures, transmission operation may
be modified depending on engine and transmission
temperature as well as vehicle speed. This feature im-
proves warm up time of the engine and transmission to
achieve maximum efficiency. Engagement of the torque
converter clutch is inhibited until the transmission fluid
is warm (refer to the “Note” under “Torque Converter
Clutch” in this section). During extremely cold tempera-
tures (-16°F [-27°C] or below), operation may briefly be
limited to third gear only. Normal operation will resume
once the transmission 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
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.
In the event of a momentary problem, the transmission
can be reset to regain all forward gears by performing the
following steps:
1. Stop the vehicle.
2. Shift the transmission into PARK.
3. Turn the ignition switch to the OFF position.
4. Wait approximately 10 seconds.
5. Restart the engine.
6. Shift into the desired gear range. If the problem is no
longer detected, the transmission will return to normal
operation.
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 493

Transmission Gear Position
Display123456D
Actual Gear(s) Allowed 1 1–2 1–3 1–4 1–5 1–6 1–6
NOTE:To select the proper gear position for maximum
deceleration (engine braking), tap the shift lever to the
left (-) repeatedly as the vehicle slows. The transmission
will shift to the range from which the vehicle can best be
slowed down.
Overdrive Operation
The automatic transmission includes an electronically
controlled Overdrive (sixth gear). The transmission will
automatically shift into Overdrive if the following con-
ditions are present:
•The shift lever is in the DRIVE position.
•The transmission fluid has reached an adequate tem-
perature.
•The engine coolant has reached an adequate tempera-
ture.
•The vehicle speed is sufficiently high.
•The driver is not heavily pressing the accelerator.
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 calibrated speeds. This may result in a slightly
different feeling or response during normal operation in
the upper gears. When the vehicle speed drops or during
some accelerations, the clutch automatically disengages.
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 495

NOTE:The torque converter clutch will not engage until
the transmission fluid and engine coolant are warm
[usually after 1 to 3 miles (2 to 5 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.
Using the Electronic Range Select (ERS) shift control,
when the transmission is sufficiently warm, will demon-
strate that the transmission is able to shift into and out of
Overdrive.
DRIVING ON SLIPPERY SURFACES
Acceleration
Rapid acceleration on snow covered, wet, or other slip-
pery surfaces may cause the driving wheels to pull
erratically to the right or left. This phenomenon occurs
when there is a difference in the surface traction under
the front (driving) wheels.
WARNING!
Rapid acceleration on slippery surfaces is dangerous.
Unequal traction can cause sudden pulling of the
front wheels. You could lose control of the vehicle
and possibly have a collision. Accelerate slowly and
carefully whenever there is likely to be poor traction
(ice, snow, wet, mud, loose sand, etc.).
Traction
When driving on wet or slushy roads, it is possible for a
wedge of water to build up between the tire and road
surface. This is hydroplaning and may cause partial or
complete loss of vehicle control and stopping ability. To
reduce this possibility, the following precautions should
be observed:
1. Slow down during rainstorms or when the roads are
slushy.
496 STARTING AND OPERATING

WARNING!(Continued)
•Do not allow petroleum based fluid to contaminate
the brake fluid. Brake seal components could be
damaged, causing partial or complete brake failure.
This could result in a collision.
Automatic Transmission
Selection Of Lubricant
It is important to use the proper transmission fluid to
ensure optimum transmission performance and life. Use
only the manufacturer’s specified transmission fluid.
Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine Parts” in this
section for fluid specifications. It is important to maintain
the transmission fluid at the correct level using the
recommended fluid. No chemical flushes should be used
in any transmission; only the approved lubricant should
be used.
CAUTION!
Using a transmission fluid other than the manufac-
turer’s recommended fluid may cause deterioration
in transmission shift quality and/or torque converter
shudder, and will require more frequent fluid and
filter changes. Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, and
Genuine Parts” in this section for fluid specifica-
tions.
Special Additives
The manufacturer strongly recommends against using
any special additives in the transmission.
Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) is an engineered
product and its performance may be impaired by supple-
mental additives. Therefore, do not add any fluid addi-
tives to the transmission. The only exception to this
policy is the use of special dyes for diagnosing fluid
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 653

Alterations/Modifications, Vehicle...............7
Antenna, Satellite Radio.....................386
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant)..................646
Disposal..............................649
Anti-Lock Warning Light....................326
Appearance Care.........................655
Ashtray................................291
Assistance Towing.........................170
Assist, Hill Start..........................513
Auto Down Power Windows..................47
Automatic Dimming Mirror..................141
Automatic Door Locks......................39
Automatic Headlights......................231
Automatic Temperature Control (ATC)..........457
Automatic Transmission....................484
Adding Fluid..........................654
Fluid and Filter Changes..................654
Fluid Change..........................654
Fluid Level Check.......................654
Fluid Type............................653
Gear Ranges...........................488
Special Additives.......................653
Torque Converter.......................495
Auto Up Power Windows....................48
Battery.................................639
Jump Starting..........................614
Keyless Transmitter Replacement (RKE)........28
Saving Feature (Protection)................239
Belts, Seat...............................128
Body Mechanism Lubrication.................642
B-Pillar Location..........................523
Brake Assist System.......................508
Brake Control System, Electronic..............504
Brake Fluid.............................681
Brake System............................503
Anti-Lock (ABS)........................503
FluidCheck...........................65110
INDEX 703

Tire Markings............................516
Ti re s . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..131
Aging (Life of Tires).....................537
Air Pressure...........................528
Chains...............................539
Changing.............................595
Compact Spare.........................533
General Information.....................528
High Speed...........................531
Inflation Pressures.......................529
Jacking...............................595
Life of Tires...........................537
Load Capacity.........................523
Pressure Monitor System (TPMS)............542
Pressure Warning Light...................327
Quality Grading........................699
Radial...............................531
Replacement...........................537
Rotation..............................540
Safety...............................516
Sizes................................518
Snow Tires............................533
Spare Tire.............................596
Spinning.............................536
Trailer Towing.........................573
Tread Wear Indicators....................536
Tire Safety Information.....................516
Tire Service Kit...........................582
Tongue Weight/Trailer Weight................570
Torque Converter Clutch....................495
Towing................................565
24-Hour Towing Assistance................170
Disabled Vehicle........................621
Guide...............................569
Recreational...........................577
Weight...............................569
Towing Assistance.........................170
Towing Vehicle Behind a Motorhome...........57710
INDEX 719