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 all forward gears. The
DRIVE position provides optimum driving characteris-
tics 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 powertrain 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.
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 only second gear (for four-speed transmission)
or third gear (for six-speed transmission). Normal opera-
tion will resume once the transmission temperature has
risen to a suitable level.
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 421
Overdrive Operation
The automatic transmission includes an electronically
controlled Overdrive (top 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.
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 AutoStick® shift control, when the transmis-
sion is sufficiently warm, will demonstrate that the
transmission is able to shift into and out of Overdrive.
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 423
Cavity
Car-
tridge
Fuse
Mini-
FuseDescription
F164 – 25 Amp
Clear
Powertrain Auto
Shutdown
F165 – 20 Amp
Yellow
Powertrain Shut-
down
F166 – 20 Amp
Yellow
Spare
F167 – 30 Amp
Green
Powertrain Shut-
down
F168 – 10 Amp
Red
Air Conditioner
Clutch
F169 40 Amp
Green
– Emissions – Partial
Zero Emissions Ve-
hicle Motor
Cavity
Car-
tridge
Fuse
Mini-
FuseDescription
F170 – 15 Amp
Blue
Emissions – Partial
Zero Emissions Ve-
hicle Actuators
F172 – 20 Amp
Yellow
Spare
F173 – 25 Amp
Clear
Anti Lock Brake
Valves
F174 – 20 Amp
Yellow
Siren – If Equipped
F175 – 30 Amp
Green
Spare
F176 – 10 Amp
Red
Powertrain Control
Modules
588 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
