2007 Dodge Charger Owner's Manual - Page 204

204 STARTING AND OPERATING 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 different feeling or response during normal operation in high gear. When the vehicle speed drops, or during acceleration, the clutch automatically and smoothly disengages. NOTE: • The torque converter clutch will not engage until the transmission fluid and engine coolant is warm (usually 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 transmission is not shifting into "Overdrive" when cold. This is considered a normal condition. Pulling the selector lever into the "3" position will show that the transmission is able to shift into and out of "Overdrive." • If the vehicle has not been driven for several days, the first few seconds of operation after shifting the transmission 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 P (Park) into any other gear position. Transmission Limp Home Mode The transmission is monitored for abnormal conditions. If a condition is detected that could cause damage, the transmission automatically shifts into second gear. The transmission remains in second gear despite the forward gear selected. P (Park), R (Reverse), and N (Neutral) will continue to operate. This Reset feature allows the vehicle to be driven to a dealer for service without damaging the transmission. If the problem has been momentary, the transmission can be reset to regain all forward gears. • Stop the vehicle and shift into P (Park). • Turn the key to LOCK then start the engine. • Shift into D (Drive) and resume driving.