2008 Dodge Avenger Owner's Manual - Page 277

STARTING AND OPERATING 275 • The transaxle will automatically shift up when maximum engine speed is reached while Autostick is engaged. • Transaxle shifting will be more noticeable when Autostick is engaged. • If a downshift would cause the engine to over-speed, that shift will not occur until it is safe for the engine. The transaxle will stay in the manually selected gear. • If the system detects powertrain overheating, the transaxle will revert to the automatic shift mode and remain in that mode until the powertrain cools off. • If the system detects a problem, it will disable the AutoStick mode and the transaxle will return to the automatic mode until the problem is corrected. ALL WHEEL DRIVE - IF EQUIPPED This feature provides full time, on-demand, All Wheel Drive (AWD). The system is automatic with no driver inputs or additional driving skills required. Under normal driving conditions, the front wheels provide most of the traction. If the front wheels begin to lose traction, power is shifted automatically to the rear wheels. The greater the front wheel traction loss, the greater the power transfer to the rear wheels. Additionally, on dry pavement under heavy throttle input (where one may have no wheel spin), torque will be sent to the rear in a preemptive effort to improve vehicle launch and performance characteristics. The system contributes to good fuel economy by operating only on demand, thereby minimizing power-robbing friction and inertia. 5