2009 Dodge Avenger Owner Manual - Page 279

STARTING AND OPERATING 277 NOTE: In Autostick௡ mode, the transaxle will only shift up or down when the driver moves the shift lever to the Right (+) or Left (-). AutoStick௡ is deactivated when the shift lever is shifted from the AutoStick (+/-) position into the DRIVE position. General Information • You can start out in first or second gear. The system will ignore attempts to upshift at too low of a vehicle speed. • If a ratio other than 1st is selected, and the vehicle is brought to a stop, the transaxle control logic will automatically select the 1st gear ratio. • Starting out in second gear is helpful in snowy or icy conditions. • Avoid using speed control when Autostick௡ is engaged. • 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. Mostly the transaxle will stay in the manually selected ratio, however. • 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. 5