2009 Dodge Journey Owner's Manual - Page 321

STARTING AND OPERATING 319 • If a low range is selected and the engine accelerates to the rev limit, the transaxle will automatically select the next higher ratio. • 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. ALL WHEEL DRIVE (AWD) - IF EQUIPPED This feature provides 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 pre-emptive effort to improve vehicle launch and performance characteristics. 5