2015 Dodge Durango User Guide - Page 53

O P E R AT I N G Y O U R V E H I C L E Operation When the transmission is in DRIVE, it will operate automatically, shifting between the eight available gears. To engage AutoStick, simply tap one of the steering wheel-mounted shift paddles (+/-). Tapping (-) to enter AutoStick will downshift the transmission to the next lower gear, while using (+) to enter AutoStick will retain the current gear. When AutoStick is active, the current transmission gear is displayed in the instrument cluster. In AutoStick mode, the transmission will shift up or down when (+/-) is manually selected by the driver, unless an engine lugging or overspeed condition would result. It will remain in the selected gear until another upshift or downshift is chosen, except as described below. • The transmission will automatically downshift as the vehicle slows (to prevent engine lugging) and will display the current gear. • The transmission will automatically downshift to first gear when coming to a stop. After a stop, the driver should manually upshift (+) the transmission as the vehicle is accelerated. • You can start out, from a stop, in first or second gear. Tapping (+) at a stop will allow starting in second gear. Starting out in second gear can be helpful in snowy or icy conditions. • If a requested downshift would cause the engine to over-speed, that shift will not occur. • The system will ignore attempts to upshift at too low of a vehicle speed. • Holding the (-) paddle depressed will downshift the transmission to the lowest gear possible at the current speed. • Transmission shifting will be more noticeable when AutoStick is engaged. • The system may revert to automatic shift mode if a fault or overheat condition is detected. To disengage AutoStick mode, press and hold the (+) shift paddle until "D" is once again indicated in the instrument cluster. You can shift in or out of AutoStick mode at any time without taking your foot off the accelerator pedal. WARNING! Do not downshift for additional engine braking on a slippery surface. The drive wheels could lose their grip and the vehicle could skid, causing a collision or personal injury. 51