2009 Dodge Challenger Owner's Manual - Page 265

STARTING AND OPERATING 263 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 shift lever into the "3" position will show that the transmission is able to shift into and out of Overdrive. 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. PARK, REVERSE, and NEUTRAL will continue to operate. This reset feature allows the vehicle to be driven to an authorized dealer for service without damaging the transmission. If the problem has been momentary, the transmission can be reset to regain all forward gears. 5 • If the vehicle has not been driven for several days, the first few seconds of operation after shifting the trans• Stop the vehicle and shift into PARK. mission into gear may seem sluggish. This is due to the transmission fluid partially draining from the torque • Turn the key to LOCK, then start the engine. converter into the transmission. This is considered a • Shift into DRIVE and resume driving. normal condition and it will not cause damage to the transmission. The torque converter will refill within five seconds of shifting from PARK into any other gear position.