2010 Dodge Dakota Extended Cab Owner Manual - Page 258

STARTING AND OPERATING 257 The "TOW/HAUL Indicator Light" will illuminate in the NOTE: instrument cluster to indicate when the switch has been • The torque converter clutch will not engage until the transmission fluid and engine coolant are warm (usuactivated. Pressing the switch a second time restores ally after 1-3 miles [1.6 - 4.8 km] of driving). Because normal operation. If the TOW/HAUL mode is desired, the engine speed is higher when the torque converter the switch must be pressed each time the engine is clutch is not engaged, it may seem as if the transmisstarted. sion is not shifting into Overdrive when cold. This is Torque Converter Clutch normal. Pressing the TOW/HAUL switch, when the A feature designed to improve fuel economy is included transmission is sufficiently warm, will demonstrate in all automatic transmissions. A clutch, within the that the transmission is able to shift into, and out of torque converter, engages automatically at a calibrated Overdrive. speed at light throttle. It engages at higher speeds under heavier acceleration. This may result in a slightly differ- • If the vehicle has not been driven in several days, the first few seconds of operation after shifting the transent feeling or response during normal operation in high mission into gear may seem sluggish. This is due to the gear. When the vehicle speed drops below a calibrated fluid partially draining from the torque converter into speed, or during acceleration, the clutch automatically the transmission. This condition is normal and will not and smoothly disengages. The feature is operational in cause damage to the transmission. The torque conOverdrive and in Drive. verter will refill within five seconds of shifting from PARK into any other gear position. 5