2012 Dodge Durango Owner Manual - Page 478

476 STARTING AND OPERATING Overdrive Operation The automatic transmission includes an electronically controlled Overdrive (fourth and fifth gears). The transmission will automatically shift into the Overdrive gear if the following conditions are present: When To Use TOW/HAUL Mode When driving in hilly areas, towing a trailer, carrying a heavy load, etc., and frequent transmission shifting occurs, press the TOW/HAUL switch to select TOW/ HAUL mode. This will improve performance and reduce the potential for transmission overheating or failure due • the shift lever is in the DRIVE position, to excessive shifting. When operating in TOW/HAUL • the transmission fluid has reached an adequate tem- mode, transmission upshifts are delayed, and the transperature, mission will automatically downshift (for engine braking) during steady braking maneuvers. • the engine coolant has reached an adequate temperature, • vehicle speed is sufficiently high, • the driver is not heavily pressing the accelerator, and • the TOW/HAUL switch has not been activated.