transmission CHRYSLER VOYAGER 2023 User Guide

75
STARTING AND OPERATING
STARTING THE ENGINE
Before starting your vehicle, adjust your seat, adjust both
inside and outside mirrors, and fasten your seat belts.
Start the engine with the gear selector in the NEUTRAL (N)
or PARK (P) position. Apply the brake before shifting to any
driving range.
NORMAL STARTING
To Turn On The Engine Using ENGINE START/STOP Button

1. The transmission must be in PARK or NEUTRAL.

2. Press and hold the brake pedal while pushing the ENGINE START/STOP button once.
3. The system starts the vehicle. If the vehicle fails to start, the starter will disengage automatically after
10 seconds.
4. If you wish to stop the cranking of the engine prior to the engine starting, push the button again.
ENGINE START/STOP Button Functions — With Driver’s
Foot Off The Brake Pedal (In PARK Or NEUTRAL Position)
The ENGINE START/STOP button operates similar to an
ignition switch. It has three positions; OFF, ACC, and
ON/RUN. To change the ignition positions without starting
the vehicle and to use the accessories, follow these steps:
 Start with the ignition in the OFF position.
 Push the ENGINE START/STOP button once to place
the ignition to the ACC position (instrument cluster will
display “ACC”).
 Push the ENGINE START/STOP button a second time to
place the ignition to the ON/RUN position (instrument
cluster will display “ON/RUN”).
 Push the ENGINE START/STOP button a third time to
return the ignition to the OFF position (instrument
cluster will display “OFF”).
NOTE:Only press one pedal at a time while driving the vehicle.
Torque performance of the vehicle could be reduced if
both pedals are pressed at the same time. If pressure is
detected on both pedals simultaneously, a warning
message will display in the instrument cluster
Úpage 62.
AUTOPARK

AutoPark is a supplemental feature to assist with placing the
vehicle in PARK under certain situations. It is a back-up system
and should not be relied upon as the primary method by which
the driver shifts the vehicle into PARK.

The conditions under which AutoPark will engage are
outlined on the following pages.
WARNING!
When exiting the vehicle, always remove the key fob
from the vehicle and lock your vehicle.
 Never leave children alone in a vehicle, or with
access to an unlocked vehicle.
 Allowing children to be in a vehicle unattended is
dangerous for a number of reasons. A child or others
could be seriously or fatally injured. Children should
be warned not to touch the parking brake, brake
pedal or the transmission gear selector.
 Do not leave the key fob in or near the vehicle, or in
a location accessible to children, and do not leave
the ignition of a vehicle equipped with Keyless
Enter ’n Go™ in the ACC or ON/RUN position. A child
could operate power windows, other controls, or
move the vehicle.
 Do not leave children or animals inside parked vehi -
cles in hot weather. Interior heat buildup may cause
serious injury or death.
WARNING!
 Driver inattention could lead to failure to place the
vehicle in PARK. ALWAYS DO A VISUAL CHECK that
your vehicle is in PARK by verifying that a solid (not
blinking) “P” is indicated in the instrument cluster
display and near the gear selector. If the "P" indicator
is blinking, your vehicle is not in PARK. As an added
precaution, always apply the parking brake when
exiting the vehicle.
 AutoPark is a supplemental feature. It is not
designed to replace the need to shift your vehicle
into PARK. It is a back-up system and should not be
relied upon as the primary method by which the
driver shifts the vehicle into PARK.
4

23_RUV_OM_EN_US_t.book Page 75

76STARTING AND OPERATING
(Continued)
(Continued)
ALWAYS DO A VISUAL CHECK
that your vehicle is in PARK
by looking for the “P” in the instrument cluster display and
on the gear selector. As an added precaution, always apply
the parking brake.
If the vehicle is not in PARK and the driver attempts to turn
off the engine, if certain conditions are met, the vehicle
will AutoPark, automatically shifting the vehicle’s
transmission to the PARK position. The gear selector will
automatically reset itself to the PARK position. The
vehicle’s ignition will then move to the OFF position
(engine off). When AutoPark is activated the instrument
cluster will display the message “AutoPark Engaged”.
AutoPark will engage when all of these conditions are met:
 Vehicle is equipped with a gear selector
 Vehicle is not in PARK
 Vehicle speed is 1.2 mph (1.9 km/h) or less
 Driver has pushed the ENGINE START/STOP button
If the vehicle is not in PARK and the driver exits the vehicle
with the engine running, if certain conditions are met, the
vehicle will AutoPark, automatically shifting the vehicle’s
transmission to the PARK position. The Electric Park Brake
SAFE HOLD feature will also activate in some conditions
Úpage 80. AutoPark will engage when all of these conditions are met:

Vehicle is equipped with a gear selector
 Vehicle is not in PARK
 Vehicle speed is 1.2 mph (1.9 km/h) or less
 Driver’s door is ajar
 Driver’s seat belt is unbuckled
 Brake pedal is not pressed
The message “ AutoPark Engaged ” will display in the
instrument cluster.
AutoPark In Stop/Start Autostop Mode
AutoPark will engage when all of these conditions are met:
 Vehicle is equipped with a gear selector
 Vehicle is not in PARK
 Vehicle speed is 1.2 mph (1.9 km/h) or less
 Driver’s door is ajar
 Driver’s seat belt is unbuckled or brake pedal is not
pressed
The message “ AutoPark Engaged ” will display in the
instrument cluster.
CAUTION!
Engine will remain running.
WARNING!
 Never use the PARK position as a substitute for the
parking brake. Always apply the parking brake fully
when exiting the vehicle to guard against vehicle
movement and possible injury or damage.
Your vehicle could move and injure you and others if
it is not in PARK. Check by trying to move the trans -
mission gear selector out of PARK with the brake
pedal released. Make sure the transmission is in
PARK before exiting the vehicle.
 The transmission may not engage PARK if the vehicle
is moving. Always bring the vehicle to a complete
stop before shifting to PARK, and verify that the
transmission gear position indicator solidly indicates
PARK (P) without blinking. Ensure that the vehicle is
completely stopped, and the PARK position is prop -
erly indicated, before exiting the vehicle.

 It is dangerous to shift out of PARK or NEUTRAL if the
engine speed is higher than idle speed. If your foot is not
firmly pressing the brake pedal, the vehicle could accel -
erate quickly forward or in reverse. You could lose control
of the vehicle and hit someone or something. Only shift
into gear when the engine is idling normally and your foot
is firmly pressing the brake pedal.

 Unintended movement of a vehicle could injure
those in or near the vehicle. As with all vehicles,
you should never exit a vehicle while the engine is
running. Before exiting a vehicle, always come to a
complete stop, then apply the parking brake, shift
the transmission into PARK, and turn the ignition
OFF. When the ignition is in the OFF position, the
transmission is locked in PARK, securing the vehicle
against unwanted movement.
WARNING!

23_RUV_OM_EN_US_t.book Page 76

STARTING AND OPERATING77
To Turn On The Engine Using ENGINE START/STOP Button

1. The transmission must be in PARK or NEUTRAL.

2. Press and hold the brake pedal while pushing the
ENGINE START/STOP button once.
To release the parking brake manually, the ignition switch
must be in the ON/RUN position. Press on the brake
pedal, then push the parking brake switch momentarily.
If the driver shifts into PARK while moving, the vehicle may
Park.
PARK will engage ONLY when vehicle speed is 1.2 mph
(1.9 km/h) or less.
The message “ Vehicle Speed Is Too High To Shift To P ” will
display in the instrument cluster display if vehicle speed is
above 1.2 mph (1.9 km/h). The gear position indicator will
blink continuously until the gear selector is returned to the
proper position, or the requested shift can be completed.COLD WEATHER OPERATION
(BELOW –22°F OR −30°C)
To ensure reliable starting at these temperatures, use of
an externally powered electric engine block heater
(available from an authorized dealer) is recommended.
AFTER STARTING — WARMING UP THE
E
NGINE
The idle speed is controlled automatically and it will
decrease as the engine warms up.
IF ENGINE FAILS TO START
 When exiting the vehicle, always make sure the igni -
tion is in the OFF position, remove the key fob from
the vehicle, and lock the vehicle.
 Never leave children alone in a vehicle, or with
access to an unlocked vehicle. Allowing children to
be in a vehicle unattended is dangerous for a
number of reasons. A child or others could be seri -
ously or fatally injured. Children should be warned
not to touch the parking brake, brake pedal or the
transmission gear selector.
 Do not leave the key fob in or near the vehicle (or in
a location accessible to children), and do not leave
the ignition in the ACC or ON/RUN position. A child
could operate power windows, other controls, or
move the vehicle.
CAUTION!
Damage to the transmission may occur if the following
precautions are not observed:
Shift into or out of PARK or REVERSE only after the
vehicle has come to a complete stop.
 Do not shift between PARK, REVERSE, NEUTRAL, or
DRIVE when the engine is above idle speed.
 Before shifting into any gear, make sure your foot is
firmly pressing the brake pedal.
WARNING!
WARNING!
If vehicle speed is not below 1.2 mph (1.9 km/h) when
the driver shifts into PARK, the transmission will default
to NEUTRAL until the vehicle speed drops below
1.2 mph (1.9 km/h) and the above conditions are met,
enabling AutoPark. A vehicle left in the NEUTRAL
position can roll. As an added precaution, always apply
the parking brake when exiting the vehicle.
WARNING!
Never pour fuel or other flammable liquid into the
throttle body air inlet opening in an attempt to start
the vehicle. This could result in flash fire causing
serious personal injury.
 Do not attempt to push or tow your vehicle to get it
started. Vehicles equipped with an automatic trans -
mission cannot be started this way. Unburned fuel
could enter the catalytic converter and once the
engine has started, ignite and damage the converter
and vehicle.

 If the vehicle has a discharged battery, booster cables
may be used to obtain a start from a booster battery or
the battery in another vehicle. This type of start can be
dangerous if done improperly

Ú
page 185.

4

23_RUV_OM_EN_US_t.book Page 77

78STARTING AND OPERATING
TO TURN OFF THE ENGINE USING
ENGINE START/STOP B
UTTON

1. Place the gear selector in PARK, then push and
release the ENGINE START/STOP button.

2. The ignition switch will return to the OFF position.
3. If the gear selector is not in PARK, the ENGINE START/STOP button must be held for two seconds or
three short pushes in a row with the vehicle speed
above 5 mph (8 km/h) before the engine will shut off.
The ignition switch position will remain in the ACC
position until the gear selector is in PARK and the
button is pushed twice to the OFF position. If the gear
selector is not in PARK and the ENGINE START/STOP
button is pushed once, the instrument cluster will
display a “Vehicle Not In Park” message and the
engine will remain running. Never leave a vehicle out
of the PARK position, or it could roll.
NOTE:If the ignition switch is left in the ACC or RUN (engine not
running) position and the transmission is in PARK, the
system will automatically time out after 30 minutes of
inactivity and the ignition will switch to the OFF position.
ENGINE BLOCK HEATER — IF EQUIPPED
The engine block heater warms the engine and permits
quicker starts in cold weather.
Connect the cord to a 110-115 Volt AC electrical outlet
with a grounded, three-wire extension cord. For ambient temperatures below 0°F (-18°C), the engine
block heater is recommended. For ambient temperatures
below -20°F (-29°C), the engine block heater is required.
The engine block heater cord is routed under the hood,
behind to the passenger’s side headlamp. See the
following steps to properly use the engine block heater:

1. Locate the engine block heater cord (behind the
passenger’s side headlamp).

2. Undo the hook-and-loop strap that secures the heater cord in place.
3. Pull the cord to the front of the vehicle and plug it into a grounded, three-wire extension cord.
4. After the vehicle is running, reattach the cord to the hook-and-loop strap and properly stow it away behind
the passenger’s side headlamp.
NOTE:
The engine block heater cord is a factory installed
option. If your vehicle is not equipped, heater cords are
available from an authorized dealer.
 The engine block heater will require 110 Volt AC and
6.5 Amps to activate the heater element.
 The engine block heater must be plugged in at least
one hour to have an adequate warming effect on the
engine.
ENGINE BREAK-IN RECOMMENDATIONS
A long break-in period is not required for the engine and
drivetrain (transmission and axle) in your vehicle.
Drive moderately during the first 300 miles (500 km).
After the initial 60 miles (100 km), speeds up to 50 or
55 mph (80 or 90 km/h) are desirable.
While cruising, brief full-throttle acceleration within the
limits of local traffic laws contributes to a good break-in.
Wide-open throttle acceleration in low gear can be
detrimental and should be avoided.
The engine oil installed in the engine at the factory is a
high-quality energy conserving type lubricant. Oil changes
should be consistent with anticipated climate conditions
under which vehicle operations will occur. For the
recommended viscosity and quality grades
Úpage 197.
NOTE:A new engine may consume some oil during its first few
thousand miles (kilometers) of operation. This should be
considered a normal part of the break-in and not inter -
preted as a problem.
WARNING!
Remember to disconnect the engine block heater cord
before driving. Damage to the 110-115 Volt electrical
cord could cause electrocution.
CAUTION!
Never use Non-Detergent Oil or Straight Mineral Oil in
the engine or damage may result.

23_RUV_OM_EN_US_t.book Page 78

STARTING AND OPERATING79
(Continued)
PARKING BRAKE
ELECTRIC PARK BRAKE (EPB)
Your vehicle is equipped with an EPB that offers simple
operation, and some additional features that make the
parking brake more convenient and useful.
The parking brake is primarily intended to prevent the
vehicle from rolling while parked. Before leaving the
vehicle, make sure that the parking brake is applied.
Also, be certain to leave the transmission in PARK.
You can engage the parking brake in two ways;
Manually, by applying the EPB switch.
 Automatically, by enabling the Auto Park Brake feature
in the customer programmable features
Úpage 105.
The EPB is located in the integrated center stack.

Electric Park Brake Switch

To apply the parking brake manually, push the switch
momentarily. You may hear a sound from the back of the
vehicle while the parking brake engages. Once the parking brake is fully engaged, the Brake Warning Light in the
instrument cluster and an indicator on the switch will
illuminate. If your foot is on the brake pedal while you
apply the parking brake, you may notice a small amount of
brake pedal movement. The parking brake can be applied
even when the ignition switch is OFF, however, it can only
be released when the ignition switch in the ACC or
ON/RUN position.
NOTE:The EPB Warning Light will illuminate if the EPB switch is
held for longer than 180 seconds. The light will extinguish
upon releasing the switch.
If the Auto Park Brake feature is enabled, the parking
brake will automatically engage whenever the
transmission is placed into PARK. Once the parking brake
is engaged, the Brake Warning Light in the instrument
cluster and the LED indicator on the switch will illuminate.
If your foot is on the brake pedal, you may notice a small
amount of brake pedal movement while the parking brake
is engaging.
The parking brake will release automatically when the
ignition is cycled to the ON/RUN position, the transmission
is in DRIVE or REVERSE, and the driver seat belt is buckled
and an attempt is made to drive the vehicle away by
pressing the accelerator pedal.

To release the parking brake manually, the ignition switch must
be in the ON/RUN position. Press on the brake pedal, then
push the parking brake switch momentarily. You may hear a
sound from the back of the vehicle while the parking brake
disengages. You may also notice a small amount of movement
in the brake pedal. Once the parking brake is fully disengaged,
the Brake Warning Light in the instrument cluster and the LED
indicator on the switch will extinguish.

NOTE:When parking on a hill, it is important to turn the front
wheels toward the curb on a downhill grade and away from
the curb on an uphill grade. Apply the parking brake before
placing the gear selector in PARK, otherwise the load on
the transmission locking mechanism may make it difficult
to move the gear selector out of PARK. The parking brake
should always be applied whenever the driver is not in the
vehicle.
WARNING!

Never use the PARK position as a substitute for the
parking brake. Always apply the parking brake fully
when parked to guard against vehicle movement and
possible injury or damage.
 When exiting the vehicle, always make sure the igni -
tion is in the OFF position, remove the key fob from
the vehicle, and lock your vehicle.
 Never leave children alone in a vehicle, or with
access to an unlocked vehicle. Allowing children to
be in a vehicle unattended is dangerous for a
number of reasons. A child or others could be seri -
ously or fatally injured. Children should be warned
not to touch the parking brake, brake pedal or the
transmission gear selector.
 Do not leave the key fob in or near the vehicle, (or in
a location accessible to children), and do not leave
the ignition in the ACC or ON/RUN position. A child
could operate power windows, other controls, or
move the vehicle.4

23_RUV_OM_EN_US_t.book Page 79

80STARTING AND OPERATING
If exceptional circumstances should make it necessary to
engage the parking brake while the vehicle is in motion,
push on the EPB switch for as long as engagement is
desired. The Brake Warning Light will illuminate, and a
continuous chime will sound. The rear stop lamps will also
be illuminated automatically while the vehicle remains in
motion. To disengage the parking brake while the vehicle is in
motion, release the switch. If the vehicle is brought to a
complete stop using the parking brake, when the vehicle
reaches approximately 3 mph (4.8 km/h), the parking
brake will remain engaged.
In the unlikely event of a malfunction of the EPB system,
a yellow EPB Warning Light will illuminate. This may be
accompanied by the Brake Warning Light flashing. In this
case, urgent service of the EPB system is required. Do not
rely on the parking brake to hold the vehicle stationary.
Auto Park Brake

The Electric Park Brake (EPB) can be programmed to be applied
automatically whenever the vehicle is at a standstill and the
automatic transmission is placed in PARK. Auto Park Brake is
enabled and disabled by customer selection through the
customer programmable features


Ú
page 105.

SafeHold
SafeHold is a safety feature of the Electric Park Brake
(EPB) system that will engage the parking brake
automatically if the vehicle is left unsecured. If the
automatic transmission is not in PARK, the seat belt is
unbuckled, the driver door is open, the vehicle is at a
standstill, and there is no attempt to press the brake pedal
or accelerator pedal, the parking brake will automatically
engage to prevent the vehicle from rolling.
SafeHold can be temporarily bypassed by pushing the EPB
while the driver door is open and brake pedal is pressed.
Once manually bypassed, SafeHold will be enabled again
once the vehicle reaches 12 mph (20 km/h) or the ignition
is cycled to the OFF position and back to ON again.
Brake Service Mode
We recommend having your brakes serviced by an
authorized dealer. You should only make repairs for
which you have the knowledge and the right equipment.
You should only enter Brake Service Mode during brake
service.
When servicing your rear brakes, it may be necessary for
you or your technician to push the rear piston into the rear
caliper bore. With the Electric Park Brake (EPB) system,
this can only be done after retracting the EPB actuator.
Fortunately, actuator retraction can be done easily by
entering Brake Service Mode in your vehicle
Úpage 105.
This menu-based system will guide you through the steps
necessary to retract the EPB actuator in order to perform
rear brake service.
Brake Service Mode has requirements that must be met in
order to be activated:
 The vehicle must be at a standstill.
 The parking brake must be unapplied.
 The transmission must be in PARK or NEUTRAL.
While in Brake Service Mode, the EPB Warning Light will
flash continuously while the ignition switch is ON.
When brake service work is complete, the following steps
must be followed to reset the parking brake system to
normal operation:
 Ensure the vehicle is at a standstill.
 Press the brake pedal with moderate force.
 Apply the EPB.

Be sure the parking brake is fully disengaged before
driving; failure to do so can lead to brake failure and
a collision.
 Always fully apply the parking brake when leaving
your vehicle, or it may roll and cause damage or
injury. Also be certain to leave the transmission in
PARK. Failure to do so may allow the vehicle to roll
and cause damage or injury.
 Driving the vehicle with the parking brake engaged,
or repeated use of the parking brake to slow the
vehicle may cause serious damage to the brake
system.
CAUTION!
If the Brake System Warning Light remains on with the
parking brake released, a brake system malfunction
is indicated. Have the brake system serviced by an
authorized dealer immediately.
WARNING!

23_RUV_OM_EN_US_t.book Page 80

STARTING AND OPERATING81
(Continued)
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
You must press and hold the brake pedal while shifting out
of PARK.
IGNITION PARK INTERLOCK
This vehicle is equipped with an Ignition Park Interlock
which requires the transmission to be in PARK before the
ignition can be turned to the OFF position. This helps the
driver avoid inadvertently leaving the vehicle without
placing the transmission in PARK. This system also locks
the transmission in PARK whenever the ignition is in the
OFF position.
NOTE:The transmission is NOT locked in PARK when the ignition
is in the ACC position (even though the engine will be off).
Ensure that the transmission is in PARK, and the ignition
is OFF (not in ACC position) before exiting the vehicle.
WARNING!
You can be badly injured working on or around a motor
vehicle. Do only that service work for which you have
the knowledge and the right equipment. If you have any
doubt about your ability to perform a service job, take
your vehicle to a competent mechanic.
WARNING!
Never use the PARK position as a substitute for the
parking brake. Always apply the parking brake fully
when exiting the vehicle to guard against vehicle
movement and possible injury or damage.
 Your vehicle could move and injure you and others if
it is not in PARK. Check by trying to move the trans -
mission gear selector out of PARK with the brake
pedal released. Make sure the transmission is in
PARK before exiting the vehicle.
 The transmission may not engage PARK if the vehicle
is moving. Always bring the vehicle to a complete
stop before shifting to PARK, and verify that the
transmission gear position indicator solidly indicates
PARK (P) without blinking. Ensure that the vehicle is
completely stopped, and the PARK position is prop -
erly indicated, before exiting the vehicle.

 It is dangerous to shift out of PARK or NEUTRAL if the
engine speed is higher than idle speed. If your foot is not
firmly pressing the brake pedal, the vehicle could accel -
erate quickly forward or in reverse. You could lose control
of the vehicle and hit someone or something. Only shift
into gear when the engine is idling normally and your foot
is firmly pressing the brake pedal.

 Unintended movement of a vehicle could injure
those in or near the vehicle. As with all vehicles,
you should never exit a vehicle while the engine is
running. Before exiting a vehicle, always come to a
complete stop, then apply the parking brake, shift
the transmission into PARK, and turn the ignition
OFF. When the ignition is in the OFF position, the
transmission is locked in PARK, securing the vehicle
against unwanted movement.
 When exiting the vehicle, always make sure the igni -
tion is in the OFF position, remove the key fob from
the vehicle, and lock the vehicle.

 Never leave children alone in a vehicle, or with access to
an unlocked vehicle. Allowing children to be in a vehicle
unattended is dangerous for a number of reasons. A child
or others could be seriously or fatally injured. Children
should be warned not to touch the parking brake, brake
pedal or the transmission gear selector.
 Do not leave the key fob in or near the vehicle (or in a loca -
tion accessible to children), and do not leave the ignition
in the ACC or ON/RUN position. A child could operate
power windows, other controls, or move the vehicle.

WARNING!CAUTION!
Damage to the transmission may occur if the following
precautions are not observed:
 Shift into or out of PARK or REVERSE only after the
vehicle has come to a complete stop.
 Do not shift between PARK, REVERSE, NEUTRAL, or
DRIVE when the engine is above idle speed.
 Before shifting into any gear, make sure your foot is
firmly pressing the brake pedal.
4

23_RUV_OM_EN_US_t.book Page 81

82STARTING AND OPERATING
BRAKE/TRANSMISSION SHIFT
I
NTERLOCK (BTSI) SYSTEM
This vehicle is equipped with a BTSI that holds the
transmission gear selector in PARK unless the brakes are
applied. To shift the transmission out of PARK, the engine
must be running and the brake pedal must be pressed.
The brake pedal must also be pressed to shift from
NEUTRAL into DRIVE or REVERSE when the vehicle is
stopped or moving at low speeds.
9-SPEED AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

The transmission is controlled using a rotary electronic gear
selector located on the center console. The transmission gear
selector has PARK, REVERSE, NEUTRAL, DRIVE, and LOW shift
positions. Using the LOW position manually downshifts the
transmission to a lower gear based on vehicle speed. The
transmission gear range (PRNDL) is displayed both above the
gear selector and in the instrument cluster. To select a gear
range, simply rotate the gear selector. Push down on the gear
selector and then rotate it, to access the L position. You must
also press the brake pedal to shift the transmission out of PARK
(or NEUTRAL, when stopped or moving at low speeds). To shift
past multiple gear ranges at once (such as PARK to DRIVE),
simply rotate the gear selector to the appropriate detent. Select
the DRIVE range for normal driving.

NOTE:In the event of a mismatch between the gear selector
position and the actual transmission gear (for example,
driver selects PARK while driving), the position indicator
will blink continuously until the selector is returned to the
proper position, or the requested shift can be completed. The electronically controlled transmission adapts its shift
schedule based on driver inputs, along with environmental
and road conditions. The transmission electronics are
self-calibrating; therefore, the first few shifts on a new
vehicle may be somewhat abrupt. This is a normal
condition, and precision shifts will develop within a few
hundred miles (kilometers).

The 9-speed transmission has been developed to meet the
needs of current and future FWD/AWD vehicles. Software
and calibration is refined to optimize the customer’s driving
experience and fuel economy. By design, some vehicle and
driveline combinations utilize NINTH gear only in very specific
driving situations and conditions.

Only shift from DRIVE to PARK or REVERSE when the
accelerator pedal is released and the vehicle is stopped.
Be sure to keep your foot on the brake pedal when shifting
between these gears.

Transmission Gear Selector

GEAR RANGES
Do not press the accelerator pedal when shifting from
PARK or NEUTRAL into another gear range.
NOTE:After selecting any gear range, wait a moment to allow the
selected gear to engage before accelerating. This is espe
-
cially important when the engine is cold.
PARK (P)
This range supplements the parking brake by locking the
transmission. The engine can be started in this range.
Never attempt to use PARK while the vehicle is in motion.
Apply the parking brake when exiting the vehicle in this
range.
When parking on a hill, apply the parking brake before
shifting the transmission to PARK. As an added
precaution, turn the front wheels toward the curb on a
downhill grade and away from the curb on an uphill grade.
When exiting the vehicle, always:
 Apply the parking brake.
 Shift the transmission into PARK.
 Turn the ignition off.
 Remove the key fob from the vehicle.

23_RUV_OM_EN_US_t.book Page 82

STARTING AND OPERATING83
The following indicators should be used to ensure that you
have properly engaged the transmission into the PARK
position:
Look at the transmission gear position display and
verify that it indicates the PARK position (P), and is not
blinking.
 With the brake pedal released, verify that the gear
selector will not move out of PARK.
REVERSE (R)

This range is for moving the vehicle backward. Shift into
REVERSE only after the vehicle has come to a complete stop.

NEUTRAL (N)
Use this range when the vehicle is standing for prolonged
periods with the engine running. The engine may be
started in this range. Apply the parking brake and shift the
transmission into PARK if you must exit the vehicle.
DRIVE (D)

This range should be used for most city and highway driving. It
provides the smoothest upshifts and downshifts, and the best
fuel economy. The transmission automatically upshifts through
all forward gears. The DRIVE position provides optimum driving
characteristics under all normal operating conditions.
If the transmission temperature exceeds normal operating
limits, the transmission controller may modify the transmission
shift schedule, reduce engine torque, and/or expand the range
of torque converter clutch engagement. This is done to prevent
transmission damage due to overheating.
If the transmission becomes extremely hot, the
Transmission Temperature Warning Light will illuminate, a
warning message will appear in the instrument cluster,
and the transmission may operate differently until the
transmission cools down.

During cold temperatures, transmission operation may be
modified depending on engine and transmission temperature
as well as vehicle speed. This feature improves warm-up time
of the engine and transmission to achieve maximum efficiency.
Engagement of the torque converter clutch, and shifts into
EIGHTH or NINTH gear, are inhibited until the transmission fluid
is warm


Ú
page 84. Normal operation will resume once the
transmission temperature has risen to a suitable level.

LOW (L)
Use this range for engine braking when descending
very steep grades. In this range, the transmission will
downshift for increased engine braking. To access the
LOW position, push down on the gear selector and rotate
it fully clockwise.
Transmission Limp Home Mode
Transmission function is monitored electronically for
abnormal conditions. If a condition is detected that could
result in transmission damage, Transmission Limp Home
Mode is activated. In this mode, the transmission may
operate only in a fixed gear, or may remain in NEUTRAL.
The Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) may be illuminated.
Limp Home Mode may allow the vehicle to be driven to an
authorized dealer for service without damaging the
transmission.
CAUTION!
 Before moving the transmission gear selector out of
PARK, you must start the engine, and also press the
brake pedal. Otherwise, damage to the gear selector
could result.
 DO NOT race the engine when shifting from PARK
or NEUTRAL into another gear range, as this can
damage the drivetrain.
WARNING!

Do not coast in NEUTRAL and never turn off the ignition to
coast down a hill. These are unsafe practices that limit your
response to changing traffic or road conditions. You might
lose control of the vehicle and have a collision.

CAUTION!
Towing the vehicle, coasting, or driving for any other
reason with the transmission in NEUTRAL can cause
severe transmission damage.
If Recreational Towing
Úpage 101.
If Towing A Disabled Vehicle
Úpage 190.
4

23_RUV_OM_EN_US_t.book Page 83

84STARTING AND OPERATING
In the event of a momentary problem, the transmission
can be reset to regain all forward gears by performing the
following steps:

1. Stop the vehicle.

2. Shift the transmission into PARK, if possible. If not,
shift the transmission to NEUTRAL.
3. Push and hold the ignition switch until the engine turns off.
4. Wait approximately 30 seconds.
5. Restart the engine.
6. Shift into the desired gear range. If the problem is no longer detected, the transmission will return to
normal operation.
NOTE:
Even if the transmission can be reset, we recommend that you
visit an authorized dealer at your earliest possible convenience.
An authorized dealer has diagnostic equipment to assess the
condition of your transmission. If the transmission cannot be
reset, authorized dealer service is required.

Torque Converter Clutch
A feature designed to improve fuel economy has been
included in the automatic transmission on your vehicle.
A clutch within the torque converter engages
automatically at calibrated speeds. This may result in a
slightly different feeling or response during normal
operation in the upper gears. When the vehicle speed
drops or during some accelerations, the clutch
automatically disengages.
NOTE:The torque converter clutch will not engage until the
engine and/or transmission is warm (usually after 1 to
3 miles [2 to 5 km] of driving). Because the engine speed
is higher when the torque converter clutch is not engaged,
it may seem as if the transmission is not shifting properly
when the vehicle is cold. This is normal. The torque
converter clutch will function normally once the powertrain
is sufficiently warm.
ACTIVE NOISE CANCELLATION

Your vehicle is equipped with an Active Noise Cancellation
system. This system is designed to address exhaust and engine
noise. The system relies on four microphones embedded in the
headliner, which monitor exhaust and engine noise, and assists
an onboard frequency generator, which creates counteracting
sound waves in the audio system’s speakers. This helps keep
the vehicle quiet at idle and during drive.

POWER STEERING
The electric power steering system will provide increased
vehicle response and ease of maneuverability. The power
steering system adapts to different driving conditions.
If the Steering icon is displayed and the “POWER STEERING
SYSTEM OVER TEMP” message is displayed on the instrument
cluster screen, this indicates an over temperature condition in
the power steering system. Once driving conditions are safe,
pull over and let the vehicle idle for a few moments until the
icon and message turn off


Ú
page 67.
If the “SERVICE POWER STEERING" or "POWER
STEERING ASSIST OFF - SERVICE SYSTEM”
message and a steering wheel icon are displayed
on the instrument cluster screen, it indicates that
the vehicle needs to be taken to an authorized dealer for
service. It is likely the vehicle has lost power steering
assistance

Ú
page 67.

NOTE:
Even if the power steering assistance is no longer oper -
ational, it is still possible to steer the vehicle. Under
these conditions there will be a substantial increase in
steering effort, especially at low speeds and during
parking maneuvers.
 The power steering system is fully electric; it requires
no power steering fluid.
 If the condition persists, see an authorized dealer for
service.
WARNING!
Continued operation with reduced assist could pose a
safety risk to yourself and others. Service should be
obtained as soon as possible.

23_RUV_OM_EN_US_t.book Page 84