clutch DODGE CHARGER 2008 6.G Owners Manual

NOTE:
²If the vehicle is started in cold temperatures, shifts into
Overdrive may be delayed. Normal Overdrive and
shifting operation will resume when the temperature
of the transmission reaches the appropriate tempera-
ture. Refer to the ªNoteº under ªTorque Converter
Clutchº later in this section.
²If the transmission temperature gets too hot, the
transmission may downshift out of Overdrive or en-
gage overdrive at higher vehicle speeds until the
transmission cools down. After cooldown, Overdrive
will resume normal operation.
ª3º (Third)
This range eliminates shifts into Overdrive. The transmis-
sion will operate normally in First, Second and Third
while in this range. The ª3º position should also be used
when descending steep grades to prevent brake system
distress.NOTE:Using the ª3º range while operating the vehicle
under heavy operating conditions will improve perfor-
mance and extend transmission life by reducing exces-
sive shifting and heat build up.
ªLº (Low)
This range should be used for engine braking when
descending very steep grades. In this range, upshifts will
occur only to prevent engine overspeed while downshifts
occur earlier than other gear range selections.
CAUTION!
Never race the engine with the brakes on and the
vehicle in gear, and never hold the vehicle on an
incline without applying the brakes. These practices
can cause overheating and damage to the
transmission.
STARTING AND OPERATING 265
5

Torque Converter Clutch
A feature designed to improve fuel economy has been
added to the automatic transmission of this vehicle. A
clutch within the torque converter engages automatically
at calibrated speeds. This may result in a slightly differ-
ent feeling or response during normal operation in high
gear. When the vehicle speed drops, or during accelera-
tion, the clutch automatically and smoothly disengages.
NOTE:
²The torque converter clutch will not engage until the
transmission fluid and engine coolant is warm (usu-
ally 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 transmis-
sion is not shifting into ªOverdriveº when cold. This is
considered a normal condition. Pulling the selector
lever into the ª3º position will show that the transmis-
sion is able to shift into and out of ªOverdrive.º
²If the vehicle has not been driven for several days, the
first few seconds of operation after shifting the trans-
mission into gear may seem sluggish. This is due to the
transmission fluid partially draining from the torque
converter into the transmission. This is considered a
normal condition and it will not cause damage to the
transmission. The torque converter will refill within 5
seconds of shifting from ªPº (Park) into any other gear
position.
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. ªPº (Park), ªRº (Reverse), and ªNº (Neu-
tral) will continue to operate. This Reset feature allows
the vehicle to be driven to a dealer for service without
damaging the transmission.
266 STARTING AND OPERATING

Life of Tires.......................... 304
Load Capacity.....................294,295
Pressure Monitor System (TPMS)........... 309
Quality Grading....................... 440
Radial.............................. 301
Replacement......................... 305
Rotation............................. 308
Safety...........................290,298
Self-Sealing.......................... 307
Sizes............................... 291
Snow Tires........................... 308
Spare Tire........................... 348
Spinning............................ 303
Trailer Towing........................ 337
Tread Wear Indicators................... 304
To Open Hood.......................... 121
Tongue Weight/Trailer Weight.............. 335
Torque Converter Clutch.................. 266
Towing............................... 329Behind a Motor Home.................. 342
Disabled Vehicle....................... 360
Guide.............................. 333
Recreational.......................... 342
Weight.............................. 333
Towing Vehicle Behind a Motor Home......... 342
Traction Control......................... 284
Traction Control Light.................... 284
Traction Control Switch................... 284
Trailer Towing.......................... 329
Cooling System Tips.................... 342
Hitches............................. 333
Minimum Requirements................. 336
Tips ................................ 341
Trailer and Tongue Weight................ 335
Wiring.............................. 339
Trailer Towing Guide..................... 333
Trailer Weight.......................... 333
Transfer Case........................... 398
INDEX 463
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