TABLE OF CONTENTS - Dodge

198 STARTING AND OPERATING
WARNING!
It is dangerous to shift the selector lever out of “P” or
“N” if the engine speed is higher than idle speed. If
your foot is not firmly on the brake pedal, the
vehicle could accelerate 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 when your right
foot is firmly on the brake pedal.
Automatic Transmission — General Information
The automatic transmission selects individual gears automatically,
dependent upon:
• Altitude
• Vehicle Loading
• Driving Style
• Selector lever position
• Accelerator position
• Vehicle speed
The gear shifting process is continuously adapted, dependent
on the driving style, the driving situation and
the road characteristics.
NOTE:
• After selecting any driving position, wait a moment to
allow the gear to engage fully before accelerating,
especially when the engine is cold.
• If there is a need to restart the engine, be sure to cycle
the key to the LOCK position before restarting. Transmission
engagement may be delayed up to 10 seconds
after restart if the key is not cycled to the LOCK
position first.
• The electronically controlled transmission provides a
precise shift schedule. The transmission electronics are
self-calibrating. Therefore, the first few shifts on a new
vehicle may be somewhat abrupt or soft until after the
break-in period. This is a normal condition, and precision
shifts will develop within a few shift cycles.