Range Selection
Range Selection
The transmission has 7 range positions: P, R, N, (D), 3, 2 and 1.
Park
In the PARK position:
- there is no powerflow through the transmission.
- the park pawl locks the output shaft to the case.
- the engine can be started.
- the ignition key can be removed.
Reverse
In the REVERSE position:
- the vehicle can be operated in a rearward direction, at a reduced gear ratio.
Neutral
In the NEUTRAL position:
- there is no powerflow through the transmission.
- the output shaft is not held and is free to turn.
- the engine can be started.
Overdrive
Overdrive (D) is the normal position for most forward driving.
The OVERDRIVE (D) position provides:
- automatic shifts.
- apply and release of the Torque Converter Clutch (TCC).
- maximum fuel economy during normal operation.
Third Position - 3rd Gear
This position provides:
- third gear start and hold.
- improved traction and engine braking on slippery roads.
Second Position - 2nd Gear
This position provides:
If this position is selected at higher speeds, the transmission will downshift into a lower gear, and will downshift into 2nd gear after the vehicle decelerates to the correct speed. The transmission will not downshift if it will cause an engine over-speed condition.
- second gear start and hold.
- improved traction and engine braking on slippery roads.
First Position - Manual Low Gear
If this position is selected at higher speeds, the transmission will downshift into a lower gear, and will downshift into 1st gear after the vehicle decelerates to the correct speed. The transmission will not downshift if it will cause an engine over-speed condition.
This position provides:
- first gear operation only.
- engine braking for descending steep grades.
Tow/Haul
The tow/haul feature was designed to assist the vehicle when towing a trailer or a heavy load. All transmission gear ranges, including all 5 forward gears, are available when using the tow/haul feature.
The tow/haul function is activated and deactivated through a switch located on the end of the selector lever. The indicator light that is located in the Instrument Cluster (IC) will illuminate when the tow/haul is activated and will go off when deactivated.
With the tow/haul activated, the transmission will have the following features:
- Shifts will occur at higher vehicle speeds for a given Accelerator Pedal Position (APP) to improve vehicle acceleration, reduce excessive shifting and increase the coast braking capability.
- The torque converter will lock up at lower vehicle speeds than normal with a given APP (Accelerator Pedal Position) to improve transmission cooling and efficiency.
- Upshifts are temporarily delayed while decreasing APP (Accelerator Pedal Position) during hill cresting to reduce excessive transmission shifting and to prepare for a possible grade braking downshift event.
- Engine braking is provided in all forward gears without the requirement of moving the selector lever.
- Manual 1, 2 or 3 will still be available.
- Grade braking downshift feature provides increased coast braking automatically to assist driver in maintaining desired speed while descending a grade. This reduces duty cycle on the brake system and increases brake pad longevity.
- Grade braking downshifts are automatically commanded when:
- positive vehicle acceleration is sensed (natural acceleration from grade descent).
- a near zero APP (Accelerator Pedal Position) is obtained.
- a minimum amount of time has expired since the last grade braking downshift.
- Grade braking downshift mode is immediately exited should the tow/haul mode be deactivated or if the accelerator pedal is pressed beyond a minimum threshold.