Automatic Transmission - Gear Selection Revised
NO.:21-09-93
GROUP:
Transmission
DATE:
Mar. 26, 1993
SUBJECT:
Automatic Transmission Gear Selection
THIS BULLETIN APPLIES TO ALL DOMESTIC BUILT PASSENGER CARS AND MINIVANS EQUIPPED WITH AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
MODELS:
1989-1992 (AA) Spirit/Acclaim/LeBaron Sedan
(AC) Dynasty/New Yorker/New Yorker Salon
(AG) Daytona
(AJ) LeBaron Coupe/Convertible
(AP) Shadow/Shadow Convertible/Sundance
(AS) Caravan/Grand Caravan/Caravan CV
Voyager/Grand Voyager/Town & Country
(AY) Imperial/New Yorker Fifth Avenue
DISCUSSION:
The transmission gear selection and operating instructions listed in the Owners Manual have been revised. The changes were made to provide more precise transmission control (especially in moderately steep terrain), take advantage of engine braking while descending grades, and reduce the chance of engine overheating. The revised information was included in the 1992 Owners Manuals issued after January, 1992 and is included with this bulletin for reference.
Vehicles equipped with three speed automatic transaxle. (Revised Instructions).
Gear Ranges
"P" Park
Supplements parking brake by locking the transaxle. Engine can be started in this range. Never attempt to use PARK while vehicle is in motion.
Apply parking brake when leaving vehicle in [see illustration] this range.
"R" Reverse
Shift into this range only after the vehicle has come to a complete stop.
"N" Neutral
Engine may be started in this range.
"D" Drive
For most city and highway driving.
** "2" Second
For driving on mountain roads where more precise speed control is desirable. Use it also for engine braking when descending moderately steep grades. To prevent excessive engine speed, do not exceed 45 miles per hour (72 km/h) in SECOND.
"1" First
For "engine braking" at low speeds, 25 mph (40 km/h) or less, when going down hill. To prevent excessive engine speed, do not exceed 25 mph (40 km/h) in FIRST
Vehicles equipped with four speed automatic transaxle. (Revised Instructions)
Gear Ranges
"P" Park
Supplements the parking brake by locking the transaxle. Engine can be started in this range. [see illustration] Never attempt to use PARK while vehicle is in motion.
Apply parking brake when leaving vehicle in this range.
"R" Reverse
Shift into this range only after the vehicle has come to a complete stop.
"N" Neutral
Engine may be started in this range. Use this range for starting your vehicle if it is moving or is being towed.
[D] Overdrive
This range should be used for most city and highway driving. It provides smoothest upshifts and downshifts and best fuel economy.
"3" Drive - This range should be used for descending hills. The shift schedules in this range provide improved engine braking and vehicle performance at the expense of fuel economy. The transaxle will not shift into Overdrive when this range is selected. Under certain driving conditions, this will eliminate frequent shifting between Third Gear and Overdrive.
"L" Low
This range should be used for maximum engine braking when descending steep grades. In this range, upshifts will occur only to prevent engine overspeed while downshifts occur as early as possible.
POLICY: Information Only