Automatic transmission adaptive learning

Your transmission is equipped with an adaptive learning strategy found in the vehicle computer. This feature is designed to increase durability and provide consistent shift feel over the life of the vehicle. A new vehicle or transmission may have firm and/or soft shifts. This operation is considered normal and will not affect function or durability of the transmission. Over time, the adaptive learning process will fully update transmission operation. Additionally, whenever the battery is disconnected or a new battery installed, the strategy must be relearned.

Understanding the gearshift positions of the 6–speed automatic transmission

Your vehicle has been designed to improve fuel economy by reducing fuel usage while coasting or decelerating. When you take your foot off the accelerator pedal and the vehicle begins to slow down, the torque converter clutch locks up and aggressively shuts off fuel flow to the engine while decelerating. This fuel economy benefit may be perceived as a light to medium braking sensation when removing your foot from the accelerator pedal.

P (Park)

This position locks the transmission and prevents the front wheels from turning.

To put your vehicle in gear:

1. Press the brake pedal.
2. Move the gearshift lever into the desired gear.

To put your vehicle in P (Park):

1. Come to a complete stop.
2. Move the gearshift lever and securely latch it in P (Park).

WARNING: Always set the parking brake fully and make sure the gearshift is latched in P (Park). Turn the ignition to the off position and remove the key whenever you leave your vehicle.

R (Reverse)

With the gearshift lever in R (Reverse), the vehicle will move backward.

Always come to a complete stop before shifting into and out of R (Reverse).

N (Neutral)

With the gearshift lever in N (Neutral), the vehicle can be started and is free to roll. Hold the brake pedal down while in this position.

D (Drive) with Overdrive

The normal driving position for the best fuel economy. Transmission operates in gears one through six.

D (Drive) with Grade Assist

Pressing the transmission control switch on the side of the gearshift lever activates grade assist and cancels overdrive.

• Provides additional grade (engine) braking and extends lower gear operation on uphill climbs for hilly terrain or mountainous areas.
• Provides additional engine braking through the automatic transmission shift strategy which reacts to vehicle inputs (vehicle acceleration, accelerator pedal, brake pedal and vehicle speed).
• Allows the transmission to select gears that will provide the desired engine braking based on the vehicle inputs mentioned above. This will increase engine RPM during engine braking.
• The grade assist lamp in the instrument cluster is illuminated.

Grade assist is designed to aid the driver with optimal gear selection in hilly terrain or mountainous areas but is not intended for normal operation. It is recommended that you return to O/D (overdrive mode) on flat terrain to provide the best fuel economy and transmission function.

To return to normal D (Drive) position (with O/D), press the transmission control switch again.

• The grade assist lamp in the instrument cluster will not be illuminated.
• The transmission will operate in gears one through six.

O/D (overdrive mode) is automatically returned each time the engine is turned off.

L (Low)

• Provides maximum engine braking.
• Will downshift to the lowest available gear for the current vehicle speed; allows for first gear when vehicle reaches slower speeds.
• Is not intended for use under extended or normal driving conditions and results in lower fuel economy.

If your vehicle gets stuck in mud or snow

Note: Do not rock the vehicle if the engine is not at normal operating temperature or damage to the transmission may occur.

Note: Do not rock the vehicle for more than a minute or damage to the transmission and tires may occur, or the engine may overheat.

If your vehicle gets stuck in mud or snow, it may be rocked out by shifting between forward and reverse gears, stopping between shifts in a steady pattern. Press lightly on the accelerator in each gear.