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Four-speed or six-speed automatic transaxle – Dodge 2009 Caravan User Manual

Page 331

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NOTE:

If a malfunction occurs, the system will trap the

key in the ignition cylinder to warn you that this safety
feature is inoperable. The engine can be started and
stopped but the key cannot be removed until you obtain
service.

Four-Speed or Six-Speed Automatic Transaxle

NOTE:

Under extreme cold temperatures (-6°F (-21°C)

and when in DRIVE, transmission operation may be
briefly limited to only 2nd gear operation. Normal op-
eration will resume once the transmission temperature
has risen to a suitable level (4–Speed Models Only).

The electronically-controlled transaxle provides a precise
shift schedule. The transaxle electronics are self-
calibrating; therefore, the first few shifts on a new vehicle
may be somewhat abrupt. This is a normal condition, and
precision shifts will develop within a few hundred miles
(kilometers).

The transaxle has only PRND shift positions. Downshifts
are carried out by an Electronic Range Select (ERS) by
moving the lever—/ + while in the DRIVE position, the
instrument cluster will display transaxle gear selection as
6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 for six-speed, and 4, 3, 2, 1 for four-speed
transaxles.

Gear Ranges
Do not race the engine when moving the shift lever from
PARK or NEUTRAL positions into another gear range.

PARK
Placing the shift lever into PARK supplements the park-
ing brake by locking the transaxle. The engine can be
started in this gear. Never attempt to use PARK while the
vehicle is in motion. Apply the parking brake when
leaving the vehicle in this gear.

STARTING AND OPERATING

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