Recommended shift speeds, Downshifting, Automatic transaxle - if equipped – Dodge 2009 Caliber User Manual
Page 255: Automatic transaxle — if equipped
Recommended Shift Speeds
To use your manual transaxle for optimal fuel economy,
it should be upshifted as listed in the following table.
Manual Transaxle Recommended Shift Speeds
Units in mph (km/h)
Engine
Size
Accel-
eration
Rate
1 to 2
2 to 3
3 to 4
4 to 5
All En-
gines
Accel
14 (23) 23 (37)
29 (47)
45 (72)
Cruise
12 (19) 18 (29)
25 (40)
32 (52)
Downshifting
Proper downshifting will improve fuel economy and
prolong engine life.
CAUTION!
If you skip more than one gear while downshifting
or downshift at too high a vehicle speed, you could
damage the engine, transmission, or clutch.
To maintain a safe speed and prolong brake life, shift
down to 2nd or 1st gear when descending a steep grade.
When turning a corner or driving up a steep grade,
downshift early so that the engine will not be
overburdened.
AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE — IF EQUIPPED
NOTE:
The Continuously Variable Automatic Transaxle
(CVT) changes ratios in a continuous manner. This may
sometimes
ЉfeelЉ as if it is slipping, but this is normal and
does not harm anything.
STARTING AND OPERATING
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