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Recommended shift speeds, Downshifting, Automatic transaxle - if equipped – Dodge 2009 Caliber User Manual

Page 255: Automatic transaxle — if equipped

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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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