Loading ...
Loading ...
Loading ...
152 STARTING AND OPERATING
DRIVE (D)
This range should be used for most city and
highway driving. It provides the smoothest
upshifts and downshifts, and the best fuel
economy. The transmission automatically
upshifts through all forward gears. The DRIVE
position provides optimum driving characteris-
tics under all normal operating conditions.
When frequent transmission shifting occurs
(such as when operating the vehicle under
heavy loading conditions, in hilly terrain, trav-
eling into strong head winds or while towing a
heavy trailer), use the AutoStick shift control
(refer to “AutoStick” in this section for further
information) to select a lower gear. Under these
conditions, using a lower gear will improve
performance and extend transmission life by
reducing excessive shifting and heat buildup.
If the transmission temperature exceeds
normal operating limits, the transmission
controller may modify the transmission shift
schedule, reduce engine torque, and/or expand
the range of torque converter clutch engage-
ment. This is done to prevent transmission
damage due to overheating.
If the transmission becomes extremely hot, the
“Transmission Temperature Warning Light”
may illuminate and the transmission may
operate differently until the transmission cools
down.
During cold temperatures, transmission opera-
tion may be modified depending on engine and
transmission temperature as well as vehicle
speed. This feature improves warm up time of
the engine and transmission to achieve
maximum efficiency. Engagement of the torque
converter clutch, and shifts into 8th or 9th gear,
are inhibited until the transmission fluid is
warm. Normal operation will resume once the
transmission temperature has risen to a suit-
able level.
AutoStick
AutoStick is a driver-interactive transmission
feature providing manual shift control, giving
you more control of the vehicle. AutoStick
allows you to maximize engine braking, elimi-
nate undesirable upshifts and downshifts, and
improve overall vehicle performance. This
system can also provide you with more control
during passing, city driving, cold slippery condi-
tions, mountain driving, trailer towing and many
other situations.
Operation
When the gear selector is in the AutoStick posi-
tion (beside the DRIVE position), it can be
moved forward and rearward. This allows the
driver to manually select the transmission gear
being used. Moving the gear selector forward (-)
triggers a downshift, and rearward (+) an
upshift. The current gear is displayed in the
instrument cluster.
NOTE:
In AutoStick mode, the transmission will only shift
up or down when the driver moves the gear
selector rearward (+) or forward (-), except as
described below.
The transmission will automatically upshift
when necessary to prevent engine overspeed.
The transmission will automatically downshift
as the vehicle slows (to prevent engine lugging)
and will display the current gear.
The transmission will automatically downshift
to FIRST or SECOND gear (depending on
model) when coming to a stop. After a stop, the
driver should manually upshift (+) the transmis-
sion as the vehicle is accelerated.
2020_FIAT_500X_OM_USA=GUID-B0E0CFCD-ED13-4DFD-975F-620984F05523=1=en=.book Page 152
Loading ...
Loading ...
Loading ...