Over Temperature Mode; Torque Converter Clutch - Jeep 2004 Grand Cherokee Owner's Manual

Over Temperature Mode

The transmission electronics constantly monitor the
transmission oil temperature. If the transmission gets too
hot, the transmission will change the way it shifts to help
control the condition. This may result in a slightly
different feeling or response during normal operation in
D (Drive) position. If the transmission becomes hot
enough the O/D OFF indicator light and TRANS OVER
TEMP warning light in the instrument cluster may come
on. After the transmission cools down, it will return to
normal operation.

Torque Converter Clutch

A feature designed to improve fuel economy has been
added to the automatic transmission of this vehicle. A
clutch within the torque converter engages automatically
at calibrated speeds. This may result in a slightly differ-
ent feeling or response during normal operation in high
gear. When the vehicle speed drops or during accelera-
tion, the clutch automatically and smoothly disengages.
STARTING AND OPERATING 185
NOTE:
• The torque converter clutch will not engage until the
transmission fluid and engine coolant are warm (usu-
ally after 1–3 miles (1.6–4.8 km) of driving). Because
engine speed is higher when the torque converter
clutch is not engaged, it may seem as if the transmis-
sion is not shifting into "Overdrive" when cold. This is
considered a normal condition. Pressing the "O/D
OFF" switch will show that the transmission is able to
shift into and out of "Overdrive."
• If the vehicle has not been driven for several days, the
first few seconds of operation after shifting the trans-
mission into gear may seem sluggish. This is due to the
transmission fluid partially draining from the torque
converter into the transmission. This is considered a
normal condition and will not cause damage to the
transmission. The torque converter will refill within 5
seconds of shifting from P (Park) into any other gear
position.
5