Recommended Shift Speeds; Downshifting - Dodge Caliber Owner's Manual

Recommended Shift Speeds

To use your manual transaxle for optimal fuel economy,
it should be upshifted as listed in table.
Manual Transaxle Recommended Shift Speeds
Units in mph (km/h)
Accel-
Engine
eration 1 to 2
Size
Rate
Accel 14 (23) 23 (37)
All En-
gines
Cruise 12 (19) 18 (29)

Downshifting

Proper downshifting will improve fuel economy and
prolong engine life.
2 to 3 3 to 4 4 to 5
29 (47) 45 (72)
25 (40) 32 (52)
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 overbur-
dened.
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