Speed Control; Operation - Chrysler Dodge Caravan 2002 Manual

8P - 2

SPEED CONTROL

SPEED CONTROL (Continued)
NOTE: Turning the system off by depressing the
OFF switch or turning off the ignition switch will
erase the set speed stored in the PCM.
For added safety, the speed control system is pro-
grammed to disengage for any of the following condi-
tions:
• An indication of Park or Neutral
• A rapid increase rpm (indicates that the clutch
has been disengaged)
• Excessive engine rpm (indicates that the trans-
mission may be in a low gear)
• The speed signal increases at a rate of 10 mph
per second (indicates that the co-efficient of friction
between the road surface and tires is extremely low)
• The speed signal decreases at a rate of 10 mph
per second (indicates that the vehicle may have
decelerated at an extremely high rate)
• If the actual speed is greater than 20 mph over
the set speed.
• Autostick shifts into 1st or 2nd gear (autostick,
if equipped)
Once the speed control has been disengaged,
depressing the RESUME switch when speed is
greater than 20 mph allows the vehicle to resume
control to the target speed that was stored in the
PCM.
While the speed control is engaged, the driver can
increase the vehicle speed by depressing the ACCEL
switch. The new target speed is stored in the PCM
when the ACCEL switch is released. The PCM also
has a tap-up feature in which target speed
increases by 2 mph for each momentary switch acti-
vation of the ACCEL switch. The PCM also provides
a means to decelerate to a new lower target speed
without disengaging speed control. Depress and hold
the COAST switch until the desired speed is reached,
then release the switch.
The PCM also has a "Tap Down" feature in which
target speed decreases at 1 mph for each momentary
switch activation of the coast switch.
OPERATION - INTERACTIVE SPEED CONTROL
(4 Speed EATX Only)
Interactive means that communication between the
PCM and the TCM is taking place. Interactive speed
control avoids unnecessary shifting for smoother, qui-
eter operation and when downshifts are required,
makes the shifts smoother.
CLIMBING A GRADE
DESCRIPTION
When climbing a grade the interactive speed con-
trol tries to maintain the set speed by increasing the
throttle opening, while inhibiting/delaying down-
shifts.

OPERATION

If opening the throttle alone cannot maintain the
set speed and the vehicle speed drops more than
three mph below the set speed, the transmission will
downshift to third gear. If the vehicle continues to
lose speed, by more than 6 mph, the transmission
will downshift again to maintain the set speed. After
the vehicle encounters a less-steep grade, or has
crested the grade (reduced the load on the power-
train) and can maintain the set speed at a reduced
throttle position, the transmission will upshift, as
appropriate, until the set speed can be maintained in
Overdrive.
GRADE HUNTING
DESCRIPTION
All vehicles equipped with a four speed automatic
transmission have a grade hunting feature for the
2nd to 3rd gear upshift and the 3rd to Overdrive
upshift.
OPERATION
The TCM identifies the powertrain loading condi-
tions and selects the proper gear to maintain the cur-
rent vehicle speed.
conditions the transaxle will stay in 3rd gear until
the top of the grade is reached or the powertrain
loading is reduced.
If powertrain loading is severe, the transaxle may
shift into 2nd gear and remain there until power-
train loading is reduced, then a 2nd to 3rd gear
upshift will be scheduled. Grade hunting features
always operate regardless of whether or not the
interactive speed control is engaged. If the interac-
tive speed control is not engaged and power-
train loading is not reduced, the driver may
have to completely lift off of the throttle before
an upshift will occur. If the driver does lift off the
throttle to induce an upshift under these conditions,
vehicle speed will reduce and the Overdrive to 3rd
and 3rd to 2nd gear downshifts will reoccur when the
throttle is reapplied. If grade hunting is repeatedly
induced by the driver, transaxle damage may result.
AUTOMATIC SPEED CONTROL OVERSPEED
REDUCTION
DESCRIPTION
Transmission control software includes an auto-
matic speed control overspeed reduction feature. This
maintains vehicle speed at the selected set point
when descending a grade.
Under moderate loading
RS