Dodge Avenger Owner's Manual page 255

254 STARTING AND OPERATING
gear in AutoStick will improve the performance and
extend transmission life by reducing excessive shifting
and heat build-up.
DRIVE— Four-Speed Transaxle
This range should be used for most city and highway
driving, it provides the smoothest upshifts, downshifts,
and best fuel economy. However, select the 3 range
when frequent transaxle shifting occurs while using the
DRIVE range, such as when operating the vehicle under
heavy loading conditions, (i.e. in hilly terrain, traveling
into strong headwinds, or while towing heavy trailers).
Under these conditions, using the 3 range will improve
performance and extend transaxle life by reducing exces-
sive shifting and heat build-up.
DRIVE 3— Four-Speed Transaxle
This range eliminates shifts into fourth gear. The trans-
axle will operate normally in first and second gear. Shifts
into third may be delayed to provide second gear opera-
tion at higher speeds. The 3 range should also be used
when descending steep grades to prevent brake system
distress.
NOTE: Using the 3 range while operating the vehicle
under heavy operating conditions will improve perfor-
mance and extend transaxle life by reducing excessive
shifting and heat build-up.
LOW — Four-Speed Transaxle
This range should be used for engine braking when
descending very steep grades. In this range, upshifts will
occur only to prevent engine overspeed while downshifts
occur earlier than other gear range selections.