Manual Transaxle - If Equipped; Downshifting - Dodge Caliber Owner's Manual

MANUAL TRANSAXLE — IF
EQUIPPED
WARNING!
You or others could be injured if you leave the
vehicle unattended without having the parking
brake fully applied. The parking brake should
always be applied when the driver is not in the
vehicle, especially on an incline.
Fully press the clutch pedal before you shift
gears. As you release the clutch pedal, lightly
press the accelerator pedal.
Shift Pattern (Five-Speed)
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Shift Pattern (Six-Speed)
Use each gear in numerical order, do not skip a
gear. Be sure the transaxle is in first gear, (not
third), when starting from a standing position.
Damage to the clutch can result from starting in
third gear.
For most city driving you will find it easier to use
only the lower gears. For steady highway driv-
ing with light accelerations, fifth gear on a
five-speed and sixth on a six-speed is recom-
mended.
Never drive with your foot resting on the clutch
pedal, or try to hold the vehicle on a hill with the
clutch pedal partially engaged. This will cause
abnormal wear on the clutch.
JOB: @ibm2/chry_pdm/CLS_chrysler/GRP_owners/JOB_202748-en-cal-10PM491-126-ENG-AA/DIV_og
To shift into REVERSE with a six-speed, pull up
on the ring just below the gear shift knob and
then move into the REVERSE (R) position.
Never shift into REVERSE until the vehicle has
come to a complete stop.
NOTE:
During cold weather, until the transaxle lu-
bricant is warm, you may experience slightly
higher shift efforts. This is normal and not
harmful to the transaxle.

Downshifting

Proper downshifting will improve fuel economy
and prolong engine life.
CAUTION!
If you skip a gear while downshifting or down-
shift at too high a vehicle speed, you could
damage the engine, transaxle, or clutch.
To maintain a safe speed and prolong brake
life, shift down to second or first when descend-
ing a steep grade.
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