Grade Hunting

WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 8 other vehicles, including the 2003 Dodge Intrepid, 2003 Chrysler Intrepid, 2003 Chrysler Concorde, 2003 Chrysler 300M, and 2002 Dodge Intrepid. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

The PCM identifies the powertrain loading conditions and selects the proper gear to maintain the current vehicle speed. Under moderate loading 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 powertrain 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 interactive speed control is not engaged and powertrain 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.