Transmission Hill Hold Back

[vulcanbike]

I have a 2010 RT with the six speed transmission. The positive is it is very smooth shifting. The negative is even using the autostick option there seems to be little or no hold back going downhill. The engine just starts revving like crazy and there you are using the brakes to keep from having a runaway. Not like any automatic I've ever had. Is this a new and "improved" version of an automatic?

[oneframe]

I don't find the shifting smooth especially when it downshifts to the first and second gear as I come to a stop. I can feel the shifting happening and it's giving a slight jerk like there's an amateur driver.

As for the engine revving like crazy in autostick going downhill. The vehicle is HEAVY. And it's just going to keep on going downhill without any assistance from the engine, but gravity alone. Your vehicle's speed is too fast for the current gear you selected. You're going to have to assist in slowing it down by applying the brakes and not just rely on engine braking at this point or you'll be wearing your transmission faster.

[vulcanbike]

Yes well it may be a heavy vehicle, but after logging approximately one million klms in various work vehicles, some equipped with automatic transmissions, this is first one I have ever driven that will not hold the speed on hill, given that the approach speed to the hill was appropriate. My last vehicle, a Ford 450, gas,weighing in at 15,000 pounds and automatic equipped went to auction at 250,000 kms with its original brakes. For instance a hill I used everyday at Drumheller Alberta on a curvey road was posted at 70km/hr. If I approached that hill at 70km/hr the engine would hold that speed all the way with the transmission in 2nd gear. Didn't have to ride the brakes all the way down, as with the Journey.

[oneframe]

You definitely have experience in operating a heavier vehicle. I came from driving a car which was very responsive in utilising engine braking. I assumed this current heavy (compared to what I was driving) Journey just wouldn't want to stop as my rev would just keep going higher and not really perform engine braking as I expected.

But with us having experience in having a lighter and much heavier vehicle maintain speed via engine braking and this Dodge Journey isn't, then I'm stumped as well. I just feel like this current vehicle just keeps on wanting to go forward despite having my foot off the gas pedal.

[diggit]

I don't find the shifting smooth especially when it downshifts to the first and second gear as I come to a stop. I can feel the shifting happening and it's giving a slight jerk like there's an amateur driver.

Check with your dealership. They may have an flash update for the tranny rough shift.

[oneframe]

I did read they had an update for your vehicle. Will mention it to the dealer when I come in for the first oil change.

[vulcanbike]

I think the following You Tube Clip pretty much answers the question of what technology has done, to something like the automatic transmission ,that was pretty much fool proof , and not has become. If this does not come through just Google, Chrysler Turbo Encabulator

Entabulator.htm

[oneframe]

This was a running joke. It was pretty funny.