Shift Patterns

Upshifts
The Powertrain Control Module (PCM) has a learned adaptive strategy to electronically control the transaxle which will automatically adjust the shift feel to the driver's demands. For the first few hundred miles (160 km) of operation, the transaxle may experience abrupt shifts. This is normal operation.
If the battery has been disconnected for any reason for a period of approximately 20 minutes, the shift tables will reset and will need to be relearned. Upshifting is controlled by the PCM. The PCM receives inputs from various engine and vehicle sensors along with driver demands to control shift scheduling, shift feel, and torque converter clutch operation.
Transaxle upshifting is controlled by the Powertrain Control Module (PCM). The PCM receives inputs from various engine or vehicle sensors and driver demands to control shift scheduling, shift feel and torque converter clutch operation.

Downshifts
Under certain conditions the transaxle will downshift automatically to a lower gear range (without moving the transaxle range selector lever). There are three categories of automatic downshifts: coastdown, torque demand, and forced or kickdown shifts.

Coastdown
The coastdown downshift occurs as the name indicates, when the vehicle is coasting down to a stop.

Torque demand
The torque demand downshift occurs automatically during part throttle acceleration when the demand for torque is greater than the engine can provide at that gear ratio. The transaxle will disengage the Torque Converter Clutch (TCC) to provide added acceleration, if applied.

Kickdown
For maximum acceleration, the driver can force a downshift by pressing the accelerator pedal to the floor. A forced downshift into second gear is possible below 88 km/h (55 mph). Below approximately 40 km/h (25 mph) a forced kickdown to first gear will occur. For all shift speeds, specifications are subject to variation due to tire size and engine calibration requirements.