Unexpected downshifts downhill on GT w/Autostick

[KevinM]

I have a 2003 GT w/Autostick. I use cruise control when I can. While at 45 - 60 MPH on many moderate hills it will climb remaining in 4th gear (as I would expect given the grade) but on cresting or shortly thereafter it will downshift to third gear, remaining in 3rd gear until car is on flat or climbing again.

I don't think I have seen this unexpected downshift unless the car is in cruise control mode.

I have never seen a car downshift going downhill either with cruise control or not. It is rather unexpected to me though I remain open to the possibility that it is programmed to downshift to maintain speed effectively braking the car.

Anyone else seen this? Is this normal?

Thanks, Kevin

[ElectricBlueGT]

Kevin,

Yes, this is a normal occurrance. The cruise control will shift from 4th to 3rd when descending a hill if your speed goes above 3-5 MPH above your set point. Most Chrysler products have the same feature. Think of it as a ticket fine reducer when the cop at the bottom of the hill waits for you to blow by him. You can override the cruise control downshift by placing the car in AutoStick mode and shift to 4th. The car will stay in 4th until you either slow down enough that the car forces itself to downshift or you manually downshift.

Scott

[KevinM]

Scott, Thanks for the quick reply. As I am sure you can tell this is the first Chrysler I have driven in some years. I am not too fond of this feature (would rather coast, improve mileage and take my chance on a ticket) so guess I will have to get on the (auto)stick on some roads!

That said, this car is a LOT of fun to drive, nicely peppy with the turbo!

Kevin

[03LtAldPTGT]

OOOOO another feature that sounds kickass on the PT. I cant wait to get mine!!!

[Kirby]

Actually I like this feature, it makes the autostick feel and operate more like a manual. I use it in stead of braking in some corners. The limits on the PT handling, even when lowered, are pretty specific, and this feature allows me to play a little harder without having things get out of hand unexpectedly on downhill slopes.