What is Autostick?
Autostick is a manual gear shifting function available in several automatic transmissions, including those used by Dodge, Chrysler, and other Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) models. It allows drivers to manually control gear shifts without a clutch, providing a blend of manual and automatic transmission benefits.
How Autostick Works
- Manual Control: Drivers can shift gears manually using the shift lever or paddle shifters, depending on the vehicle model.
- Automatic Mode: The transmission automatically shifts gears when not in manual mode, offering convenience and ease of use.
Look, we've all been there. You're driving your Charger, playing with the Autostick, when suddenly your car acts like it just died. That's what happened to one R/T owner on the highway - and it's worth knowing what went down so you don't shit your pants if it happens to you.
The Situation
Guy's cruising in his 2013 R/T, drops a few gears in Autostick, revs high, then tries switching from N to D to get back to normal driving. Suddenly his car's not doing anything. Dead in drive, had to pull over to get it working again.
What Actually Happened
Your Charger isn't broken - it's trying to save itself. When you beat on it and mess with N to D after high revs, the car goes into limp mode. It's a safety feature to keep you from destroying your transmission.
How to Actually Use Autostick
First off, forget what that guy did. Here's what you need to know:
- Don't mess with Neutral. Hold the shifter to the right or hold the right paddle to get back to auto mode
- Got an older Charger? (10+ years old?) Take it easy. These transmissions aren't built for you to pretend you're in Fast & Furious
- Save the hard driving for Sport mode and let the car do its thing
When Autostick Makes Sense
Real talk - it's not for everyday driving. But it's damn useful in winter. Engine braking helps when it's icy, and keeping it in a specific gear gives you better control if you start sliding.
Benefits of Autostick in Winter
- Improved Traction: Starting in a lower gear (e.g., second or third) helps reduce wheel spin on icy or snowy surfaces, improving traction and control.
- Engine Braking: Autostick allows for manual downshifting, which can be used to slow down safely by utilizing engine braking. This helps prevent wheels from locking up on slippery roads.
- Better Control: By manually selecting gears, drivers can maintain better control over their vehicle's speed and acceleration on slippery roads, reducing the risk of skidding or losing traction.
Other Reasons to Use Autostick
- Passing: The feature provides better control when overtaking other vehicles, allowing drivers to select the optimal gear for acceleration.
- Hill driving: Autostick enables manual downshifting for engine braking when descending steep hills, providing better control and reducing wear on the brakes.
- Performance driving: Enthusiasts can use Autostick for a more engaging driving experience, maximizing engine performance by controlling shift points.
- Fuel economy: Some drivers use Autostick to improve fuel efficiency by optimizing gear selection based on driving conditions.
Bottom Line
Like one Charger owner with 180k miles on his ride put it: "It's an automatic car, drive it like a fckin automatic 90% of the time." If your Charger does go into limp mode, don't panic. Pull over safely, let it reset, and maybe ease up on treating your automatic like a manual. These transmissions aren't cheap to replace, but they'll treat you right if you don't abuse them.
Got questions about your Charger? Drop them in the comments or hit us up on social media. We're here to help keep your ride running strong.
