Autostick

Autostick has been used both for a Volkswagen semi-auto transmission and a system designed by Chrysler which allows for manual selection of gears with an automatic transmission. Another similar system designed by Porsche is called Tiptronic. These systems are also called "Manu-Matic" transmissions.

Volkswagen Autostick

This transmission was available in Volkswagen Beetles and Karmann Ghias from the late 60's through the mid 70s. The transmission was a three speed manual transmission connected to a vacuum-operated automatic clutch. When the driver put their hand on the gearshift the clutch would disengage, allowing shifting between gears, once they removed their hand the clutch would re-engage automatically. The transmission was also equipped with a torque converter, allowing the car to idle in gear, like an automatic.

Newer Volkswagens use a Tiptronic system.

Chrysler Autostick

The Dodge Intrepid ES and Eagle Vision TSi were the first automobile models in North America that came equipped with the Autostick system as an option, later standard equipment on the 1997 Plymouth Prowler and 1999 Chrysler 300M. It was added to the JA cars on the 1997 Stratus. Many Chrysler models today come with this system, including the 300, 300C, Charger,Challenger, Sebring, PT Cruiser, Crossfire, Pacifica, Chrysler Town & Country, Dodge Avenger, Dodge Stratus R/T, and Dodge Grand Caravan.

ystem advantages

*Ability to manually select gears
*Ability to start from 2nd or 3rd in inclement weather to improve traction
*Allows downshifting while coming down steep inclines to maintain speed
*Improved performance with quicker, more firm shifts

ystem components and operation

Components of the Autostick system in the first Chrysler vehicles to have the design included a different TCM (Transmission Control Module), shift assembly, and gauge cluster. The gauge cluster includes a read-out to let the driver know which gear is selected.

The system works by dropping the shifter down into a gated area on the shift assembly which allows the shifter to be pushed to the right (up-shift) or to the left (down-shift). When the driver pushes the shifter in either of these directions the assembly sends a signal to the TCM to shift up, or down depending on the driver's actions. Dropping the shifter into the Autostick gate while the vehicle is moving will simply keep the vehicle in the current gear selected.

ystem failsafes

If the user does not shift while driving in the Autostick mode, the transmission will automatically up-shift at redline (the exception being the Plymouth/Chrysler Prowler which will not shift automatically at redline when in AutoStick mode) to prevent engine/transmission damage, and will not downshift into redline. When coming to a complete stop, the system will automatically return to first gear. According to the owner's manual in the event of a critical failure the system will revert to a full automatic mode.

References

* [http://www.dodgeintrepid.net Dodgeintrepid.net]
* [http://www.dodge.com Dodge]
* [http://www.chrysler.com Chrysler]
* [http://www.carfinancing.net/2004-2005-Dodge-Stratus-Coupe.html]