Climbing A Grade: Operation
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2005 Dodge Stratus and 2005 Chrysler Sebring. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
If opening the throttle alone cannot maintain the set speed and the vehicle speed drops more than three mph below the set speed, the transmission will downshift. If the vehicle continues to lose speed, by more than 6 mph, the transmission will downshift again maintain the set speed. After the vehicle encounters a less-steep grade, or has crested the grade (reduced the load on the powertrain) and can maintain the set speed at a reduced throttle position, the transmission will upshift, as appropriate, until the set speed can be maintained.