2004 Dodge Stratus Owner's Manual - Page 138

138 STARTING AND OPERATING NOTE: During cold weather, until the transaxle lubricant has warmed, you may have difficulty shifting. This is normal and not harmful to the transaxle. Recommended Shift Speeds To use your manual transaxle for both fuel economy and performance, it should be upshifted as listed. Shift at the vehicle speeds listed for acceleration. Earlier upshifts during cruise conditions (relatively steady speeds) will result in increased fuel economy, and may be used as indicated. MANUAL TRANSAXLE RECOMMENDED SHIFT SPEEDS ENGINE MINIMUM ACCELERATION SHIFT SIZE SPEEDS 1 to 2 2 to 3 3 to 4 4 to 5 2.7L 15 mph 25 mph 35 mph 45 mph (24 (40 (56 (72 km/h) km/h) km/h) km/h) Higher upshift speeds may be used to obtain a desired acceleration rate. Downshifting Proper downshifting will improve fuel economy and prolong engine life. CAUTION! If you skip more than one gear while downshifting or downshift at too high an engine speed, you could damage the engine, transmission, or clutch. To maintain a safe speed and prolong brake life, shift down to 2nd or 1st when descending a steep grade. When turning a corner, or driving up a steep grade, shift down early so that the engine will not be overburdened. Cruise Control In most cases, the cruise control system will not operate with the transmission in 1st or 2nd gear.