2005 Dodge Stratus Owner Manual Coupe - Page 158

158 STARTING AND DRIVING Gear positions "P" PARK The "P" (PARK) position supplements the parking brake by locking the transaxle while the vehicle is parked. The engine can be started in this position. Apply the parking brake before leaving the vehicle in this position. "R" REVERSE Shift into this position only after the vehicle has come to a complete stop. WARNING! • Never move the lever to the "N" position while driving since you could accidentally move the lever into the ؆P؆ or ؆R؆ position, damaging the transaxle. • To prevent the vehicle from rolling when stopped on a slope, the engine should be started in the "P" (PARK) position, not in "N" (NEUTRAL). • Always keep your foot on the brake pedal when the vehicle is in "N" (NEUTRAL), or when shifting into or out of "N" (NEUTRAL), to maintain control. "D" DRIVE This position is used for most city and highway driving. Engine shifting is done automatically, depending on road conditions. CAUTION! Never shift into the "P" (PARK) or "R" (REVERSE) position while the vehicle is in motion. If the lever is shifted into the "P" or "R" position while the vehicle is in motion, the transaxle may be damaged. "N" NEUTRAL The engine may be started in this position.