2005 Dodge Stratus Owner Manual Coupe - Page 165

STARTING AND DRIVING 165 "N" NEUTRAL The engine may be started in this position. 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. Selector positions Manual gate Autostick Autostick is a driver-interactive transaxle that offers manual gear shifting capability to provide you with more control. Autostick allows you to maximize engine braking, eliminate undesirable upshifts and downshifts, and improve overall vehicle performance. This system can also provide you with more control during passing, city driving, cold slippery conditions, mountain driving, trailer towing, and many other situations. Whether the vehicle is stationary or in motion, Autostick is selected by pushing the selector lever from the "D" position into the manual gate. To return to "D" range operation, push the selector lever back into the main gate. In Autostick, gear shifts can be made rapidly by moving the selector lever backward and forward. In contrast to a manual transaxle, the Autostick allows gear shifts with the accelerator pedal depressed. 5