2007 Dodge Nitro Owner's Manual - Page 245

STARTING AND OPERATING 245 • Do not operate at sustained high engine or road speeds in lower gears. Engine damage may result. • Do not downshift into a low gear while traveling at too high a speed for that gear. Engine, clutch, or transmission damage may result. • Do not rest your foot on the clutch pedal. This causes heat buildup and damages the clutch. • When you slow down or go up a grade, downshift as speed requires or the engine may overheat. • Never hold the vehicle stopped on a hill by using the clutch pedal. The clutch may be damaged. • During cold weather, you may experience increased effort in shifting until the transmission fluid warms up. This is normal. • Push in the clutch pedal completely when shifting. Otherwise, transmission or clutch damage may result. • When "rocking" a stuck vehicle by shifting between a forward gear and reverse, do not spin wheels faster than 15 mph (24 km/h), or drivetrain damage may result. Recommended Manual Transmission Shifting Speeds The manufacturer recommends that you use the shift speeds listed in the chart below. Manual Transmission Shift Speeds in MPH (KM/H) EnSpeeds 1 to 2 2 to 3 3 to 4 4 to 5 5 to 6 gine 3.7L Accel. 15 (24) 24 34 47 56 (39) (55) (76) (90) Cruise 10 (16) 19 27 37 41 (31) (43) (60) (66) 5