2007 Dodge Nitro Owner's Manual - Page 251

STARTING AND OPERATING 251 R (Reverse) Use this range only after the vehicle has come to a complete stop. N (Neutral) Shift into N (Neutral) when the vehicle is standing for prolonged periods with the engine running. The engine may be started in this range. Set the parking brake if you must leave the vehicle. NOTE: Towing the vehicle, coasting, or driving for any other reason with selector lever in N (Neutral) can result in severe transmission damage. Refer to "Recreational Towing" in Section 5 and "Towing a Disabled Vehicle" in Section 6 of this manual. D (Drive) For most city and highway driving. 2 (Second) For moderate grades and to assist braking on dry pavement or in mud and snow. Begins at a stop in low gear with automatic upshift to 2nd gear. Will not shift to 3rd. 1 (First) For hard pulling at low speeds in mud, sand, snow, or on steep grades. Begins and stays in low gear with no upshift. Provides engine compression braking at low speeds. Overdrive Operation The overdrive automatic transmission contains an electronically controlled fourth and fifth speed (Overdrive). The transmission will automatically shift from 3rd gear to Overdrive if the following conditions are present: 5