2007 Dodge Nitro Owner's Manual - Page 255

STARTING AND OPERATING 255 gear engagement may be delayed after restarting the engine if the key is not cycled to the LOCK position first. P (Park) This gear position supplements the parking brake by locking the transmission. The engine can be started in this range. Never use P (Park) while the vehicle is in motion. Apply the parking brake when leaving the vehicle in this range. Always apply parking brake first, then place the selector in P (Park) position. 5 WARNING! Automatic Shift Controls Gear Ranges NOTE: After selecting any gear range, wait a moment to allow the selected gear to engage before accelerating. This is especially important when the engine is cold. If there is a need to restart the engine be sure to cycle the key to the LOCK position before restarting. Transmission Never use P (Park) position as a substitute for the parking brake. Always apply parking brake fully when parked to guard against vehicle movement and possible injury or damage.