2009 Dodge Caliber Owner Manual SRT4 - Page 255

STARTING AND OPERATING 253 For most city driving you will find it easier to use only the lower gears. For steady highway driving with light accelerations, 6th gear is recommended. Never drive with your foot resting on the clutch pedal, or try to hold the vehicle on a hill with the clutch pedal partially engaged. This will cause abnormal wear on the clutch. Never shift into REVERSE until the vehicle has come to a complete stop. NOTE: During cold weather, until the transaxle lubricant is warm, you may experience slightly higher shift efforts. This is normal and not harmful to the transaxle. Downshifting Proper downshifting will improve fuel economy and prolong engine life. 5 Shift Pattern Use each gear in numerical order, do not skip a gear. Be sure the transaxle is in 1st gear, (not 3rd gear), when starting from a standing position. Damage to the clutch can result from starting in 3rd gear.