2010 Dodge Nitro Owner Manual - Page 302

STARTING AND OPERATING 301 NOTE: Towing the vehicle, coasting, or driving for any other reason with shift lever in NEUTRAL can result in severe transmission damage. Refer to "Recreational Towing" in "Starting and Operating" and "Towing a Disabled Vehicle" in "What To Do In Emergencies" for further information. DRIVE This range is used for most city and highway driving. 2 (Second) This range is used 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 second gear. Will not shift into third gear. 1 (First) This range is used 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 gear (OVERDRIVE). The transmission will automatically shift from third gear into OVERDRIVE if the following conditions are present: • the shift lever is in DRIVE • vehicle speed is above approximately 30 mph (48 km/h) • the TOW/HAUL button has not been activated The transmission will downshift from OVERDRIVE to DRIVE if the accelerator pedal is fully pressed at vehicle speeds above approximately 35 mph (56 km/h). When To Use TOW/HAUL Mode When driving in hilly areas, towing a trailer, carrying a heavy load, etc., and frequent transmission shifting occurs, press the TOW/HAUL button. This will improve performance and reduce the potential for transmission 5