2010 Dodge Nitro Owner Manual - Page 383

382 STARTING AND OPERATING 45 minutes of continuous operation. Refer to "MainteTowing Tips Before setting out on a trip, practice turning, stopping nance Schedule" for the proper maintenance intervals. and backing up the trailer in an area away from heavy TOW/HAUL - If Equipped traffic. To reduce potential for automatic transmission overheatAutomatic Transmission ing, press the "TOW/HAUL" button when driving in The "D" range can be selected when towing. However, if hilly areas or shift the transmission to DRIVE position 2 frequent shifting occurs while in this range, the "TOW/ on more severe grades. Refer to "Automatic TransmisHAUL" button (if equipped) or a lower gear range sion" in "Starting and Operating" for further should be selected. information. NOTE: Using the "TOW/HAUL" button (3.7L engine) Electronic Speed Control - If Equipped or "4" range (4.0L engine) while operating the vehicle − Do not use in hilly terrain or with heavy loads. under heavy operating conditions will improve performance and extend transmission life by reducing exces- − When using the speed control, if you experience speed drops greater than 10 mph (16 km/h), disengage until sive shifting and heat build up. This action will also you can get back to cruising speed. provide better engine braking. The automatic transmission fluid and filter should be − Use speed control in flat terrain and with light loads to maximize fuel efficiency. changed if you regularly tow a trailer for more than