2009 Dodge Nitro Owner Manual - Page 274
2009 Dodge Nitro Manual
Page 274 highlights
272 STARTING AND OPERATING NEUTRAL Shift into 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 the shift lever in 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. DRIVE The transmission automatically upshifts through 5th gear. The DRIVE position provides optimum driving characteristics under all normal operating conditions. Electronic Range Select (ERS)Operation The Electronic Range Select (ERS) shift control allows you to move the shift lever left (-) or right (+) when the shift lever is in the DRIVE position, allowing the selection of the desired top gear. For example, if the driver shifts the transmission into 3rd gear, the transmission will never shift above 3rd gear, but can shift down to 2nd gear or 1st gear, when needed. WARNING! Do not downshift for additional engine braking on a slippery surface. The drive wheels could lose their grip and the vehicle could skid. Screen Display Actual Gear(s) Allowed 1 1 2 1-2 3 1-3 4 1-4 D 1-5 NOTE: To select the proper gear position for maximum deceleration (engine braking), move the shift lever to the left "D (-)" and hold it there. The transmission will shift to the range from which the vehicle can best be slowed down.