2009 Dodge Nitro Owner Manual - Page 275

STARTING AND OPERATING 273 Overdrive Operation The overdrive automatic transmission contains an electronically controlled 5th gear (OVERDRIVE). The transmission will automatically shift from 4th gear to OVERDRIVE if the following conditions are present: • the transmission selector is in DRIVE • the engine coolant has reached normal operating temperature • the vehicle speed is above approximately 30 mph (48 km/h) • the transmission has reached normal operating temperature NOTE: If the vehicle is started in extremely cold temperatures, the transmission may not shift into OVERDRIVE and will automatically select the most desirable gear for operation at this temperature. Normal operation will resume when the transmission fluid temperature has risen to a suitable level. Refer also to the note under torque converter clutch later in this section. During cold temperature operation, you may notice delayed upshifts depending on engine and transmission temperature. This feature improves the warm up time of the engine and transmission. During cold temperature operation, the transmission may not downshift from 2nd gear to 1st gear after the initial 1st to 2nd gear upshift. Transmission Limp Home Mode Transmission function is monitored for abnormal conditions. If a condition is detected that could result in transmission damage, the Transmission Limp Home Mode will be engaged. In this mode, the transmission will remain in the current gear until the vehicle is brought to a stop. 5