2009 Dodge Nitro Owner Manual - Page 278
2009 Dodge Nitro Manual
Page 278 highlights
276 STARTING AND OPERATING When additional traction is required, the transfer case 4WD LOCK position can be used to lock the front and rear driveshafts together and force the front and rear wheels to rotate at the same speed. This is accomplished by rotating the 4WD Control Switch to the desired position. Refer to "Shifting Procedure" for specific shifting instructions. The 4WD LOCK position is designed for loose, slippery road surfaces only. Driving in the 4WD LOCK position on dry hard surfaced roads may cause increased tire wear and damage to the driveline components. NOTE: Do not attempt to make a shift while only the front or rear wheels are spinning. Shifting while only the front or rear wheels are spinning can cause damage to the transfer case. Proper operation of 4-wheel drive vehicles depends on tires of equal size, type and circumference on each wheel. Any difference in tire size can cause damage to the transfer case. Since 4-wheel drive provides improved traction, there is a tendency to exceed safe turning and stopping speeds. Do not go faster than road conditions permit. Shifting Procedure - Electronically Shifted Transfer Case NOTE: If any of the requirements to select a new transfer case position have not been met, the transfer case will not shift. The "4WD" Indicator Light (located in the display under the tachometer) will flash until all the requirements for the selected position have been met. To retry a shift, return the control knob back to the original position, make certain all shift requirements have been met, wait five seconds and try the shift again.