2009 Jeep Liberty Owner's Manual - Page 300

298 STARTING AND OPERATING WARNING! (Continued) • It is dangerous to move the shift lever out of PARK or NEUTRAL if the engine speed is higher than idle speed. If your foot is not firmly on the brake pedal, the vehicle could accelerate quickly forward or in reverse. You could lose control of the vehicle and hit someone or something. Only shift into gear when the engine is idling normally and when your right foot is firmly on the brake pedal. REVERSE This range is for moving the vehicle rearward. Use this range only after the vehicle has come to a complete stop. NEUTRAL This range is used 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 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 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 2nd gear. Will not shift to 3rd 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.