2010 Jeep Commander Owner's Manual - Page 249

STARTING AND OPERATING 249 Never use PARK while the vehicle is in motion. Apply the parking brake when leaving the vehicle in this range. Always apply the parking brake first, then place the shift lever into the PARK position. WARNING! • Never use the PARK position as a substitute for the parking brake. Always apply parking brake fully when parked to guard against vehicle movement and possible injury or damage. • 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 backward. Use only after the vehicle has come to a complete stop. NEUTRAL This range is used when vehicle is standing for prolonged periods with engine running. 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 This range is used only when the vehicle is at a complete stop and the brakes are firmly applied. The transmission automatically upshifts through fifth gear. The DRIVE position provides optimum driving characteristics under all normal operating conditions. 5