Dodge 2009 Nitro - Manual (Page 273)

Gear Ranges
NOTE: After selecting any gear range, wait a moment to
allow the selected gear to engage before accelerating.
This is especially important when the engine is cold. If
there is a need to restart the engine, be sure to cycle the
key to the LOCK position before restarting. Transmission
gear engagement may be delayed after restarting the
engine if the key is not cycled to the LOCK position first.
PARK
This gear position supplements the parking brake by
locking the transmission. The engine can be started in
this range. 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 in the PARK position.
WARNING!
• Never use the PARK position as a substitute for
the parking brake. Always apply the parking
brake fully when parked to guard against vehicle
movement and possible injury or damage.
• It is dangerous to shift the selector 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
Use this range only after the vehicle has come to a
complete stop.
STARTING AND OPERATING 271
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