Dodge 2009 Nitro - Manual (Page 274)

NEUTRAL
Shift into NEUTRAL 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 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
The transmission automatically upshifts through 5th
gear. The DRIVE position provides optimum driving
characteristics under all normal operating conditions.
Electronic Range Select (ERS)Operation
The Electronic Range Select (ERS) shift control allows
you to move the shift lever left (-) or right (+) when the
shift lever is in the DRIVE position, allowing the selection
of the desired top gear. For example, if the driver shifts
the transmission into 3rd gear, the transmission will
never shift above 3rd gear, but can shift down to 2nd gear
or 1st gear, when needed.
WARNING!
Do not downshift for additional engine braking on a
slippery surface. The drive wheels could lose their
grip and the vehicle could skid.
Screen Display 1 2 3 4 D
Actual Gear(s) Al-
lowed 1 1-2 1-3 1-4 1-5
NOTE: To select the proper gear position for maximum
deceleration (engine braking), move the shift lever to the
left “D (-)” and hold it there. The transmission will shift
to the range from which the vehicle can best be slowed
down.
272 STARTING AND OPERATING