Dodge 2004 Stratus Coupe - Manual (Page 163)

“N” NEUTRAL
The engine may be started in this position.
WARNING!
• Never move the lever to the “N” position while
driving since you could accidentally move the
lever into the
؆P؆ or ؆R؆ position, damaging the
transaxle.
• To prevent the vehicle from rolling when stopped
on a slope, the engine should be started in the “P”
(PARK) position, not in “N” (NEUTRAL).
• Always keep your foot on the brake pedal when
the vehicle is in “N” (NEUTRAL), or when shift-
ing into or out of “N” (NEUTRAL), to maintain
control.
“D” DRIVE
This position is used for most city and highway driving.
Engine shifting is done automatically, depending on road
conditions.
Selector positions Manual gate Autostick
Autostick is a driver-interactive transaxle that offers
manual gear shifting capability to provide you with more
control. Autostick allows you to maximize engine brak-
ing, eliminate undesirable upshifts and downshifts, and
improve overall vehicle performance. This system can
also provide you with more control during passing, city
driving, cold slippery conditions, mountain driving,
trailer towing, and many other situations.
Whether the vehicle is stationary or in motion, Autostick
is selected by pushing the selector lever from the “D”
position into the manual gate. To return to “D” range
operation, push the selector lever back into the main gate.
In Autostick, gear shifts can be made rapidly by moving
the selector lever backward and forward. In contrast to a
manual transaxle, the Autostick allows gear shifts with
the accelerator pedal depressed.
STARTING AND DRIVING 163
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