2007 DODGE NITRO automatic transmission

of the desired top gear. For example, if the driver shifts
the transmission into 3 (third gear), the transmission will
never shift above third gear, but can shift down to 2
(second) or 1 (first), 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 Display12 34D
Actual Gear(s) Al-
lowed1 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.
Overdrive Operation
The overdrive automatic transmission contains an elec-
tronically controlled 5th speed (Overdrive). The trans-
mission will automatically shift from 4th gear to Over-
drive if the following conditions are present:
•the transmission selector is in D (Drive);
•the engine coolant has reached normal operating tem-
perature;
•vehicle speed is above approximately 30 mph (48
km/h);
•transmission has reached normal operating tempera-
ture.
NOTE:If the vehicle is started in extremely cold tem-
peratures, the transmission may not shift into Overdrive
and will automatically select the most desirable gear for
operation at this temperature. Normal operation will
resume when the transmission fluid temperature has
STARTING AND OPERATING 257
5

risen to a suitable level. Refer also to the Note under
torque converter clutch, later in this section.
During cold temperature operation, you may notice
delayed upshifts depending on engine and transmission
temperature. This feature improves the warm up time of
the engine and transmission.
During cold temperature operation, the transmission
may not downshift from 2nd (2) gear to 1st (1) gear after
the initial 1st (1) to 2nd (2) gear upshift.
Transmission Limp Home Mode
Transmission function is monitored for abnormal condi-
tions. If a condition is detected that could result in
transmission damage, the transmission limp home mode
will be engaged. In this mode, the transmission will
remain in the current gear until the vehicle is brought to
a stop.
To reset the transmission, use the following procedure:1. Stop the vehicle.
2. Move the shift lever to the P (Park) position.
3. Turn off the engine, be sure to turn the key to the
LOCK position.
4. Wait approximately 10 seconds, then restart the en-
gine.
5. Move the shift lever to the desired gear range.
If the problem is no longer detected, the transmission will
return to normal operation. If the problem persists, P
(Park), R (Reverse), and N (Neutral) will continue to
operate. Only Second gear range will operate in the D
(Drive) shifter position. Have the transmission checked at
your authorized dealer as soon as possible.
Torque Converter Clutch
A feature, designed to improve fuel economy, has been
included in the automatic transmission on your vehicle.
258 STARTING AND OPERATING

A clutch within the torque converter engages automati-
cally at a calibrated speed at light throttle. It engages at
higher speeds under heavier acceleration. This may re-
sult in a slightly different feeling or response during
normal operation in high gear. When the vehicle speed
drops below a calibrated speed, or during acceleration,
the clutch automatically and smoothly disengages. The
feature is operational in Overdrive and in Drive.
NOTE:The torque converter clutch will not engage
until the transmission fluid and engine coolant are warm
[usually after 1-3 miles (1.6 - 4.8 km) of driving]. Because
the engine speed is higher when the torque converter
clutch is not engaged, it may seem as if the transmission
is not shifting into Overdrive when cold. This is normal.
Manually shifting between 3 (third gear) and 4 (fourth
gear) positions (using the ERS shift control) will demon-
strate that the transmission is able to shift into and out of
Overdrive.NOTE:If the vehicle has not been driven in several
days, the first few seconds of operation after shifting the
transmission into gear may seem sluggish. This is due to
the fluid partially draining from the torque converter into
the transmission. This condition is normal and will not
cause damage to the transmission. The torque converter
will refill within five seconds of shifting from Park into
any other gear position.
FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE OPERATION
MP 143 Single-Speed Part-Time Transfer Case —
If Equipped
Operating Information/Precautions
This is an electric shift transfer case and is operated by
the 4WD Control Switch (Transfer Case Switch), which is
located on the center console.
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5

Be sure the parking brake is firmly set when parked, and
the gear shift lever is in the P (Park) position (automatic
transmission) or R (Reverse) or 1st gear (manual trans-
mission). When parking on a hill, you should apply the
parking brake before placing the gear shift lever in P
(Park), otherwise the load on the transmission locking
mechanism may make it difficult to move the selector out
of P (Park).WARNING!
•Always fully apply the parking brake when leav-
ing your vehicle, or it may roll and cause damage
or injury. Also, be certain to leave an automatic
transmission in P (Park), a manual transmission in
R (Reverse) or 1st gear. Failure to do so may allow
the vehicle to roll and cause damage or injury.
•Leaving children in a vehicle unattended is dan-
gerous for a number of reasons. A child or others
could be injured. Don’t leave the keys in the
ignition. A child could operate power windows,
other controls, or move the vehicle.
•Be sure the parking brake is fully disengaged
before driving, failure to do so can lead to brake
problems due to excessive heating of the rear
brakes.
264 STARTING AND OPERATING

Engine/
TransmissionModel GCWR (Gross Com-
bined Wt. Rating)Frontal Area Max. GTW (Gross
Trailer Wt.)Tongue Wt. (See
Note)
3.7L/6-Speed
Manual4x2 8,500 lbs (3 855 kg) 40 Sq. Ft. (3.72
square meters)3,500 lbs (1 587 kg) 350 lbs (159 kg)
3.7L/6-Speed
Manual4x4 8,750 lbs (3 969 kg) 40 Sq. Ft. (3.72
square meters)3,500 lbs (1 587 kg) 350 lbs (159 kg)
3.7L/
Automatic4x2 7,150 lbs (3 243 kg) 32 Sq. Ft. (2.97
square meters)2,000 lbs (907 kg) 200 lbs (91 kg)
3.7L/
Automatic4x4 7,400 lbs ( 3 356 kg) 32 Sq. Ft. (2.97
square meters)2,000 lbs (907 kg) 200 lbs (91 kg)
3.7L/
Automatic w/
Cooler4x2 9,850 lbs (4 468 kg) 64 Sq. Ft. (5.94
square meters)3,500 lbs (1 588 kg) 350 lbs (159 kg)
3.7L/
Automatic
w/Cooler4x4 10,100 lbs (4 581 kg) 64 Sq. Ft. (5.94
square meters)3,500 lbs (1 588 kg) 350 lbs (159 kg)
4.0L/
Automatic4x2 7,150 lbs (3 243 kg) 32 Sq. Ft. (2.97
square meters)2,000 lbs (907 kg) 200 lbs (91 kg)
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5

4.0L/
Automatic4x4 7,400 lbs ( 3 356 kg) 32 Sq. Ft. (2.97
square meters)2,000 lbs (907 kg) 200 lbs (91 kg)
4.0L/
Automatic w/
Cooler4x2 9,850 lbs (4 468 kg) 64 Sq. Ft. (5.94
square meters)3,500 lbs (1 588 kg) 350 lbs (159 kg)
4.0L/
Automatic w/
Cooler4x4 10,100 lbs (4 581 kg) 64 Sq. Ft. (5.94
square meters)3,500 lbs (1 588 kg) 350 lbs (159 kg)
Refer to local laws for maximum trailer towing speeds.
NOTE:The trailer tongue weight must be considered as
part of the combined weight of occupants and cargo, and
should never exceed the weight referenced on the Tire
and Loading Information placard. Refer to the Tire–
Safety Information section in this manual.When Towing Trailers with Gross Trailer Weight
(GTW) between 3,500 lbs (1 588 kg) and 5,000 lbs (2 268
kg)
The following chart provides maximum trailer weight
ratings towable for the following engine/transmission
combinations,ONLYif using a weight distributing hitch.
312 STARTING AND OPERATING

Engine/
TransmissionModel GCWR (Gross Com-
bined Wt. Rating)Frontal Area Max. GTW (Gross
Trailer Wt.)Tongue Wt. (See
Note)
3.7L/
Automatic w/
Cooler4x2 9,850 lbs (4 468 kg) 64 Sq. Ft. (5.94
square meters)5,000 lbs (2 268 kg) 500 lbs (227 kg)
3.7L/
Automatic
w/Cooler4x4 10,100 lbs (4 581 kg) 64 Sq. Ft. (5.94
square meters)5,000 lbs (2 268 kg) 500 lbs (227 kg)
4.0L/
Automatic w/
Cooler4x2 9,850 lbs (4 468 kg) 64 Sq. Ft. (5.94
square meters)5,000 lbs (2 268 kg) 500 lbs (227 kg)
4.0L/
Automatic w/
Cooler4x4 10,100 lbs (4 581 kg) 64 Sq. Ft. (5.94
square meters)5,000 lbs (2 268 kg) 500 lbs (227 kg)
Refer to local laws for maximum trailer towing speeds.
NOTE:The trailer tongue weight must be considered as
part of the combined weight of occupants and cargo, andshould never exceed the weight referenced on the Tire
and Loading Information placard. Refer to the Tire–
Safety Information section in this manual.
STARTING AND OPERATING 313
5

WARNING!
Improper towing can lead to an injury accident.
Follow these guidelines to make your trailer towing
as safe as possible:
Make certain that the load is secured in the trailer
and will not shift during travel. When trailering
cargo that is not fully secured, dynamic load shifts
can occur that may be difficult for the driver to
control. You could lose control of your vehicle and
have an accident.
•When hauling cargo or towing a trailer, do not over-
load your vehicle or trailer. Overloading can cause a
loss of control, poor performance or damage to brakes,
axle, engine, transmission, steering, suspension, chas-
sis structure or tires.
•Safety chains must always be used between your
vehicle and trailer. Always connect the chains to the
frame or hook retainers of the vehicle hitch. Cross the
chains under the trailer tongue and allow enough
slack for turning corners.
•Vehicles with trailers should not be parked on a grade.
When parking, apply the parking brake on the tow
vehicle. Put the tow vehicle automatic transmission in
P (Park). With a manual transmission, shift the trans-
mission into R (Reverse). Always, block orchockthe
trailer wheels.
•GCWR must not be exceeded.
•Total weight must be distributed between the tow
vehicle and the trailer such that the following four
ratings are not exceeded:
1. GVWR
2. GTW
316 STARTING AND OPERATING