2010 DODGE NITRO ECO mode

Overdrive Operation
The overdrive automatic transmission contains an elec-
tronically controlled fifth gear (OVERDRIVE). The trans-
mission will automatically shift from fourth gear to
OVERDRIVE if the following conditions are present:
•the shift lever is in DRIVE
•the engine coolant has reached normal operating tem-
perature
•the vehicle speed is above approximately 30 mph
(48 km/h)
•the transmission has reached normal operating
temperature
NOTE: If the vehicle is started in extremely cold tem-
peratures, the transmission may not shift into OVER-
DRIVE and will automatically select the most desirable
gear for operation at this temperature. Normal operation
will resume when the transmission fluid temperature has risen to a suitable level. Refer 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 second gear into first gear after
the initial first to second 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.
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•If the vehicle has not been driven in several days, the
first few seconds of operation after shifting the trans-
mission 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 con-
verter will refill within five seconds of shifting from
PARK into any other gear position.
FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE OPERATION — IF
EQUIPPED
MP 143 Single-Speed Part-Time Transfer Case
Operating Information/Precautions
The transfer case is operated by the transfer case switch
(located on the center console).The electronically shifted transfer case provides two
mode positions:
•Two-wheel drive high range (2WD)
•Four-wheel drive high range (4WD LOCK)
Transfer Case Switch
308 STARTING AND OPERATING

ESP/TCS Indicator Light
TheESP/TCS Indicator Light located in the
instrument cluster, starts to flash as soon as the
tires lose traction and the ESP system becomes
active. The ESP/TCS Indicator Light also
flashes when TCS is active. If the ESP/TCS Indicator
Light begins to flash during acceleration, ease up on the
accelerator and apply as little throttle as possible. Be sure
to adapt your speed and driving to the prevailing road
conditions.WARNING!
The Electronic Stability Program (ESP) cannot pre-
vent the natural laws of physics from acting on the
vehicle, nor can it increase the traction afforded by
prevailing road conditions. ESP cannot prevent acci-
dents, including those resulting from excessive speed
in turns, driving on very slippery surfaces, or hydro-
planing. Only a safe, attentive, and skillful driver can
prevent accidents. The capabilities of an ESP-
equipped vehicle must never be exploited in a reck-
less or dangerous manner which could jeopardize the
user’s safety or the safety of others.
The ESP system has two available operating modes in
2WD, 4WD Part Time, 4WD Full Time, and on 2WD
vehicles.
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requiring ESP to be switched to the “Partial Off” mode is
overcome, turn ESP back on by briefly pressing the ESP
OFF switch. This may be done while the vehicle is in
motion.
ESP/BAS Warning Lamp
The malfunction indicator lamp for the ESP is
combined with BAS. The “ESP/BAS Warning
Lamp” and the “ESP/TCS Indicator Light” in
the instrument cluster both come on when the
ignition switch is turned to the ON position. They should
go out with the engine running. If the “ESP/BAS Warn-
ing Lamp” comes on continuously with the engine
running, a malfunction has been detected in either the
ESP or the BAS system. If this lamp remains on after
several ignition cycles, and the vehicle has been driven
several miles at speeds greater than 30 mph (48 km/h),
see your authorized dealer as soon as possible to have the
problem diagnosed and corrected. NOTE:
•The
ESP/TCS Indicator Light and theESP/BAS
Warning Lamp come on momentarily each time the
ignition switch is turned ON.
•Each time the ignition is turned ON, the ESP System
will be on even if it was turned off previously.
•The ESP Control System will make buzzing or clicking
sounds when it is active. This is normal; the sounds
will stop when ESP becomes inactive following the
maneuver that caused the ESP activation.
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