Dodge 2004 Intrepid Owner's Manual page 131

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.
"R" Reverse
Shift into this range only after the vehicle has come to a
complete stop.
"N" Neutral
The engine may be started in this range. Use this range
for starting your vehicle if it is moving or is being towed.
Overdrive
This range should be used for most city and highway
driving. It provides smoothest up shifts and down shifts
and best fuel economy.
When frequent transaxle shifting occurs when using the
Overdrive range, such as when operating the vehicle
under heavy loading conditions (in hilly terrain, travel-
ing into strong head winds, or while towing heavy
trailers, use the "3" range).
"3" Drive
This range eliminates shifts into Overdrive. The transaxle
will operate normally in first and second while in this
range.
A delayed shift from second to third will occur at speeds
of about 31 to 38 mph (50 to 60 km/h) and low levels of
accelerator pedal travel. An early down-shift from third
to second will occur at a speed of about 34 to 30 mph (54
to 48 km/h). This is done to provide second gear engine
braking at speeds less than 30 mph (48 km/h).
NOTE: Using the "3" range while operating the vehicle
under heavy operating conditions will improve perfor-
mance, fuel economy, and extend transaxle life by reduc-
ing excessive shifting and heat build up.
Use the "3" range when descending steep grades to
prevent brake system distress.
STARTING AND OPERATING 131
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