2004 DODGE DAKOTA heating

The ªO/D OFFº feature must be selected, if desired, each
time the engine is started.
NOTE:If the vehicle is started in extremely cold
temperatures, 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 also to the Note under
torque converter clutch, later in this section.
If the transmission temperature gets extremely hot, the
transmission will automatically select the most desir-
able gear for operation at this temperature. If the
transmission temperature becomes hot enough the
O/D OFF and/or TRANS TEMP light(s) may illumi-
nate and the transmission may downshift out of
Overdrive until the transmission cools down. After
cooldown, the transmission will resume normal op-
eration.
When To Lock Out Overdrive
When driving in hilly areas, towing a trailer, carrying a
heavy load, or whenever frequent transmission shifting
occurs, press the ªO/D OFFº button. This will improve
performance and reduce the potential for transmission
overheating or failure due to excessive shifting.
Torque Converter Clutch
A feature designed to improve fuel economy is included
in all automatic transmissions. A clutch within the torque
converter engages automatically at a calibrated speed at
light throttle. It engages at higher speeds under heavier
acceleration. This may result in a slightly different feeling
or response during normal operation in high gear. When
STARTING AND OPERATING 149
5

ROCKING THE VEHICLE
If vehicle becomes stuck in snow, sand, or mud, it can
often be moved by a rocking motion. Move the gear
selector rhythmically between FIRST and REVERSE,
while applying slight pressure to the accelerator.
The least amount of accelerator pedal pressure to main-
tain the rocking motion without spinning the wheels or
racing the engine is most effective. Allow the engine to
idle with the transmission selector in NEUTRAL for at
least one minute after every five rocking-motion cycles.
This will minimize overheating and reduce the risk of
transmission failure during prolonged efforts to free a
stuck vehicle.
TIRE SAFETY INFORMATION
Tire Markings
STARTING AND OPERATING 167
5

CAUTION!
Damage to the catalytic converter can result if your
vehicle is not kept in proper operating condition. In
the event of engine malfunction, particularly involv-
ing engine misfire or other apparent loss of perfor-
mance, have your vehicle serviced promptly. Contin-
ued operation of your vehicle with a severe
malfunction could cause the converter to overheat,
resulting in possible damage to the converter and
vehicle.
As with any vehicle do not park or operate this vehicle in
areas where combustible materials such as grass or leaves
can contact a hot exhaust system.
A scorching odor may appear if you continue to run a
malfunctioning engine. The odor may indicate severe
and abnormal catalyst overheating. If this occurs, the
vehicle should be stopped, the engine shut off and the
vehicle allowed to cool. Service, including a tune-up to
manufacturer's specifications should be obtained imme-
diately.To minimize the possibility of catalytic converter dam-
age:
²Do not shut off the engine or interrupt the ignition
when the transmission is in gear and the vehicle is in
motion.
²Do not try to start the engine by pushing or towing the
vehicle.
²Do not idle the engine with any spark plug wires
disconnected or removed, such as when diagnostic
testing.
²Do not idle the engine for prolonged periods during
very rough idle or malfunctioning operating condi-
tions.
²Do not allow vehicle to run out of fuel.
NOTE:Intentional tampering with emissions control
systems can result in civil penalties being assessed
against you.
190 STARTING AND OPERATING

Cooling System TipsÐTrailer Towing
To reduce potential for engine and transmission over-
heating, take the following actions:
²City DrivingÐWhen stopped for short periods of
time, put transmission in neutral and increase engine
idle speed.
²Highway DrivingÐReduce your speed.
²Air ConditioningÐTurn off temporarily.
See Cooling System Operating information in the Main-
tenance section of this manual for more information.
To reduce potential for automatic transmission overheat-
ing, turn the Overdrive OFF when driving in hilly areas
or shift the transmission to Drive position 2 on more
severe grades. Move the shift lever to the next lower
position to eliminate excessive transmission shifting. This
action will also reduce the possibility of transmission
overheating and provide better engine braking.
NOTE:If your vehicle has an automatic transmission
and you tow a trailer frequently follow Maintenance
Schedule ªBº.
SNOWPLOW
Dodge Dakota Models
NOTE:
Do not use Dodge Dakota Models for snow-
plow applications.
WARNING!
Snowplows, winches, and other aftermarket equip-
ment should not be added to the front end or your
vehicle. The airbag crash sensors may be affected by
the change in the front end structure. The airbags
could deploy unexpectedly or could fail to deploy
during a collision resulting in serious injury or
death.
CAUTION!
Using this vehicle for snowplow applications can
cause damage to the vehicle.
STARTING AND OPERATING 201
5

WARNING!
A hot exhaust system can start a fire if you park over
materials that can burn. Such materials might be
grass or leaves coming into contact with your ex-
haust system. Do not park or operate your vehicle in
areas where your exhaust system can contact any-
thing that can burn.
In unusual situations involving grossly malfunctioning
engine operation, a scorching odor may indicate severe
and abnormal catalyst overheating. If this occurs, the
vehicle should be stopped, the engine shut off and the
vehicle allowed to cool. Thereafter, service, including a
tune-up to manufacturer's specifications, should be ob-
tained immediately.To minimize the possibility of catalyst damage:
²Do not shut off the engine or interrupt the ignition
when the transmission is in gear and the vehicle is in
motion.
²Do not try to start engine by pushing or towing the
vehicle.
²Do not idle the engine with any spark plug wires
disconnected or removed, such as when diagnostic
testing, or for prolonged periods during very rough
idling or malfunctioning operating conditions.
Maintenance-Free Battery
All Dodge trucks are equipped with maintenance-free
batteries. You will never have to add water, nor is
periodic maintenance required.
232 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Downshifting.......................... 151
Drive Belts............................ 230
Drive Shaft Universal Joints............... 235
Electrical Power Outlets................... 86
Electronic Power Distribution Center........ 252
Electronic Speed Control.................. 74
Emergency, In Case of
Freeing Vehicle When Stuck............. 167
Jacking............................. 211
Jump Starting........................ 215
Overheating......................... 239
Towing............................. 217
Emission Control System Maintenance....... 262
Emission Related Components............. 241
Engine
Air Cleaner.......................... 231
Air Cleaner Filter..................... 230
Block Heater......................... 146
Break-In Recommendations............... 52
Compartment.....................221,222
Coolant..........................238,259
Cooling............................ 237Exhaust Gas Caution................53,189
Fails to Start......................... 145
Flooded, Starting..................... 145
Fuel Requirements.................... 258
Oil ..........................226,258,259
Oil Selection......................... 258
Oil Synthetic......................... 229
Overheating......................... 239
Starting............................ 144
Temperature Gauge.................... 99
Entry System, Illuminated................. 12
Equipment Identification Plate............. 206
Exhaust Gas Caution..................53,237
Exhaust System......................53,236
Exterior Lighting........................ 68
Filters
Air Cleaner.......................... 230
Engine Fuel......................... 231
Engine Oil.......................229,259
Engine Oil Disposal................... 229
Flashers
Hazard Warning...................... 208
INDEX 291
10

Viscosity.........................228,258
Onboard Diagnostic System............223,224
Opener, Garage Door..................... 81
Outside Rearview Mirrors................. 59
Overdrive............................ 148
Overhead Console.....................76,77
Overhead Travel Information Center......... 77
Overheating, Engine..................104,239
Owner's Manual....................... 284
Panic Alarm........................... 19
Parking Brake......................... 163
Parking On Hill........................ 163
Passenger Airbag On/Off Switch............ 34
Passing Light........................... 70
Pickup Box........................... 194
Placard, Tire and Loading Information....... 172
Positive Crankcase Valve................. 242
Power
Brakes............................. 243
Distribution Center.................... 252
Door Locks.......................... 14
Mirrors............................. 60Outlet.............................. 86
Steering.........................166,234
Windows............................ 22
Power Steering Fluid.................... 260
Pregnant Women and Seat Belts............. 30
Pressure Gauge, Oil..................... 100
Programmable Electronic Features.........82,85
Programming Transmitters............19,82,85
Quad Cab............................. 65
Radial Ply Tires........................ 178
Radiator Cap.......................... 240
Radio.......................106,114,119,124
Radio Operation.................. 114,119,132
Rear Axle............................. 248
Rear Window Defroster.................. 140
Rearview Mirrors........................ 58
Reclining Front Seats..................... 62
Recommended Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine
Parts............................... 259
Recreational Towing..................... 202
Shifting into Transfer Case Neutral (N)..... 202
296 INDEX