2004 DODGE DAKOTA instrument panel

NV244 Transfer Case Operating Information /
Precautions
The NV244 is an electric shift transfer case and is
operated by the 4WD Control Switch, which is located on
the instrument panel.
The NV244 transfer case provides 4 mode positions -
Normal all wheel drive high range, 4 wheel drive high
range, 4 wheel drive low range, and neutral.
This transfer case is equipped with an inter-axle differ-
ential that allows driving the vehicle in the normal all
wheel drive position (AWD) at all times on any given
road surface, including dry hard surfaced roads. The
AWD mode allows the front and rear wheels to rotate at
different speeds. This eliminates driveline binding and
component wear normally associated with driving the
vehicle in the 4HI position on dry hard surfaced roads.
This feature provides the safety, security, and conve-
nience of operating in all wheel drive at all times
regardless of road conditions.When additional traction is required, the 4HI and 4LO
positions can be used to lock the front and rear drive-
shafts together through the transfer case inter-axle differ-
ential and force the front and rear wheels to rotate at the
same speed. This is accomplished by rotating the 4WD
Control Switch to these positions. The 4HI and 4LO
positions are intended for loose, slippery road surfaces
only. Driving in the 4HI and 4LO positions on dry hard
surfaced roads may cause increased tire wear and dam-
age to the driveline components.
The transfer case Neutral (N) position is selected by
depressing the recessed button located on the lower left
hand corner of the 4WD Control Switch.
NOTE:The transfer case Neutral (N) position is to be
used for recreational towing only. (See Recreational Tow-
ing section for specific procedures on shifting into and
out of Neutral (N).
Transfer Case Position Indicator Lights
Transfer case position indicator lights are located on the
Four-Wheel-Drive Control Switch, found on your instru-
ment panel, and indicate the current and desired transfer
STARTING AND OPERATING 157
5

PARKING BRAKE
The parking brake should be applied whenever the
driver is not in the vehicle.
The foot operated parking brake is positioned below the
lower left corner of the instrument panel.
To apply the parking brake:Place your foot on the
parking brake pedal and push firmly downward as far as
the pedal will go. When the parking brake is applied and
the ignition is ON, the BRAKE light in the instrument
cluster will light.
NOTE:The BRAKE light in the instrument cluster
indicates only that the parking brake is appliedÐit does
not indicate the degree of application.
To release the parking brake:Pull the parking brake
release handle towards you. The BRAKE light in the
instrument cluster will go out when the parking brake is
disengaged.
To park on a hill:You must make sure that the parking
brake is fully applied and the gear shift lever is in PARK
(for an automatic transmission) or in REVERSE or FIRST
(for a manual transmission). You should apply the park-
ing brake before shifting to PARK; otherwise, the load on
the transmission locking mechanism may make it diffi-
cult to move the shift lever out of the Park position.
When parking on a hill, turn the front wheels:
²Towardthe curb on adownhillgrade.
²Awayfrom the curb on anuphillgrade.
STARTING AND OPERATING 163
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This power center houses plug-in cartridge and relays. A
label inside the latching cover of the center identifies each
component for ease of replacement, if necessary. Car-
tridge fuses and relays can be obtained from your Dodge
dealer.
FUSE BLOCK
The fuse block contains blade-type mini-fuses, relays,
and circuit breakers for high-current circuits. It is located
just inboard of the left end of the instrument panel,
behind the panel surface. It is accessible through a
snap-in cover. Refer to the label on the backside of the
fuse block cover for the proper fuse amperage and
position.
CAUTION!
When replacing a blown fuse, it is important to use
only a fuse having the correct amperage rating. The
use of a fuse with a rating other than indicated may
result in a dangerous electrical system overload. If a
properly rated fuse continues to blow, it suggests a
problem in the circuit that must be corrected.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 253
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Headlights............................ 255
Dimmer Switch....................... 100
High Beam........................... 71
High Beam/Low Beam Select Switch....... 71
Lights On Reminder.................... 69
Replacing........................... 255
Switch.............................. 68
Heater............................... 133
Heater, Engine Block.................... 146
High Beam/Low Beam Select Switch......... 71
Hitches
Trailer Towing....................... 198
Holder, Cup........................... 89
Homelink Transmitter.................... 81
Hood Release.......................... 66
Hoses............................... 241
Ignition............................... 11
Cables............................. 230
Key ............................... 9,11
Lock................................ 11
Illuminated Entry....................... 12
Infant Restraint.......................38,39Inflation Pressure Tires................... 182
Inside Rearview Mirror................... 58
Instrument Cluster.....................97,99
Instrument Panel and Controls.............. 96
Instrument Panel Lens Cleaning............ 252
Interior Appearance Care................. 251
Interior Lights.......................... 67
Intermittent Wipers...................... 71
Introduction............................ 4
Jack Location.......................... 209
Jack Operation......................... 211
Jump Starting......................... 215
Key, Replacement....................... 10
Key, Sentry............................. 9
Key-In Reminder......................... 9
Keyless Entry System..................... 17
Keys.................................. 9
Knee Bolster........................... 31
Lane Change and Turn Signals............70,99
Lap Belts.............................. 30
INDEX 293
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