2004 DODGE DAKOTA differential

STARTING AND OPERATING
CONTENTS
mStarting Procedures....................144
NManual Transmission..................144
NAutomatic Transmission................144
NNormal Starting......................144
NEngine Block Heater Ð If Equipped........146
mShifting.............................146
NAutomatic Transmission................146
NManual Transmission..................150
mFour-Wheel Drive Operation..............151
NNV 233 Transfer Case Operating
Information/Precautions................151
NShifting Procedure - NV233 Transfer Case....155NNV244 Transfer Case Operating
Information / Precautions...............157
NShifting Procedure - NV244 Transfer Case....160
mLimited-Slip Differential Ð If Equipped.....162
mParking Brake.........................163
mBrake System.........................164
NRear Wheel Anti-Lock Brake System........164
NFour-Wheel Anti-Lock Brake System Ð If
Equipped...........................165
mPower Steering........................166
mRocking The Vehicle....................167
mTire Safety Information..................167
5

shift to take place. Shifting while only the front or rear
wheels are spinning can cause damage to the transfer
case.
When operating your vehicle in 4LO, the engine speed is
approximately three times that of the AWD or 4HI
positions at a given road speed. Take care not to over-
speed the engine and do not exceed 25 mph (40 km/h).
Proper operation of 4 wheel drive vehicles depends on
tires of equal size, type and circumference on each wheel.
Any difference in tire size can cause damage to the
transfer case.
Because 4 wheel drive provides improved traction, there
is a tendency to exceed safe turning and stopping speeds.
Do not go faster than road conditions permit.WARNING!
You or others could be injured if you leave the
vehicle unattended with the transfer case in the
Neutral (N) position without first fully engaging the
parking brake. The transfer case Neutral (N) position
disengages both the front and rear driveshafts from
the powertrain and will allow the vehicle to move
regardless of the transmission position. The parking
brake should always be applied when the driver is
not in the vehicle.
For additional information on the appropriate use of each
transfer case mode position see the information below:
AW D
Normal All Wheel Drive High Range - Employs inter-
axle differential. Allows front and rear wheels to rotate at
different speeds. All road surfaces.
STARTING AND OPERATING 159
5

4HI
4 Wheel Drive High Range - Locks the transfer case
inter-axle differential. Forces front and rear wheels to
rotate at the same speed. Additional traction for loose,
slippery road surfaces only.
4LO
4 Wheel Drive Low Range - Low speed 4 wheel drive.
Locks the transfer case inter-axle differential. Forces the
front and rear wheels to rotate at the same speed.
Additional traction and maximum pulling power for
loose, slippery road surfaces only. Do not exceed 25 mph
(40 km/h).
N
Neutral - Disengages both the front and rear driveshafts
from the powertrain. To be used for flat towing behind
another vehicle. See Recreational Towing for more infor-
mation.
Shifting Procedure - NV244 Transfer Case
NOTE:
If any of the requirements to select a new
transfer case position have not been met, the transfer case
will not shift.The indicator light for the previous position
will remain ON and the newly selected position indicator
light will continue to flash until all the requirements for
the selected position have been met. To retry a shift:
return the control knob back to the original position,
make certain all shift requirements have been met, wait
five (5) seconds and try the shift again.
160 STARTING AND OPERATING

Alternate Procedure
1. Bring the vehicle to complete stop.
2. With the key ON and the engine either OFF or
RUNNING, shift the transmission into NEUTRAL (de-
press clutch on manual transmissions).
3. Rotate the transfer case control switch to the desired
position.
4. After the desired position indicator light is ON (not
flashing), shift transmission back into gear (release clutch
on manual transmissions).
NOTE:If steps 1 or 2 of either the Preferred or Alternate
Procedure are not satisfied prior to attempting the shift or
if they no longer are being met while the shift attempt is
in process, then the desired position indicator light will
flash continuously while the original position indicator
light is ON, until all requirements have been met.
NOTE:The ignition key must be ON for a shift to take
place and for the position indicator lights to be operable.
If the key is not ON then the shift will not take place and
no position indicator lights will be on or flashing.
LIMITED-SLIP DIFFERENTIAL Ð IF EQUIPPED
The limited-slip differential provides additional traction
on snow, ice, mud, sand and gravel. It improves traction
when there is a difference between the characteristics of
the surface under the right and left rear wheels. During
normal driving and cornering, the limited-slip unit is
similar to a conventional differential. But on a slippery
surface, the differential delivers more of the driving effort
to the wheel having the better traction.
WARNING!
On vehicles equipped with a limited-slip differen-
tial, never run the engine with one rear wheel off the
ground. The vehicle may drive through the rear
wheel remaining on the ground and cause you to
lose control of the vehicle.
Care should be taken to avoid sudden accelerations when
both rear wheels are on a slippery surface. This could
cause both rear wheels to spin, and allow the vehicle to
slide sideways on the crowned surface of a road or in a
turn.
162 STARTING AND OPERATING

Transfer Case
Inspect the transfer case for fluid leaks. If a fluid leak is
evident the transfer case fluid level can be checked by
removing the filler plug located on the back side of the
transfer case. The fluid level should be at the bottom edge
of the filler plug hole when the vehicle is in a level
position.
The transfer case fluid should be drained and refilled at
the intervals specified.
Lubricant Selection
Refer to Recommended Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine
Parts for correct fluid type.
Axles
Refer to Recommended Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine
Parts for correct fluid type.
The manufacturer does not recommend regularly sched-
uled oil changes for axles in vehicles whose operation is
classified as normal truck service.
NOTE:The presence of water in the gear lubricant will
result in corrosion and possible failure of differential
components. Operation of the vehicle in water, as may beencountered in some off-highway types of service, will
require draining and refilling the axle to avoid damage.
Rear Axle
Limited-slip differentials require the use of Mopartlim-
ited slip additive. Refer to Recommended Fluids, Lubri-
cants and Genuine Parts for correct fluid type. This
should be added to the gear lubricant whenever a fluid
change is made, when equipped with a limited-slip
differential. Rear axle fluid level should be 1/49(6.35
mm) below filler plug hole for 8 1/4 axles and should be
5/89(16 mm) below filler plug hole for 9 1/49axles.
Front Axle
Front axle fluid level should be at the bottom of the filler
plug hole.
Selection of Lubricating Grease
The National Lubricating Grease Institute (NLGI) has
developed a symbol (Certification Mark) to aid the
vehicle owner in the proper selection of grease for chassis
components. This symbol, an example shown below, is
located on the grease container and identifies the appli-
cation and quality of the grease.
248 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Compact Disc Maintenance............... 132
Compact Disc Player.................106,110
Compact Spare Tire..................... 178
Compass.............................. 79
Compass Calibration...................79,80
Computer, Trip/Travel.................... 77
Console, Floor.......................... 88
Console, Overhead....................... 76
Contract, Service....................... 282
Converter, Catalytic..................... 189
Coolant Pressure Cap.................... 240
Cooling System.....................237,240
Adding Coolant (Antifreeze)............. 239
Coolant Capacity..................... 258
Coolant Level........................ 240
Disposal of Used Coolant............... 238
Drain, Flush, and Refill................. 238
Inspection........................... 237
Points to Remember................... 241
Radiator Cap........................ 240
Selection of Coolant.............238,258,259
Temperature Gauge.................... 99
Cruise Control.......................... 74Cruise Light........................... 104
Cup Holder............................ 89
Customer Assistance.................... 280
Daytime Running Lights.................. 69
Dealer Service......................... 225
Defroster, Rear Window.................. 140
Defroster, Windshield...............54,133,136
Delay Wipers........................... 71
Diagnostic System, Onboard............... 223
Differential, Limited-Slip................. 162
Dimmer Switch, Headlight................ 100
Dipsticks
Automatic Transmission................ 245
Oil (Engine)......................... 226
Power Steering....................... 234
Disabled Vehicle Towing................. 217
Disc Brakes........................... 243
Disposal
Used Coolant........................ 238
Door Ajar............................ 103
Door Locks..........................13,14
Door Opener, Garage..................... 81
290 INDEX

Lap/Shoulder Belts...................... 25
LATCH
(Lower Anchors and Tether for CHildren).... 42
Lead Free Gasoline...................... 184
Lights..............................54,67
Airbag...........................38,102
Anti-Lock Warning.................... 102
Back-Up............................ 256
Brake Warning....................... 101
Bulb Replacement..................... 254
Cargo ............................... 70
Center Mounted Stop.................. 257
Check Gauges........................ 101
Courtesy/Reading..................... 76
Cruise............................. 104
Daytime Running...................... 69
Fog .............................69,257
Hazard Warning Flasher................ 208
Headlights........................... 68
High Beam........................... 71
Instrument Cluster...................97,99
Intensity Control...................... 68
Interior...........................67,76License............................. 257
Lights On Reminder.................... 69
Low Fuel........................... 102
Low Washer Fluid.................... 101
Malfunction Indicator.................. 103
Park............................... 256
Passing............................. 70
Seat Belt Reminder.................... 101
Service..........................254,255
Transmission Warning.................. 102
Turn Signal........................70,256
Upshift Indicator...................99,151
Warning (Instrument Cluster Description).... 99
Washer Fluid........................ 101
Limited-Slip Differential.................. 162
Load Limits........................... 191
Loading Vehicle.....................191,194
Tires ............................... 172
Locks................................ 13
Child Protection....................... 16
Door............................... 13
Ignition............................. 11
Keys................................ 9
294 INDEX