2005 DODGE DAKOTA differential

STARTING AND OPERATING
CONTENTS

Starting Procedures.....................196
▫Manual Transmission..................196
▫Automatic Transmission................196
▫Normal Starting......................197
▫Engine Block Heater — If Equipped........198

Automatic Transmission..................199
▫Automatic Transmission................199

Four-Wheel Drive Operation...............206▫NV 233 Transfer Case Operating
Information/Precautions................206
▫Shifting Procedure - NV233 Transfer Case....210
▫NV244 Transfer Case Operating Information /
Precautions..........................212
▫Shifting Procedure - NV244 Transfer Case....216

Limited-Slip Rear Axle Differential— If
Equipped............................218

Parking Brake.........................219
5

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.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.
STARTING AND OPERATING 215
5

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 REAR AXLE DIFFERENTIAL— 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.
218 STARTING AND OPERATING

Transfer Case
Inspect the transfer case for fluid leaks. If a fluid leak is
evident the transfer case fluid level may be low. Have the
transfer case serviced immediately.
CAUTION!
Damage may result from operation of the vehicle
with low transfer case fluid.
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 be
encountered in some off-highway types of service, will
require draining and refilling the axle to avoid damage.
Rear Axle
Rear Axle Limited-slip differentials require the use of
Mopar limited-slip additive. Refer to Recommended Flu-
ids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts for correct fluid type.
This should be added to the gear lubricant whenever a
fluid change is made, when equipped with limited-slip
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 323
7

differential. Rear axle fluid level should be 1/4(6.35mm)
below filler plug hole for 8 1/4axles and should be 5/8
(16mm) below filler plug for 9 1/4axles.
Front Axle
Front Axle fluid level should be at the bottom of the fill
plug.
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.There are two groups
identified, those for wheel
bearings (Letter “G”) and
those for chassis (Letter
“L”) lubrication. Perfor-
mance categories within
these groups result in dual
letter designations for
each group. The letter des-
ignations shown in the ex-
ample are the highest
quality level available and when combined as shown can
be used for chassis lubrication. Use only those greases
that have the NLGI symbol on the container along with
the proper quality level for your application.
324 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Customer Assistance..................... 368
Data Recorder, Event...................... 57
Daytime Running Lights................... 117
Dealer Service.......................... 297
Defroster, Rear Window................... 191
Defroster, Windshield...................74,186
Delay (Intermittent) Wipers................. 120
Diagnostic System, Onboard................ 294
Differential, Limited-Slip.................. 218
Dimmer Switch, Headlight................. 153
Dipsticks
Automatic Transmission................. 320
Oil (Engine).......................... 298
Power Steering........................ 308
Disarming, Theft System................... 28
Disc Brakes............................ 318
Disposal
Used Coolant......................... 313Door Ajar Light......................... 156
Door Locks............................. 16
Door Opener, Garage..................... 133
Drive Belts............................ 302
Drive Shaft Universal Joints................ 309
Electric Remote Mirrors.................... 83
Electrical Power Outlets................... 139
Electronic Speed Control................... 123
Emergency, In Case of
Freeing Vehicle When Stuck............... 224
Jacking............................. 278
Overheating.......................... 315
Tow Hooks.......................... 286
Towing............................. 287
Emission Control System Maintenance......... 348
Emission Related Components.............. 316
Engine
Air Cleaner.......................... 303
INDEX 379
10

Low Fuel.........................152,153
Malfunction Indicator................... 157
Passing............................. 119
Seat Belt Reminder..................... 153
Service.............................. 330
Turn Signal........................ 118,336
Warning (Instrument Cluster Description)..... 152
Washer Fluid......................... 157
Limited-Slip Differential................... 218
Loading Vehicle......................... 252
Tires ............................... 229
Locks................................. 16
Auto Unlock.......................... 18
Automatic Door........................ 18
Child Protection........................ 20
Door................................ 16
Ignition.............................. 13
Keys................................ 10
Power Door........................... 17Steering Wheel......................... 13
Lower Anchors and Tether for CHildren (LATCH) . 62
Lubricating Oil......................... 324
Lubrication, Body....................... 309
Lug Nuts............................. 282
Lumbar Support........................ 109
Maintenance Free Battery.................. 306
Maintenance Procedures................... 298
Maintenance Schedule.................... 349
ScheduleA......................... 362
ScheduleB.......................... 352
Malfunction Indicator Light..............157,295
Manual, Service......................... 373
Manual Transmission...............196,204,320
Fluid Level Check...................... 320
Lubricant Selection..................320,345
Map/Reading Lights..................... 127
Mirrors................................ 81
384 INDEX