2006 DODGE DAKOTA clutch

If using a manual transmission vehicle for trailer towing,
all starts must be in FIRST gear to avoid excessive clutch
slippage.
Towing Tips — Automatic Transmission
The “D” range can be selected when towing. However, if
frequent shifting occurs while in this range, the “TOW
HAUL” or “OD/OFF” range should be selected.
NOTE: Using the “TOW HAUL” or “OD/OFF” range
while operating the vehicle under heavy operating con-
ditions will improve performance and extend transmis-
sion life by reducing excessive shifting and heat build up.
This action will also provide better engine braking.
The automatic transmission fluid and filter should be
changed if you REGULARLY tow a trailer for more than
45 minutes of continuous operation. See Schedule “B” in
section 8 of this manual for transmission fluid change
intervals. NOTE:
Check the automatic transmission fluid level
before towing.
Towing Tips — Tow/Haul (If Equipped)
To reduce potential for automatic transmission overheat-
ing, turn the “TOW HAUL OD/OFF” feature ON when
driving in hilly areas or shift the transmission to Drive
position 2 on more severe grades.
Towing Tips — Electronic Speed Control (If
Equipped)

Don’t use in hilly terrain or with heavy loads.
When using the speed control, if you experience speed
drops greater than 10 mph (16 km/h), disengage until
you can get back to cruising speed.
Use speed control in flat terrain and with light loads to
maximize fuel efficiency.
STARTING AND OPERATING 271
5

CAUTION!
It is necessary to follow these steps to be certain that
the transfer case is fully in Neutral (N) before
recreational towing to prevent damage to internal
parts.
1. Bring vehicle to a complete stop.
2. Shut engine OFF.
3. Place ignition key in the ON position.
4. Depress brake pedal.
5. Shift automatic transmission to Neutral (N) or depress
clutch on manual transmission.
6. Using the point of a ballpoint pen or similar object,
depress the recessed transfer case Neutral (N) button for
4 seconds. 7. After shift is completed and the Neutral (N) light
comes on release Neutral (N) button.
8. Start engine.
9. Shift automatic transmission into Reverse (R).
10. Release brake pedal for five seconds and ensure that
there is no vehicle movement.
11. Repeat steps 9 and 10 with the transmission in Drive
(D).
12. Shut engine OFF and place ignition key to the
unlocked OFF position.
13. Shift automatic transmission into Park (P). Shift
Manual transmissions into 4th gear.
14. Disconnect the negative battery cable.
15. Attach vehicle to tow vehicle with tow bar.
STARTING AND OPERATING 275
5

5. Depress brake pedal.
6. Shift automatic transmission to Neutral (N) or depress
clutch on manual transmission.
7. Using the point of a ballpoint pen or similar object,
depress the recessed transfer case Neutral (N) button for
1 second.
8. After the Neutral (N) indicator light turns off release
the Neutral (N) button.
9. After the Neutral (N) button has been released the
transfer case will shift to the position identified by the
selector switch.
10. Start the engine. Shift the automatic transmission into
Drive (D), or place the manual transmission in 1st gear
and momentarily release the clutch, to verify that the
transfer case has engaged. 11. Set parking brake. Shift automatic transmission to
Park (P) or shift manual transmission to Neutral.
NOTE:
Items 1 through 5 are requirements that must be
met prior to depressing the Neutral (N) selection button,
and must continue to be met until 1 second elapses and
the shift has been completed. If any of these requirements
(with the exception o f 3 - key ON) are not met prior to
depressing the Neutral (N) button or are no longer met
during the 1 second time, then all of the mode position
indicator lights will flash continuously until all require-
ments are met or until the Neutral (N) button is released.
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, the shift will not take place and no
position indicator lights will be on or flashing.
NOTE: Flashing neutral (N) position indicator light
indicates that shift requirements have not been met.
STARTING AND OPERATING 277
5

▫Air Conditioner Maintenance .............316
▫ Power Steering — Fluid Check ............317
▫ Front Suspension Ball Joints ..............317
▫ Drive Shaft Constant Velocity Joints ........318
▫ Body Lubrication .....................318
▫ Windshield Wiper Blades ................318
▫ Windshield Washers ...................319
▫ Exhaust System ......................320
▫ Cooling System .......................320
▫ Emission Related Components ............325
▫ Brake System ........................326
▫ Clutch Hydraulic System ................328
▫ Manual Transmission ..................328 ▫
Automatic Transmission ................328
▫ Transfer Case ........................331
▫ Axles ..............................331
▫ Selection Of Lubricating Grease ...........332
▫ Appearance Care And Protection From
Corrosion ...........................333

Power Distribution Center (Fuse/Relay) .......337

Vehicle Storage ........................340

Replacement Light Bulbs .................341

Bulb Replacement ......................342
▫ Headlamps ..........................342
▫ Front Park And Turn Signal Lamp. .........346
▫ Rear Side Marker, Taillamps/Stoplamp,
And Turn Signal Bulbs — Replacement ......348
300 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

WARNING!
Worn brake hoses can burst and cause brake failure.
You could have an accident. If you see any sign of
cracking, scuffing, or worn spots, have the brake
hoses replaced immediately.
Clutch Hydraulic System
The clutch hydraulic system is a sealed maintenance free
system. In the event of leakage or other malfunction, the
system must be replaced.
Manual Transmission
Fluid Level Check
This fluid should be checked whenever other underhood
services are performed. The fluid level is checked by
removing the fill plug. If the level of the lubricant is more
than 1/4 (6.35 mm) below the bottom of the filler hole
while the vehicle is level, enough lubricant should be added to bring the level to the bottom of the filler hole.
This fluid does not require periodic changing. However,
if it becomes necessary to add or replace the fluid in these
transmissions, refer to Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine
Parts for correct fluid type.
Automatic Transmission
Fluid Level Check
Check the fluid level while the transmission is at normal
operating temperature 180°F (82°C). This occurs after at
least 15 miles (24 km) of driving. At normal operating
temperature the fluid cannot be held comfortably be-
tween the fingertips.
To check the automatic transmission fluid level properly,
the following procedure must be used:
1. Operate the engine at idle speed and normal operating
temperature.
2. The vehicle must be on level ground.
328 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Cavity Cartridge
Fuse Mini Fuse Description
9 10 Amp Red Airbag System #3
10 Spare
11 10 Amp Red AC Clutch
12 15 Amp Blue T Tow Lt Stop/Turn
13 15 Amp Blue T Tow Rt Stop/Turn
14 20 Amp Yellow IOD #2
15
25 Amp NaturalTrans/PCM
16 20 Amp Yellow Horn
17 20 Amp Yellow ABS Feed (Valves)
18 20 Amp Yellow Fuel Pump
19 15 Amp Blue Stop Lamp (CHMSL)
20 20 Amp Yellow CCN Door Locks/BTSI
Cavity Cartridge
Fuse Mini Fuse Description
21 25 Amp Natu- ral Audio Amp
22 20 Amp Yellow Power Outlet (Switchable)
23 20 Amp Yellow Fog Lamps
24 20 Amp Yellow PCM B+
25 15 Amp Blue CCN Illumina- tion
26 Spare
27 10 Amp Red Power Mirror
28 20 AmpYellow Power Outlet
29 20 Amp Yellow FCM4 (Wip- ers)
30 Spare
31 Spare
32 30 Amp Pink FCM1 (Ext. Lights # 1)
338 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Chains.............................. 247
Changing ............................ 284
Compact Spare ........................ 242
General Information .................... 238
High Speed .......................... 240
Inflation Pressures ..................... 239
Jacking ............................. 288
Life of Tires .......................... 245
Load Capacity ..................... 234,235
Quality Grading ....................... 387
Radial .............................. 241
Replacement ......................... 245
Rotation ............................. 249
Safety ........................... 230,238
Sizes ............................... 231
Snow Tires ........................... 249
Spare Tire ........................... 286
Spinning ............................ 243
Tread Wear Indicators ................... 244 Wheel Mounting
....................... 288
Wheel Nut Torque ..................... 291
Tongue Weight/Trailer Weight .............. 265
Torque Converter Clutch .................. 208
Tow Hooks, Emergency ................... 296
Towing ............................... 261
Disabled Vehicle ....................... 297
Guide .............................. 265
Recreational .......................... 273
Weight .............................. 265
Traction .............................. 278
Trailer Towing .......................... 261
Cooling System Tips .................... 272
Hitches ............................. 264
Minimum Requirements ................. 266
Mirrors ............................. 272
Trailer and Tongue Weight ................ 265
Wiring .............................. 269
Trailer Towing Guide ..................... 265
404 INDEX