2006 DODGE DAKOTA heating

performance and reduce the potential for transmission
overheating or failure due to excessive shifting. When
operating in “TOW/HAUL” mode, 5th gear (if
equipped) is disabled and 2-3 and 3-4 shift patterns are
modified. Shifts into Overdrive (4th gear) are allowed
during steady cruise (for improved fuel economy) and
automatic closed-throttle downshifts to 3rd gear (for
improved braking) will occur during steady braking.
The “TOW/HAUL” light will illuminate in the instru-
ment cluster to indicate when the switch has been
activated. Pressing the switch a second time restores
normal operation. If the “TOW/HAUL” mode is desired,
the button must be pressed each time the engine is
started.
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
the vehicle speed drops below a calibrated speed, or
during acceleration, the clutch automatically and
smoothly disengages. The feature is operational in Over-
drive and in Drive.
NOTE:
The torque converter clutch will not engage
until the transmission fluid and engine coolant are warm
[usually after 1-3 miles (1.6 - 4.8 km) of driving]. Because
the engine speed is higher when the torque converter
clutch is not engaged, it may seem as if the transmission
is not shifting into Overdrive when cold. This is normal.
Pressing the TOW/HAUL button, when the transmis-
sion is sufficiently warm, will demonstrate that the
transmission is able to shift into and out of Overdrive.
NOTE: If the vehicle has not been driven in several
days, the first few seconds of operation after shifting the
208 STARTING AND OPERATING

WARNING!
Continued operation with reduced power steering
assist could pose a safety risk to yourself and others.
Service should be obtained as soon as possible.
CAUTION!
Prolong operation of the steering system at the end
of the steering wheel travel will increase the steering
fluid temperature and should be avoided when
possible. Damage to the power steering pump may
occur.
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.
STARTING AND OPERATING 229
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 come in contact with a hot exhaust system.
A scorching odor may be detected 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 catalyst damage:
•Do not shut off the engine or interrupt the ignition
when the transmission is in gear and the vehicle is in
motion.
•Do not try to start engine by pushing or towing the
vehicle.
•Do 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.
STARTING AND OPERATING 257
5

Towing Tips — Cooling System
To reduce potential for engine and transmission over-
heating, take the following actions:
City Driving
When stopped for short periods of time, put transmission
in neutral and increase engine idle speed.
Highway Driving
Reduce speed.
Air Conditioning
Turn off temporarily.
refer to Cooling System Operating information in the
Maintenance section of this manual for more informa-
tion.
Trailer Towing Mirrors — If Equipped
These mirrors are designed with an adjustable mirror
head to provide a greater vision range when towing
extra-wide loads. To change position inboard or out-
board, the mirror head should be rotated (flipped Out or
In). A small blindspot mirror is integrated onto the main
mirror surface.
SNOWPLOW
Dodge Dakota Models
NOTE: Do not use Dodge Dakota Models for snowplow
applications.
272 STARTING AND OPERATING

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 the
vehicle.
NOTE: Intentional tampering with emissions control
systems can result in civil penalties being assessed
against you.
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.
314 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Customer Assistance..................... 382
Data Recorder, Event ...................... 55
Daytime Running Lights ................... 116
Dealer Service .......................... 307
Defroster, Rear Window ................... 195
Defroster, Windshield ................... 72,190
Delay (Intermittent) Wipers ................. 119
Diagnostic System, Onboard ................ 304
Differential, Limited-Slip .................. 223
Dimmer Switch, Headlight ................. 153
Dipsticks Automatic Transmission ................. 328
Oil (Engine) .......................... 307
Power Steering ........................ 317
Disarming, Theft System ................... 27
Disc Brakes ............................ 326
Disposal Used Coolant (Antifreeze) ................ 321 Door Ajar Light
......................... 156
Door Locks ............................. 15
Door Opener, Garage ..................... 132
Drive Belts ............................ 312
Drive Shaft Universal Joints ................ 318
Electric Remote Mirrors .................... 81
Electrical Power Outlets ................... 140
Electronic Speed Control (Cruise Control) ...... 121
Emergency, In Case of Freeing Vehicle When Stuck ............... 229
Jacking ............................. 288
Overheating .......................... 323
Tow Hooks .......................... 296
Towing ............................. 297
Emission Control System Maintenance ......... 360
Emission Related Components .............. 325
Engine Air Cleaner .......................... 313
INDEX 393
10

Block Heater......................... 203
Break-In Recommendations ................ 70
Compartment ......................... 303
Coolant (Antifreeze) ................. 322,356
Cooling ............................. 320
Exhaust Gas Caution .................. 71,256
Fails to Start .......................... 202
Flooded, Starting ...................... 202
Fuel Requirements ..................... 355
Jump Starting ......................... 293
Oil ........................... 307,355,356
Oil Filler Cap ......................... 310
Oil Selection .......................... 355
Oil Synthetic ......................... 311
Overheating .......................... 323
Starting ............................. 201
Temperature Gauge ..................... 152
Entry System, Illuminated .................. 14
Equipment Identification Plate .............. 279 Ethylene Glycol Antifreeze
................. 322
Event Data Recorder ...................... 55
Exhaust Gas Caution ................71,256,320
Exhaust System ....................... 71,320
Extender, Seat Belt ........................ 39
Exterior Lighting ........................ 115
Filters Air Cleaner .......................... 313
Engine Fuel .......................... 313
Engine Oil ........................ 31 1,356
Engine Oil Disposal .................... 311
Flashers Hazard Warning ....................... 282
Turn Signal ..................... 1 17,152,348
Flat Tire Stowage ........................ 293
Flooded Engine Starting ................... 202
Floor Console .......................... 142
Fluid, Brake ........................... 357
394 INDEX

Lubricant Selection.................. 328,357
Map/Reading Lights ..................... 125
Mirrors ................................ 79
Automatic Dimming ..................... 79
Electric Powered ....................... 81
Heated .............................. 82
Outside .............................. 80
Rearview ............................. 79
Trailer Towing ........................ 272
Modifications/Alterations, Vehicle ............. 6
Mopar Parts ......................... 306,385
Multi-Function Control Lever ............... 117
New Vehicle Break-In Period ................ 70
Occupant Classification System (OCS) .......... 44
Occupant Restraints ....................... 30
Octane Rating, Gasoline (Fuel) .............. 250
Oil, Engine ......................... 307,356 Capacity
............................ 355
Change Interval ....................... 309
Dipstick ............................. 307
Disposal ............................. 311
Filter ............................ 31 1,356
Filter Disposal ........................ 311
Identification Logo ..................... 310
Materials Added to ..................... 311
Recommendation ................... 310,355
Synthetic ............................ 311
Viscosity .......................... 310,355
Onboard Diagnostic System ..............304,305
Opener, Garage Door (HomeLink ) ........... 132
Outside Rearview Mirrors .................. 80
Overdrive .......................... 155,206
Overdrive OFF Switch .................... 206
Overhead Console .................... 125,126
Overhead Travel Information Center .......... 126
Overheating, Engine ................... 154,323
INDEX 399
10