2006 DODGE DAKOTA automatic transmission

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
CONTENTS

A Word About Your Keys ..................10
▫ Key-In-Ignition Reminder ................10
▫ Sentry Key Immobilizer — If Equipped .......10

Ignition And Steering Lock .................13
▫ Manual Transmissions ...................13
▫ Automatic Transmissions .................13

Illuminated Entry ........................14
▫ Vehicles Equipped With Power Door Locks ....14

Door Locks ............................15 ▫
Manual Door Locks .....................15
▫ Power Door Locks .....................16
▫ Child Protection Door Lock ...............19

Remote Keyless Entry .....................20
▫ To Unlock The Doors ...................21
▫ To Lock The Doors .....................21
▫ Using The Panic Alarm ..................23
▫ General Information ....................23
▫ Programming Additional Transmitters ........24
2

NOTE:Changes or modifications not expressly ap-
proved by the party responsible for compliance could
void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.
IGNITION AND STEERING LOCK
Insert the key fully, and then turn the switch to one of the
five illustrated positions. The key can be inserted or
withdrawn only in the LOCK position.
Manual Transmissions
When the steering wheel is in the LOCK position, the
steering and ignition systems are locked to provide
antitheft protection for your vehicle. It may be difficult to
turn the key from the LOCK position when starting your
vehicle. Move the steering wheel left and right while
turning the key until it turns easily. To remove the key,
depress and hold the release button located between the
ignition switch and the instrument panel. Turn the igni-
tion key to LOCK and remove the key.
Automatic Transmissions
In the LOCK position, the steering and ignition systems
are locked to provide antitheft protection for your ve-
hicle. It may be difficult to turn the key from the LOCK
position when starting your vehicle. Move the steering
wheel left and right while turning the key until it turns
Ignition Switch Positions
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 13
2

To Accelerate For Passing
Depress the accelerator as you would normally. When the
pedal is released, the vehicle will return to the set speed.
NOTE: When driving uphill, at elevations above 2,000
feet (610 meters), or when the vehicle is heavily loaded
(especially when towing) the vehicle may slow below the
SET speed. If the vehicle speed drops below (refer to the
table below for the speed for your specific engine), the
speed control will automatically disengage. If this hap-
pens, you can push down on the accelerator pedal to
maintain the desired speed.
Vehicles equipped with a Automatic transmission may
exhibit several downshifts under the above conditions.
To reduce the frequency of the downshifts and to im-
prove vehicle performance, it is advisable to lock out
overdrive by pressing the “TOW/HAUL” button located
at the end of the gear shifter.WARNING!
Speed Control can be dangerous where the system
can’t maintain a constant speed. Your vehicle could
go too fast for the conditions, and you could lose
control. An accident could be the result. Don’t use
Speed Control in heavy traffic or on roads that are
winding, icy, snow-covered, or slippery.
124 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

FLOOR CONSOLE — IF EQUIPPED
Floor Console Features
The Floor Console between the driver’s and front pas-
senger’s seat has the following features:
•Miscellaneous storage compartments
•Flexible cup holder inserts
•Portable phone storage bin
•Portable phone cord routing between lid and base on
forward edge
•12 Volt power outlet inside storage compartment
•Side open armrest lid
•Tissue holder & pen holder
•Coin slots The coin slots are located under the instrument panel
center stack.
Storage Compartments
Some miscellaneous storage compartments and cup
holders have rubber mats at the bottom, the mats are
both removable and dishwasher safe for cleaning pur-
poses. Various storage compartments provide versatile
and useful storage. A coin holder is also provided inside
the console storage compartment.
Cup Holders
The cup holders fit a wide variety of cup and bottle sizes.
To use the adjustable cup holders (only in automatic
transmission vehicles), place your beverage in the cup
holder, then adjust the movable arms to tightly hold the
beverage.
142 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

12. ABS Warning Light This light monitors the Anti-Lock Brake System
which is described elsewhere in this manual.
This light will come on when the ignition key is
turned to the ON position and may stay on for
approximately 3 seconds. If this light remains on or
comes on during driving, it indicates that the Anti-Lock
portion of the brake system is not functioning and that
service is required. See your authorized dealer immedi-
ately.
13. Engine Oil Pressure Indicator Light This light indicates that the engine oil pressure has
become too low. For a bulb check, this light will
come on momentarily when the ignition is turned On. If
the light turns on while driving, stop the vehicle and shut
off the engine as soon as possible. Immediate service
should be obtained. 14. Tachometer
This gauge measures engine revolutions-per-minute
(rpm x 1000).
15. Gear Selector
The electronic gear selector display is self-contained
within the instrument cluster. It displays the position of
the automatic transmission shift lever, and the relation of
each position to all other positions. For a good signal the
display will place a box around the selected transmission
range (PRND21). If the PRNDL displays only the char-
acters PRND21 (no boxes), have the system checked by
an authorized dealer.
16. Trip Odometer
The trip odometer shows individual trip mileage. To
toggle between the odometer and the trip odometer,
press the Odometer/Trip Odometer Button. To reset the
Trip Odometer, press and hold the button while in trip
mode, until the Trip Odometer resets.
INSTRUMENT PANEL AND CONTROLS 155
4

light stays on, it may be an indication that the parking
brake has not been released, or there is a low brake fluid
level. If the light remains on when the parking brake has
been disengaged, and the fluid level is at the full mark on
the master cylinder reservoir, it indicates a possible brake
hydraulic system malfunction. In this case, the light will
remain on until the condition has been corrected. If the
parking brake is applied, the light will flash when the
gear position is out of park for automatic transmissions.
If brake failure is indicated, immediate repair is neces-
sary. Operating the vehicle in this condition is danger-
ous!
22. Low Washer Fluid Indicator
This light comes on when the washer fluid level falls
below approximately 1/4 full. The light will remain on
until fluid is added and ignition switch is cycled. 23. Malfunction Indicator Light
This light is part of an onboard diagnostic system
which monitors the emissions and engine control
system. If the vehicle is ready for emissions
testing the light will come on when the ignition is first
turned on and remain on, as a bulb check, until the
engine is started. If the vehicle is not ready for emissions
testing the light will come on when the ignition is first
turned on and remain on for 15 seconds, then blink for 5
seconds, and remain on until the vehicle is started. If the
bulb does not come on during starting, have the condi-
tion investigated promptly.
If this light comes on and remains on while driving, it
suggests a potential engine control problem and the need
for system service.
Although your vehicle will usually be drivable and not
need towing, see your dealer for service as soon as
possible.
INSTRUMENT PANEL AND CONTROLS 157
4

STARTING AND OPERATING
CONTENTS

Starting Procedures .....................201
▫ Manual Transmission ..................201
▫ Automatic Transmission ................201
▫ Normal Starting ......................202
▫ Engine Block Heater — If Equipped ........203

Automatic Transmission ..................204
▫ Automatic Transmission ................204

Four-Wheel Drive Operation ...............211 ▫
NV233/243 GII Transfer Case Operating
Information/Precautions ................211
▫ Shifting Procedure - NV233/243 Transfer
Case ..............................214
▫ NV244 Transfer Case Operating Information /
Precautions ..........................216
▫ Shifting Procedure - NV244 Transfer Case ....220

Limited-Slip Rear Axle Differential— If
Equipped ............................223

Parking Brake .........................224
5

STARTING PROCEDURES
The starter should not be operated for more than 15
second intervals. Waiting a few seconds between such
intervals will protect the starter from overheating.
Manual Transmission
Apply the parking brake, place the gearshift control lever
in NEUTRAL and depress clutch pedal to the floor before
starting the vehicle. This vehicle is equipped with a
clutch interlocking ignition system. It will not start unless
the clutch is depressed.
Automatic Transmission
Start the engine with the shift lever in NEUTRAL or
PARK position. Apply the brake before shifting to any
driving range.
WARNING!
Do not attempt to push or tow your vehicle to get it
started. Vehicles equipped with an automatic trans-
mission cannot be started this way. Unburned fuel
could enter the catalytic converter and once the
engine has started, ignite and damage the converter
and vehicle. If the vehicle has a discharged battery,
booster cables may be used to obtain a start from a
booster battery or the battery in another vehicle. This
type of start can be dangerous if done improperly.
See section 6 of this manual for the proper jump
starting procedures and follow them carefully.
STARTING AND OPERATING 201
5