2006 DODGE DAKOTA differential

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

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
even if the transmission is in the Park (P) 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 219
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 or
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 or 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:
220 STARTING AND OPERATING

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.
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.
STARTING AND OPERATING 223
5

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 Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts for correct
fluid type.
Axles
Refer to 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 Fluids, 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 differential. Rear
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 331
7

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

Fluid Capacities......................... 355
Fluid Level Checks Automatic Transmission ................. 328
Brake ............................... 326
Cooling System ....................... 320
Engine Oil ........................... 307
Power Steering ........................ 317
Transfer Case ......................... 331
Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts .......... 356
Fog Lights .......................... 1 16,354
Four Wheel Drive ....................... 211
Operation ............................ 211
Four-Way Hazard Flasher .................. 282
Freeing A Stuck Vehicle ................... 229
Front Axle (Differential) ................... 332
Fuel ................................. 250
Adding ............................. 253
Filter ............................... 313
Gauge .............................. 152 Octane Rating
...................... 250,356
Requirements ...................... 250,355
Tank Capacity ........................ 355
Fueling ............................... 253
Fuses ................................ 337
Garage Door Opener (HomeLink ) ........... 132
Gas Cap (Fuel Filler Cap) ...............254,304
Gas Gauge (Fuel Gauge) ................... 152
Gasoline (Fuel) ......................... 250
Gasoline, Reformulated ................... 251
Gauges Coolant Temperature .................... 152
Fuel ................................ 152
Odometer ......................... 155,156
Speedometer ......................... 154
Tachometer .......................... 155
Gear Ranges ........................... 204
Glass Cleaning .......................... 336
INDEX 395
10

License............................. 353
Lights On Reminder .................... 116
Low Fuel ......................... 152,153
Malfunction Indicator (Check Engine) ........ 157
Passing ............................. 118
Seat Belt Reminder ..................... 153
Service .............................. 341
Turn Signal ........................ 1 17,348
Warning (Instrument Cluster Description) ..... 152
Washer Fluid ......................... 157
Limited-Slip Differential ................... 223
Loading Vehicle ......................... 258
Tires ............................... 234
Locks ................................. 15
Auto Unlock .......................... 17
Automatic Door ........................ 17
Child Protection ........................ 19
Door ................................ 15
Ignition .............................. 13 Keys
................................ 10
Power Door ........................... 16
Steering Wheel ......................... 13
Lower Anchors and Tether for CHildren (LATCH) . 60
Lubricating Oil ......................... 332
Lubrication, Body ....................... 318
Lug Nuts ............................. 291
Lumbar Support ........................ 107
Maintenance Free Battery .................. 315
Maintenance Procedures ................... 307
Maintenance Schedule .................... 361
Schedule “A” ......................... 375
Schedule “B” ......................... 364
Maintenance, Sunroof ..................... 140
Malfunction Indicator Light (Check Engine) . . 157,305
Manual, Service ......................... 386
Manual Transmission ...............201,209,328
Fluid Level Check ...................... 328
398 INDEX