2006 DODGE DAKOTA torque

•transmission has reached normal operating tempera-
ture.
NOTE: If the vehicle is started in extremely cold tem-
peratures, the transmission may not shift into Overdrive
and will automatically select the most desirable gear for
operation at this temperature. Normal operation will
resume when the transmission fluid temperature has
risen to a suitable level. Refer also to the Note under
torque converter clutch, later in this section.
If the transmission temperature gets extremely hot, the
transmission will automatically select the most desirable
gear for operation at this temperature. If the transmission
temperature becomes hot enough the TRANS TEMP light
may illuminate and the transmission may downshift out
of Overdrive until the transmission cools down. After
cooldown, the transmission will resume normal opera-
tion. The transmission will downshift from Overdrive to Drive
if the accelerator pedal is fully depressed at vehicle
speeds above approximately 35 mph (56 km/h).
When To Use “TOW/HAUL” Mode
When driving in hilly areas, towing a trailer, carrying a
heavy load, etc., and frequent transmission shifting oc-
curs, press the “TOW/HAUL” button. This will improve
STARTING AND OPERATING 207
5

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

transmission into gear may seem sluggish. This is due to
the fluid partially draining from the torque converter into
the transmission. This condition is normal and will not
cause damage to the transmission. The torque converter
will refill within five seconds of shifting from Park into
any other gear position.
Manual Transmission — 6-Speed
NOTE: The parking brake should be engaged before
leaving the vehicle, especially on an incline.
This model is equipped with a clutch interlocking igni-
tion system. The clutch pedal must be fully depressed to
start the vehicle.
Fully depress the clutch pedal before shifting gears. As
you release the clutch pedal, lightly depress the accelera-
tor pedal. When launching a stationary vehicle, keep the
engine speed low until the clutch is fully engaged. NOTE:
Damage to the clutch can result from starting in
2nd or 3rd gear with a loaded vehicle. Use each gear in
numerical order – do not skip a gear.
When shifting from 5th to 6th gear, do not apply exces-
sive knob load toward the Reverse gear gate, as you may
overpower Reverse crash-through load and unintention-
ally clash into Reverse gear. Also, when shifting from 6th
to 5th gear, excessive knob load toward the Reverse gear
gate will result in blocking of the shift.
To shift into Reverse, come to a complete stop. Depress
the clutch and pause briefly to allow the gear train to
stop. Reverse has a crash-throughlockout feature. In
order to get into the reverse gate you should start in
neutral 3/4 and move rapidly into the reverse gate in one
swift motion. If you move slowly toward reverse you will
encounter a very high load which makes it difficult to
enter the gate.
STARTING AND OPERATING 209
5

Before raising the wheel off the ground, make sure that
the jack will not damage surrounding truck parts and
adjust the jack position as required.
4. By rotating the wheel wrench clockwise, raise the
vehicle until the wheel just clears the surface.
WARNING!
Raising the vehicle higher than necessary can make
the vehicle unstable and cause an accident. It could
slip off the jack and hurt someone near it. Raise the
vehicle only enough to remove the tire.
5. Remove the wheel nuts and pull the wheel off. Install
the spare wheel and wheel nuts with the cone shaped end
of the nuts toward the wheel. Lightly tighten the nuts. To
avoid risk of forcing the vehicle off the jack, do not fully
tighten the nuts until the vehicle has been lowered.
NOTE: Do not oil wheel studs. For chrome wheels, do
not substitute with chrome plated wheel nuts.
6. Using the wheel wrench, finish tightening the nuts in
a crisscross pattern. If in doubt about the correct tight-
ness, have them checked with a torque wrench by your
dealer or at a service station.
Right Rear Jacking Location
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 291
6

Correct nut tightness is the following:
•Steel Wheels: 130-170 ft. lbs. (177-231 N·m) torque.
•Aluminum Wheels: 120-160 ft. lbs. (163-217 N·m)
torque.
WARNING!
A loose tire or jack thrown forward in a collision or
hard stop could injure someone in the vehicle.
Always stow the jack, tools and the extra tire and
wheel in the places provided.
7. Lower the jack to its fully closed position. Stow the
replaced tire, jack, and tools as previously described.
8. Adjust the tire pressure when possible.
NOTE: Do not oil wheel studs. For chrome wheels, do
not substitute with chrome plated wheel nuts.
WARNING!
Carefully follow these tire changing warnings to help
prevent personal injury or damage to your vehicle:
•Always park on a firm, level surface as far from the
edge of the roadway as possible before raising the
vehicle.
•Block the wheel diagonally opposite the wheel to
be raised.
•Apply the parking brake firmly before jacking.
•Never start the engine with the vehicle on a jack.
•Do not let anyone sit in the vehicle when it is on a
jack.
•Do not get under the vehicle when it is on a jack.
•Only use the jack in the positions indicated.
•If working on or near a roadway, be extremely
careful of motor traffic.
•To assure that spare tires, flat or inflated are se-
curely stowed, spares must be stowed with the
value stem facing the ground.
292 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

E. Make sure that the radiator and coolant bottle over-
flow hoses are not kinked or obstructed.
F. Keep the front of the radiator clean. If your vehicle is
equipped with air conditioning, keep the front of the
condenser clean also.
G. The thermostat should not be changed for summer or
winter operation. If replacement is ever necessary, install
ONLY the correct type thermostat. Other designs may
result in unsatisfactory cooling performance.
Emission Related Components
Fuel System Hoses And Vapor/Vacuum Harnesses
When the vehicle is serviced for scheduled maintenance,
inspect surface of hoses and nylon tubing for evidence of
heat and mechanical damage. Hard and brittle rubber,
cracking, checking, tears, cuts, abrasions, and excessive
swelling suggest deterioration of the rubber. Particular attention should be given to examining hose surfaces
nearest to high heat sources, such as the exhaust mani-
fold.
Insure nylon tubing in these areas has not melted or
collapsed.
Inspect all hose clamps and couplings to make sure they
are secure and no leaks are present.
You are urged to use only the manufacturer’s specified
hoses and clamps, or their equivalent in material and
specification, in any fuel system servicing. It is manda-
tory to replace all clamps that have been loosened or
removed during service. Care should be taken in install-
ing new clamps to insure they are properly torqued.
Positive Crankcase Ventilation (PCV) Valve
Proper operation of the crankcase ventilation system
requires that the PCV valve be free of sticking or plug-
ging because of deposits. Deposits can accumulate in the
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 325
7

dipstick cap is properly reseated. It is normal for the
dipstick cap to spring back slightly from its fully seated
position, as long as its seal remains engaged in the
dipstick tube.
Automatic Transmission Fluid And Filter Change
To obtain best performance and long life for automatic
transmissions, the manufacturer recommends that they
be given regular maintenance service by an Authorized
Dodge Dealer or Service Center. It is important that the
transmission fluid be maintained at the correct level and
that it be drained and refilled as specified.
Follow the proper Maintenance Schedule for your type of
driving.
It is important that proper lubricant is used in the
transmission. Refer to Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine
Parts for correct fluid type. It is important that the
transmission fluid be maintained at the prescribed level
using the recommended fluid.
CAUTION!
Using a transmission fluid other than the manufac-
turers recommended fluid may cause deterioration
in transmission shift quality and/or torque converter
shudder. Using a transmission fluid other than the
manufacturers recommended fluid will result in
more frequent fluid and filter changes. Refer to
Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts for correct
fluid type.
Special Additives
The manufacturer strongly recommends against the ad-
dition of any additives to the transmission. Exception to
this policy is the use of special dyes to aid in detecting
fluid leaks. The use of transmission sealers should be
avoided, since they may adversely affect seals.
330 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Adding Fuel........................ 253,282
Air Cleaner, Engine (Engine Air Cleaner Filter) . . . 313
Air Conditioner Maintenance ............... 316
Air Conditioning ........................ 189
Air Conditioning, Operating Tips ..........189,192
Air Conditioning Refrigerant .............316,317
Air Conditioning System ................189,316
Air Filter .............................. 313
Air Pressure, Tires .................... 239,247
Airbag ........................... 40,54,158
Airbag Light ............................ 53
Airbag On/Off Switch ..................... 54
Alarm, Panic ............................ 23
Alarm (Security Alarm) .................26,154
Alignment and Balance ................... 246
Alterations/Modifications, Vehicle ............. 6
Antenna, Satellite Radio ................... 185
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant) ...........322,323,355
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) ............225,226 Anti-Lock Warning Light
.................. 155
Anti-Theft System ..................... 26,154
Appearance Care ........................ 333
Arming Theft System (Security Alarm) ......... 26
Auto Unlock, Doors ....................... 17
Automatic Dimming Mirror ................. 79
Automatic Door Locks ..................... 17
Automatic Transaxle ...................... 204
Automatic Transmission .............201,204,328
Adding Fluid ......................... 329
Fluid and Filter Changes ................. 330
Fluid Level Check ...................... 328
Fluid Type ........................ 330,357
Gear Ranges .......................... 204
Special Additives ...................... 330
Torque Converter ...................... 208
Axle Fluid ............................. 357
Axle Lubrication (Axle Fluid) ............... 331
390 INDEX