2006 DODGE DAKOTA 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withdrawn only in the LOCK position.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

NOTE:The line of transmission must not be blocked
with metal objects.
To unlock the doors:
Press and release the UNLOCK button on the key fob
once to unlock only the driver’s door or twice to unlock
all the doors. When the UNLOCK button is pressed, the
illuminated entry will initiate, and the parking lights will
flash on twice.
The system can be programmed to unlock all the doors
upon the first UNLOCK button press by using the
following procedure:
1. Press and hold the LOCK button on a programmed
key fob.
2. Continue to hold the LOCK button at least 4 seconds,
but not longer than 10 seconds, then press and hold the
UNLOCK button. A single chime will sound to indicate
that this feature has changed. 3. Release both buttons at the same time.
4. Test the feature while outside of the vehicle, by
pressing the LOCK/UNLOCK button on the keyfob.
NOTE:
Pressing the LOCK button on the keyfob while
you are inside the vehicle will activate the Security
Alarm. Opening a door with the Security Alarm activated
will cause the alarm to sound. Press the UNLOCK button
to deactivate the Security Alarm.
5. If the desired programming was not achieved or to
reactivate this feature, repeat the above steps.
To lock the doors:
Press and release the LOCK button on the key fob to lock
all doors. If the ignition is OFF, when the doors are
locked, the parking lights will flash on once and the horn
will chirp once.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 21
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

If the indicator light blinksrapidly for two seconds and
then turns to a constant light, continue with Program-
ming  steps 6-8 to complete the programming of a rolling
code equipped device (most commonly a garage door
opener).
6. At the garage door opener receiver (motor-head unit)
in the garage, locate the learnorsmart button. This
can usually be found where the hanging antenna wire is
attached to the motor-head unit.
7. Firmly press and release the learnorsmart button.
(The name and color of the button may vary by manu-
facturer.)
NOTE: There are 30 seconds in which to initiate step
eight.
8. Return to the vehicle and firmly press, hold for two
seconds and release the programmed HomeLink button.
Repeat the press/hold/release sequence a second time, and, depending on the brand of the garage door opener
(or other rolling code equipped device), repeat this
sequence a third time to complete the programming.
HomeLink should now activate your rolling code
equipped device.
NOTE:
To program the remaining two HomeLink but-
tons, begin with Programmingstep two. Do not repeat
step one . For questions or comments, please contact
HomeLink at www.homelink.com or 1-800-355-3515 .
Canadian Programming/Gate Programming
Canadian radio-frequency laws require transmitter sig-
nals to time-out (or quit) after several seconds of
transmission which may not be long enough for
HomeLink to pick up the signal during programming.
Similar to this Canadian law, some U.S. gate operators are
designed to time-outin the same manner.
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 135
3

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

If the vehicle diagnostic system determines that the fuel
filler cap is loose, improperly installed, or damaged,
GASCAP will be displayed in the instrument cluster.
Tighten the fuel filler cap properly and press the odom-
eter reset button to turn the GASCAP message off. If the
problem continues, the message will appear the next time
the vehicle is started.
17. Odometer
The odometer shows the total distance the vehicle has
been driven.
U.S. federal regulations require that upon transfer of
vehicle ownership, the seller certify to the purchaser the
correct mileage that the vehicle has been driven. There-
fore, if the odometer reading is changed during repair or
replacement, be sure to keep a record of the reading
before and after the service so that the correct mileage can
be determined. 18. Transmission Temperature Indicator
This light indicates that there is excessive trans-
mission fluid temperature that might occur
with severe usage such as trailer towing. If this
light comes on, stop the vehicle and run the
engine at idle or faster, with the transmission in NEU-
TRAL until the light goes off.
19. Does not Apply
This indicator is not available.
20. Door Ajar
The Door Ajar light will illuminate when the ignition is
ON and any one of the passenger doors are opened.
NOTE: A chime will sound if the vehicle is rolling and
a door has been opened.
21. BRAKE System Warning Light
This light will light when the ignition key is turned to the
ON position and will remain on for a few seconds. If the
156 INSTRUMENT PANEL AND CONTROLS