2008 DODGE DAKOTA tow

Towing Tips
Before setting out on a trip, practice turning, stopping and
backing the trailer in an area away from heavy traffic.
If using a manual transmission vehicle for trailer towing,
all starts must be in FIRST gear to avoid excessive clutch
slippage.
Towing Tips Ð Automatic Transmission
The ªDº range can be selected when towing. However, if
frequent shifting occurs while in this range, the ªTOW
HAULº feature should be selected.
NOTE:Using the ªTOW HAULº feature while operat-
ing the vehicle under heavy operating conditions will
improve performance and extend transmission life by
reducing excessive shifting and heat build up. This action
will also provide better engine braking.
The automatic transmission fluid and filter should be
changed if you REGULARLY tow a trailer for more than
45 minutes of continuous operation. See the Maintenance
Schedule in section 8 of this manual for transmission
fluid change intervals.
NOTE:Check the automatic transmission fluid level
before towing.
7- Pin Connector
302 STARTING AND OPERATING

Towing Tips Ð Tow/Haul (If Equipped)
To reduce potential for automatic transmission overheat-
ing, turn the ªTOW HAULº feature ON when driving in
hilly areas or shift the transmission to Drive position 2 on
more severe grades.
Towing Tips Ð Electronic Speed Control (If
Equipped)
þ
Don't use in hilly terrain or with heavy loads.
þWhen using the speed control, if you experience speed
drops greater than 10 mph (16 km/h), disengage until
you can get back to cruising speed.
þUse speed control in flat terrain and with light loads to
maximize fuel efficiency.
Towing Tips Ð Cooling System
To reduce potential for engine and transmission over-
heating, take the following actions:
þCity Driving
When stopped for short periods of time, put transmission
in neutral and increase engine idle speed.
þHighway Driving
Reduce speed.
þAir Conditioning
Turn off temporarily.
þrefer to Cooling System Operating information in the
Maintenance section of this manual for more informa-
tion.
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RECREATIONAL TOWING (BEHIND
MOTORHOME, ETC.)
Recreational Towing 2WD Models
Recreational towing of 2WD models is not allowable.
Towing the vehicle with the transmission in Neutral can
cause severe transmission damage. Removal of the drive-
shaft for towing is not recommended, since this would
allow fluid to drain from the transmission.
Recreational Towing 4WD Models
CAUTION!
Internal damage to the transfer case will occur if a
front or rear wheel lift is used when recreational
towing.
CAUTION!
The transfer case must be shifted into Neutral (N) for
recreational towing. The Neutral (N) selection button
is located on the lower left hand corner of the 4WD
Control Switch. Shifts into and out of transfer case
Neutral (N) can take place with the selector switch in
any mode position.
Automatic Transmissions must be placed in P (Park)
position for recreational towing.
Manual Transmissions must be placed in gear (for
example, 4th gear) for recreational towing. Failure to
follow these procedures can cause severe transmis-
sion and/or transfer case damage.
Recreational Towing Procedure
Use the following procedure to prepare your vehicle for
recreational towing.
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CAUTION!
It is necessary to follow these steps to be certain that
the transfer case is fully in Neutral (N) before recre-
ational towing to prevent damage to internal parts.
1. Bring vehicle to a complete stop.
2. Shut engine OFF.
3. Turn the ignition key to the ON position but do not
start the engine.
4. Depress brake pedal.
5. Shift automatic transmission to Neutral (N) or depress
clutch on manual transmission.
6. Using the point of a ballpoint pen or similar object,
depress the recessed transfer case Neutral (N) button for
4 seconds.7. After shift is completed and the Neutral (N) light
comes on release Neutral (N) button.
8. Start engine.
9. Shift automatic transmission into Reverse (R).
10. Release brake pedal for five seconds and ensure that
there is no vehicle movement.
306 STARTING AND OPERATING

11. Repeat steps 9 and 10 with the transmission in Drive
(D).
12. Shut engine OFF and place ignition key to the
unlocked OFF position.
13. Shift automatic transmission into Park (P). Shift
Manual transmissions into 4th gear.
14. Attach vehicle to tow vehicle with tow bar.
15. Disconnect the negative battery cable.
NOTE:Items 1 through 5 are requirements that must be
met prior to depressing the Neutral (N) selection button,
and must continue to be met until the 4 seconds elapse
and the shift has been completed. If any of these require-
ments (with the exception of 3 - Key ON) are not met
prior to depressing the Neutral (N) button or are no
longer met during the 4 second timer, then the Neutral(N) indicator light will flash continuously until all re-
quirements are met or until the Neutral (N) button is
released.
NOTE:The ignition key must be ON for a shift to take
place and for the position indicator lights to be operable.
If the key in not ON, the shift will not take place and no
position indicator lights will be on or flashing.
NOTE:Flashing neutral (N) position indicator light
indicates that shift requirements have not been met.
CAUTION!
Damage to the transmission may occur if the trans-
mission is shifted into Park (P) with the transfer case
in Neutral (N) and the engine RUNNING. With the
transfer case in Neutral (N), ensure that the engine is
OFF prior to shifting the transmission into Park (P).
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CAUTION!
²Do not use a bumper mounted clamp-on tow bar
on your vehicle. The bumper face bar will be
damaged.
²Do not disconnect the rear driveshaft because
fluid will leak from the transfer case and damage
internal parts.
EQUIPMENT IDENTIFICATION PLATE
The equipment Identification Plate is located on the hood
inner surface.
The following information about your vehicle is dis-
played on this plate: Model, Wheelbase, Vehicle Identifi-
cation Number, Truck Order Number, and code numbers
with descriptions of all production and special equip-
ment on the truck as shipped from the factory.
NOTE:Always refer to the equipment identification
plate when ordering parts.
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WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES
CONTENTS
mHazard Warning Flasher..................312
mAdding Fuel..........................312
mChanging A Flat Tire....................313
NJack Location........................313
NRemoving The Spare Tire................315
NTire Changing Procedure................318mJump Starting.........................323
mFreeing A Stuck Vehicle..................325
mEmergency Tow Hooks Ð If Equipped........326
mTowing A Disabled Vehicle................327
NFour-Wheel Drive Vehicles...............327
NTwo-Wheel Drive Vehicles...............327
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WARNING!
²Never allow any lit smoking materials near the
vehicles while removing the cap or filling the
tank.
²Never add fuel to the vehicle when the engine is
running.
²A fire may result if gasoline is pumped into a
portable container that is in a vehicle or on a truck
bed. You could be burned. Always place gas con-
tainers on the ground while filling.
CHANGING A FLAT TIRE
Jack Location
In the Dakota, the scissor jack and tire changing tools for
Extended Cab models are stowed in a compartment
under the rear passenger seat. Crew Cab model scissor
jack and tire changing tools are accessed by lifting up the
rear passenger seat.
The jack is secured in place by turning the jack screw
until the jack is secured into place.
A finger operated helper tool is provided to assist re-
moval and stowage of the jack. This tool must be
removed to operate the jack for changing the spare tire.
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 313
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