2009 DODGE DAKOTA heating

þWhen using the speed control, if you experience speed
drops greater than 10 mph (16 km/h), disengage until
you can resume 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.
SNOWPLOW
Snow plows, winches, and other aftermarket equipment
shouldnotbe added to the front end of your vehicle. The
airbag crash sensors may be affected by the change in the
front end structure. The airbags could deploy unexpect-
edly or could fail to deploy during a collision.
WARNING!
Do not add a snow plow, winches, or any other
aftermarket equipment to the front of your vehicle.
This could adversely affect the functioning of the
airbag system and you could be injured.
STARTING AND OPERATING 323
5

FREEING A STUCK VEHICLE
If vehicle becomes stuck in snow, sand, or mud, it can
often be moved by a rocking motion. Move the shift lever
rhythmically between FIRST and REVERSE, while apply-
ing slight pressure to the accelerator.
The least amount of accelerator pedal pressure to main-
tain the rocking motion without spinning the wheels or
racing the engine is most effective. Allow the engine to
idle with the shift lever in NEUTRAL for at least one
minute after every five rocking-motion cycles. This will
minimize overheating and reduce the risk of transmis-
sion failure during prolonged efforts to free a stuck
vehicle.
EMERGENCY TOW HOOKS Ð IF EQUIPPED
Your vehicle may be equipped with emergency tow
hooks.
Tow Hooks
346 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

WARNING!
A hot exhaust system can start a fire if you park over
materials that can burn. Such materials might be
grass or leaves coming into contact with your exhaust
system. Do not park or operate your vehicle in areas
where your exhaust system can contact anything that
can burn.
In unusual situations involving grossly malfunctioning
engine operation, a scorching odor may indicate severe
and abnormal catalyst overheating. If this occurs, the
vehicle should be stopped, the engine shut off and the
vehicle allowed to cool. Thereafter, service, including a
tune-up to manufacturer's specifications, should be ob-
tained immediately.To minimize the possibility of catalyst damage:²Do not shut off the engine or interrupt the ignition
when the transmission is in gear and the vehicle is in
motion.
²Do not try to start the engine by pushing or towing the
vehicle.
²Do not idle the engine with any spark plug wires
disconnected or removed, such as when diagnostic
testing, or for prolonged periods during very rough
idling or malfunctioning operating conditions.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 365
7

Electric Powered....................... 81
Outside.............................. 80
Rearview............................. 80
Modifications/Alterations, Vehicle............. 7
Monitor, Tire Pressure System............... 292
Mopar Parts.........................355,420
Multi-Function Control Lever............... 127
New Vehicle Break-In Period................ 70
Occupant Restraints....................... 36
Octane Rating, Gasoline (Fuel).............. 297
Oil Change Indicator..................... 172
Oil Change Indicator, Reset................. 172
Oil, Engine.........................356,397
Capacity............................ 396
Change Interval....................... 357
Dipstick............................. 356
Disposal............................ 358Filter............................358,397
Filter Disposal........................ 358
Identification Logo..................... 357
Materials Added to..................... 358
Recommendation...................357,396
Synthetic............................ 358
Viscosity..........................357,396
Onboard Diagnostic System..............353,354
Opener, Garage Door (HomeLinkt) ........... 142
Operator Manual (Owner's Manual)............ 4
Outside Rearview Mirrors.................. 80
Overdrive..........................171,248
Overdrive OFF Switch.................... 248
Overhead Console....................135,136
Overhead Travel Information Center.......... 136
Overheating, Engine...................... 169
Owner's Manual (Operator Manual).........4,421
Panic Alarm............................ 24
INDEX 437
10