2009 DODGE DAKOTA steering

WARNING!
Tilting the steering column while the vehicle is
moving is dangerous. Without a stable steering col-
umn, you could lose control of the vehicle and have
an accident. Adjust the column only while the ve-
hicle is stopped. Be sure it is locked before driving.
ELECTRONIC SPEED CONTROL Ð IF EQUIPPED
The control buttons for the Electronic Speed Control are
located on the steering wheel. When engaged, the Elec-
tronic Speed Control takes over the accelerator operation
at speeds greater than 25 mph (40 km/h).
Electronic Speed Control Buttons
1 Ð Resume 4 Ð Set
2 Ð Cancel 5 Ð Cruise
3 Ð Decel 6 Ð On/Off 132 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

Operating Instructions Ð Hands-Free Phone (If
Equipped)
Refer to ªHands-Free Communication (UConnectt)º in
Section 3.
Operating Instructions Ð Video Entertainment
System (VES)Ÿ (If Equipped)
Refer to separate ªVideo Entertainment System (VES)Ÿ
Guide.º
REMOTE SOUND SYSTEM CONTROLS Ð IF
EQUIPPED
The remote sound system controls are located on the rear
surface of the steering wheel. Reach behind the wheel to
access the switches.The right hand control is a rocker type switch with a push
button in the center. Pressing the top of the switch will
increase the volume and pressing the bottom of the
switch will decrease the volume.
The button located in the center of the right hand control
will switch modes to Radio or CD.Remote Sound System Controls
226 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

NNV233/243 GII Transfer Case Operating
Information/Precautions................ 251
NShifting Procedure - NV233/243 Transfer
Case.............................. 255
NNV 244 Generation II Transfer Case
Operating Information / Precautions....... 257
NShifting Procedure - NV 244 Generation II
Transfer Case....................... 261
mLimited-Slip Rear Axle Differential Ð If
Equipped............................ 262
mDriving On Slippery Surfaces............. 263
mDriving Through Water.................. 264
NFlowing/Rising Water................. 264
NShallow Standing Water................ 264
mPower Steering........................ 266NPower Steering Fluid Check............. 266
mParking Brake........................ 267
mBrake System......................... 269
NRear-Wheel Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) ±
If Equipped......................... 269
NFour-Wheel Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) . . 270
mTire Safety Information.................. 272
NTire Markings....................... 272
NTire Identification Number (TIN).......... 275
NTire Loading And Tire Pressure........... 276
mTires Ð General Information.............. 280
NTire Pressure........................ 280
NTire Inflation Pressures................. 281
236 STARTING AND OPERATING

CAUTION! (Continued)
²Before shifting into any gear, make sure your foot
is firmly on the brake pedal.
WARNING!
It is dangerous to move the shift lever out of PARK or
NEUTRAL if the engine speed is higher than idle
speed. If your foot is not firmly on the brake pedal,
the vehicle could accelerate quickly forward or in
reverse. You could lose control of the vehicle and hit
someone or something. Only shift into gear when the
engine is idling normally and when your right foot is
firmly on the brake pedal.
Brake/Transmission Interlock System
This system prevents you from moving the shift lever out
of PARK and into any gear unless the brake pedal is
pressed. This system is active only while the ignitionswitch is in the ON position. Always depress thebrake
pedal first,before moving the shift lever out of PARK.
Automatic Transmission
The electronic PRNDL on the instrument cluster indicates
the transmission gear selected. The shift lever is mounted
on the right side of the steering column. To drive, move
the shift lever from PARK or NEUTRAL to the desired
drive position. Pull the shift lever toward you when
shifting into REVERSE, SECOND, FIRST or PARK, or
when shifting out of PARK.
Gear Ranges
DO NOT race the engine when shifting from PARK or
NEUTRAL position into another gear range.
PARK
PARK supplements the parking brake by locking the
transmission. The engine can be started in this range.
Never use PARK while the vehicle is in motion. Apply
246 STARTING AND OPERATING

POWER STEERING
The standard power steering system will give you good
vehicle response and increased ease of maneuverability
in tight spaces. The system will provide mechanical
steering capability if power assist is lost.
If for some reason the power assist is interrupted, it will
still be possible to steer your vehicle. Under these condi-
tions, you will observe a substantial increase in steering
effort, especially at very low vehicle speeds and during
parking maneuvers.
NOTE:Increased noise levels at the end of the steering
wheel travel are considered normal and do not indicate
that there is a problem with the power steering system.
Upon initial start-up in cold weather, the power steering
pump may make noise for a short amount of time. This is
due to the cold, thick fluid in the steering system. This
noise should be considered normal, and it does not in any
way damage the steering system.WARNING!
Continued operation with reduced power steering
assist could pose a safety risk to yourself and others.
Service should be obtained as soon as possible.
CAUTION!
Prolonged operation of the steering system at the end
of the steering wheel travel will increase the steering
fluid temperature and it should be avoided when
possible. Damage to the power steering pump may
occur.
Power Steering Fluid Check
Checking the power steering fluid level at a defined
service interval is not required. The fluid should only be
checked if a leak is suspected, abnormal noises are
266 STARTING AND OPERATING

apparent, and/or the system is not functioning as antici-
pated. Coordinate inspection efforts through an autho-
rized dealer.
WARNING!
Fluid level should be checked on a level surface and
with the engine off to prevent injury from moving
parts and to ensure accurate fluid level reading. Do
not overfill. Use only manufacturers recommended
power steering fluid.
If necessary, add fluid to restore to the proper indicated
level. With a clean cloth, wipe any spilled fluid from all
surfaces. For correct fluid type, refer to ºPower Steering
Reservoirº under ªFluids, Lubricants, and Genuine
Partsº in this section.
PARKING BRAKE
The foot-operated parking brake is positioned below the
lower left corner of the instrument panel. To release the
parking brake, pull the parking brake release handle.
NOTE:The instrument cluster Brake Warning Light
indicates only that the parking brake is applied. You must
be sure the parking brake is fully applied before leaving
the vehicle.
STARTING AND OPERATING 267
5

WARNING!
²Anti-Lock Brake Systems (ABS) cannot prevent
the natural laws of physics from acting on the
vehicle, nor can it increase braking or steering
efficiency beyond that afforded by the condition
of the vehicle brakes and tires or the traction
afforded.
²The ABS cannot prevent accidents, including
those resulting from excessive speed in turns,
following another vehicle too closely, or hydro-
planing. Only a safe, attentive, and skillful driver
can prevent accidents.
²The capabilities of an ABS-equipped vehicle must
never be exploited in a reckless or dangerous
manner, which could jeopardize the user's safety
or the safety of others.When you are in a severe braking condition involving
use of the ABS, you will experience some pedal drop as
the vehicle comes to a stop. This is the result of the
system reverting to the base brake system.
Engagement of the ABS may be accompanied by a
pulsing sensation. You may also hear a clicking noise.
These occurrences are normal, and indicate that the
system is functioning properly.
STARTING AND OPERATING 271
5

WARNING!
Overloading of your tires is dangerous. Overloading
can cause tire failure, affect vehicle handling, and
increase your stopping distance. Use tires of the
recommended load capacity for your vehicle. Never
overload them.
TIRES Ð GENERAL INFORMATION
Tire Pressure
Proper tire inflation pressure is essential to the safe and
satisfactory operation of your vehicle. Three primary
areas are affected by improper tire pressure:
Safety
WARNING!
²Improperly inflated tires are dangerous and can
cause accidents.
²Underinflation increases tire flexing and can re-
sult in tire failure.
²Overinflation reduces a tire's ability to cushion
shock. Objects on the road and chuckholes can
cause damage that result in tire failure.
²Unequal tire pressures can cause steering prob-
lems. You could lose control of your vehicle.
²Overinflated or underinflated tires can affect ve-
hicle handling and can fail suddenly, resulting in
loss of vehicle control.
(Continued)
280 STARTING AND OPERATING