2009 DODGE DAKOTA Owners Manual

CAUTION!
Damage to the transmission may occur if the trans-
mission is shifted into PARK with the transfer case in
NEUTRAL and the engine running. With the transfer
case in NEUTRAL, ensure that the engine is off prior
to shifting the transmission into PARK.
Returning to Normal Operation
Use the following procedure to prepare your vehicle for
normal usage.
1. Reconnect the negative battery cable.
2. The vehicle must be at a complete stop.
3. Place the ignition key in the OFF position (if it has
been moved or the engine has been started).
4. Place ignition key in the ON position (engine off).
5. Depress brake pedal.6. Shift automatic transmission into NEUTRAL, or de-
press clutch on manual transmission.
7. Using the point of a ballpoint pen or similar object,
depress the recessed transfer case NEUTRAL button for
1 second.
8. After the NEUTRAL indicator light turns off, release
the NEUTRAL button.
9. After the NEUTRAL button has been released, the
transfer case will shift to the position identified by the
selector switch.
10. Start the engine. Shift the automatic transmission into
DRIVE, or place the manual transmission in 1st gear and
momentarily release the clutch, to verify that the transfer
case has engaged.
11. Set parking brake. Shift automatic transmission into
PARK or shift manual transmission into NEUTRAL.
STARTING AND OPERATING 327
5

NOTE:
²Steps 1 through 5 are requirements that must be met
prior to depressing the NEUTRAL selection button,
and must continue to be met until 1 second elapses
and the shift has been completed. If any of these
requirements (with the exception of 3 - key ON) are
not met prior to depressing the NEUTRAL button or
are no longer met during the 1 second time, then all of
the mode position indicator lights will flash continu-
ously until all requirements are met or until the
NEUTRAL button is released.
²The ignition key must be ON for a shift to take place
and for the position indicator lights to be operable. If
the key is not ON, the shift will not take place and no
position indicator lights will be on or flashing.
²Flashing NEUTRAL position indicator light indicates
that shift requirements have not been met.
WARNING!
You or others could be injured if you leave the
vehicle unattended with the transfer case in the
NEUTRAL position without first fully engaging the
parking brake. The transfer case NEUTRAL position
disengages both the front and rear driveshafts from
the powertrain and will allow the vehicle to move
despite the transmission position. The parking brake
should always be applied when the driver is not in
the vehicle.
328 STARTING AND OPERATING

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.
STARTING AND OPERATING 329
5

WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES
CONTENTS
mHazard Warning Flasher................. 332
mChanging A Flat Tire................... 332
NJack Location....................... 332
NRemoving The Spare Tire............... 334
NTire Changing Procedure............... 337
NPreparations........................ 337
NInstructions......................... 338NTo Stow The Flat Or Spare.............. 343
mJump±Starting........................ 343
mFreeing A Stuck Vehicle................. 346
mEmergency Tow Hooks Ð If Equipped....... 346
mTowing A Disabled Vehicle............... 347
NFour-Wheel Drive Vehicles.............. 347
NTwo-Wheel Drive Vehicles.............. 348
6

HAZARD WARNING FLASHER
The Hazard Warning Flasher switch is located on the top
of the steering column, just behind the steering wheel.
Press the switch and all front and rear directional signals
will flash intermittently. Press the switch a second time to
turn off the emergency flashers.This is an emergency warning system and should not be
used when the vehicle is in motion. Use it when your
vehicle is disabled and is creating a safety hazard for
other motorists.
If it is necessary to leave the vehicle to go for service, the
Hazard Warning Flasher will continue to operate with
the ignition key removed and the vehicle locked.
NOTE:With extended use, the Hazard Warning Flasher
may wear down your battery.
CHANGING A FLAT TIRE
Jack Location
In this vehicle, the scissor jack and tire changing tools for
Extended Cab models are stowed in a compartment
under the rear passenger seat. CrewtCab model scissor
jack and tire changing tools are accessed by lifting up the
rear passenger seat.
Hazard Warning Flasher Switch
332 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

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.
Jack Stowage Location (Extended Cab)
Jack Screw
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 333
6

WARNING!
The jack is designed as a tool for changing tires only.
The jack should not be used to lift the vehicle for
service purposes, unless suitable supports are placed
under the vehicle as a safety measure. The vehicle
should be jacked on a firm level surface only. Avoid
icy or slippery areas.
Removing The Spare Tire
Remove the spare tire before attempting to jack the truck.
Attach the wheel wrench to the jack extension tube. Insert
the tube through the access hole in the rear bumper and
into the winch mechanism tube. Rotate the wheel wrench
handle counterclockwise until the spare tire is on the
ground with enough cable slack to allow you to pull it
out from under the vehicle. When the spare is clear, tilt
the retainer at the end of the cable and pull it through the
center of the wheel.
Jack Stowage Location (CrewtCab)
334 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES