2009 DODGE DAKOTA torque

1 (First)
For driving up very steep hills and for engine braking at
low speeds, 25 mph (40 km/h) or less, when going down
hill, use 1st gear. To prevent excessive engine speed do
not exceed 25 mph (40 km/h) in this range.
Overdrive Operation
The Overdrive automatic transmission contains an
electronically-controlled 4th and 5th (if equipped) gear
(Overdrive). The transmission will automatically shift
from Drive to Overdrive, if the following conditions are
present:
²the transmission shift lever is in Drive;
²the engine coolant has reached normal operating tem-
perature;
²vehicle speed is above approximately 30 mph
(48 km/h);
²the TOW/HAUL switch has not been activated;
²transmission has reached normal operating
temperature.
NOTE:If the vehicle is started in extremely cold tem-
peratures, the transmission may not shift into Overdrive
and will automatically select the most desirable gear for
operation at this temperature. Normal operation will
resume when the transmission fluid temperature has
risen to a suitable level. Refer to ªTorque Converter
Clutchº in this section.
248 STARTING AND OPERATING

operating in TOW/HAUL mode, 5th gear (if equipped) is
disabled and 2-3 and 3-4 shift patterns are modified.
Shifts into Overdrive (4th gear) are allowed during
steady cruise (for improved fuel economy), and auto-
matic closed-throttle downshifts to 3rd gear (for im-
proved braking) will occur during steady braking.
The TOW/HAUL light will illuminate in the instrument
cluster to indicate when the switch has been activated.
Pressing the switch a second time restores normal opera-
tion. If the TOW/HAUL mode is desired, the switch must
be pressed each time the engine is started.
Torque Converter Clutch
A feature designed to improve fuel economy is included
in all automatic transmissions. A clutch, within the
torque converter, engages automatically at a calibrated
speed at light throttle. It engages at higher speeds under
heavier acceleration. This may result in a slightly differ-
ent feeling or response during normal operation in highgear. When the vehicle speed drops below a calibrated
speed, or during acceleration, the clutch automatically
and smoothly disengages. The feature is operational in
Overdrive and in Drive.
NOTE:The torque converter clutch will not engage
until the transmission fluid and engine coolant are warm
(usually after 1-3 miles [1.6 - 4.8 km] of driving). Because
the engine speed is higher when the torque converter
clutch is not engaged, it may seem as if the transmission
is not shifting into Overdrive when cold. This is normal.
Pressing the TOW/HAUL switch, when the transmission
is sufficiently warm, will demonstrate that the transmis-
sion is able to shift into, and out of, Overdrive.
NOTE:If the vehicle has not been driven in several
days, the first few seconds of operation after shifting the
transmission into gear may seem sluggish. This is due to
the fluid partially draining from the torque converter into
the transmission. This condition is normal and will not
250 STARTING AND OPERATING

cause damage to the transmission. The torque converter
will refill within five seconds of shifting from PARK into
any other gear position.
FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE OPERATION
NV233/243 GII Transfer Case Operating
Information/Precautions
The NV233/243 is an electric-shift transfer case and is
operated by the 4WD Control Switch (Transfer Case
Switch), which is located on the instrument panel.
The NV233/243 transfer case provides four mode posi-
tions: 2 (rear) wheel drive high range, 4 wheel drive high
range, 4 wheel drive low range, and NEUTRAL.
The NV233/243 transfer case is designed to be driven in
the 2-wheel drive position (2WD) for normal street and
highway conditions (dry hard-surfaced roads).
When additional traction is required, the transfer case
4WD LOCK and 4WD LOW positions can be used to lockthe front and rear driveshafts together and force the front
and rear wheels to rotate at the same speed. This is
accomplished by rotating the 4WD Control Switch to the
desired position - Refer to ªShifting Procedureº in this
section. The 4WD LOCK and 4WD LOW positions are
designed for loose or slippery road surfaces only. Driving
in the 4WD LOCK and 4WD LOW positions on dry
hard-surfaced roads may cause increased tire wear and
damage to the driveline components.
The transfer case NEUTRAL position is selected by
depressing the recessed button located on the lower
left-hand corner of the 4WD Control Switch.
NOTE:The transfer case NEUTRAL position is to be
used for recreational towing only. Refer to ªRecreational
Towingº in Section 5 for specific procedures on shifting
into and out of NEUTRAL.
STARTING AND OPERATING 251
5

NOTE: Before raising the wheel off the ground, make
sure that the jack will not damage surrounding truck
parts and adjust the jack position as required.
5. By rotating the wheel wrench clockwise, raise the
vehicle until the wheel just clears the surface.
WARNING!
Raising the vehicle higher than necessary can make
the vehicle unstable and cause an accident. It could
slip off the jack and hurt someone near it. Raise the
vehicle only enough to remove the tire.
6. Remove the wheel nuts and pull the wheel off. Install
the spare wheel and wheel nuts with the cone shaped end
of the nuts toward the wheel. Lightly tighten the nuts. To
avoid risk of forcing the vehicle off the jack, do not fully
tighten the nuts until the vehicle has been lowered.
7. Using the wheel wrench, finish tightening the nuts in
a crisscross pattern. Correct nut tightness is 120 to 160 ft
lbs (163 to 217 N´m). If in doubt about the correct
tightness, have them checked with a torque wrench by
your authorized dealer or at a service station.
Right Rear Jacking Location
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 341
6

CAUTION!
Using a transmission fluid other than the manufac-
turer's recommended fluid may cause deterioration
in transmission shift quality and/or torque converter
shudder. Using a transmission fluid, other than the
manufacturer's recommended fluid, will result in
more frequent fluid and filter changes. Refer to
ªFluids, Lubricants, and Genuine Partsº in this sec-
tion for the correct fluid type.
Transfer Case
Inspect the transfer case for fluid leaks. If a fluid leak is
evident the transfer case fluid level may be low. Have the
transfer case serviced immediately.
CAUTION!
Damage may result from operation of the vehicle
with low transfer case fluid.
Drain and Refill
Refer to the ªMaintenance Scheduleº in Section 8 for the
proper maintenance intervals.
Lubricant Selection
Refer to ªFluids, Lubricants, and Genuine Partsº in this
section for the correct fluid type.
Axles
Drain and Refill
Refer to the ªMaintenance Scheduleº in Section 8 for the
proper maintenance intervals.
NOTE:The presence of water in the gear lubricant will
result in corrosion and possible failure of differential
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 375
7

Adding Fuel........................... 306
Air Cleaner, Engine (Engine Air Cleaner Filter) . . . 359
Air Conditioner Maintenance............... 360
Air Conditioning........................ 229
Air Conditioning, Operating Tips..........229,232
Air Conditioning Refrigerant.............360,361
Air Conditioning System................229,360
Air Filter.............................. 359
Air Pressure, Tires....................281,289
Airbag.............................46,178
Airbag Light..........................55,72
Alarm, Panic............................ 24
Alarm (Security Alarm).................19,170
Alarm System (Security Alarm)............... 19
Alignment and Balance................... 288
Alterations/Modifications, Vehicle............. 7
Antenna, Satellite Radio................... 222
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant)..............367,396
Disposal............................ 369Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)............269,270
Anti-Lock Warning Light.................. 170
Anti-Theft Security Alarm (Theft Alarm)........ 19
Anti-Theft System.....................19,170
Appearance Care........................ 376
Assistance Towing........................ 96
Auto Unlock, Doors....................... 31
Automatic Door Locks..................... 30
Automatic Transaxle....................12,245
Interlock System........................ 15
Automatic Transmission.............239,246,372
Adding Fluid......................... 373
Fluid Level Check...................... 372
Fluid Type........................... 398
Gear Ranges.......................... 246
Special Additives...................... 374
Torque Converter...................... 250
Axle Fluid............................. 398
Axle Lubrication (Axle Fluid)............... 375
428 INDEX

High Speed.......................... 282
Inflation Pressures..................... 281
Jacking............................. 337
Life of Tires.......................... 286
Load Capacity.....................276,277
Pressure Monitor System (TPMS)........... 292
Pressure Warning Light.................. 176
Quality Grading....................... 422
Radial.............................. 283
Replacement......................... 287
Rotation............................. 291
Safety...........................272,280
Sizes............................... 273
Snow Tires........................... 291
Spare Tire........................... 334
Spinning............................ 285
Tread Wear Indicators................... 286
Wheel Mounting....................... 337
Wheel Nut Torque..................... 341Tongue Weight/Trailer Weight.............. 316
Torque Converter Clutch.................. 250
Tow Hooks, Emergency................... 346
Towing............................... 310
24-Hour Towing Assistance................ 96
Disabled Vehicle....................... 347
Guide.............................. 316
Recreational.......................... 324
Weight.............................. 316
Towing Assistance........................ 96
Traction.............................. 263
Trailer Towing.......................... 310
Cooling System Tips.................... 323
Hitches............................. 315
Minimum Requirements................. 317
Trailer and Tongue Weight................ 316
Wiring.............................. 320
Trailer Towing Guide..................... 316
Trailer Weight.......................... 316
442 INDEX

Warning Lights (Instrument Cluster
Description)........................... 168
Warnings and Cautions..................... 6
Warranty Information..................... 419
Washers, Windshield..................... 131
Washing Vehicle......................... 377
Water
Driving Through...................... 264
Weight Load Carrying.................... 308
Wheel Alignment and Balance............... 288
Wheel and Wheel Trim.................... 378
Wheel and Wheel Trim Care................ 378
Wheel Changing........................ 332
Wheel Mounting........................ 337
Wheel Nut Torque....................... 341
Wind Buffeting.......................... 35
Window Fogging........................ 232
Windows.............................. 34
Power............................... 34Rear Sliding.......................... 156
Windshield Defroster..................... 230
Windshield Washers................129,131,363
Fluid............................129,363
Windshield Wiper Blades.................. 362
Windshield Wipers....................... 129
Wiper Blade Replacement.................. 362
Wipers, Intermittent...................... 130
Wrecker Towing......................... 347
YES EssentialstFabric Cleaning Procedure...... 379
444 INDEX