2010 DODGE DAKOTA clutch

gear (Overdrive). The transmission will automatically
shift from Drive to Overdrive, if the following conditions
are present:
•the shift lever is in DRIVE;
•the engine coolant has reached normal operating tem-
perature;
•vehicle speed is above approximately 30 mph
(48 km/h);
•the TOW/HAUL switch has not been activated;
•transmission has reached normal operating
temperature.
NOTE:
•If the vehicle is started in extremely cold temperatures,
the transmission may not shift into Overdrive and will automatically select the most desirable gear for opera-
tion at this temperature. Normal operation will re-
sume when the transmission fluid temperature has
risen to a suitable level. Refer to “Torque Converter
Clutch” in this section.
•If the transmission temperature gets extremely hot, the
transmission will automatically select the most desir-
able gear for operation at this temperature. If the
transmission temperature becomes hot enough, the
“Transmission Temperature Warning Light” may illu-
minate and the transmission may downshift out of
Overdrive until the transmission cools down. After
cool down, the transmission will resume normal
operation.
The transmission will downshift from Overdrive to
DRIVE if the accelerator pedal is fully pressed at vehicle
speeds above approximately 35 mph (56 km/h).
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 255

The “TOW/HAUL Indicator Light” will illuminate in the
instrument cluster to indicate when the switch has been
activated. Pressing the switch a second time restores
normal operation. 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 high
gear. 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 (usu-
ally 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 transmis-
sion 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 transmission is able to shift into, and out of
Overdrive.
•If the vehicle has not been driven in several days, the
first few seconds of operation after shifting the trans-
mission 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
cause damage to the transmission. The torque con-
verter will refill within five seconds of shifting from
PARK into any other gear position.
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 257

corresponds to the following chart. These fuses and
relays can be obtained from your authorized dealer.
CavityCartridge
Fuse Mini-
Fuse Description
1 Spare
2 Spare
3 30 Amp Pink Electric Brake
4 50 Amp Red Power Seat
5 Spare
6 20 Amp
YellowIgnition Off Draw
(IOD) Cabin Com-
partment Node
(CCN), Radio
7 10 Amp
RedPowertrain Control
Module (PCM)/Fuel/
RAD/AC Coils
Cavity
Cartridge
Fuse Mini-
Fuse Description
8 10 Amp
RedCabin Compartment
Node (CCN)/Mirror/
4x4
9 Spare
10 2 Amp
GrayRun/Start Ignition
Switch
11 10 Amp
RedAC Clutch
12 15 Amp
BlueTrailer Tow Lt Stop/
Turn
13 15 Amp
BlueTrailer Tow Rt Stop/
Turn
14 20 Amp
YellowIgnition Off Draw
(IOD) #2
15 25 Amp
NaturalTrans/Powertrain
Control Module
(PCM)
386 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Snow Tires........................... 292
Spare Tire ........................... 335
Spinning ............................ 286
Tread Wear Indicators ................... 287
Wheel Mounting ...................... 337
Wheel Nut Torque ..................... 341
Tongue Weight/Trailer Weight .............. 317
Torque Converter Clutch .................. 257
Tow Hooks, Emergency ................... 348
Towing ............................... 311
24-Hour Towing Assistance ............... 101
Disabled Vehicle ....................... 349
Guide .............................. 317
Recreational .......................... 325
Weight .............................. 317
Towing Assistance ....................... 101
Traction .............................. 264
Trailer Towing .......................... 311
Cooling System Tips .................... 324 Hitches
............................. 316
Minimum Requirements ................. 318
Trailer and Tongue Weight ............... 317
Wiring .............................. 322
Trailer Towing Guide ..................... 317
Trailer Weight .......................... 317
Transaxle ............................. 252
Automatic ......................... 12,252
Manual .............................. 14
Operation ........................... 252
Transfer Case ........................... 379
Fluid ............................... 401
Transmission ........................ 253,376
Automatic ...................... 249,253,376
Fluid ............................... 401
Maintenance ......................... 376
Transmitter Battery Service
(Remote Keyless Entry) .................... 25
Transmitter, Garage Door Opener (HomeLink) . . 148
446 INDEX