2011 DODGE DAKOTA clutch

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).
When to Use TOW/HAUL Mode
When driving in hilly areas, towing a trailer, carrying a
heavy load, etc., and frequent transmission shifting oc-
curs, press the TOW/HAUL switch. This will improve
performance and reduce the potential for transmission
overheating or failure due to excessive shifting. When
operating in TOW/HAUL mode, top gear is disabled and
some shift patterns are modified. On vehicles with five-
speed transmissions, shifts into Overdrive (fourth gear)
are allowed during steady cruise (for improved fuel
economy), and automatic closed-throttle downshifts to
third gear (for improved braking) will occur during
steady braking.
256 STARTING AND OPERATING

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 theTOW/HAUL Switch
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 257

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
Yellow Ignition Off Draw,
Instrument Cluster,
Radio
7 10 Amp
Red Powertrain Control
Module/Fuel/
RAD/AC Coils
8 10 Amp
Red Instrument Cluster/
Mirror/4x4
9 SpareCavityCartridge
Fuse Mini-
Fuse Description
10 2 Amp
Gray Run/Start Ignition
Switch
11 10 Amp
Red AC Clutch
12 15 Amp
Blue Trailer Tow Lt Stop/
Turn
13 15 Amp
Blue Trailer Tow Rt Stop/
Turn
14 20 Amp
Yellow Ignition Off Draw #2
15 25 Amp
Natural Powertrain Control
Module
16 20 Amp
Yellow Horn
17 20 Amp
Yellow Antilock Brakes Feed
(Valves)
388 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Tire Safety Information.................... 275
Tires ............................ 80,284,429
Aging (Life of Tires) .................. 291
Air Pressure ........................ 284
Chains ............................ 293
Changing .......................... 335
Compact Spare ...................... 288
General Information .................. 284
High Speed ......................... 286
Inflation Pressures .................... 285
Life of Tires ........................ 291
Load Capacity .................... 280,281
Pressure Monitor System (TPMS) ......... 296
Pressure Warning Light ................ 189
Quality Grading ..................... 429
Radial ............................ 287
Replacement ........................ 292
Rotation ........................... 295
Safety .......................... 275,284Sizes
............................. 276
Snow Tires ......................... 295
Spare Tire .......................... 337
Spinning ........................... 290
Tread Wear Indicators ................. 290
Wheel Nut Torque .................... 344
Tongue Weight/Trailer Weight .............. 320
Torque Converter Clutch .................. 257
Tow Hooks, Emergency ................... 351
Towing ............................... 314
24-Hour Towing Assistance ............. 102
Disabled Vehicle ..................... 352
Guide ............................. 320
Recreational ........................ 328
Weight ............................ 320
Towing Assistance ....................... 102
Traction .............................. 264
Trailer Towing .......................... 314
Cooling System Tips .................. 327
446 INDEX