2011 DODGE DAKOTA four wheel drive

position, in the ACC position, or not in the ignition, the
air bag system is not on and the air bags will not inflate.
The ORC contains a backup power supply system that
may deploy the air bags even if the battery loses power or
it becomes disconnected prior to deployment.Also, the ORC turns on the Air Bag Warning
Light in the instrument panel for approxi-
mately four to eight seconds for a self-check
when the ignition is first turned on. After the
self-check, the Air Bag Warning Light will turn off. If the
ORC detects a malfunction in any part of the system, it
turns on the Air Bag Warning Light, either momentarily
or continuously. A single chime will sound if the light
comes on again after initial startup.
It also includes diagnostics that will illuminate the instru-
ment cluster Air Bag Warning Light if a malfunction is
noted that could affect the air bag system.WARNING!
Ignoring the Air Bag Warning Light in your instru-
ment panel could mean you won’t have the air bags
to protect you in a collision. If the light does not come
on as a bulb check when the ignition is first turned
on, stays on after you start the vehicle, or if it comes
on as you drive, have an authorized dealer service the
air bag system immediately.
Driver And Passenger Advanced Front Air Bag
Inflator Units
The Driver and Passenger Advanced Front Air Bag
Inflator Units are located in the center of the steering
wheel and on the right side of the instrument panel.
When the ORC detects a collision requiring the Ad-
vanced Front Air Bags, it signals the inflator units. A large
quantity of non-toxic gas is generated to inflate the
Advanced Front Air Bags. Different air bag inflation rates
2
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 57

alternate tires or wheels on the vehicle that prevent the
TPMS from functioning properly. Always check the
TPMS malfunction telltale after replacing one or more
tires or wheels on your vehicle, to ensure that the
replacement or alternate tires and wheels allow the TPMS
to continue to function properly.
CAUTION!
The TPMS has been optimized for the original
equipment tires and wheels. TPMS pressures and
warning have been established for the tire size
equipped on your vehicle. Undesirable system opera-
tion or sensor damage may result when using re-
placement equipment that is not of the same size,
type, and/or style. Aftermarket wheels can cause
sensor damage. Do not use tire sealant from a can or
balance beads if your vehicle is equipped with a
TPMS, as damage to the sensors may result.23. Airbag Warning Light
This light will turn on for four to eight seconds
as a bulb check when the ignition switch is first
turned to ON/RUN. If the light is either not on
during starting, stays on, or turns on while
driving, have the system inspected at an authorized
dealer as soon as possible. Refer to “Occupant Restraints”
in “Things To Know Before Starting Your Vehicle” for
further information.
24. 4WD Indicator This light indicates the vehicle is in four-wheel
drive and 4LOCK. 4WD allows all four wheels
to receive torque from the engine simultane-
ously.
190 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

25. SVC (Service) 4WD Indicator
The SVC 4WD illuminates when the ignition key is
turned to the ON/RUN position and will stay on for two
seconds. If the light stays on or illuminates during
driving, it means that the 4WD system is not functioning
properly and that service is required.
26. Cruise Indicator
The cruise indicator illuminates when the electronic
speed control system is turned on.
27. Cargo LampThe Cargo Lamp indicator will illuminate
when the Cargo Lamp is activated by pressing
the CARGO button, located on the headlight
switch.
28. TOW/HAUL
The TOW/HAUL button is located at the end of the gear
shift lever. This light will illuminate when the TOW/
HAUL button has been selected. 29. 4WD LOW Indicator
This light alerts the driver that the vehicle is in
the four-wheel drive LOW mode. The front and
rear driveshafts are mechanically locked to-
gether forcing the front and rear wheels to
rotate at the same speed. Low range provides a greater
gear reduction ratio to provide increased torque at the
wheels.
30. Odometer/Trip Odometer Button
Press the ODOMETER/TRIP ODOMETER button to
toggle between the odometer and the trip odometer
display. Holding the button in, resets the trip odometer
reading.
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UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 191

STARTING AND OPERATING
CONTENTS
Starting Procedures .................... 249
▫ Automatic Transmission ............... 249
▫ Normal Starting ..................... 249
▫ Extreme Cold Weather
(Below –20°F Or –29°C) ................ 250
▫ If Engine Fails To Start ................ 250
▫ After Starting ....................... 251
 Engine Block Heater — If Equipped ........ 251
Automatic Transmission ................. 252
▫ Key Ignition Park Interlock ............. 253
▫ Brake/Transmission Interlock System ...... 253
▫ Automatic Transmission ............... 253
▫ Gear Ranges ........................ 253
 Four-Wheel Drive Operation — If Equipped . . 258
▫ Transfer Case Operating Information/
Precautions ......................... 258
▫ Shifting Procedure ................... 262
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▫Fuel Requirements ................... 307
▫ Selection Of Engine Oil For Flexible Fuel
Vehicles (E-85) And Gasoline Vehicles ...... 308
▫ Starting ........................... 308
▫ Cruising Range ...................... 309
▫ Replacement Parts ................... 309
▫ Maintenance ........................ 309
 Adding Fuel ......................... 310
▫ Fuel Filler Cap (Gas Cap) .............. 310
▫ Loose Fuel Filler Cap Message ........... 311
 Vehicle Loading ...................... 312
▫ Certification Label ................... 312
▫ Curb Weight ........................ 313 ▫
Loading ........................... 313
 Trailer Towing ........................ 314
▫ Common Towing Definitions ............ 315
▫ Trailer Hitch Classification .............. 319
▫ Trailer Towing Weights
(Maximum Trailer Weight Ratings) ........ 320
▫ Trailer And Tongue Weight ............. 320
▫ Towing Requirements ................. 321
▫ Towing Tips ........................ 326
 Snowplow .......................... 327
 Recreational Towing
(Behind Motorhome, Etc.) ................ 328
▫ Two-Wheel Drive Models .............. 328
▫ Four-Wheel Drive Models .............. 328
248 STARTING AND OPERATING

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.
FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE OPERATION —
IF EQUIPPED
Transfer Case Operating Information/Precautions
The electronic-shift transfer case is operated by the
transfer case switch, which is located on the instrument
panel.The transfer case provides four mode positions:
•Two-wheel drive high range (2WD)
•Four-wheel drive lock range (4WD LOCK)
•Four-wheel drive low range (4WD LOW)
•Neutral (N)
Transfer Case Switch
258 STARTING AND OPERATING

five seconds, and retry selection. To find the shift require-
ments, refer to theShifting Procedurefor further
information.
The “SVC 4WD Warning Light” monitors the electronic
shift four-wheel drive system. If this light remains on
after engine start-up or illuminates during driving, it
means that the four-wheel drive system is not function-
ing properly and that service is required.
WARNING!
Always engage the parking brake when powering
down the vehicle if the “SVC 4WD Warning Light” is
illuminated. Not engaging the parking brake may
allow the vehicle to roll, which may cause personal
injury. NOTE:
Do not attempt to make a shift while only the
front or rear wheels are spinning. The transfer case is not
equipped with a synchronizer and therefore the front and
rear driveshaft speeds must be equal for the shift to take
place. Shifting while only the front or rear wheels are
spinning can cause damage to the transfer case.
When operating your vehicle in 4WD LOW, the engine
speed is approximately three times that of the 2WD or
4WD LOCK positions at a given road speed. Take care
not to overspeed the engine and do not exceed 25 mph
(40 km/h).
Proper operation of four-wheel drive vehicles depends
on tires of equal size, type and circumference on each
wheel. Any difference in tire size can cause damage to the
transfer case.
Because four-wheel drive provides improved traction,
there is a tendency to exceed safe turning and stopping
speeds. Do not go faster than road conditions permit.
260 STARTING AND OPERATING

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
regardless of the transmission position. The parking
brake should always be applied when the driver is
not in the vehicle.
For additional information on the appropriate use of each
transfer case mode position, refer to the following infor-
mation:
2WD
Rear-Wheel Drive High — This range is used for normal
street and highway driving on dry, hard-surfaced roads. 4WD LOCK
Four-Wheel Drive Lock — This range locks the front and
rear driveshafts together forcing the front and rear
wheels to rotate at the same speed. This range provides
additional traction for loose or slippery road surfaces
only.
4WD LOW
Four-Wheel Drive Low — This range provides low speed
four-wheel drive. It locks the front and rear driveshafts
together, forcing the front and rear wheels to rotate at the
same speed. This range provides additional traction and
maximum pulling power for loose or slippery road
surfaces only. Do not exceed 25 mph (40 km/h).
N
Neutral — This range disengages both the front and rear
driveshafts from the powertrain, and is used for flat towing
behind another vehicle. Refer to “Recreational Towing” in
“Starting and Operating” for further information.
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STARTING AND OPERATING 261