lock DODGE DAKOTA 2004 3.G Workshop Manual

ªNº Neutral
Shift to Neutral when vehicle is standing for prolonged
periods with engine running. Engine may be started in
this range. Set the parking brake if you must leave the
vehicle.
ªDº Drive
Use this position for most city and highway driving.
ª2º Second
Use this position for driving slowly in heavy city traffic
or on mountain roads where more precise speed control
is desirable. Use it also when climbing long grades, and
for engine braking when descending moderately steep
grades. To prevent excessive engine speed do not exceed
45 mph (72 km/h) in this range.
ª1º First
Use this position for driving up very steep hills and for
engine braking at low speeds 25 mph (40 km/h ) or less
when going down hill. To prevent excessive engine speed
do not exceed 25 mph (40 km/h) in this range.
Overdrive
The transmission contains a fourth and fifth (if equipped)
speed (Overdrive) and will automatically shift from
Drive to Overdrive if the following conditions are
present:
²The transmission selector is in Drive.
²Engine coolant has reached normal operating tem-
perature.
²Vehicle speed is above approximately 30 mph (48
km/h).
²The ªO/D OFFº button has not been activated.
²Transmission has reached normal operating tempera-
ture.
Overdrive can be locked out by pressing the O/D Off
button located at the end of the transmission gear shift
lever. A light in the instrument cluster shows that the
feature has been deactivated. Pressing the button a
second time restores the Overdrive function.
148 STARTING AND OPERATING

The ªO/D OFFº feature must be selected, if desired, each
time the engine is started.
NOTE:If the vehicle is started in extremely cold
temperatures, the transmission may not shift into Over-
drive 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 also to the Note under
torque converter clutch, later 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
O/D OFF and/or TRANS TEMP light(s) may illumi-
nate and the transmission may downshift out of
Overdrive until the transmission cools down. After
cooldown, the transmission will resume normal op-
eration.
When To Lock Out Overdrive
When driving in hilly areas, towing a trailer, carrying a
heavy load, or whenever frequent transmission shifting
occurs, press the ªO/D OFFº button. This will improve
performance and reduce the potential for transmission
overheating or failure due to excessive shifting.
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 different feeling
or response during normal operation in high gear. When
STARTING AND OPERATING 149
5

When additional traction is required, the transfer case
4HI and 4LO positions can be used to lock the 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 - see Shifting Procedure section for specific
shifting instructions. The 4HI and 4LO positions are
designed for loose, slippery road surfaces only. Driving
in the 4HI and 4LO positions on dry hard surfaced roads
may cause increased tire wear and damage to the driv-
eline components.
The transfer case Neutral (N) 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 (N) position is to be
used for recreational towing only. See Recreational Tow-
ing section for specific procedures on shifting into and
out of Neutral (N).
Transfer Case Position Indicator Lights
Transfer case position indicator lights are located on the
Four-Wheel-Drive Control Switch, found on your instru-
ment panel, and indicate the current and desired transfercase selection. When you select a different transfer case
position, the indicator lights will do the following:
If All Shift Requirements are Met
1. The current position indicator light will turn OFF.
2. The selected position indicator light will flash until the
transfer case completes the shift.
3. When the shift is complete, the indicator light for the
selected position will stop flashing and remain ON.
If One or More Shift Requirements are not Met
1. The indicator light for the current position will remain
ON.
2. The newly selected position indicator light will flash.
3. The transfer casewill notshift.
NOTE:Before retrying a selection, make certain that all
the necessary requirements for selecting a new transfer
case position have been met. To retry the selection, turn
the control knob back to the current position, wait five (5)
152 STARTING AND OPERATING

WARNING!
You or others could be injured if you leave the
vehicle unattended with the transfer case in the
Neutral (N) position without first fully engaging the
parking brake. The transfer case Neutral (N) 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 see the information below:
2WD
Rear Wheel Drive High Range - Normal street and
highway driving. Dry hard surfaced roads.
4HI
4 Wheel Drive High Range - Locks the front and rear
driveshafts together. Forces the front and rear wheels to
rotate at the same speed. Additional traction for loose,
slippery road surfaces only.
4LO
4 Wheel Drive Low Range - Low speed 4 wheel drive.
Locks the front and rear driveshafts together. Forces the
front and rear wheels to rotate at the same speed.
Additional traction and maximum pulling power for
loose, slippery road surfaces only. Do not exceed 25 mph
(40 km/h).
N
Neutral - Disengages both the front and rear driveshafts
from the powertrain. To be used for flat towing behind
another vehicle. See Recreational Towing for more infor-
mation.
154 STARTING AND OPERATING

Shifting Procedure - NV233 Transfer Case
NOTE:
If any of the requirements to select a new
transfer case position have not been met, the transfer case
will not shift.The indicator light for the previous position
will remain ON and the newly selected position indicator
light will continue to flash until all the requirements for
the selected position have been met. To retry a shift:
return the control knob back to the original position,
make certain all shift requirements have been met, wait
five (5) seconds and try the shift again.
2WD to 4HI or 4HI to 2WD
Rotate the 4WD Control Switch to the desired position.
Shifts between 2WD and 4HI can be done with the
vehicle stopped or in motion. With the vehicle in motion,
the transfer case will engage / disengage faster if you
momentarily release the accelerator pedal after turning
the control switch. If the vehicle is stopped, the ignition
key must be in the ON position with the engine either
RUNNING or OFF. This shift cannot be completed if the
key is in the accessory position.
NOTE:On vehicles equipped with Anti-Lock Brake
Systems, the 4x4 system will not allow shifts between
2WD/ 4HI if the rear wheels are spinning (no traction). In
this situation the selected position indicator light will
flash and the original position indicator light will remain
ON. At this time, reduce speed and stop spinning the
wheels to complete the shift. There may be a delay up to
10 seconds for the shift to complete after the wheels have
stopped spinning.
STARTING AND OPERATING 155
5

NV244 Transfer Case Operating Information /
Precautions
The NV244 is an electric shift transfer case and is
operated by the 4WD Control Switch, which is located on
the instrument panel.
The NV244 transfer case provides 4 mode positions -
Normal all wheel drive high range, 4 wheel drive high
range, 4 wheel drive low range, and neutral.
This transfer case is equipped with an inter-axle differ-
ential that allows driving the vehicle in the normal all
wheel drive position (AWD) at all times on any given
road surface, including dry hard surfaced roads. The
AWD mode allows the front and rear wheels to rotate at
different speeds. This eliminates driveline binding and
component wear normally associated with driving the
vehicle in the 4HI position on dry hard surfaced roads.
This feature provides the safety, security, and conve-
nience of operating in all wheel drive at all times
regardless of road conditions.When additional traction is required, the 4HI and 4LO
positions can be used to lock the front and rear drive-
shafts together through the transfer case inter-axle differ-
ential and force the front and rear wheels to rotate at the
same speed. This is accomplished by rotating the 4WD
Control Switch to these positions. The 4HI and 4LO
positions are intended for loose, slippery road surfaces
only. Driving in the 4HI and 4LO positions on dry hard
surfaced roads may cause increased tire wear and dam-
age to the driveline components.
The transfer case Neutral (N) 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 (N) position is to be
used for recreational towing only. (See Recreational Tow-
ing section for specific procedures on shifting into and
out of Neutral (N).
Transfer Case Position Indicator Lights
Transfer case position indicator lights are located on the
Four-Wheel-Drive Control Switch, found on your instru-
ment panel, and indicate the current and desired transfer
STARTING AND OPERATING 157
5

4HI
4 Wheel Drive High Range - Locks the transfer case
inter-axle differential. Forces front and rear wheels to
rotate at the same speed. Additional traction for loose,
slippery road surfaces only.
4LO
4 Wheel Drive Low Range - Low speed 4 wheel drive.
Locks the transfer case inter-axle differential. Forces the
front and rear wheels to rotate at the same speed.
Additional traction and maximum pulling power for
loose, slippery road surfaces only. Do not exceed 25 mph
(40 km/h).
N
Neutral - Disengages both the front and rear driveshafts
from the powertrain. To be used for flat towing behind
another vehicle. See Recreational Towing for more infor-
mation.
Shifting Procedure - NV244 Transfer Case
NOTE:
If any of the requirements to select a new
transfer case position have not been met, the transfer case
will not shift.The indicator light for the previous position
will remain ON and the newly selected position indicator
light will continue to flash until all the requirements for
the selected position have been met. To retry a shift:
return the control knob back to the original position,
make certain all shift requirements have been met, wait
five (5) seconds and try the shift again.
160 STARTING AND OPERATING

AWD to 4HI or 4HI to AWD
Rotate the 4WD Control Switch to the desired position.
Shifts between AWD and 4HI can be done with the
vehicle stopped or in motion. With the vehicle in motion,
the transfer case will engage / disengage faster if you
momentarily release the accelerator pedal after turning
the control switch. If the vehicle is stopped the ignition
key must be in the ON position with the engine either
RUNNING or OFF. This shift cannot be completed if the
key is in the accessory position.
NOTE:On vehicles equipped with a Anti-Lock Brake
Systems, the 4x4 system will not allow shifts between
AWD/ 4HI if the rear wheels are spinning (no traction).
In this situation the selected position indicator light will
flash and the original position indicator light will remain
ON. At this time, reduce speed and stop spinning the
wheels to complete the shift. There may be a delay up to
10 seconds for the shift to complete after the wheels have
stopped spinning.
NOTE:Delayed shifting out of the 4HI position may be
experienced due to uneven tire wear, low tire pressure, or
excessive loading.
4HI to 4LO or 4LO to 4HI
NOTE:
When shifting into or out of 4LO some gear
noise may be heard. This noise is normal and is not
detrimental to the vehicle or occupants.
Shifting can be performed with the vehicle rolling 2-3
mph (3-5 km/h) or completely stopped. USE EITHER OF
THE FOLLOWING PROCEDURES:
Preferred Procedure
1. With engine RUNNING, slow vehicle to 2-3 mph (3-5
km/h).
2. Shift the transmission into NEUTRAL (depress clutch
on manual transmissions).
3. Ensure ignition key is in the ON position with the
engine either RUNNING or OFF. While still rolling,
rotate the transfer case control switch to the desired
position.
4. After the desired position indicator light is ON (not
flashing), shift transmission back into gear (release clutch
on manual transmissions).
STARTING AND OPERATING 161
5

PARKING BRAKE
The parking brake should be applied whenever the
driver is not in the vehicle.
The foot operated parking brake is positioned below the
lower left corner of the instrument panel.
To apply the parking brake:Place your foot on the
parking brake pedal and push firmly downward as far as
the pedal will go. When the parking brake is applied and
the ignition is ON, the BRAKE light in the instrument
cluster will light.
NOTE:The BRAKE light in the instrument cluster
indicates only that the parking brake is appliedÐit does
not indicate the degree of application.
To release the parking brake:Pull the parking brake
release handle towards you. The BRAKE light in the
instrument cluster will go out when the parking brake is
disengaged.
To park on a hill:You must make sure that the parking
brake is fully applied and the gear shift lever is in PARK
(for an automatic transmission) or in REVERSE or FIRST
(for a manual transmission). You should apply the park-
ing brake before shifting to PARK; otherwise, the load on
the transmission locking mechanism may make it diffi-
cult to move the shift lever out of the Park position.
When parking on a hill, turn the front wheels:
²Towardthe curb on adownhillgrade.
²Awayfrom the curb on anuphillgrade.
STARTING AND OPERATING 163
5

WARNING!
²Always fully apply the parking brake when leav-
ing your vehicle, or vehicle may roll and cause
damage or injury. Also be certain to leave an
automatic transmission in Park, a manual trans-
mission in Reverse or first gear. Failure to do so
may cause the vehicle to roll and cause damage or
injury.
²Be sure the parking brake is fully disengaged
before driving. Failure to do so can lead to brake
failure and an accident.
²Leaving children in a vehicle unattended is dan-
gerous for a number of reasons. A child or others
could be injured. Children should be warned not
to touch the parking brake or the gear selector
lever. Don't leave the key in the ignition. A child
could operate power windows, other controls, or
move the vehicle.
BRAKE SYSTEM
In the event power assist is lost for any reason (for
example, repeated brake applications with the engine
off), the brakes will still function. The effort required to
brake the vehicle will be significantly increased over that
required with the power system operating.
If either the front or rear hydraulic system loses normal
capability, the remaining system will still function with
some loss of braking effectiveness. This will be evident by
increased pedal travel during application, greater pedal
force required to slow or stop, and activation of the Brake
Warning light and the ABS light during brake use.
Rear Wheel Anti-Lock Brake System
This Anti-Lock Brake System provides increased vehicle
stability and brake performance under most braking
conditions. The system automatically controls the opera-
tion of the rear brakes to prevent rear wheel lockup.
The system remains operational in the four-wheel drive
mode. The level of performance is reduced when the
front brakes are locked up. This will cause the rear brakes
to lock-up through the drivetrain, which may reduce the
effectiveness of the anti-lock system.
164 STARTING AND OPERATING