automatic transmission DODGE DAKOTA 2005 3.G Owners Manual

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
CONTENTS

A Word About Your Keys..................10
▫Key-In-Ignition Reminder................10
▫Sentry Key — If Equipped................11

Ignition And Steering Lock.................13
▫Manual Transmissions...................13
▫Automatic Transmissions.................14

Illuminated Entry........................15
▫Vehicles Equipped With Power Door Locks....15

Door Locks............................16▫Manual Door Locks.....................16
▫Power Door Locks.....................17
▫Child Protection Door Lock...............20

Remote Keyless Entry.....................21
▫To Unlock The Doors...................22
▫To Lock The Doors.....................22
▫Using The Panic Alarm..................24
▫General Information....................24
▫Programming Additional Transmitters........25
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depress and hold the release button located between the
ignition switch and the instrument panel. Turn the igni-
tion key to LOCK and remove the key.Automatic Transmissions
In the LOCK position, the steering and ignition systems
are locked to provide antitheft protection for your ve-
hicle. It may be difficult to turn the key from the LOCK
position when starting your vehicle. Move the steering
wheel left and right while turning the key until it turns
easily. The key can be inserted or withdrawn only in the
LOCK position. Push in on the key in the ignition lock
cylinder to rotate to the LOCK position.
NOTE:The steering wheel will the lock when the key is
removed, and the steering wheel is turned around 115
degrees from center clockwise and around 65 degrees
counterclockwise.
Manual Transmissions
14 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

NOTE:On vehicles equipped with an automatic trans-
mission, the key cannot be turned to LOCK until the
selector is in the PARK position. Do not attempt to pull
the shift lever out of PARK after the key is in the LOCK
position.
ILLUMINATED ENTRY
Vehicles Equipped With Power Door Locks
All interior lights will illuminate in the vehicle when the
doors are unlocked using the key fob.
The interior lights will remain on for 30 seconds after the
last door is closed, or until all doors are closed and either
the ignition is turned to the ON position or a key fob
LOCK button is pressed.
There is also a battery saver feature that will turn the
interior lights off after 8 minutes if the ignition is OFF
and a door is left open or the dimmer control is in the
interior lights ON position.
Automatic Transmissions
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 15
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Functions 3.7L 4.7L 4.7L HO
Engage Speed 30 mph (48 km/h) 30 mph (48 km/h) 30 mph (48 km/h)
Minimun RESUME Speed 25 mph (40 km/h) 25 mph (40 km/h) 25 mph (40 km/h)
ACCEL Increase 2 mph (3km/h) 2 mph (3km/h) 2 mph (3 km/h)
DECEL Decrease 1 mph (2 km/h) 1 mph (2 km/h) 1 mph (2 km/h)
Dropout Speed 25 mph (40 km/h) 25 mph (40 km/h) 25 mph (40 km/h)
To Accelerate For Passing
Depress the accelerator as you would normally. When the
pedal is released, the vehicle will return to the set speed.
NOTE:When driving uphill, at elevations above 2,000
feet (610 meters), or when the vehicle is heavily loaded
(especially when towing) the vehicle may slow below the
SET speed. If the vehicle speed drops below (refer to the
table below for the speed for your specific engine), the
speed control will automatically disengage. If this hap-
pens, you can push down on the accelerator pedal to
maintain the desired speed.Vehicles equipped with a Automatic transmission may
exhibit several downshifts under the above conditions.
To reduce the frequency of the downshifts and to im-
prove vehicle performance, it is advisable to lock out
overdrive by pressing the “TOW/HAUL” button located
at the end of the gear shifter.
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 125
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FLOOR CONSOLE — IF EQUIPPED
Floor Console Features
Floor Console Features
The Floor Console between the driver’s and front pas-
senger’s seat, has the following features:
•Miscellaneous storage compartments
•Flexible cup holder inserts
•Portable phone storage bin
•Portable phone cord routing between lid and base on
forward edge
•12 Volt battery fed power outlet inside storage com-
partment
•Side open armrest lid
•Tissue holder & pen holder
•Coin slots
The coin slots are located under the instrument panel
center stack.
Storage Compartments
Some miscellaneous storage compartments and cup
holders have rubber mats at the bottom, the mats are
both removable and dishwasher safe for cleaning pur-
poses. Various storage compartments provide versatile
and useful storage. A coin holder is also provided inside
the console storage compartment.
Cup Holders
The cup holders fit a wide variety of cup and bottle sizes.
To use the adjustable cup holders (only in automatic
transmission vehicles) place your beverage in the cup
holder well, then adjust the movable arms to tightly hold
the beverage.
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 141
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12. ABS Warning Light
This light monitors the Anti-Lock Brake System
which is described elsewhere in this manual.
This light will come on when the ignition key is
turned to the ON position and may stay on for
approximately 3 seconds. If this light remains on or
comes on during driving, it indicates that the Anti-Lock
portion of the brake system is not functioning and that
service is required. See your authorized dealer immedi-
ately.
13. Engine Oil Pressure Indicator Light
This light indicates that the engine oil pressure has
become too low. For a bulb check, this light will
come on momentarily when the ignition is turned On. If
the light turns on while driving, stop the vehicle and shut
off the engine as soon as possible. Immediate service
should be obtained. (See page 298 for more information.)14. Tachometer
This gage measures engine revolutions-per-minute (rpm
x 1000).
15. Gear Selector
The electronic gear selector display is self-contained
within the instrument cluster. It displays the position of
the automatic transmission shift lever, and the relation of
each position to all other positions. For a good signal the
display will place a box around the selected transmission
range (PRND21). If the PRNDL displays only the char-
acters PRND21 (no boxes) have the system checked by an
authorized dealer.
16. Odometer
The odometer shows the total distance the vehicle has
been driven.
INSTRUMENT PANEL AND CONTROLS 155
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21. BRAKE System Warning Light
This light will light when the ignition key is turned to the
ON position and will remain on for a few seconds. If the
light stays on, it may be an indication that the parking
brake has not been released, or there is a low brake fluid
level. If the light remains on when the parking brake has
been disengaged, and the fluid level is at the full mark on
the master cylinder reservoir, it indicates a possible brake
hydraulic system malfunction. In this case, the light will
remain on until the condition has been corrected. If the
parking brake is applied, the light will flash when the
gear position is out of park for automatic transmissions.
If brake failure is indicated, immediate repair is neces-
sary. Operating the vehicle in this condition is dangerous!
22. Low Washer Fluid Indicator
This light comes on when the washer fluid level falls
below approximately 1/4 full. The light will remain on
until fluid is added and ignition switch is cycled.23. HeadLights On Indicator
Indicate when your headlights are on.
24. Malfunction Indicator Light
This light is part of an onboard diagnostic system
which monitors the emissions and engine control
system. If the vehicle is ready for emissions
testing the light will come on when the ignition is first
turned on and remain on, as a bulb check, until the
engine is started. If the vehicle is not ready for emissions
testing the light will come on when the ignition is first
turned on and remain on for 15 seconds, then blink for 5
seconds, and remain on until the vehicle is started. If the
bulb does not come on during starting, have the condi-
tion investigated promptly.
INSTRUMENT PANEL AND CONTROLS 157
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STARTING AND OPERATING
CONTENTS

Starting Procedures.....................196
▫Manual Transmission..................196
▫Automatic Transmission................196
▫Normal Starting......................197
▫Engine Block Heater — If Equipped........198

Automatic Transmission..................199
▫Automatic Transmission................199

Four-Wheel Drive Operation...............206▫NV 233 Transfer Case Operating
Information/Precautions................206
▫Shifting Procedure - NV233 Transfer Case....210
▫NV244 Transfer Case Operating Information /
Precautions..........................212
▫Shifting Procedure - NV244 Transfer Case....216

Limited-Slip Rear Axle Differential— If
Equipped............................218

Parking Brake.........................219
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STARTING PROCEDURES
The starter should not be operated for more than 15
second intervals. Waiting a few seconds between such
intervals will protect the starter from overheating.
Manual Transmission
Apply the parking brake, place the gearshift control lever
in NEUTRAL and depress clutch pedal to the floor before
starting the vehicle. This vehicle is equipped with a
clutch interlocking ignition system. It will not start unless
the clutch is depressed.
Automatic Transmission
Start the engine with the shift lever in NEUTRAL or
PARK position. Apply the brake before shifting to any
driving range.
WARNING!
Do not attempt to push or tow your vehicle to get it
started. Vehicles equipped with an automatic trans-
mission cannot be started this way. Unburned fuel
could enter the catalytic converter and once the
engine has started, ignite and damage the converter
and vehicle. If the vehicle has a discharged battery,
booster cables may be used to obtain a start from a
booster battery or the battery in another vehicle. This
type of start can be dangerous if done improperly.
See section 6 of this manual for the proper jump
starting procedures and follow them carefully.
196 STARTING AND OPERATING

WARNING!
Remember to disconnect the cord before driving.
Damage to the 110-115 volt electrical cord could
cause electrocution.
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
Automatic Transmission
The electronic PRNDL on the instrument cluster indicates
the transmission gear selected. The selector lever is
mounted on the right side of the steering column. To
drive, move the selector lever from Park or Neutral to the
desired drive position. Pull selector lever toward you
when shifting into Reverse, Second, First or Park, or
when shifting out of Park.
Brake/Transmission Interlock System
This system prevents you from moving the gear shift out
of Park and into any gear unless the brake pedal is
pressed. This system is active only while the ignition
switch is in the ON position. Always depress thebrake
pedal first,before moving the gear selector out of PARK.
Gear Ranges
DO NOT race the engine when shifting from Park or
Neutral position into another gear range.
“P” Park
Supplements parking brake by locking the transmission.
Engine can be started in this range. Never use Park while
vehicle is in motion. Apply parking brake when leaving
vehicle in this range. Always apply parking brake first,
then place selector in Park position.
STARTING AND OPERATING 199
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