Dodge 2011 Dakota - Manual (Page 53)

FREEING A STUCK VEHICLE
• If your vehicle becomes stuck in mud, sand or snow, it can often be moved by
a rocking motion. Turn your steering wheel right and left to clear the area
around the front wheels. Then move the shift lever back and forth between
REVERSE and DRIVE. Using minimal accelerator pedal pressure to maintain
the rocking motion, without spinning the wheels, is most effective.
• Allow the engine to idle with the shift lever in NEUTRAL for at least one minute
after every five rocking-motion cycles. This will minimize overheating and
reduce the risk of transmission failure during prolonged efforts to free a stuck
vehicle.
CAUTION!
• When “rocking” a stuck vehicle by moving between REVERSE and
DRIVE, do not spin the wheels faster than 15 mph (24 km/h), or drivetrain
damage may result.
• Revving the engine or spinning the wheels too fast may lead to
transmission overheating and failure. It can also damage the tires. Do not
spin the wheels above 30 mph (48 km/h) while in gear (no transmission
shifting occurring).
WARNING!
• Fast spinning tires can be dangerous. Forces generated by excessive
wheel speeds may cause tire damage or failure. A tire could explode and
injure someone. Do not spin your vehicle's wheels faster than 30 mph
(48 km/h) when you are stuck. Do not let anyone near a spinning wheel,
no matter what the speed.
• Chains are not recommended for freeing a stuck vehicle. Chains may
break, causing serious injury or death.
• Stand clear of vehicles when pulling with tow hooks. Tow straps and
chains may break, causing serious injury.
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES
51