Dodge 2011 Dakota User Manual

Page 259

NEUTRAL
This range is used when vehicle is standing for pro-
longed periods with engine running. Engine may be
started in this range. Set the parking brake and shift the
transmission into PARK if you must leave the vehicle.

DRIVE
This range is for most city and highway driving.

2 (Second)
This range is for driving slowly in heavy city traffic or on
mountain roads where more precise speed control is
desirable, use second gear. 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.

1 (First)
This range is for driving up very steep hills and for
engine braking at low speeds, 25 mph (40 km/h) or less,

when going down hill, use first gear. To prevent excessive
engine speed do not exceed 25 mph (40 km/h) in this
range.

Overdrive Operation
The Overdrive automatic transmission contains an
electronically-controlled fourth and fifth (if equipped)
gear (Overdrive). The transmission will automatically
shift from Drive to Overdrive, if the following conditions
are present:

• the shift lever is in DRIVE;
• the engine coolant has reached normal operating tem-

perature;

• vehicle speed is above approximately 30 mph

(48 km/h);

• the TOW/HAUL switch has not been activated;

STARTING AND OPERATING

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