Dodge 2004 Dakota Automobile User Manual


 
Cooling System Tips—Trailer Towing
To reduce potential for engine and transmission over-
heating, take the following actions:
City Driving —When stopped for short periods of
time, put transmission in neutral and increase engine
idle speed.
Highway Driving —Reduce your speed.
Air Conditioning —Turn off temporarily.
See Cooling System Operating information in the Main-
tenance section of this manual for more information.
To reduce potential for automatic transmission overheat-
ing, turn the Overdrive OFF when driving in hilly areas
or shift the transmission to Drive position 2 on more
severe grades. Move the shift lever to the next lower
position to eliminate excessive transmission shifting. This
action will also reduce the possibility of transmission
overheating and provide better engine braking.
NOTE:
If your vehicle has an automatic transmission
and you tow a trailer frequently follow Maintenance
Schedule “B”.
SNOWPLOW
Dodge Dakota Models
NOTE:
Do not use Dodge Dakota Models for snow-
plow applications.
WARNING!
Snowplows, winches, and other aftermarket equip-
ment should not be added to the front end or your
vehicle. The airbag crash sensors may be affected by
the change in the front end structure. The airbags
could deploy unexpectedly or could fail to deploy
during a collision resulting in serious injury or
death.
CAUTION!
Using this vehicle for snowplow applications can
cause damage to the vehicle.
STARTING AND OPERATING 201
5