2004 Dodge Dakota Owner's Manual - Page 144

144 STARTING AND OPERATING 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 transmission 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. Normal Starting Normal starting of either a warm or cold engine is obtained without pumping or depressing the accelerator pedal. Turn the key to the START position and release when the engine starts. If the engine fails to start within 10 seconds, turn the key to the OFF position, wait 5 seconds, then repeat the starting procedure.