2004 Dodge Dakota Owner's Manual - Page 147

STARTING AND OPERATING 147 switch is in the ON position. Always depress the brake 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 This position supplements parking brake by locking the transmission. The engine can be started in this range. Never use Park while the vehicle is in motion. Apply the parking brake when leaving vehicle in this range. Always apply the parking brake first, then place the selector in the Park position. WARNING! Never use Park position on an automatic transmission as a substitute for the parking brake. Always apply parking brake fully when parked to guard against vehicle movement and possible injury or damage. WARNING! It is dangerous to shift the selector lever out of "P" or "N" if the engine speed is higher than idle speed. If your foot is not firmly on the brake pedal, the vehicle could accelerate quickly forward or in reverse. You could lose control of the vehicle and hit someone or something. Only shift into gear when the engine is idling normally and when your right foot is firmly on the brake pedal. "R" Reverse Use this range only after the vehicle has come to a complete stop. 5 WARNING! Your vehicle could move and injure you and others if it is not completely in P (Park). Check by trying to move the gearshift lever back and forth without first pulling the lever toward you, after you have set it in P. Make sure it is in Park before leaving the vehicle.