2004 Dodge Dakota Owner's Manual - Page 148

148 STARTING AND OPERATING "N" Neutral Shift to Neutral when vehicle is standing for prolonged periods with engine running. Engine may be started in this range. Set the parking brake if you must leave the vehicle. "D" Drive Use this position for most city and highway driving. "2" Second Use this position for driving slowly in heavy city traffic or on mountain roads where more precise speed control is desirable. 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 Use this position for driving up very steep hills and for engine braking at low speeds 25 mph (40 km/h ) or less when going down hill. To prevent excessive engine speed do not exceed 25 mph (40 km/h) in this range. Overdrive The transmission contains a fourth and fifth (if equipped) speed (Overdrive) and will automatically shift from Drive to Overdrive if the following conditions are present: • The transmission selector is in Drive. • Engine coolant has reached normal operating temperature. • Vehicle speed is above approximately 30 mph (48 km/h). • The "O/D OFF" button has not been activated. • Transmission has reached normal operating temperature. Overdrive can be locked out by pressing the O/D Off button located at the end of the transmission gear shift lever. A light in the instrument cluster shows that the feature has been deactivated. Pressing the button a second time restores the Overdrive function.