2004 Dodge Dakota Owner's Manual - Page 162

162 STARTING AND OPERATING Alternate Procedure 1. Bring the vehicle to complete stop. 2. With the key ON and the engine either OFF or RUNNING, shift the transmission into NEUTRAL (depress clutch on manual transmissions). 3. Rotate the transfer case control switch to the desired position. 4. After the desired position indicator light is ON (not flashing), shift transmission back into gear (release clutch on manual transmissions). NOTE: If steps 1 or 2 of either the Preferred or Alternate Procedure are not satisfied prior to attempting the shift or if they no longer are being met while the shift attempt is in process, then the desired position indicator light will flash continuously while the original position indicator light is ON, until all requirements have been met. NOTE: The ignition key must be ON for a shift to take place and for the position indicator lights to be operable. If the key is not ON then the shift will not take place and no position indicator lights will be on or flashing. LIMITED-SLIP DIFFERENTIAL - IF EQUIPPED The limited-slip differential provides additional traction on snow, ice, mud, sand and gravel. It improves traction when there is a difference between the characteristics of the surface under the right and left rear wheels. During normal driving and cornering, the limited-slip unit is similar to a conventional differential. But on a slippery surface, the differential delivers more of the driving effort to the wheel having the better traction. WARNING! On vehicles equipped with a limited-slip differential, never run the engine with one rear wheel off the ground. The vehicle may drive through the rear wheel remaining on the ground and cause you to lose control of the vehicle. Care should be taken to avoid sudden accelerations when both rear wheels are on a slippery surface. This could cause both rear wheels to spin, and allow the vehicle to slide sideways on the crowned surface of a road or in a turn.