2004 Dodge Dakota Owner's Manual - Page 204

204 STARTING AND OPERATING CAUTION! Damage to the transmission may occur if the transmission is shifted into Park (P) with the transfer case in Neutral (N) and the engine RUNNING. With the transfer case in Neutral (N) ensure that the engine is OFF prior to shifting the transmission into Park (P). Returning to Normal Operation Use the following procedure to prepare your vehicle for normal usage. 1. Bring vehicle to a complete stop. 2. Shut engine OFF. 3. Place ignition key in the ON position. 4. Depress brake pedal. 5. Shift automatic transmission to Neutral (N) or depress clutch on manual transmission. 6. Using the point of a ballpoint pen or similar object, depress the recessed transfer case Neutral (N) button for 1 second. 7. After the Neutral (N) indicator light turns off release the Neutral (N) button. 8. After the Neutral (N) button has been released the transfer case will shift to the position identified by the selector switch. 9. Shift automatic transmission into Drive (D), release the clutch on manual transmission. NOTE: Items 1 through 5 are requirements that must be met prior to depressing the Neutral (N) selection button, and must continue to be met until 1 second elapses and the shift has been completed. If any of these requirements (with the exception of 3 - key ON) are not met prior to depressing the Neutral (N) button or are no longer met during the 1 second time, then all of the mode position indicator lights will flash continuously until all requirements are met or until the Neutral (N) button is released.