2007 Dodge Dakota Owner Manual - Page 187

STARTING AND OPERATING 187 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. WARNING! Do not leave children or animals inside parked vehicles in hot weather. Interior heat build up may cause serious injury or death. 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! Be sure to turn off the engine if you want to rest or sleep in your car. Accidents can be caused by inadvertently moving the gear selection lever or by pressing the accelerator pedal. This may cause excessive heat in the exhaust system, resulting in overheating and vehicle fire which may cause serious or fatal injuries. 5