2007 Dodge Dakota Owner Manual - Page 212

212 STARTING AND OPERATING PARKING BRAKE The foot operated parking brake is positioned below the lower left corner of the instrument panel. To release the parking brake, pull the parking brake release handle. Be sure the parking brake is firmly set when parked and the gear-shift lever is in the PARK position. When parking on a hill you should apply the parking brake before placing the gear shift lever in PARK; otherwise the load on the transmission locking mechanism may make it difficult to move the selector out of PARK. NOTE: The instrument cluster brake warning light indicates only that the parking brake is applied. You must be sure the parking brake is fully applied before leaving the vehicle. When parking on a hill, turn the front wheels toward the curb on a downhill grade and away from the curb on an uphill grade. The parking brake should be applied whenever the driver is not in the vehicle.