2009 Dodge Dakota Owner Manual - Page 248

246 STARTING AND OPERATING CAUTION! (Continued) • Before shifting into any gear, make sure your foot is firmly on the brake pedal. switch is in the ON position. Always depress the brake pedal first, before moving the shift lever out of PARK. Automatic Transmission The electronic PRNDL on the instrument cluster indicates the transmission gear selected. The shift lever is mounted on the right side of the steering column. To drive, move the shift lever from PARK or NEUTRAL to the desired drive position. Pull the shift lever toward you when shifting into REVERSE, SECOND, FIRST or PARK, or when shifting out of PARK. Gear Ranges DO NOT race the engine when shifting from PARK or NEUTRAL position into another gear range. PARK PARK supplements the parking brake by locking the transmission. The engine can be started in this range. Never use PARK while the vehicle is in motion. Apply WARNING! It is dangerous to move the shift lever out of PARK or NEUTRAL if the engine speed is higher than idle speed. If your foot is not firmly on the brake pedal, the vehicle could accelerate quickly forward or in reverse. You could lose control of the vehicle and hit someone or something. Only shift into gear when the engine is idling normally and when your right foot is firmly on the brake pedal. Brake/Transmission Interlock System This system prevents you from moving the shift lever out of PARK and into any gear unless the brake pedal is pressed. This system is active only while the ignition