2011 Dodge Dakota Extended Cab Owner Manual - Page 256

STARTING AND OPERATING 255 Key Ignition Park Interlock This vehicle is equipped with a Key Ignition Park Interlock which requires the shift lever to be placed in PARK prior to rotating the key to the LOCK position. The key can only be removed from the ignition when the ignition is in the LOCK position and once removed the shift lever is locked in PARK. Brake/Transmission Interlock System This vehicle is equipped with a Brake Transmission Shift Interlock System (BTSI) that holds the shift lever in the PARK position when the ignition switch is in the LOCK position. To move the shift lever out of the PARK position, the ignition switch must be turned to any other switch position (ACC, ON, or START) (engine running or not) and the brake pedal must be pressed. 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 This range 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 the parking brake when leaving the vehicle in this range. Always apply the parking brake first, then place the shift lever into the PARK position. 5