2011 Dodge Dakota Extended Cab Owner Manual - Page 259

258 STARTING AND OPERATING • the TOW/HAUL switch has not been activated; • transmission temperature. has reached normal operating Overdrive until the transmission cools down. After cool down, the transmission will resume normal operation. The transmission will downshift from Overdrive to DRIVE if the accelerator pedal is fully pressed at vehicle speeds above approximately 35 mph (56 km/h). When to Use TOW/HAUL Mode When driving in hilly areas, towing a trailer, carrying a heavy load, etc., and frequent transmission shifting occurs, press the TOW/HAUL switch. This will improve performance and reduce the potential for transmission overheating or failure due to excessive shifting. When operating in TOW/HAUL mode, top gear is disabled and some shift patterns are modified. On vehicles with fivespeed transmissions, shifts into Overdrive (fourth gear) are allowed during steady cruise (for improved fuel NOTE: • If the vehicle is started in extremely cold temperatures, the transmission may not shift into Overdrive and will automatically select the most desirable gear for operation at this temperature. Normal operation will resume when the transmission fluid temperature has risen to a suitable level. Refer to "Torque Converter Clutch" in this section. • If the transmission temperature gets extremely hot, the transmission will automatically select the most desirable gear for operation at this temperature. If the transmission temperature becomes hot enough, the "Transmission Temperature Warning Light" may illuminate and the transmission may downshift out of