2011 Dodge Dakota Extended Cab Owner Manual - Page 353

352 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES FREEING A STUCK VEHICLE If vehicle becomes stuck in snow, sand, or mud, it can often be moved by a rocking motion. Move the shift lever rhythmically between FIRST and REVERSE, while applying slight pressure to the accelerator. WARNING! Fast spinning tires can be dangerous. Forces generated by excessive wheel speeds may cause damage, or even failure, of the axle and tires. A tire could explode and injure someone. Do not spin your vehicle's wheels faster than 30 mph (48 km/h) or for longer than 30 seconds continuously without stopping when you are stuck. And do not let anyone near a spinning wheel, no matter what the speed. The least amount of accelerator pedal pressure to maintain the rocking motion without spinning the wheels or racing the engine is most effective. Allow the engine to idle with the shift lever in NEUTRAL for at least one minute after every five rocking-motion cycles. This will minimize overheating and reduce the risk of transmission failure during prolonged efforts to free a stuck vehicle. CAUTION! Racing the engine or spinning the wheels may lead to transmission overheating and failure. Allow the engine to idle with the shift lever in NEUTRAL for at least one minute after every five rocking-motion cycles. This will minimize overheating and reduce the risk of transmission failure during prolonged efforts to free a stuck vehicle.