Vehicle Quick Reference: Other Dodge Dakota III facelift

GEAR LUBRICANTS

SAE ratings also apply to multigrade gear lubricants. In addition, API classification defines the lubricant's usage, such as API GL-5 and SAE 75W-90.

FUEL REQUIREMENTS

Your engine is designed to meet all emissions regulations and provide excellent fuel economy and performance when using high quality unleaded "regular" gasoline having an octane rating of 87. The routine use of premium gasoline is not recommended. Under normal conditions the use of premium fuel will not provide a benefit over high quality regular gasoline and in some circumstances may result in poorer performance.

Light spark knock at low engine speeds is not harmful to your engine. However, continued heavy spark knock at high speeds can cause damage and immediate service is required. Engine damage resulting from operation with a heavy spark knock may not be covered by the new vehicle warranty.

Poor quality gasoline can cause problems such as hard starting, stalling and hesitations. If you experience these symptoms, try another brand of gasoline before considering service for the vehicle.

Over 40 auto manufacturers world-wide have issued and endorsed consistent gasoline specifications (the Worldwide Fuel Charter, WWFC) to define fuel properties necessary to deliver enhanced emissions, performance and durability for your vehicle. We recommend the use of gasoline that meet the WWFC specifications if they are available.

REFORMULATED GASOLINE

Many areas of the country require the use of cleaner burning gasoline referred to as "reformulated" gasoline. Reformulated gasoline contain oxygenates, and are specifically blended to reduce vehicle emissions and improve air quality.

We strongly support the use of reformulated gasoline. Properly blended reformulated gasoline will provide excellent performance and durability for the engine and fuel system components.

GASOLINE/OXYGENATE BLENDS

Some fuel suppliers blend unleaded gasoline with oxygenates such as 10% ethanol, MTBE, and ETBE. Oxygenates are required in some areas of the country during the winter months to reduce carbon monoxide emissions. Fuels blended with these oxygenates may be used in your vehicle.

MMT IN GASOLINE

MMT is a manganese-containing metallic additive that is blended into some gasoline to increase octane. Gasoline blended with MMT provide no performance advantage beyond gasoline of the same octane number without MMT. Gasoline blended with MMT reduce spark plug life and reduce emission system performance in some vehicles. We recommend that gasolines free of MMT be used in your vehicle. The MMT content of gasoline may not be indicated on the gasoline pump; therefore, you should ask your gasoline retailer whether or not his/her gasoline contains MMT.

It is even more important to look for gasoline without MMT in Canada because MMT can be used at levels higher than allowed in the United States. MMT is prohibited in Federal and California reformulated gasoline.

SULFUR IN GASOLINE

If you live in the northeast United States, your vehicle may have been designed to meet California low emission standards with Cleaner-Burning California reformulated gasoline with low sulfur. If such fuels are not available in states adopting California emission standards, your vehicles will operate satisfactorily on fuels meeting federal specifications, but emission control system performance may be adversely affected. Gasoline sold outside of California is permitted to have higher sulfur levels which may affect the performance of the vehicle's catalytic converter. This may cause the Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL), Check Engine or Service Engine Soon light to illuminate. We recommend that you try a different brand of unleaded gasoline having lower sulfur to determine if the problem is fuel related prior to returning your vehicle to an authorized dealer for service.

MATERIALS ADDED TO FUEL

All gasoline sold in the United States and Canada are required to contain effective detergent additives. Use of additional detergents or other additives is not needed under normal conditions.

FUEL SYSTEM CAUTIONS

1. The use of leaded gas is prohibited by Federal law. Using leaded gasoline can impair engine performance, damage the emission control system, and could result in loss of warranty coverage.
2. An out-of-tune engine, or certain fuel or ignition malfunctions, can cause the catalytic converter to overheat. If you notice a pungent burning odor or some light smoke, your engine may be out of tune or malfunctioning and may require immediate service. Contact your dealer for service assistance.
3. When pulling a heavy load or driving a fully loaded vehicle when the humidity is low and the temperature is high, use a premium unleaded fuel to help prevent spark knock. If spark knock persists, lighten the load, or engine piston damage may result.
4. The use of fuel additives which are now being sold as octane enhancers is not recommended. Most of these products contain high concentrations of methanol. Fuel system damage or vehicle performance problems resulting from the use of such fuels or additives is not the responsibility of Chrysler Corporation and may not be covered under the new vehicle warranty.

Note. Intentional tampering with emissions control systems can result in civil penalties being assessed against you.

ENGINE COOLANT

The cooling system is designed around the coolant. The coolant must accept heat from engine metal, in the cylinder head area near the exhaust valves and engine block. Then coolant carries the heat to the radiator where the tube/fin radiator can transfer the heat to the air.

The use of aluminum cylinder blocks, cylinder heads, and water pumps requires special corrosion protection. Mopar® Antifreeze/Coolant, 5 Year/100,000 Mile Formula (MS-9769), or the equivalent ethylene-glycol base coolant with organic corrosion inhibitors (called HOAT, for Hybrid Organic Additive Technology) is recommended. This coolant offers the best engine cooling without corrosion when mixed with 50% ethylene-glycol and 50% distilled water to obtain a freeze point of -37°C (-35°F). If it loses color or becomes contaminated, drain, flush, and replace with fresh properly mixed coolant solution.

COOLANT PERFORMANCE

The required ethylene-glycol and water mixture depends upon climate and vehicle operating conditions. The coolant performance of various mixtures follows

Pure Water- Water can absorb more heat than a mixture of water and ethylene-glycol. This is for purpose of heat transfer only. Water also freezes at a higher temperature and allows corrosion.

100 percent Ethylene-Glycol - The corrosion inhibiting additives in ethylene-glycol need the presence of water to dissolve. Without water, additives form deposits in system. These act as insulation causing temperature to rise to as high as 149°C (300°F). This temperature is hot enough to melt plastic. The increased temperature can result in sever engine damage. In addition, 100 percent ethylene-glycol freezes at -22°C (-8°F).

50/50 Ethylene-Glycol and Water - Is the recommended mixture, it provides protection against freezing to -37°C (-34°F). The antifreeze concentration must always be a minimum of 44 percent, year-round in all climates. If percentage is lower, engine parts may be eroded by cavitation. Maximum protection against freezing is provided with a 68 percent antifreeze concentration, which prevents freezing down to -67.7°C (-90°F). A higher percentage will freeze at a warmer temperature. Also, a higher percentage of antifreeze can cause the engine to overheat because specific heat of antifreeze is lower than that of water.

ENGINE OIL

When service is required, Chrysler Corporation recommends that only Mopar ® brand parts, lubricants and chemicals be used. Mopar ® provides the best engineered products for servicing Chrysler Corporation vehicles.

Only lubricants bearing designations defined by the following organization should be used.

1. Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE)
2. American Petroleum Institute (API)
3. National Lubricating Grease Institute (NLGI)
4. Association des Constructeurs Europeens d' Automobiles (European Automobile Manufacturers Association) (ACEA)

API SERVICE GRADE CERTIFIED

Use an engine oil that is API Certified. MOPAR ® provides engine oils, that meet or exceed this requirement.

Scheme 5

An SAE viscosity grade is used to specify the viscosity of engine oil. Use only engine oils with multiple viscosities such as 5W-20 or 5W-30. These are specified with a dual SAE viscosity grade which indicates the cold-to-hot temperature viscosity range. Select an engine oil that is best suited to your particular temperature range. Refer to your engine oil filler cap for the recommended engine oil viscosity for your vehicle.

ACEA CATEGORIES

For countries that use the ACEA European Oil Categories for Service Fill Oils, use engine oils that meet the requirements of ACEA A1/B1, A2/B2, or A3/B3.

ENERGY CONSERVING OIL

An Energy Conserving type oil is recommended for gasoline engines. The designation of ENERGY CONSERVING is located on the label of an engine oil container.

Scheme 6

Standard engine oil identification notations have been adopted to aid in the proper selection of engine oil. The identifying notations are located on the front label of engine oil plastic bottles and the top of engine oil cans.

This symbol means that the oil has been certified by the American Petroleum Institute (API). Chrysler only recommend API Certified engine oils. Use Mopar ® engine oil or equivalent.

SYNTHETIC ENGINE OILS

There are a number of engine oils being promoted as either synthetic or semi-synthetic. If you chose to use such a product, use only those oils that meet the American Petroleum Institute (API) and SAE viscosity standard. Follow the service schedule that describes your driving type.

ENGINE OIL ADDITIVES/SUPPLEMENTS

The manufacturer does not recommend the addition of any engine oil additives/supplements to the specified engine oil. Engine oil additives/supplements should not be used to enhance engine oil performance. Engine oil additives/supplements should not be used to extend engine oil change intervals. No additive is known to be safe for engine durability and can degrade emission components. Additives can contain undesirable materials that harm the long term durability of engines by

1. Doubling the level of phosphorus in the engine oil. The ILSAC (International Lubricant Standard Approval Committee) GF-2 and GF-3 standards require that engine oil contain no more than 0.10% phosphorus to protect the vehicles emissions performance. Addition of engine oil additives/supplements can poison, from the added sulfur and phosphorus, catalysts and hinder efforts to guarantee emissions performance to 80,000 miles.
2. Altering the viscosity characteristics of the engine oil so that it no longer meets the requirements of the specified viscosity grade.
3. Creating potential for an undesirable additive compatibility interaction in the engine crankcase. Generally it is not desirable to mix additive packages from different suppliers in the crankcase; there have been reports of low temperature engine failures caused by additive package incompatibility with such mixtures.

TRANSFER CASE - NV233

Recommended lubricant for the NV233 transfer case is Mopar® ATF +4, Automatic Transmission Fluid.

TRANSFER CASE - NV244

Recommended lubricant for the NV244 transfer case is Mopar® ATF +4, Automatic Transmission Fluid.

MANUAL TRANSMISSION

Note. Chrysler recommends Mopar® lubricants or lubricants of equal quality.

1. G238 - Mopar® ATF+4

A/C REFRIGERANT

The refrigerant used in this air conditioning system is a HydroFluoroCarbon (HFC), type R-134a. Unlike R-12, which is a ChloroFluoroCarbon (CFC), R-134a refrigerant does not contain ozone-depleting chlorine. R-134a refrigerant is a nontoxic, nonflammable, clear and colorless liquefied gas.

The A/C refrigerant system is filled-for-life at the factory and requires no regular maintenance. Although not required at specific intervals, the charge level should be checked if system performance deteriorates or if a noise or leak is suspected. Refer to Heating and Air Conditioning - Diagnosis and Testing .

STANDARD PROCEDURE

Scheme 7

When properly positioned, a floor jack can be used to lift a Dakota vehicle. Support the vehicle in the raised position with jack stands at the front and rear ends of the frame rails.

HOIST

A vehicle can be lifted with

1. A single-post, frame-contact hoist.
2. A twin-post, chassis hoist.
3. A ramp-type, drive-on hoist.

Note. When a frame-contact type hoist is used, verify that the lifting pads are positioned properly.

JUMP STARTING

Scheme 8

1. Raise hood on disabled vehicle and visually inspect engine compartment for: CAUTION: If the cause of starting problem on disabled vehicle is severe, damage to booster vehicle charging system can result. Battery cable clamp condition, clean if necessary. Frozen battery. Yellow or bright color test indicator, if equipped. Low battery fluid level. Generator drive belt condition and tension. Fuel fumes or leakage, correct if necessary.
2. When using another vehicle as a booster source, park the booster vehicle within cable reach. Turn off all accessories, set the parking brake, place the automatic transmission in PARK or the manual transmission in NEUTRAL and turn the ignition OFF.
3. On disabled vehicle, place gear selector in park or neutral and set park brake. Turn off all accessories.
4. Connect jumper cables to booster battery. RED clamp (4) to positive terminal (+). BLACK clamp (2) to negative (3) terminal (-). DO NOT allow clamps at opposite end of cables to touch, electrical arc will result. Review all warnings in this procedure.
5. On disabled vehicle, connect RED jumper cable (4) clamp to positive (+) terminal. Connect BLACK jumper cable clamp to engine ground (1) as close to the ground cable attaching point as possible.
6. Start the engine in the vehicle which has the booster battery, let the engine idle a few minutes, then start the engine in the vehicle with the discharged battery. CAUTION: Do not crank starter motor on disabled vehicle for more than 15 seconds, starter will overheat and could fail.
7. Allow battery in disabled vehicle to charge to at least 12.4 volts (75% charge) before attempting to start engine. If engine does not start within 15 seconds, stop cranking engine and allow starter to cool (15 min.), before cranking again.

DISCONNECT CABLE CLAMPS AS FOLLOWS

1. Disconnect BLACK cable clamp (2) from engine ground (1) on disabled vehicle.
2. When using a booster vehicle, disconnect BLACK cable clamp (2) from battery negative terminal (3). Disconnect RED cable clamp (4) from battery positive terminal (5).
3. Disconnect RED cable clamp (4) from battery positive terminal (4) on disabled vehicle.

Oil Change Indicator System

The oil change indicator system reminds you that it is time to take your vehicle in for scheduled maintenance.

On the Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) equipped vehicles "Oil Change Required" is displayed in the EVIC and a single chime sounds indicating that an oil change is necessary.

On non-EVIC equipped vehicles "Change Oil" flashes in the instrument cluster odometer and a single chime sounds indicating that an oil change is necessary.

Based on engine operating conditions the oil change indicator message illuminates. This means that service is required for your vehicle. Have your vehicle serviced as soon as possible, within the next 805 km (500 miles).

Note. The oil change indicator message will not monitor the time since the last oil change. Change the vehicle oil if it has been six months since your last oil change even if the oil change indicator message is not illuminated. Change your engine oil more often if you drive your vehicle off-road for an extended period of time. Under no circumstances should oil change intervals exceed 10,000 km (6,000 miles) or six months, whichever comes first.

Common Towing Definitions

The following trailer towing related definitions will assist you in understanding the following information

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR)

The GVWR is the total allowable weight of your vehicle. This includes driver, passengers, cargo and tongue weight. The total load must be limited so that you do not exceed the GVWR.

Gross Trailer Weight (GTW)

The gross trailer weight (GTW) is the weight of the trailer plus the weight of all cargo, consumables and equipment (permanent or temporary) loaded in or on the trailer in its "loaded and ready for operation" condition. The recommended way to measure GTW is to put your fully loaded trailer on a vehicle scale. The entire weight of the trailer must be supported by the scale.

Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR)

The gross combination weight rating (GCWR) is the total permissible weight of your vehicle and trailer when weighed in combination. (Note that GCWR ratings include a 68 kg (150 lbs) allowance for the presence of a driver).

Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR)

The GAWR is the maximum capacity of the front and rear axles. Distribute the load over the front and rear axles evenly. Make sure that you do not exceed either front or rear GAWR.

Tongue Weight (TW)

The downward force exerted on the hitch ball by the trailer. In most cases it should not be less than 10% or more than 15% of the trailer load. You must consider this as part of the load on your vehicle.

Frontal Area

The maximum height and maximum width of the front of a trailer.

Trailer Sway Control (TSC) - If Equipped

Electronic TSC uses sensors in the vehicle to recognize a swaying trailer and will take the appropriate actions to attempt to stop the sway. The system will reduce engine power and apply individual brakes that will counter act the sway of the trailer. TSC will become active automatically once the swaying trailer is recognized. No driver action is required. TSC can not stop all trailers from swaying. Always use caution when towing a trailer and follow the tongue weight recommendations. Even if your vehicle is equipped with electronic trailer sway control, mechanical sway control is recommended when appropriate for the size of your trailer.

Mechanical The trailer sway control is a telescoping link that can be installed between the hitch receiver and the trailer tongue that typically provides adjustable friction associated with the telescoping motion to dampen any unwanted trailer swaying motions while traveling.

Weight-Carrying Hitch

A weight-carrying hitch supports the trailer tongue weight, just as if it were luggage located at a hitch ball or some other connecting point of the vehicle. These kind of hitches are the most popular on the market today and they're commonly used to tow small- and medium-sized trailers.

Weight-Distributing Hitch

A weight-distributing system works by applying leverage through spring (load) bars. They are typically used for heavier loads, to distribute trailer tongue weight to the tow vehicle's front axle and the trailer axle(s). When used in accordance with the manufacturers' directions, it provides for a more level ride, offering more consistent steering and brake control thereby enhancing towing safety. The addition of a friction / hydraulic sway control also dampens sway caused by traffic and crosswinds and contributes positively to tow vehicle and trailer stability. Trailer sway control and a weight distributing (load equalizing) hitch are recommended for heavier Tongue Weights (TW) and may be required depending on Vehicle and Trailer configuration / loading to comply with gross axle weight rating (GAWR) requirements.

Scheme 9

Scheme 10

Fifth-Wheel Hitch

A special high platform with a coupling that mounts over the rear axle of the tow vehicle in the truck bed. Connects a vehicle and fifth-wheel trailer with a coupling king pin.

Gooseneck Hitch

The gooseneck hitch employs a pivoted coupling arm which attaches to a ball mounted in the bed of a pickup truck. The coupling arm connects to the hitch mounted over the rear axle in the truck bed.

Trailer Hitch Classification

The rear bumper is intended to tow trailers up to 2,000 lbs (907 kg) without added equipment or alterations to the standard equipment. Your vehicle may be factory equipped for safe towing of trailers weighing over 2,000 lbs (907 kg) with the optional Trailer Tow Prep Package. See your dealer for package content.

The following chart provides the industry standard for the maximum trailer weight a given trailer hitch class can tow and should be used to assist you in selecting the correct trailer hitch for your intended towing condition. Refer to "Trailer Towing Weights (Maximum Trailer Weight Ratings)" for the website address that contains the necessary information for your specific drivetrain.

All trailer hitches should be professionally installed on your vehicle.

Trailer Towing Weights (Maximum Trailer Weight Ratings)

The following chart provides the maximum trailer weight ratings towable for your given drivetrain.

Note. For additional trailer towing information (maximum trailer weight ratings) refer to the following website addresses

1. http:// www.dodge.com/towing .
2. http:// www.dodge.ca (Canada).

Note. The trailer tongue weight must be considered as part of the combined weight of occupants and cargo, and should never exceed the weight referenced on the Tire and Loading Information placard.

Trailer and Tongue Weight

Always load a trailer with 60% to 65% of the weight in the front of the trailer. This places 10% to 15% of the Gross Trailer Weight (GTW) on the tow hitch of your vehicle. Loads balanced over the wheels or heavier in the rear can cause the trailer to sway severely side to side which will cause loss of control of the vehicle and trailer. Failure to load trailers heavier in front is the cause of many trailer accidents.

Never exceed the maximum tongue weight stamped on your bumper or trailer hitch.

Scheme 11

Consider the following items when computing the weight on the rear axle of the vehicle

1. The tongue weight of the trailer.
2. The weight of any other type of cargo or equipment put in or on your vehicle.
3. The weight of the driver and all passengers.

Note. Remember that everything put into or on the trailer adds to the load on your vehicle. Also, additional factory-installed options, or dealer-installed options, must be considered as part of the total load on your vehicle. Refer to the Tire and Loading Information placard in the Tire Safety Information Section of this service information.

Towing Requirements

To promote proper break-in of your new vehicle drivetrain components the following guidelines are recommended

When towing a trailer, never exceed the GAWR, or GCWR, ratings.

1. When hauling cargo or towing a trailer, do not overload your vehicle or trailer. Overloading can cause a loss of control, poor performance or damage to brakes, axle, engine, transmission, steering, suspension, chassis structure or tires.
2. Safety chains must always be used between your vehicle and trailer. Always connect the chains to the frame or hook retainers of the vehicle hitch. Cross the chains under the trailer tongue and allow enough slack for turning corners.
3. Vehicles with trailers should not be parked on a grade. When parking, apply the parking brake on the tow vehicle. Put the tow vehicle automatic transmission in P for Park. Always, block or "chock" the trailer wheels.
4. GCWR must not be exceeded.
5. Total weight must be distributed between the tow vehicle and the trailer such that the following four ratings are not exceeded: GVWR GTW GAWR Tongue weight rating for the trailer hitch utilized (This requirement may limit the ability to always achieve the 10% to 15% range of tongue weight as a percentage of total trailer weight).

Towing Requirements - Tires

1. Do not attempt to tow a trailer while using a compact spare tire.
2. Proper tire inflation pressures are essential to the safe and satisfactory operation of your vehicle.
3. Also, check the trailer tires for proper tire inflation pressures before trailer usage.
4. Check for signs of tire wear or visible tire damage before towing a trailer. Refer to «Tires and Wheels/Tires - Description»(ref-352628-S16095855402010010600000) section of this service information on Tread Wear Indicators for the proper inspection procedure.
5. When replacing tires. Refer to «Tires and Wheels/Tires - Description»(ref-352628-S16095855402010010600000) section of this service information Replacement Tires for proper tire replacement procedures. Replacing tires with a higher load carrying capacity will not increase the vehicle's GVWR and GAWR limits.

Towing Requirements - Trailer Brakes

1. Do not interconnect the hydraulic brake system or vacuum system of your vehicle with that of the trailer. This could cause inadequate braking and possible personal injury.
2. An electronically actuated trailer brake controller is required when towing a trailer with electronically actuated brakes. When towing a trailer equipped with a hydraulic surge actuated brake system, an electronic brake controller is not required.
3. Trailer brakes are recommended for trailers over 1,000 lbs (454 kg) and required for trailers in excess of 2,000 lbs (907 kg).

Towing Tips

Before setting out on a trip, practice turning, stopping and backing the trailer in an area away from heavy traffic.

If using a manual transmission vehicle for trailer towing, all starts must be in FIRST gear to avoid excessive clutch slippage.

Towing Tips - Automatic Transmission

The "D" range can be selected when towing. However, if frequent shifting occurs while in this range, the "TOW HAUL" or "OD/OFF" range should be selected.

Note. Using the "TOW HAUL" or "OD/OFF" range while operating the vehicle under heavy operating conditions will improve performance and extend transmission life by reducing excessive shifting and heat build up. This action will also provide better engine braking.

The automatic transmission fluid and filter should be changed if you REGULARLY tow a trailer for more than 45 minutes of continuous operation. See Schedule "B" in the MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES for transmission fluid change intervals.

Note. Check the automatic transmission fluid level before towing.

Towing Tips - Tow/Haul (If Equipped)

To reduce potential for automatic transmission overheating, turn the "TOW HAUL OD/OFF" feature ON when driving in hilly areas or shift the transmission to Drive position 2 on more severe grades.

Towing Tips - Electronic Speed Control (If Equipped)

1. Don't use in hilly terrain or with heavy loads.
2. When using the speed control, if you experience speed drops greater than 10 mph (16 km/h), disengage until you can get back to cruising speed.
3. Use speed control in flat terrain and with light loads to maximize fuel efficiency.

Cooling System

To reduce potential for engine and transmission overheating, take the following actions

1. City Driving When stopped for short periods of time, put transmission in neutral and increase engine idle speed.
2. Highway Driving Reduce speed.
3. Air Conditioning Turn off temporarily.

TOWING RECOMMENDATIONS

A vehicle equipped with SAE approved wheel lift-type towing equipment can be used to tow all vehicles. When towing a 4WD vehicle using a wheel-lift towing device, use tow dollies under the opposite end of the vehicle. A vehicle with flatbed device can also be used to transport a disabled vehicle.

Four-Wheel Drive Vehicles

The manufacturer recommends towing with all wheels OFF the ground. Acceptable methods are to tow the vehicle on a flatbed or with one end of the vehicle raised and the opposite end on a towing dolly.

Two-Wheel Drive Vehicles

Provided that the transmission is operable, tow with the transmission in Neutral and the ignition key in the OFF position along with the front wheels raised and the rear wheels on the ground. The speed must not exceed 30 mph (50 km/h) and the distance must not exceed 15 miles (25 km).

If the vehicle is to be towed more than 15 miles (25 km ), it must be towed on a flatbed, or with the rear wheels raised and the front wheels on the ground, or with the front end raised and the rear wheels on a towing dolly.

Note. Towing the vehicle at more than 30 mph (50 km/h) or for more than 15 miles (25 km ) can cause severe transmission damage.

Scheme 12

1. Secure loose and protruding parts.
2. Always use a safety chain system that is independent of the lifting and towing equipment.
3. Do not allow towing equipment to contact the disabled vehicle's fuel tank.
4. Do not allow anyone under the disabled vehicle while it is lifted by the towing device.
5. Do not allow passengers to ride in a vehicle being towed.
6. Always observe state and local laws regarding towing regulations.
7. Do not tow a vehicle in a manner that could jeopardize the safety of the operator, pedestrians or other motorists.
8. Do not attach tow chains, T-hooks, or J-hooks to a bumper, steering linkage, drive shafts or a non-reinforced frame hole.
9. Do not tow a heavily loaded vehicle. Use a flatbed device to transport a loaded vehicle.

GROUND CLEARANCE

A towed vehicle should be raised until lifted wheels are a minimum 100 mm (4 in) from the ground. Be sure there is adequate ground clearance at the opposite end of the vehicle, especially when towing over rough terrain or steep rises in the road.

RAMP ANGLE

If a vehicle with flatbed towing equipment is used, the approach ramp angle should not exceed 15 degrees.

TOWING WHEN KEYS ARE NOT AVAILABLE

When the vehicle is locked and keys are not available, use a flat bed hauler. A wheel-lift device can be used on 4WD vehicles provided all the wheels are lifted off the ground using tow dollies.

FOUR WHEEL DRIVE TOWING

Chrysler Corporation recommends that a vehicle be transported on a flat-bed device. A Wheel-lift device can be used provided all the wheels are lifted off the ground using tow dollies.

FOUR WHEEL DRIVE TOWING - REAR END LIFTED

1. Attach wheel lift device to front wheels.
2. Place the transmission in neutral.
3. Raise the front of the vehicle off the ground and install tow dollies under front wheels.
4. Attach wheel lift device to rear wheels and raise vehicle to towing position.
5. Attach safety chains to frame rails. Route chains so not to interfere with tail pipe when vehicle is lifted.
6. Turn the ignition switch to the OFF position to unlock the steering wheel. CAUTION: Do not use steering column lock to secure steering wheel during towing operation.
7. Secure steering wheel in straight ahead position with a clamp device designed for towing.
8. Place the transmission in park.

FOUR WHEEL DRIVE TOWING - FRONT END LIFTED

1. Attach wheel lift device to rear wheels.
2. Place the transmission in neutral.
3. Raise the rear of the vehicle off the ground and install tow dollies under rear wheels.
4. Attach wheel lift device to front wheels and raise vehicle to towing position.
5. Attach the safety chains. CAUTION: Do not use steering column lock to secure steering wheel during towing operation.
6. Turn the ignition switch to the OFF position to unlock the steering wheel.
7. Secure steering wheel in straight ahead position with a clamp device designed for towing.
8. Place the transmission in park.

RECREATIONAL TOWING (BEHIND MOTORHOME, ETC.) OF 4X4 VEHICLES

Note. Because of the design of the transfer cases only vehicles equipped with a NV 244 Generation II transfer case should be used for recreational towing.

Note. The NV 244 Generation II transfer case must be shifted into Neutral (N) for recreational towing. The Neutral (N) selection button is located on the lower left hand corner of the 4WD Control Switch. Shifts into and out of transfer case Neutral (N) can take place with the selector switch in any mode position.

Note. If the vehicle is to be towed for multiple days or one day for an eight hour or above duration, disconnect and isolate the battery to prevent discharge do to the illumination of the odometer and PRNDL light. After the battery negative cable is reinstalled the radio clock and stations will need to be reset.

Shifting into Neutral (N)

Use the following procedure to prepare your vehicle for recreational towing.

1. Bring vehicle to a complete stop.
2. Shut engine OFF.
3. Place ignition key in the ON position.
4. Depress brake pedal.
5. Shift automatic transmission to Neutral (N) or depress clutch on manual transmission.
6. Using the point of a ballpoint pen or similar object, depress the recessed transfer case Neutral (N) button for 4 seconds.
7. After shift is completed and the Neutral (N) light comes on release Neutral (N) button.
8. Start engine.
9. Shift automatic transmission into Reverse (R).
10. Release brake pedal for five seconds and ensure that there is no vehicle movement.
11. Repeat steps 9 and 10 with the transmission in Drive (D).
12. Shut engine OFF and place ignition key to the unlocked OFF position.
13. Shift automatic transmission into Park (P).
14. Attach vehicle to tow vehicle with tow bar.

Note. Items 1 through 5 are requirements that must be met prior to depressing the Neutral (N) selection button, and must continue to be met until the 4 seconds elaspes and the shift has been completed. If any of these requirements (with the exception of 3 - Key ON) are not met prior to depressing the Neutral (N) button or are no longer met during the 4 second timer, then the Neutral (N) indicator light will flash continuously until all requirements are met or until the Neutral (N) button is released.

Note. The ignition key must be ON for a shift to take place and for the position indicator lights to be operable. If the key in not ON, the shift will not take place and no position indicator lights will be on or flashing.

Note. Flashing neutral (N) position indicator light indicates that shift requirements have not been met.

Shifting OUT of Neutral (N)

Use the following procedure to prepare your vehicle for normal usage.

1. Bring vehicle to a complete stop.
2. Shut engine OFF.
3. Place ignition key in the ON position.
4. Depress brake pedal.
5. Shift automatic transmission to Neutral (N) or depress clutch on manual transmission.
6. Using the point of a ballpoint pen or similar object, depress the recessed transfer case Neutral (N) button for 1 second.
7. After the Neutral (N) indicator light turns off release the Neutral (N) button.
8. After the Neutral (N) button has been released the transfer case will shift to the position identified by the selector switch.
9. Shift automatic transmission into Drive (D), release the clutch on manual transmission.

Note. Items 1 through 5 are requirements that must be met prior to depressing the Neutral (N) selection button, and must continue to be met until 1 second elapses and the shift has been completed. If any of these requirements (with the exception of 3 - key ON) are not met prior to depressing the Neutral (N) button or are no longer met during the 1 second time, then all of the mode position indicator lights will flash continuously until all requirements are met or until the Neutral (N) button is released.

Note. The ignition key must be ON for a shift to take place and for the position indicator lights to be operable. If the key is not ON, the shift will not take place and no position indicator lights will be on or flashing.

Note. Flashing neutral (N) position indicator light indicates that shift requirements have not been met.