Recommended Vehicle Shift Speeds
To utilize your manual transmission efficiently for both
fuel economy and performance, it should be upshifted as
listed in recommended shift speed chart. Shift at the
vehicle speeds listed for acceleration. When heavily
loaded or pulling a trailer these recommended up-shift
speeds may not apply.
6 Speed Manual Transmission Shift Speed In mph
(km/h)
En-
gine
Model Axle
Accel-
eration
Rate
1 to
2
2 to
3
3 to
4
4 to
5
5 to
6
3.7L ALL
3.21
&
3.55
ACCEL
&
CRUISE
15
(24)
10
(16)
24
(39)
19
(31)
34
(55)
27
(44)
47
(76)
37
(60)
56
(90)
41
(66)
4.7L
All
3.21
&
3.55
ACCEL
&
CRUISE
15
(24)
25
(40)
40
(65)
45
(72)
50
(81)
Downshifting
Moving from a high gear down to a lower gear is
recommended to preserve brakes when driving down
steep hills. In addition, downshifting at the right time
provides better acceleration when you desire to resume
speed. Downshift progressively. Do not skip gears to
avoid overspeeding the engine and clutch.
WARNING!
Do not downshift for additional engine braking on a
slippery surface. The drive wheels could lose their
grip and the vehicle could skid.
242
STARTING AND OPERATING
Summary of Contents for 2008 Dakota
Page 1: ...Dakota O W N E R S M A N U A L 2 0 0 8 2008 Dakota 81 326 0834 First Edition Printed in U S A ...
Page 3: ......
Page 6: ...INTRODUCTION 5 1 ...
Page 9: ......
Page 69: ...Multiple Child Restraints 68 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE ...
Page 103: ...102 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE ...
Page 104: ...UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 103 3 ...
Page 105: ...104 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE ...
Page 166: ...INSTRUMENT CLUSTER INSTRUMENT PANEL AND CONTROLS 165 4 ...
Page 226: ...Operation Tips Chart INSTRUMENT PANEL AND CONTROLS 225 4 ...
Page 227: ......
Page 273: ...272 STARTING AND OPERATING ...
Page 329: ...Jack Screw Jack Stowage Location Crew Cab 328 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES ...
Page 347: ...3 7L ENGINE COMPARTMENT 346 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE ...
Page 348: ...4 7L ENGINE COMPARTMENT MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 347 7 ...
Page 420: ...INDEX 10 ...
Page 439: ...Dakota O W N E R S M A N U A L 2 0 0 8 2008 Dakota 81 326 0834 First Edition Printed in U S A ...