2004 DODGE DAKOTA check engine light

arming. The security light in the instrument panel cluster
will flash rapidly for about 15 seconds to indicate that the
alarm is being set. After the alarm is set, the security light
will flash at a slower rate to indicate that the system is
armed.
NOTE:If the SECURITY light stays on continuously
during vehicle operation, have the system checked by
your dealer.
To Disarm the System:
Use the Keyless Entry transmitter or the key to turn the
door locks to the unlock position. If something has
triggered the system in your absence, the horn will sound
three times when you unlock the doors. Check the
vehicle for tampering.
The Security system will also disarm, if the vehicle is
started with a programmed Sentry Key. If an unpro-
grammed Sentry Key is used to start a vehicle, the engine
will run for 2 seconds and then the security alarm will be
initiated. To exit alarming mode, press the RKE Unlock
button, unlock the doors using the key cylinder, or start
the vehicle with a programmed Sentry Key.The Security Alarm System is designed to protect your
vehicle; however, you can create conditions where the
system will arm unexpectedly. If you remain in the
vehicle and lock the doors with the transmitter, the alarm
will sound when you pull the door handle to exit. You
may also accidentally disarm the system by unlocking
any door with the door key and then locking it. The door
will be locked but the Security Alarm will not arm.
WINDOWS
Power Windows Ð IF Equipped
22 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

Airbag Light
You will want to have the airbags ready to inflate for your
protection in an impact. While the airbag system is
designed to be maintenance free, if any of the following
occurs, have an authorized dealer service the system
promptly:
²The airbag light does not come on or flickers during
the 6 to 8 seconds when the ignition switch is first
turned on.
²The light remains on or flickers after the 6 to 8 second
interval.
²The light flickers or comes on and remains on while
driving.
NOTE:If the speedometer, tachometer or any engine
related gauges are not working, the airbag control mod-
ule may also be disabled. The airbags may not be ready
to inflate for your protection. Promptly check fuse num-
bers 18 and 19 in the fuse block. See your dealer if the
fuse is good.
Child Restraint
Everyone in your vehicle needs to be buckled up all the
time Ð babies and children, too. Every state in the United
States and all Canadian provinces require that small
children ride in proper restraint systems. This is the law,
and you can be prosecuted for ignoring it.
Children 12 years and under should ride properly buck-
led up in a rear seat, if available. According to crash
statistics, children are safer when properly restrained in
the rear seats rather than in the front.
WARNING!
In a collision, an unrestrained child, even a tiny
baby, can become a missile inside the vehicle. The
force required to hold even an infant on your lap can
become so great that you could not hold the child, no
matter how strong you are. The child and others
could be badly injured. Any child riding in your
vehicle should be in a proper restraint for the child's
size.
38 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

direction of the turn. These indicators also indicate
proper operation of the front and rear turn signal lights.
If either indicator flashes at a faster rate than normal,
check for a defective bulb. If either indicator fails to light
up when the lever is moved, check for a defective fuse or
turn signal bulb. A continuous low chime is activated
when the left/right turn signal is left on with the engine
RPM vehicle speed greater than 15 mph (24 km/h) for
more than 1 mi. (1.6 km)
6. High Beam Indicator
This light indicates that headlights are on high
beam.
7. Speedometer
This gage shows vehicle speed in miles per hour and
kilometers per hour.
8. Oil Pressure Gage ± If Equipped
This gage indicates engine oil pressure. Any
reading within the normal range indicates that
the engine oil system is operating satisfactorily. A
continuous high or low reading under normal operat-
ing conditions may indicate a lubrication system mal-
function. Immediate service should be obtained. Theoil gage does not indicate the amount of oil in the
engine. See section 7 for the oil level checking proce-
dure.
9. Fuel Gage
This gage shows the level of fuel in tank when
the ignition switch is in the ON position.
10. Gear Selector
The electronic gear selector display is self-contained
within the instrument cluster. It displays the position of
the automatic transmission shift lever, and the relation of
each position to all other positions. For a good signal the
display will place a box around the selected transmission
range (PRND21). If the PRNDL displays only the char-
acters PRND21 (no boxes) or PRND21 with all boxes on,
have the system checked by an authorized dealer.
11. O/D (Overdrive) OFF Indicator (Automatic
Transmissions Only
This light will illuminate when the overdrive off button
has been selected.
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12. Seat Belt Reminder Light
This light comes on for several seconds after the
ignition is turned ON as a reminder to ªbuckle
up.º This light will remain on as long as the seat
belt remains unbuckled. If this light flashes, it indi-
cates a fault in the airbag system. Have the system
checked by an authorized dealer.
13. Low Washer Fluid Indicator
This light comes on when the washer fluid level falls
below approximately 1/4 full. The light will remain on
until fluid is added and ignition switch is cycled.
14. Brake System Warning Light
This light will light when the ignition key is turned to the
ON position and will remain on for a few seconds. If the
light stays on, it may be an indication that the parking
brake has not been released, or there is a low brake fluid
level. If the light remains on when the parking brake has
been disengaged, and the fluid level is at the full mark on
the master cylinder reservoir, it indicates a possible brake
hydraulic system malfunction. In this case, the light will
remain on until the cause is corrected. If the parking
brake is applied, the light will flash when the gearposition is out of park for automatic transmissions, or the
engine RPM is greater than 0 for manual transmissions.
If brake failure is indicated, immediate repair is neces-
sary.Operating the vehicle in this condition is danger-
ous!
15. SERVICE 4WD Indicator
This light monitors the electric shift 4WD
system. This light will come on when the
ignition key is turned to the ON position and
will stay on for 2 seconds. If the light stays
on or comes on during driving, it means that the 4WD
system is not functioning properly and that service is
required.
16. Check Gages
This light illuminates when the Voltmeter, En-
gine Oil Pressure or Engine Coolant Tempera-
ture gages indicate a reading either too high or too
low. Examine the gages carefully, and follow the
instructions above for each indicated problem.
NOTE:
When the ignition switch is turned to OFF, the
Fuel Gage, Voltmeter, Oil Pressure and Engine Coolant
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Temperature gages may not show accurate readings.
When the engine is not running, turn the ignition switch
to ON to obtain accurate readings.
17. Airbag Indicator
The indicator lights and remains lit for 6 to 8
seconds when the ignition is first turned ON. If
the light does not come on when the ignition is first
turned on, or the light stays on or comes on while
driving, have the airbag system checked by an autho-
rized dealer.
18. Low Fuel Warning Light
This indicator lights when the fuel gauge reads
1/8 of a tank or less.
19. ABS Warning Light
This light monitors the Anti-Lock Brake Sys-
tem which is described elsewhere in this
manual. This light will come on when the
ignition key is turned to the ON position and
may stay on for 5 seconds. If this light remains on or
comes on during driving, it indicates that the anti-lockportion of the brake system is not functioning and that
service is required. See your authorized dealer imme-
diately.
20. Transmission Oil Temperature Warning Light
This light indicates that there is excessive
transmission fluid temperature that might
occur with severe usage such as trailer tow-
ing. If this light comes on, stop the vehicle
and run the engine at idle or faster, with the transmis-
sion in NEUTRAL until the light goes off.
21. Security
The light will flash rapidly for approximately 15 seconds
when the vehicle theft alarm is arming. The light will
flash at a slower rate after the alarm is set. The security
light will also come on for about three seconds when the
ignition is first turned ON.
22. Cargo Lamp
The Cargo Lamp light will illuminate when the Cargo
Lamp is activated from the Head Lamp switch.
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23. Malfunction Indicator Light
This light is part of an onboard diagnostic
system which monitors the emissions and en-
gine control system. If the vehicle is ready for
emissions testing the light will come on when the
ignition is first turned on and remain on, as a bulb
check, until the engine is started. If the vehicle is not
ready for emissions testing the light will come on
when the ignition is first turned on and remain on for
15 seconds, then blink for 5 seconds, and remain on
until the vehicle is started. If the bulb does not come
on during starting, have the condition investigated
promptly.
If this light comes on and remains on while driving, it
suggests a potential engine control problem and the need
for system service.
Although your vehicle will usually be drivable and not
need towing, see your dealer for service as soon as
possible.
CAUTION!
Prolonged driving with the MIL on could cause
damage to the engine control system. It also could
affect fuel economy and driveability.
If the MIL is flashing, severe catalytic converter
damage and power loss will soon occur. Immediate
service is required.
24. Door Ajar
The Door Ajar light will illuminate when the
ignition is ON and either one of the passen-
ger doors is opened.
25. Odometer/Trip Odometer Button
Press this button to toggle between the odometer and the
trip odometer display. Holding the button in resets the
trip odometer reading.
26. Odometer/Trip Odometer
The odometer shows the total distance the vehicle has
been driven.
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U.S. federal regulations require that upon transfer of
vehicle ownership, the seller certify to the purchaser the
correct mileage that the vehicle has been driven. There-
fore, if the odometer reading is changed during repair or
replacement, be sure to keep a record of the reading
before and after the service so that the correct mileage can
be determined.
The trip odometer shows individual trip mileage. To
toggle between the odometer and the trip odometer,
press the Odometer/Trip Odometer Button.
27. Cruise Light
This indicator lights when the electronic speed control
system is turned on.
28. Coolant Temperature Light (Clusters Without A
Gauge)
This light warns of an overheated engine con-
dition. For a bulb check, this light will come on
momentarily when the ignition is turned On. If
the light turns on while driving, stop the vehicle and
shut off the engine as soon as possible.
CAUTION!
Driving with a hot engine cooling system could
damage your vehicle. If the temperature light is on,
pull over and stop the vehicle. Idle the vehicle with
the air conditioner turned off until the light turns
off. If the if the light remains on, turn the engine off
immediately, and call for service.
WARNING!
A hot engine cooling system is dangerous. You or
others could be badly burned by steam or boiling
coolant. You may want to call a service center if your
vehicle overheats. If you decide to look under the
hood yourself, see Section 7 of this manual. Follow
the warnings under the Cooling System Pressure
Cap paragraph.
104 INSTRUMENT PANEL AND CONTROLS

29. Engine Oil Pressure Indicator Light (Clusters
Without A Gauge)
This light indicates that the engine oil pressure
has become too low. For a bulb check, this light
will come on momentarily when the ignition is turned
On. If the light turns on while driving, stop the vehicle
and shut off the engine as soon as possible. Immediate
service should be obtained.
30. Voltage Light (Clusters Without A Gauge)
This light monitors the electrical system volt-
age. The light should turn on momentarily as
the engine is started. If the light stays on or turns on
while driving, it indicates a problem with the charging
system. Immediate service should be obtained.ELECTRONIC DIGITAL CLOCK
The clock and radio each use the display panel built into
the radio. A digital readout shows the time in hours and
minutes whenever the ignition switch is in the ªONº or
ªACCº position.
When the ignition switch is in the ªOFFº position, or
when the radio frequency is being displayed, time keep-
ing is accurately maintained.
Clock Setting Procedure
1. Turn the ignition switch to the ªONº or ªACCº
position. Using the point of a ballpoint pen or similar
object, press either the ªHº (Hour) or ªMº (Minute)
buttons on the radio. The display will show the time.
2. Press the ªHº button to set hours or the ªMº button to
set minutes. The time setting will increase each time you
press a button.
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