2004 DODGE DAKOTA air condition

Blower Control
The rotary knob at the left of the control panel is the
blower control. Turn the knob clockwise to one of the
four positions to obtain the blower speed you desire.
Temperature Control
The rotary knob at the center of the control panel controls
the temperature of the interior air. You can choose your
degree of comfort by rotating the knob. The coldest
temperature setting is to the extreme left (blue region)
and the warmest setting is to the extreme right (red
region) of the rotation.
Air Conditioning
134 INSTRUMENT PANEL AND CONTROLS

Air Conditioning Operation
To turn on the Air Conditioning, set the fan control at any
speed and press the snowflake button located at the right
of the control panel. Conditioned air will be directed
through the outlets selected by the mode control. A light
in the snowflake button shows that the air conditioning is
on. Press the button a second time to turn the air
conditioning off.
Slight changes in engine speed or power may be noticed
when the air conditioning compressor is on. This is anormal occurrence as the compressor will cycle on and
off to maintain comfort and increase fuel economy.
The mode control (at the right of the
control panel) can be set in any of the
following positions:
NOTE:To improve your selection choices, the system
allows you to operate at intermediate positions between
the major modes. These intermediate positions are iden-
tified by the small dots.
Recirculation Modes (Panel or Bi-Level )
Select the recirculation modes when
the outside air contains smoke, odors,
high humidity, or if rapid cooling is
desired. This feature allows for recir-
culation of interior air only. Air flows
through the panel outlets in this mode.
INSTRUMENT PANEL AND CONTROLS 135
4

Circulation
The cab is designed with features to promote outside air
circulation. There are grilles in the cab back panel. These
are air exhausters that provide the means for regular
exchange of cab air.
Side window demisters direct air flow specifically to the
window glass to help prevent interior fogging of the
glass. They are located in the extreme outside upper
edges of the instrument panel. The demisters also pro-
vide extra air ducts for circulation. They are in operation
whenever the Floor, Mix or Defrost modes are in use.
NOTE:When you turn off the engine you may hear a
hissing sound from under the hood for a short period of
time. This is a normal condition that occurs if the air
conditioning system has been on. It is not an indication of
a problem with the air conditioning system.
Operating Tips
Fast Cooldown
For a fast cooldown, turn the blower fan rotary knob to
the extreme right position, turn the mode control to the
panel fresh position, press the snowflake button to turnon the air conditioning, and drive with the windows
open for the first few minutes. Once the hot air has been
expelled, close the windows and turn the mode selector
to the Recirculation Panel Mode or Recirculation Mode
Bi-level position. When a comfortable condition has been
reached, choose a mode position and adjust the tempera-
ture control knob and blower speed as necessary to
maintain comfort. For high humidity conditions it may
be necessary to remain in the Recirculation mode to
maintain comfort.
Window Fogging
Windows will fog on the inside when the humidity inside
the vehicle is high. This often occurs in mild or cool
temperatures when it's rainy or humid. In most cases
turning on the Air-conditioning (pressing the snowflake
button) will clear the fog. Adjust the temperature control,
air direction and blower speed to maintain comfort.
As the temperature gets colder it may be necessary to
direct air onto the windshield by using MIX Mode
position on the control. Adjust the temperature control
and blower speed to maintain comfort. High blower
INSTRUMENT PANEL AND CONTROLS 137
4

speeds will reduce fogging. Interior fogging on the
windshield can be quickly removed by selecting the
defrost mode.
Regular cleaning of the inside of the windows with a
non-filming cleaning solution (vinegar and water works
very well) will help prevent contaminates (cigarette
smoke, perfumes, etc.) from sticking to the windows.
Contaminates increase the rate of window fogging.
Summer Operation
Air conditioned vehicles must be protected with a high
quality antifreeze coolant during summer to provide
proper corrosion protection and to raise the boiling point
of the coolant for protection against overheating. A 50 %
concentration is recommended.When using the air conditioner in extremely heavy traffic
in hot weather especially when towing a trailer, addi-
tional engine cooling may be required. If this situation is
encountered, operate the transmission in a lower gear.
When stopped in heavy traffic, it may be necessary to
shift into NEUTRAL and depress the accelerator slightly
for fast idle operation.
Winter Operation
When operating the system during the winter months,
make sure the air intake, located directly in front of the
windshield, is free of ice, slush, snow, or other obstruc-
tions.
138 INSTRUMENT PANEL AND CONTROLS

CAUTION!
After inspecting or adjusting the tire pressure al-
ways reinstall the valve stem cap±if equipped. This
will prevent moisture and dirt from entering the
valve stem, which could damage the valve stem.
Inflation pressures specified on the placard are always
ªcold tire inflation pressureº. Cold tire inflation pressure
is defined as the tire pressure after the vehicle has not
been driven for at least 3 hours, or driven less than 1mile
(1 km) after a 3 hour period. The cold tire inflation
pressure must not exceed the maximum inflation pres-
sure molded into the tire side wall.
Check tire pressures more often if subject to a wide range
of outdoor temperatures, as tire pressures vary with
temperature changes.
Tire pressures change by approximately 1 psi (7 kPa) per
12É F (7É C) of air temperature change. Keep this in mind
when checking tire pressure inside a garage especially in
the winter.Example: If garage temperature = 68É F (20É C) and the
outside temperature = 32É F (0É C) then the cold tire
inflation pressure should be increased by 3 psi (21 kPa),
which equals 1 psi (7 kPa) for every 12É F (7É C) for this
outside temperature condition.
Tire pressure may increase from 2 to 6 psi (13 to 40 kPa)
during operation. DO NOT reduce this normal pressure
build up or your tire pressure will be too low.
Tire Pressures for High Speed Operation
The manufacturer advocates driving at safe speeds
within posted speed limits. Where speed limits or condi-
tions are such that the vehicle can be driven at high
speeds, maintaining correct tire inflation pressure is very
important. Increased tire pressure and reduced vehicle
loading may be required for high speed vehicle opera-
tion. Refer to original equipment or an authorized tire
dealer for recommended safe operating speeds, loading
and cold tire inflation pressures.
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Carbon Monoxide Warnings
WARNING!
Carbon monoxide (CO) in exhaust gases is deadly.
Follow the precautions below to prevent carbon
monoxide poisoning:
²Do not inhale exhaust gases. They contain carbon
monoxide, a colorless and odorless gas which can kill.
Never run the engine in a closed area, such as a
garage, and never sit in a parked vehicle with the
engine running for an extended period. If the vehicle is
stopped in an open area with the engine running for
more than a short period, adjust the ventilation system
to force fresh, outside air into the vehicle.
²Guard against carbon monoxide with proper mainte-
nance. Have the exhaust system inspected every time
the vehicle is raised. Have any abnormal conditions
repaired promptly. Until repaired, drive with all side
windows fully open.
²Keep the liftgate closed when driving your vehicle to
prevent carbon monoxide and other poisonous ex-
haust gases from entering the vehicle.
CATALYTIC CONVERTER
The catalytic converter requires the use of unleaded fuel
only. Leaded gasoline will destroy the effectiveness of the
converter as an emission control device. Under normal
operating conditions, the catalytic converter will not
require maintenance. However, you must keep the en-
gine maintained to assure proper operation and prevent
possible damage.
NOTE:Intentional tampering with emissions control
systems result in civil penalties being assessed against
you.
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Cooling System TipsÐTrailer Towing
To reduce potential for engine and transmission over-
heating, take the following actions:
²City DrivingÐWhen stopped for short periods of
time, put transmission in neutral and increase engine
idle speed.
²Highway DrivingÐReduce your speed.
²Air ConditioningÐTurn off temporarily.
See Cooling System Operating information in the Main-
tenance section of this manual for more information.
To reduce potential for automatic transmission overheat-
ing, turn the Overdrive OFF when driving in hilly areas
or shift the transmission to Drive position 2 on more
severe grades. Move the shift lever to the next lower
position to eliminate excessive transmission shifting. This
action will also reduce the possibility of transmission
overheating and provide better engine braking.
NOTE:If your vehicle has an automatic transmission
and you tow a trailer frequently follow Maintenance
Schedule ªBº.
SNOWPLOW
Dodge Dakota Models
NOTE:
Do not use Dodge Dakota Models for snow-
plow applications.
WARNING!
Snowplows, winches, and other aftermarket equip-
ment should not be added to the front end or your
vehicle. The airbag crash sensors may be affected by
the change in the front end structure. The airbags
could deploy unexpectedly or could fail to deploy
during a collision resulting in serious injury or
death.
CAUTION!
Using this vehicle for snowplow applications can
cause damage to the vehicle.
STARTING AND OPERATING 201
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MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
CONTENTS
mEngine Compartment 3.7L V6.............221
mEngine Compartment 4.7L V-8............222
mOnboard Diagnostic System Ð OBD II......223
mEmissions Inspection And Maintenance
Programs
............................224
mReplacement Parts.....................225
mDealer Service........................225
mMaintenance Procedures.................226
NEngine Oil..........................226
NEngine Oil Filter......................229
NDrive Belts Ð Check Condition And Tension . . 230
NSpark Plugs.........................230NIgnition Cables.......................230
NEngine Air Cleaner Filter................230
NEngine Fuel Filter.....................231
NCatalytic Converter....................231
NMaintenance-Free Battery................232
NAir Conditioner Maintenance.............233
NPower Steering Ð Fluid Check............234
NFront Suspension Ball Joints..............235
NSteering Linkage......................235
NDrive Shaft Constant Velocity
Joints Ð 4X4 Models...................235
NBody Lubrication.....................235
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