2004 DODGE DAKOTA service indicator

Tread Wear Indicators
Tread wear indicators are in the original equipment tires
to help you in determining when your tires should be
replaced.
These indicators are molded into the bottom of the tread
grooves and will appear as bands when the tread depth
becomes 1/16 inch (2 mm). When the indicators appear
in 2 or more adjacent grooves, the tire should be replaced.
Many states have laws requiring tire replacement at this
point.
Replacement Tires
The tires on your new vehicle provide a balance of many
characteristics. They should be inspected regularly for
wear and correct cold tire inflation pressure. The manu-
facturer strongly recommends that you use tires equiva-
lent to the originals in size, quality and performance
when replacement is needed (see the paragraph on tread
wear indicators). Refer to the Tire and Loading Informa-
tion placard for the size designation of your tire. The
service description and load identification will be found
on the original equipment tire. Failure to use equivalent
replacement tires may adversely affect the safety, han-
dling, and ride of your vehicle. We recommend that you
contact your original equipment or an authorized tire
dealer with any questions you may have on tire specifi-
cations or capability.
180 STARTING AND OPERATING

ONBOARD DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM Ð OBD II
Your vehicle is equipped with a sophisticated onboard
diagnostic system called OBD II. This system monitors
the performance of the emissions, engine, and automatic
transmission control systems. When these systems are
operating properly, your vehicle will provide excellent
performance and fuel economy, as well as engine emis-
sions well within current government regulations.
If any of these systems require service, the OBD II system
will turn on the ªMalfunction Indicator Light.º It will
also store diagnostic codes and other information to
assist your service technician in making repairs. Al-
though your vehicle will usually be drivable and not
need towing, see your dealer for service as soon as
possible.CAUTION!
²Prolonged driving with the ªMalfunction Indica-
tor Lightº on could cause further damage to the
emission control system. It could also affect fuel
economy and driveability. The vehicle must be
serviced before any emissions tests can be per-
formed.
²If the ªMalfunction Indicator Lightº is flashing
while the engine is running, severe catalytic con-
verter damage and power loss will soon occur.
Immediate service is required.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 223
7

EMISSIONS INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE
PROGRAMS
In some localities, it may be a legal requirement to pass
an inspection of your vehicle's emissions control system.
Failure to pass could prevent vehicle registration.
For states which have an I/M (Inspection and
Maintenance) requirement, this check verifies the
following: the MIL (Malfunction Indicator Lamp)
is functioning and is not on when the engine is running,
and that the OBD (On Board Diagnostic) system is ready
for testing.
Normally, the OBD system will be ready. The OBD
system maynotbe ready if your vehicle was recently
serviced, if you recently had a dead battery, or a battery
replacement. If the OBD system should be determined
not ready for the I/M test, your vehicle may fail the test.
Your vehicle has a simple ignition key actuated test
which you can use prior to going to the test station. To
check if your vehicle's OBD system is ready, you must do
the following:
1. Insert your ignition key into the ignition switch.2. Turn the ignition to the ON position, but do not crank
or start the engine.
3. If you crank or start the engine, you will have to start
this test over.
4. As soon as you turn your key to the ON position, you
will see your MIL symbol come on as part of a normal
bulb check.
5. Approximately 15 seconds later, one of two things will
happen:
a. The MIL light will blink for approximately 5
seconds and then remain on until the first engine
crank or the key is turned off. This means that your
vehicle's OBD system isnot readyand you should
notproceed to the I/M station.
b. The MIL light will remain fully illuminated until
the first engine crank or the key is turned off. This
means that your vehicle's OBD system isreadyand
you can proceed to the I/M station.
If your OBD system isnot ready,you should see your
dealer or repair facility. If your vehicle was recently
224 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

WARNING!
Battery posts, terminals, and related accessories con-
tain lead and lead compounds. Always wash hands
after handling the battery.
To determine the battery charge, check the battery test
indicator (if equipped) on top of the battery. Refer to the
illustration.
CAUTION!
It is essential when replacing the cables on the
battery that the positive cable is attached to the
positive post and the negative cable is attached to the
negative post. Battery posts are marked (+) positive
and negative (-) and identified on the battery case.
Also, if a ªfast chargerº is used while battery is in the
vehicle, disconnect both vehicle battery cables be-
fore connecting the charger to battery. Do not use a
ªfast chargerº to provide starting voltage.
Air Conditioner Maintenance
For best possible performance, your air conditioner
should be checked and serviced by an Authorized Dealer
at the start of each warm season. This service should
include cleaning of the condenser fins and a performance
test. Drive belt tension should also be checked at this
time.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 233
7

Lap/Shoulder Belts...................... 25
LATCH
(Lower Anchors and Tether for CHildren).... 42
Lead Free Gasoline...................... 184
Lights..............................54,67
Airbag...........................38,102
Anti-Lock Warning.................... 102
Back-Up............................ 256
Brake Warning....................... 101
Bulb Replacement..................... 254
Cargo ............................... 70
Center Mounted Stop.................. 257
Check Gauges........................ 101
Courtesy/Reading..................... 76
Cruise............................. 104
Daytime Running...................... 69
Fog .............................69,257
Hazard Warning Flasher................ 208
Headlights........................... 68
High Beam........................... 71
Instrument Cluster...................97,99
Intensity Control...................... 68
Interior...........................67,76License............................. 257
Lights On Reminder.................... 69
Low Fuel........................... 102
Low Washer Fluid.................... 101
Malfunction Indicator.................. 103
Park............................... 256
Passing............................. 70
Seat Belt Reminder.................... 101
Service..........................254,255
Transmission Warning.................. 102
Turn Signal........................70,256
Upshift Indicator...................99,151
Warning (Instrument Cluster Description).... 99
Washer Fluid........................ 101
Limited-Slip Differential.................. 162
Load Limits........................... 191
Loading Vehicle.....................191,194
Tires ............................... 172
Locks................................ 13
Child Protection....................... 16
Door............................... 13
Ignition............................. 11
Keys................................ 9
294 INDEX

Power Door.......................... 14
Lower Anchors and Tether for CHildren
(LATCH)............................ 42
Lubricating Oil........................ 248
Lubrication, Body....................... 235
Lug Nuts............................. 213
Lumbar Support........................ 63
Maintenance.......................... 226
Maintenance Free Battery................. 232
Maintenance Procedures.................. 226
Maintenance Schedule................... 263
Schedule9A9......................... 274
Schedule9B9......................... 265
Malfunction Indicator Light............103,224
Manual, Service........................ 284
Manual Transmission..............144,150,245
Fluid Level Check..................... 245
Lubricant Selection.................245,260
Shift Speeds......................... 151
Mirrors............................... 58
Automatic Dimming.................... 59
Electric Powered....................... 60Outside............................. 59
Rearview............................ 58
Modifications/Alterations, Vehicle............ 5
Mopar Parts........................225,284
Multi-Function Control Lever............... 70
New Vehicle Break-In Period............... 52
Occupant Restraints...................... 24
Odometer............................ 103
Trip ............................... 103
Oil, Engine.........................226,259
Capacity............................ 258
Change Interval...................... 227
Dipstick............................ 226
Disposal............................ 229
Filter...........................229,259
Filter Disposal....................... 229
Identification Logo.................... 228
Materials Added to.................... 229
Pressure Gauge....................... 100
Recommendation..................228,258
Synthetic........................... 229
INDEX 295
10

Transmitter Battery Service................ 21
Transmitter, Garage Door Opener............ 81
Transmitter Programming................. 19
Tread Wear Indicators................... 180
Trip Computer.......................... 77
Trip Odometer......................... 103
Turn Signals...................70,99,255,256
Universal Transmitter.................... 81
Unleaded Gasoline...................... 184
Vehicle Identification Number............... 5
Vehicle Loading..................172,191,194
Vehicle Modifications/Alterations............ 5
Vehicle Storage......................... 254
Vented Quarter Window.................. 24
Voltmeter.............................. 99
Warning Lights (Instrument Cluster Description) . 99
Warnings and Cautions.................... 5
Warranty Information.................... 282Washers, Windshield..................... 72
Washing Vehicle........................ 250
Weight Load Carrying................... 191
Wheel Alignment and Balance............. 181
Wheel and Wheel Trim................... 250
Wheel Changing....................... 209
Wheel Nut Torque...................... 213
Wind Buffeting......................... 24
Window Fogging....................... 137
Windows.............................. 22
Power.............................. 22
Rear Sliding.......................... 23
Vented Quarter........................ 24
Windshield Defroster...............54,133,136
Windshield Washers................71,72,236
Fluid............................71,236
Windshield Wiper Blades................. 235
Windshield Wipers...................... 71
Wiper Blade Replacement................. 235
Wipers, Intermittent...................... 71
Wrecker Towing........................ 217
300 INDEX