2004 DODGE DAKOTA Owners Manual

WARNING!
Do not connect the cable to the negative post of the
discharge battery. The resulting electrical spark
could cause the battery to explode.
During cold weather when temperatures are below
freezing point, electrolyte in a discharged battery
may freeze. Do not attempt jump starting because
the battery could rupture or explode. The battery
temperature must be brought up above freezing
point before attempting jump start.
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.
7. When removing the jumper cables, reverse the above
sequence exactly. Be careful of the moving belts and fan.
WARNING!
Any procedure other than above could result in:
1. Personal injury caused by electrolyte squirting
out the battery vent;
2. Personal injury or property damage due to battery
explosion;
3. Damage to charging system of booster vehicle or
of immobilized vehicle.
TOWING A DISABLED VEHICLE
Proper towing or lifting equipment is required to prevent
damage to your vehicle. Use of safety chains is recom-
mended.Attach towing device to main structural mem-
bers of the vehicle Ð not to bumpers or associated
brackets. State and local laws applying to vehicles
under tow must be observed.
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 217
6

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.
218 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

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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NWindshield Wiper Blades................235
NWindshield Washers...................236
NExhaust System......................236
NCooling System.......................237
NEmission Related Components............241
NBrake System........................243
NClutch Hydraulic System................245
NManual Transmission..................245
NAutomatic Transmission................245
NTransfer Case........................248
NAxles..............................248
NSelection Of Lubricating Grease...........248
NAppearance Care And Protection From
Corrosion...........................249
mPower Distribution Center...............252
mFuse Block...........................253
mVehicle Storage........................254
mReplacement Light Bulbs................254
mBulb Replacement......................255
NHeadlights..........................255
NParking/Turn Signal Lights..............256
NRear Side Marker, Tail Lights, Turn Signals
And Backup Lights Ð Replacement........256
NLicense Lights........................257
NCenter High-Mounted Stoplight...........257
NFog Lights..........................257
mFluids And Capacities...................258
mRecommended Fluids, Lubricants And
Genuine Parts
.........................259
NEngine.............................259
NChassis............................260
220 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

ENGINE COMPARTMENT 3.7L V6
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 221
7

ENGINE COMPARTMENT 4.7L V-8
222 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

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