2004 DODGE DAKOTA parking brake

If the indicator (if equipped) is dark or shows a green dot,
proceed as follows:
1. Wear eye protection and remove all metal jewelry such
as watch bands or bracelets which might make an
unintended electrical contact.
2. Park the booster vehicle within cable reach but with-
out letting the vehicles touch. Set the parking brake, place
the automatic transmission in PARK or the manual
transmission in NEUTRAL and turn the ignition OFF on
both vehicles.
3. Turn OFF heater, radio and all unnecessary electrical
loads.
4. Connect one end of a jumper cable to the positive
terminal of the booster battery. Connect the other end of
the same cable to the positive terminal of the discharged
battery.WARNING!
Do not permit vehicles to touch each other as this
could establish a ground connection and personal
injury could result.
5. Connect the other cable, first to the negative terminal
of the booster battery and then to the engine of the
vehicle with the discharged battery. Make sure you have
a good contact on the engine.
216 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

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

3. Fully apply the parking brake and press the brake
pedal.
4. Place the gear selector momentarily in each gear
position ending with the lever in P (Park).
5. Remove the dipstick, wipe it clean and reinsert it until
seated.
6. Remove the dipstick again and note the fluid level on
both sides. The fluid level should be between the ªHOTº
(upper) reference holes on the dipstick at normal operat-
ing temperature. Verify that solid coating of oil is seen onboth sides of the dipstick. If the fluid is low, add as
required into the dipstick tube.Do not overfill.After
adding any quantity of oil through the oil fill tube, wait
a minimum of two (2) minutes for the oil to fully drain
into the transmission before rechecking the fluid level.
NOTE:If it is necessary to check the transmission
belowthe operating temperature, the fluid level should
be between the two ªCOLDº (lower) holes on the dip-
stick with the fluid at approximately 70ÉF (21ÉC) (room
temperature). If the fluid level is correctly established at
room temperature, it should be between the ªHOTº
(upper) reference holes when the transmission reaches
180ÉF ( 82ÉC). Remember it is best to check the level at the
normal operating temperature.
CAUTION!
Be aware that if the fluid temperature is below 50ÉF
(10ÉC) it may not register on the dipstick. Do not add
fluid until the temperature is elevated enough to
produce an accurate reading.
246 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

7. Check for leaks. Release parking brake.
To prevent dirt and water from entering the transmission
after checking or replenishing fluid, make certain that the
dipstick cap is properly reseated. It is normal for the
dipstick cap to spring back slightly from its fully seated
position, as long as its seal remains engaged in the
dipstick tube.
Automatic Transmission Fluid And Filter Change
To obtain best performance and long life for automatic
transmissions, the manufacturer recommends that they
be given regular maintenance service by an Authorized
Dodge Dealer or Service Center. It is important that the
transmission be adjusted periodically, the fluid be main-
tained at the correct level, and that it be drained and
refilled as specified.
It is important that proper lubricant is used in the
transmission. Refer to Recommended Fluids, Lubricants
and Genuine Parts for correct fluid type. It is important
that the transmission fluid be maintained at the pre-
scribed level using the recommended fluid.
CAUTION!
Using a transmission fluid other than the manufac-
turers recommended fluid may cause deterioration
in transmission shift quality and/or torque converter
shudder. Using a transmission fluid other than the
manufacturers recommended fluid will result in
more frequent fluid and filter changes. Refer to
Recommended Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts
for correct fluid type.
Refer to the ªMaintenance Schedulesº section for the
proper service intervals for your type of driving.
If the transmission is disassembled for any reason, the
fluid and filter should be changed, and the bands ad-
justed (if equipped).
Special Additives
The manufacturer strongly recommends against the ad-
dition of any fluid additives to the transmission. Excep-
tion to this policy is the use of special dyes to aid in
detecting fluid leaks. The use of transmission sealers
should be avoided, since they may adversely affect seals.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 247
7

Brake Fluid........................... 260
Brake System.......................164,243
Anti-Lock........................164,165
Disc Brakes.......................... 243
Fluid Check......................... 243
Hoses.............................. 244
Master Cylinder...................... 243
Parking............................ 163
Self-Adjusting Rear.................... 243
Warning Light....................... 101
Brake/Transmission Interlock.............. 146
Break-In Recommendations, New Vehicle...... 52
Bulb Replacement...................... 255
Bulbs, Light........................... 254
Camper............................... 90
Capacities, Fluid....................... 258
Capacity, Cargo Weight.................. 191
Caps, Filler
Fuel............................... 186
Power Steering....................... 234
Car Washes........................... 250
Carbon Monoxide Warning.............91,189Cargo ............................... 191
Cargo Area Features..................... 194
Cargo Light.........................70,102
Cassette Tape and Player Maintenance....... 131
Cassette Tape Player...............106,119,121
Catalytic Converter..................189,231
CD Changer..................... 113,117,122
CD Player................. 110,114,116,124,126
Cellular Phone......................... 132
Center High Mounted Stop Light........... 257
Center Lap Belts........................ 30
Center Seat Storage Compartment........... 89
Certification Label...................... 191
Changing A Flat Tire.................... 209
Charging............................. 215
Chart, Tire Sizing....................... 169
Child Restraint.....................38,39,52
Child Restraint Tether Anchors...........42,46
Child Safety Locks....................... 16
Child Seat............................. 45
Climate Control........................ 133
Clock................................ 105
Club Cab............................24,64
INDEX 289
10

Viscosity.........................228,258
Onboard Diagnostic System............223,224
Opener, Garage Door..................... 81
Outside Rearview Mirrors................. 59
Overdrive............................ 148
Overhead Console.....................76,77
Overhead Travel Information Center......... 77
Overheating, Engine..................104,239
Owner's Manual....................... 284
Panic Alarm........................... 19
Parking Brake......................... 163
Parking On Hill........................ 163
Passenger Airbag On/Off Switch............ 34
Passing Light........................... 70
Pickup Box........................... 194
Placard, Tire and Loading Information....... 172
Positive Crankcase Valve................. 242
Power
Brakes............................. 243
Distribution Center.................... 252
Door Locks.......................... 14
Mirrors............................. 60Outlet.............................. 86
Steering.........................166,234
Windows............................ 22
Power Steering Fluid.................... 260
Pregnant Women and Seat Belts............. 30
Pressure Gauge, Oil..................... 100
Programmable Electronic Features.........82,85
Programming Transmitters............19,82,85
Quad Cab............................. 65
Radial Ply Tires........................ 178
Radiator Cap.......................... 240
Radio.......................106,114,119,124
Radio Operation.................. 114,119,132
Rear Axle............................. 248
Rear Window Defroster.................. 140
Rearview Mirrors........................ 58
Reclining Front Seats..................... 62
Recommended Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine
Parts............................... 259
Recreational Towing..................... 202
Shifting into Transfer Case Neutral (N)..... 202
296 INDEX