2004 DODGE DAKOTA Owners Manual

There are two groups
identified, those for wheel
bearings (Letter ªGº) and
those for chassis (Letter
ªLº) lubrication. Perfor-
mance categories within
these groups result in dual
letter designations for
each group. The letter des-
ignations shown in the ex-
ample are the highest
quality level available and when combined as shown can
be used for chassis lubrication. Use only those greases
that have the NLGI symbol on the container along with
the proper quality level for your application.
Appearance Care and Protection from Corrosion
Protection of Body and Paint from Corrosion
Vehicle body care requirements vary according to geo-
graphic locations and usage. Chemicals that make roads
passable in snow and ice, and those that are sprayed on
trees and road surfaces during other seasons, are highly
corrosive to the metal in your vehicle. Outside parking,which exposes your vehicle to airborne contaminants,
road surfaces on which the vehicle is operated, extreme
hot or cold weather and other extreme conditions will
have an adverse effect on paint, metal trim, and under-
body protection.
The following maintenance recommendations will enable
you to obtain maximum benefit from the corrosion
resistance built into your vehicle.
What Causes Corrosion?
Corrosion is the result of deterioration or removal of
paint and protective coatings from your vehicle.
The most common causes are:
²Road salt, dirt and moisture accumulation.
²Stone and gravel impact.
²Insects, tree sap and tar.
²Salt in the air near seacoast localities.
²Atmospheric fallout/industrial pollutants.
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Washing
²
Wash your vehicle regularly. Always wash your ve-
hicle in the shade using a mild car wash soap, and
rinse the panels completely with clear water.
²If insects, tar or other similar deposits have accumu-
lated on your vehicle, wash it as soon as possible.
²Use Mopar auto polish to remove road film and stains
and to polish your vehicle. Take care never to scratch
the paint.
²Avoid using abrasive compounds and power buffing
that may diminish the gloss or thin out the paint
finish.
CAUTION!
Do not use abrasive or strong cleaning materials
such as steel wool or scouring powder, which will
scratch metal and painted surfaces.
Special Care
²
If you drive on salted or dusty roads or if you drive
near the ocean, hose off the undercarriage at least once
a month.
²It is important that the drain holes in the lower edges
of the doors, rocker panels and tailgate be kept clear
and open.
²If you detect any stone chips or scratches in the paint,
touch them up immediately. The cost of such repairs is
considered the responsibility of the owner.
²If your vehicle is damaged due to an accident or
similar cause which destroys the paint and protective
coating have your vehicle repaired as soon as possible.
The cost of such repairs is considered the responsibil-
ity of the owner.
²All wheels and wheel trim, especially aluminum and
chrome plated wheels should be cleaned regularly
with mild soap and water to prevent corrosion. To
remove heavy soil, select a nonabrasive, non-acidic
cleaner. Do not use scouring pads, steel wool, a bristle
brush or metal polishes. Only Mopar cleaners are
250 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

recommended. Do not use oven cleaner. Avoid auto-
matic car washes that use acidic solutions or harsh
brushes that may damage the wheels' protective fin-
ish.
²If you carry special cargo such as chemicals, fertilizers,
de-icer salt, etc., be sure that such materials are well
packaged and sealed.
²If a lot of driving is done on gravel roads, consider
mud or stone shields behind each wheel.
²Use Mopar touch up paint on scratches as soon as
possible. Your dealer has touch up paint to match the
color of your vehicle.
Interior Care
Use Mopar Fabric Cleaner to clean fabric upholstery and
carpeting.
Use Mopar Vinyl Cleaner to clean vinyl upholstery and
trim.
Mopar Total Clean is specifically recommended for
leather upholstery.Your leather upholstery can be best preserved by regular
cleaning with a damp soft cloth. Small particles of dirt
can act as an abrasive and damage the leather upholstery
and should be removed promptly with a damp cloth.
Stubborn soils can be removed easily with a soft cloth
and Mopar Total Clean. Care should be taken to avoid
soaking your leather upholstery with any liquid. Please
do not use polishes, oils, cleaning fluids, solvents, deter-
gents, or ammonia based cleaners to clean your leather
upholstery. Application of a leather conditioner is not
required to maintain the original condition.
WARNING!
Do not use volatile solvents for cleaning purposes.
Many are potentially flammable, and if used in
closed areas they may cause respiratory harm.
Glass Surfaces
All glass surfaces should be cleaned on a regular basis
with any commercial household-type glass cleaner.
Never use an abrasive type cleaner. Use caution when
cleaning inside rear windows equipped with electric
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7

defrosters or windshields equipped with a windshield
wiper de-icer. Do not use scrapers or other sharp instru-
ments which may scratch the elements.
When cleaning the rear view mirror, spray cleaner on the
towel or rag that you are using. Do not spray cleaner
directly on the mirror.
Cleaning Plastic Instrument Cluster Lenses
The lenses in front of the instruments in this vehicle are
molded in clear plastic. When cleaning the lenses, care
must be taken to avoid scratching the plastic.
1. Clean with a wet soft rag. A mild soap solution may be
used, but do not use high alcohol content or abrasive
cleaners. If soap is used, wipe clean with a clean damp
rag.
2. Dry with a soft tissue.
Seat Belt Maintenance
Do not bleach, dye or clean the belts with chemical
solvents or abrasive cleaners. This will weaken the fabric.
Sun damage will also weaken the fabric.If the belts need cleaning, use a mild soap solution or
lukewarm water. Do not remove the belts from the car to
wash them.
Replace the belts if they appear frayed or worn or if the
buckles do not work properly.
POWER DISTRIBUTION CENTER
Your vehicle is equipped with an electrical Power Distri-
bution Center located in the engine compartment near
the battery.
252 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

This power center houses plug-in cartridge and relays. A
label inside the latching cover of the center identifies each
component for ease of replacement, if necessary. Car-
tridge fuses and relays can be obtained from your Dodge
dealer.
FUSE BLOCK
The fuse block contains blade-type mini-fuses, relays,
and circuit breakers for high-current circuits. It is located
just inboard of the left end of the instrument panel,
behind the panel surface. It is accessible through a
snap-in cover. Refer to the label on the backside of the
fuse block cover for the proper fuse amperage and
position.
CAUTION!
When replacing a blown fuse, it is important to use
only a fuse having the correct amperage rating. The
use of a fuse with a rating other than indicated may
result in a dangerous electrical system overload. If a
properly rated fuse continues to blow, it suggests a
problem in the circuit that must be corrected.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 253
7

NOTE:If you are leaving your vehicle dormant for
longer than 21 days, you may want to take steps to
protect your battery. You may do this by disconnecting
the battery or by disconnecting the ignition-off draw
(I.O.D.) fuse in cavity #12. The I.O.D. cavity includes a
snap-in retainer that allows the fuse to be disconnected,
without removing it from the fuse block. Pressing the
I.O.D. fuse back into the cavity reconnects it.
VEHICLE STORAGE
If you are storing your vehicle for more than 21 days, we
recommend that you take the following steps to mini-
mize the drain on your vehicle's battery:
²Disconnect the Ignition-Off Draw fuse (I.O.D.) fuse
located in cavity #12 of the fuse block. The I.O.D.
cavity includes a snap-in retainer that allows the fuse
to be disconnected, without removing it from the fuse
block.
²The transfer case should be placed in the 4HI mode
and kept in this position to minimize the battery drain.
²As an alternative to the above steps you may discon-
nect the negative cable from the battery.
REPLACEMENT LIGHT BULBS
LIGHT BULBS Ð Inside Bulb No.
A/C Control............................. 74
Ash Tray.............................. 161
Brake System Warning Indicator.............. 194
Dome Light............................ 579
EGR Reminder.......................... 194
Glove Box.............................. 194
Heater Control.......................... 158
High Beam Indicator...................... 194
Instrument Cluster........................ 194
Low Fuel Indicator....................... 194
Low Washer Fluid Indicator................. 194
Oil Indicator............................ 194
Overhead Console........................ 578
Seat Belt Indicator........................ 194
Switched Dome.......................... 578
Temperature Indicator..................... 194
Turn Signals............................ 194
Underhood Light......................... 561
4x4 Shift Indicator........................ 161
254 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

LIGHT BULBS Ð Outside Bulb No.
Headlight...........................9007LL
Back-Up..............................3157
Center High Mounted Stoplight.............. 921
Fog Lamp.............................881L
Front Sidemarker......................... 168
License Plate Light....................... 168
Park & Turn Signal (2)....................3157
Tail, Stop, & Sidemarker...................3157
Cargo (2).............................. 921BULB REPLACEMENT
Headlights
1. Open the hood.
2. Remove the screw as shown and pull the parking/
turn signal housing out.
3. Disconnect connectors from the parking/turn signal
lamp.
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4. Remove the bolts attaching the headlamp to the inner
fender panel.
5. Grasp the headlamp and pull firmly to disengage it
from the panel.
6. Disconnect all connectors and separate the headlamp
module from the vehicle
7. Remove the retaining ring holding the bulb to the
headlamp.
8. Pull the bulb socket from the headlamp and pull the
bulb from the socket.
NOTE:These are Halogen bulbs. Take care not to touch
the bulb with your fingers.
Parking/Turn Signal Lights
1. Remove the screw as shown and pull the parking/
turn signal housing out.2. Turn the bulb and socket assembly 1/4 turn and pull
to remove socket from housing.
3. The bulb can be removed from the socket by pulling
straight out.NOTE:Body oils from your fingers could cause exces-
sive heat buildup which reduces bulb life.
Rear Side Marker, Tail Lights, Turn Signals And
Backup Lights Ð Replacement
1. Remove the screws as illustrated. Grasp the tail light
housing and pull it rearward.
256 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE