2004 DODGE DAKOTA belt

WARNING!
Adjusting a seat while the vehicle is moving is
dangerous. The sudden movement of the seat could
cause you to lose control. The seat belt might not be
properly adjusted and you could be injured. Adjust
any seat only while the vehicle is parked.
Reclining Seats
Both the bucket seats and the split-bench seats are
equipped with recliners. The reclining mechanism is
operated by a control located on the outboard side of the
seat. To recline, lean forward slightly before lifting the
lever, then push back to the desired angle and release the
lever. Lean forward and lift the lever to return the
seatback to its normal position.
WARNING!
Do not ride with the seatback reclined so that the
shoulder belt is no longer resting against your chest.
In a collision you could slide under the seat belt and
be seriously or even fatally injured. Use the recliner
only when the vehicle is parked.
62 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

Seatback ReleasesÐBucket And Split Bench
Both seats have a position latch release. To release the
seatback if you are on the outside of the vehicle, lift up on
the recliner lever located on the outboard side of the seat.
From the rear seat, lift the lever located on the rear of the
seatback.
Club Cab Easy Entry System
To allow easier access to the rear seat, the front passenger
seat will move to its full forward position when the
seatback is folded down. To fold the seatback forward if
you are on the outside of the vehicle, lift up on therecliner lever located on the outboard side of the seat.
From the rear seat, pull the cloth pull-tab located on the
rear or the seat cushion rearward until the latch releases,
and then push the seat forward. The seat will lock in
place when the back is returned to an upright position
and will need to be reset. However, the seat may be slid
rearward before returning the seatback to the upright
position to minimize the amount of readjustment re-
quired.
NOTE:Power seats are available with the Club or Quad
Cab models only.
CAUTION!
When operating the folding front seat, use care in
repositioning seat to its normal position. This will
prevent shoulder belt harness from being caught
behind seat or tangled in the seatback latching
mechanism.
64 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

WARNING!
It is extremely dangerous to ride in a cargo area,
inside or outside of a vehicle. In a collision, people
riding in these areas are more likely to be seriously
injured or killed.
Do not allow people to ride in any area of your
vehicle that is not equipped with seats and seat belts.
Be sure everyone in your vehicle is in a seat and
using a seat belt properly.
Club Cab/Quad Cab Rear Seat
More cargo space is available by lifting up on the rear
seat cushion.The Club Cab/Quad Cab rear seat is a 60/40 split
cushion and full back. Either cushion can be raised
independently.
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 65
3

12. Seat Belt Reminder Light
This light comes on for several seconds after the
ignition is turned ON as a reminder to ªbuckle
up.º This light will remain on as long as the seat
belt remains unbuckled. If this light flashes, it indi-
cates a fault in the airbag system. Have the system
checked by an authorized dealer.
13. Low Washer Fluid Indicator
This light comes on when the washer fluid level falls
below approximately 1/4 full. The light will remain on
until fluid is added and ignition switch is cycled.
14. Brake System Warning Light
This light will light when the ignition key is turned to the
ON position and will remain on for a few seconds. If the
light stays on, it may be an indication that the parking
brake has not been released, or there is a low brake fluid
level. If the light remains on when the parking brake has
been disengaged, and the fluid level is at the full mark on
the master cylinder reservoir, it indicates a possible brake
hydraulic system malfunction. In this case, the light will
remain on until the cause is corrected. If the parking
brake is applied, the light will flash when the gearposition is out of park for automatic transmissions, or the
engine RPM is greater than 0 for manual transmissions.
If brake failure is indicated, immediate repair is neces-
sary.Operating the vehicle in this condition is danger-
ous!
15. SERVICE 4WD Indicator
This light monitors the electric shift 4WD
system. This light will come on when the
ignition key is turned to the ON position and
will stay on for 2 seconds. If the light stays
on or comes on during driving, it means that the 4WD
system is not functioning properly and that service is
required.
16. Check Gages
This light illuminates when the Voltmeter, En-
gine Oil Pressure or Engine Coolant Tempera-
ture gages indicate a reading either too high or too
low. Examine the gages carefully, and follow the
instructions above for each indicated problem.
NOTE:
When the ignition switch is turned to OFF, the
Fuel Gage, Voltmeter, Oil Pressure and Engine Coolant
INSTRUMENT PANEL AND CONTROLS 101
4

See your dealer or a reputable installer of aftermarket
equipment for further information on the installation of
these supports.
WARNING!
It is extremely dangerous to ride in a cargo area,
inside or outside of a vehicle. In a collision, people
riding in these areas are more likely to be seriously
injured or killed.
Do not allow people to ride in any area of your
vehicle that is not equipped with seats and seat belts.
Be sure every one in your vehicle is in a seat and
using a seat belt properly
TRAILER TOWING
To maintain warranty coverage, follow the requirements
and recommendations in this manual concerning ve-
hicles used for trailer towing.
Definitions
The following trailer towing related terminology defini-
tions will assist in understanding the subsequent sec-
tions:
GROSS COMBINATION WEIGHT RATING (GCWR)
is the total permissible weight of your vehicle and trailer
when weighed in combination. (Note that GCWR ratings
include a 68 kg (150 lb.) allowance for the presence of a
driver.) Tongue Weight (of a trailer) is the weight placed
on a vehicle's trailer hitch by the trailer.
GROSS TRAILER WEIGHT (GTW)is the weight of the
trailer plus the weight of all cargo, consumables and
equipment (permanent or temporary) loaded in or on the
trailer in its9loaded and ready for operation9condition.
TRAILER SWAY CONTROLis a telescoping link that
can be installed between the hitch receiver and the trailer
STARTING AND OPERATING 195
5

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

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
7

quality filters should be used to assure most efficient
service. Mopar Engine Oil Filters are a high quality oil
filter and are recommended.
Drive Belts Ð Check Condition and Tension
At the mileage indicated in the maintenance schedule, all
belts should be checked for condition and proper tension.
Improper belt tension can cause belt slippage and failure.
Belts should be inspected for evidence of cuts, cracks, or
glazing, and replaced if there is indication of damage
which could result in belt failure. If adjustment is re-
quired, see your authorized dealer for service. Low
generator belt tension can cause battery failure. A special
tool is required to properly measure tension and to
restore belt tension to factory specifications.
Also check belt routing to make sure there is no interfer-
ence between the belts and other engine components.
Spark Plugs
Spark plugs must fire properly to assure proper engine
performance and emission control. The plugs installed in
your vehicle should operate satisfactorily in normal
service for the mileage indicated in the MaintenanceChart. New plugs should be installed at this mileage. The
entire set should be replaced if there is any malfunction
due to a faulty spark plug. Check the Vehicle Emissions
Control Information label for the proper type of spark
plug for your vehicle.
CAUTION!
When replacing plugs, do not overtighten. You could
damage them and cause them to leak.
Ignition Cables
Replace the ignition cables at the mileage interval shown
in the maintenance charts.
Engine Air Cleaner Filter
Under normal driving conditions, replace the air filter at
the intervals shown on Schedule ªAº. If, however, you
drive the vehicle frequently under dusty or severe con-
ditions, the filter element should be inspected periodi-
cally and replaced if necessary at the intervals shown on
Schedule ªBº.
230 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE