2004 DODGE DAKOTA warning

U.S. federal regulations require that upon transfer of
vehicle ownership, the seller certify to the purchaser the
correct mileage that the vehicle has been driven. There-
fore, if the odometer reading is changed during repair or
replacement, be sure to keep a record of the reading
before and after the service so that the correct mileage can
be determined.
The trip odometer shows individual trip mileage. To
toggle between the odometer and the trip odometer,
press the Odometer/Trip Odometer Button.
27. Cruise Light
This indicator lights when the electronic speed control
system is turned on.
28. Coolant Temperature Light (Clusters Without A
Gauge)
This light warns of an overheated engine con-
dition. For a bulb check, this light will come on
momentarily when the ignition is turned On. If
the light turns on while driving, stop the vehicle and
shut off the engine as soon as possible.
CAUTION!
Driving with a hot engine cooling system could
damage your vehicle. If the temperature light is on,
pull over and stop the vehicle. Idle the vehicle with
the air conditioner turned off until the light turns
off. If the if the light remains on, turn the engine off
immediately, and call for service.
WARNING!
A hot engine cooling system is dangerous. You or
others could be badly burned by steam or boiling
coolant. You may want to call a service center if your
vehicle overheats. If you decide to look under the
hood yourself, see Section 7 of this manual. Follow
the warnings under the Cooling System Pressure
Cap paragraph.
104 INSTRUMENT PANEL AND CONTROLS

CD Changer Control Capability Ð If Equipped
This radio is compatible with a remote mounted CD
changer available through Mopar Accessories. The fol-
lowing instructions are for the radio controls that operate
this CD changer.
Mode Button
To activate the CD changer, press the MODE button until
CD information appears on the display.
Push-Button
While the CD changer is playing, press the NUMBER 1
push-button or the NUMBER 5 push-button to select a
disc numbered higher or lower than the one currently
being played.
Seek Button
Press the SEEK up or down to select another track on the
same disc. A SEEK symbol will appear on the display.
Fast Forward And Rewind Buttons
Press and hold the FF button for fast forward. Press and
hold the RW button for fast reverse.
The audio output can be heard when fast forward and
fast reverse are activated.
Random Play (RND)
Press the Random button to play the tracks on the
selected disc in random order for an interesting change of
pace.
Random can be cancelled by pressing the button a second
time or by ejecting the CD from the changer.
CD Diagnostic Indicators
When driving over a very rough road, the CD player may
skip momentarily. Skipping will not damage the disc or
the player, and play will resume automatically.
As a safeguard and to protect your CD player, one of the
following warning symbols may appear on your display.
A CD HOT symbol indicates the player is too hot.
CD HOT will pause the operation. Play can be resumed
when the operating temperature is corrected or another
MODE is selected.
An ERR symbol will appear on the display if the laser is
unable to read the Disc data for the following reasons:
²Excessive vibration
INSTRUMENT PANEL AND CONTROLS 113
4

Mode Button
To activate the CD changer, press the MODE button until
CD information appears on the display.
Push-Button
While the CD changer is playing, press the NUMBER 1
push-button or the NUMBER 5 push-button to select a
disc numbered higher or lower than the one currently
being played.
Seek Button
Press the SEEK up or down to select another track on the
same disc. A SEEK symbol will appear on the display.
Fast Forward And Rewind Buttons
Press and hold the FF button for fast forward. Press and
hold the RW button for fast reverse.
The audio output can be heard when fast forward and
fast reverse are activated.
Random Play (RND)
Press the Random button to play the tracks on the
selected disc in random order for an interesting change of
pace.Random can be cancelled by pressing the button a second
time or by ejecting the CD from the changer.
CD Diagnostic Indicators
When driving over a very rough road, the CD player may
skip momentarily. Skipping will not damage the disc or
the player, and play will resume automatically.
As a safeguard and to protect your CD player, one of the
following warning symbols may appear on your display.
A CD HOT symbol indicates the player is too hot.
CD HOT will pause the operation. Play can be resumed
when the operating temperature is corrected or another
MODE is selected.
An ERR symbol will appear on the display if the laser is
unable to read the Disc data for the following reasons:
²Excessive vibration
²Disc inserted upside down
²Damaged disc
²Water condensation on optics
118 INSTRUMENT PANEL AND CONTROLS

Mode Button
To activate the CD changer, press the MODE button until
CD information appears on the display.
Push-Button
While the CD changer is playing, press the NUMBER 1
push-button or the NUMBER 5 push-button to select a
disc numbered higher or lower than the one currently
being played.
Seek Button
Press the SEEK up or down to select another track on the
same disc. A SEEK symbol will appear on the display.
Fast Forward And Rewind Buttons
Press and hold the FF button for fast forward. Press and
hold the RW button for fast reverse.
The audio output can be heard when fast forward and
fast reverse are activated.
Random Play (RND)
Press the Random button to play the tracks on the
selected disc in random order for an interesting change of
pace.Random can be cancelled by pressing the button a second
time or by ejecting the CD from the changer.
CD Diagnostic Indicators
When driving over a very rough road, the CD player may
skip momentarily. Skipping will not damage the disc or
the player, and play will resume automatically.
As a safeguard and to protect your CD player, one of the
following warning symbols may appear on your display.
A CD HOT symbol indicates the player is too hot.
CD HOT will pause the operation. Play can be resumed
when the operating temperature is corrected or another
MODE is selected.
An ERR symbol will appear on the display if the laser is
unable to read the Disc data for the following reasons:
²Excessive vibration
²Disc inserted upside down
²Damaged disc
²Water condensation on optics
INSTRUMENT PANEL AND CONTROLS 123
4

NTire Markings........................167
NTire Identification Number (TIN)..........171
NTire Loading And Tire Pressure...........172
mTiresÐGeneral Information...............175
NTire Pressure.........................175
NTire Inflation Pressures.................176
NRadial-Ply Tires......................178
NCompact Spare Tire Ð If Equipped.........178
NTire Spinning........................179
NTread Wear Indicators..................180
NReplacement Tires.....................180
NAlignment And Balance.................181
mSupplemental Tire Pressure Information.....182
mTire Chains...........................182
mSnow Tires...........................183
mTire Rotation Recommendations...........183
mFuel Requirements.....................184
NReformulated Gasoline.................184
NGasoline/Oxygenate Blends..............185
NMMT In Gasoline.....................185
NSulfur In Gasoline.....................185
NMaterials Added To Fuel................186
mAdding Fuel..........................186
NFuel Filler Cap (Gas Cap)...............186
NFuel Tank Filler Tube...................187
NFuel System Cautions..................188
NCarbon Monoxide Warnings..............189
mCatalytic Converter.....................189
mVehicle Loading.......................191
NCertification Label.....................191
NCurb Weight.........................192
NLoading............................192
142 STARTING AND OPERATING

STARTING PROCEDURES
The starter should not be operated for more than 15
second intervals. Waiting a few seconds between such
intervals will protect the starter from overheating.
Manual Transmission
Apply the parking brake, place the gearshift control lever
in NEUTRAL and depress clutch pedal to the floor before
starting the vehicle. This vehicle is equipped with a
clutch interlocking ignition system. It will not start unless
the clutch is depressed.
Automatic Transmission
Start the engine with the shift lever in NEUTRAL or
PARK position. Apply the brake before shifting to any
driving range.
WARNING!
Do not attempt to push or tow your vehicle to get it
started. Vehicles equipped with an automatic trans-
mission cannot be started this way. Unburned fuel
could enter the catalytic converter and once the
engine has started, ignite and damage the converter
and vehicle. If the vehicle has a discharged battery,
booster cables may be used to obtain a start from a
booster battery or the battery in another vehicle. This
type of start can be dangerous if done improperly.
See section 6 of this manual for the proper jump
starting procedures and follow them carefully.
Normal Starting
Normal starting of either a warm or cold engine is
obtained without pumping or depressing the accelerator
pedal. Turn the key to the START position and release
when the engine starts. If the engine fails to start within
10 seconds, turn the key to the OFF position, wait 5
seconds, then repeat the starting procedure.
144 STARTING AND OPERATING

If Engine Fails To Start
If the engine fails to start after you have followed the
Normal Starting procedure, it may be flooded. Push the
accelerator pedal all the way to the floor and hold it there
while cranking the engine. This should clear any excess
fuel in case the engine is flooded.
CAUTION!
To prevent damage to the starter, do not crank the
engine for more than 15 seconds at a time. Wait 10 to
15 seconds before trying again.
If the engine has been flooded, it may start to run, but not
have enough power to continue running when the key is
released. If this occurs, continue cranking with the accel-
erator pedal pushed all the way to the floor. Release the
accelerator pedal and the key once the engine is running
smoothly.If the engine shows no sign of starting after two 15
second periods of cranking with the accelerator pedal
held to the floor, the Normal Starting procedure should
be repeated.
WARNING!
Never pour fuel or other flammable liquid into the
throttle body air inlet opening in an attempt to start
the vehicle. This could result in flash fire causing
serious personal injury.
After Starting
The idle speed is automatically controlled on fuel injected
engines and will decrease as the engine warms up.
STARTING AND OPERATING 145
5

CAUTION!
Long periods of engine idling can cause excessive
exhaust temperatures which can damage your ve-
hicle. Do not leave your vehicle unattended with the
engine running.
WARNING!
Do not leave children or animals inside parked
vehicles in hot weather. Interior heat build up may
cause serious injury or death.
Engine Block Heater Ð If Equipped
The engine block heater warms engine coolant and
permits quicker starts in cold weather. Connect the cord
to a standard 110-115 volt AC electrical outlet with a
grounded, three wire extension cord.
The engine block heater cord is located at the right front
of the engine compartment for all engine applications.
WARNING!
Remember to disconnect the cord before driving.
Damage to the 110-115 volt electrical cord could
cause electrocution.
SHIFTING
Automatic Transmission
The gear shift lever is mounted on the right side of the
steering column. To engage a gear for driving, move the
shift lever from P-Park or N-Neutral to the desired gear
range (R-Reverse, D-Drive, 2±Second, or 1±First). To
move the shift lever, pull it toward you, then release it
when the desired gear range is reached. The Transmis-
sion Range Indicator (labeled ªGear Selectorº) in the
instrument cluster shows the selected gear range. The
Indicator is illuminated for night driving.
Brake/Transmission Interlock System
This system prevents you from moving the gear shift out
of Park and into any gear unless the brake pedal is
pressed. This system is active only while the ignition
146 STARTING AND OPERATING