2004 DODGE DAKOTA ignition

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

WARNING!
A hot exhaust system can start a fire if you park over
materials that can burn. Such materials might be
grass or leaves coming into contact with your ex-
haust system. Do not park or operate your vehicle in
areas where your exhaust system can contact any-
thing that can burn.
In unusual situations involving grossly malfunctioning
engine operation, a scorching odor may indicate severe
and abnormal catalyst overheating. If this occurs, the
vehicle should be stopped, the engine shut off and the
vehicle allowed to cool. Thereafter, service, including a
tune-up to manufacturer's specifications, should be ob-
tained immediately.To minimize the possibility of catalyst damage:
²Do not shut off the engine or interrupt the ignition
when the transmission is in gear and the vehicle is in
motion.
²Do not try to start engine by pushing or towing the
vehicle.
²Do not idle the engine with any spark plug wires
disconnected or removed, such as when diagnostic
testing, or for prolonged periods during very rough
idling or malfunctioning operating conditions.
Maintenance-Free Battery
All Dodge trucks are equipped with maintenance-free
batteries. You will never have to add water, nor is
periodic maintenance required.
232 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

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

Headlights............................ 255
Dimmer Switch....................... 100
High Beam........................... 71
High Beam/Low Beam Select Switch....... 71
Lights On Reminder.................... 69
Replacing........................... 255
Switch.............................. 68
Heater............................... 133
Heater, Engine Block.................... 146
High Beam/Low Beam Select Switch......... 71
Hitches
Trailer Towing....................... 198
Holder, Cup........................... 89
Homelink Transmitter.................... 81
Hood Release.......................... 66
Hoses............................... 241
Ignition............................... 11
Cables............................. 230
Key ............................... 9,11
Lock................................ 11
Illuminated Entry....................... 12
Infant Restraint.......................38,39Inflation Pressure Tires................... 182
Inside Rearview Mirror................... 58
Instrument Cluster.....................97,99
Instrument Panel and Controls.............. 96
Instrument Panel Lens Cleaning............ 252
Interior Appearance Care................. 251
Interior Lights.......................... 67
Intermittent Wipers...................... 71
Introduction............................ 4
Jack Location.......................... 209
Jack Operation......................... 211
Jump Starting......................... 215
Key, Replacement....................... 10
Key, Sentry............................. 9
Key-In Reminder......................... 9
Keyless Entry System..................... 17
Keys.................................. 9
Knee Bolster........................... 31
Lane Change and Turn Signals............70,99
Lap Belts.............................. 30
INDEX 293
10

Lap/Shoulder Belts...................... 25
LATCH
(Lower Anchors and Tether for CHildren).... 42
Lead Free Gasoline...................... 184
Lights..............................54,67
Airbag...........................38,102
Anti-Lock Warning.................... 102
Back-Up............................ 256
Brake Warning....................... 101
Bulb Replacement..................... 254
Cargo ............................... 70
Center Mounted Stop.................. 257
Check Gauges........................ 101
Courtesy/Reading..................... 76
Cruise............................. 104
Daytime Running...................... 69
Fog .............................69,257
Hazard Warning Flasher................ 208
Headlights........................... 68
High Beam........................... 71
Instrument Cluster...................97,99
Intensity Control...................... 68
Interior...........................67,76License............................. 257
Lights On Reminder.................... 69
Low Fuel........................... 102
Low Washer Fluid.................... 101
Malfunction Indicator.................. 103
Park............................... 256
Passing............................. 70
Seat Belt Reminder.................... 101
Service..........................254,255
Transmission Warning.................. 102
Turn Signal........................70,256
Upshift Indicator...................99,151
Warning (Instrument Cluster Description).... 99
Washer Fluid........................ 101
Limited-Slip Differential.................. 162
Load Limits........................... 191
Loading Vehicle.....................191,194
Tires ............................... 172
Locks................................ 13
Child Protection....................... 16
Door............................... 13
Ignition............................. 11
Keys................................ 9
294 INDEX