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direction of the turn. These indicators also indicate
proper operation of the front and rear turn signal lights.
If either indicator flashes at a faster rate than normal,
check for a defective bulb. If either indicator fails to light
up when the lever is moved, check for a defective fuse or
turn signal bulb. A continuous low chime is activated
when the left/right turn signal is left on with the engine
RPM vehicle speed greater than 15 mph (24 km/h) for
more than 1 mi. (1.6 km)
6. High Beam Indicator
This light indicates that headlights are on high
beam.
7. Speedometer
This gage shows vehicle speed in miles per hour and
kilometers per hour.
8. Oil Pressure Gage ± If Equipped
This gage indicates engine oil pressure. Any
reading within the normal range indicates that
the engine oil system is operating satisfactorily. A
continuous high or low reading under normal operat-
ing conditions may indicate a lubrication system mal-
function. Immediate service should be obtained. Theoil gage does not indicate the amount of oil in the
engine. See section 7 for the oil level checking proce-
dure.
9. Fuel Gage
This gage shows the level of fuel in tank when
the ignition switch is in the ON position.
10. Gear Selector
The electronic gear selector display is self-contained
within the instrument cluster. It displays the position of
the automatic transmission shift lever, and the relation of
each position to all other positions. For a good signal the
display will place a box around the selected transmission
range (PRND21). If the PRNDL displays only the char-
acters PRND21 (no boxes) or PRND21 with all boxes on,
have the system checked by an authorized dealer.
11. O/D (Overdrive) OFF Indicator (Automatic
Transmissions Only
This light will illuminate when the overdrive off button
has been selected.
100 INSTRUMENT PANEL AND CONTROLS
Page 199 of 300
![DODGE DAKOTA 2004 3.G Owners Manual 2.GTW
3.Tongue weight rating for the trailer hitch uti-
lized (This requirement may limit the ability to
always achieve the 10% to 15% range of tongue
weight [15% to 25% for a(5th Wheel(style trailer] DODGE DAKOTA 2004 3.G Owners Manual 2.GTW
3.Tongue weight rating for the trailer hitch uti-
lized (This requirement may limit the ability to
always achieve the 10% to 15% range of tongue
weight [15% to 25% for a(5th Wheel(style trailer]](/manual-img/12/5586/w960_5586-198.png)
2.GTW
3.Tongue weight rating for the trailer hitch uti-
lized (This requirement may limit the ability to
always achieve the 10% to 15% range of tongue
weight [15% to 25% for a(5th Wheel(style trailer]
as a percentage of total trailer weight.)
4.GAWR ratings
NOTE:
Towing a trailer equipped with more than the
standard lighting (turn, tail, stop and backup lights) may
cause an abnormally high electrical current draw through
the headlight switch, causing the switch to fail. To
prevent a recurring switch failure install a trailer tow
wiring harness overlay kit with relay to bypass headlight
switch (available from your dealer).
Trailer Towing Information (Maximum Trailer
Weight Ratings)
(Trailer Towing Guide(
NOTE:
For trailer towing information (maximum
trailer weight ratings) refer to the following website
address:http:// www.dodge.com/towing.
In Canada, refer to the following website address:
http:// www.dodge.ca.
Trailer Towing Requirements
All Dodge Dakota trucks are intended to tow trailers up
to 2,000 lbs. without added equipment or alterations to
standard equipment. Your vehicle may be factory
equipped for safe towing of trailers weighing over 2,000
lbs. with the Trailer Tow Package. The electrical part of
this package includes an instruction sheet, a 7/4 pin
adaptor, a wiring pigtail for an aftermarket electric trailer
brake controller, and three relays that must be installed
into the power distribution center. These items are stored
in the glove box. Also included in the Trailer Tow
Package are two fuses and a relay that are located on the
driver's side of the engine compartment on a harness
near the Power Distribution Center. This relay and the
fuses power up the trailer towing option. See your Dodge
dealer for further information.
If you regularly pull a trailer, regardless of the trailer size,
stop and turn signals on the trailer are recommended for
motoring safety. To handle the additional electrical load
STARTING AND OPERATING 199
5
Page 254 of 300

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