2004 DODGE DAKOTA hood release

UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE
CONTENTS
mMirrors..............................58
NInside Day/Night Mirror.................58
NAutomatic Dimming MirrorÐ If Equipped....59
NOutside Mirrors.......................59
NExterior Mirrors Folding Feature...........59
NElectric Remote-Control Mirrors............60
NHeated Mirrors Ð If Equipped.............61
mSeats................................61
NSeat Adjustment.......................61
NReclining Seats........................62
N6 - Way Power Seat Adjuster Ð Driver's Side
Only...............................63NLumbar Support Adjustment Ð Power Seats
Only...............................63
NSeatback Releases Ð Bench Seat............63
NSeatback ReleasesÐBucket And Split Bench....64
NClub Cab Easy Entry System..............64
NClub Cab/Quad Cab Rear Seat.............65
mTo Open And Close The Hood.............66
mLights...............................67
NInterior Lights........................67
NBattery Saver.........................68
NHeadlamp Delay.......................68
NHeadlights, Parking Lights, Panel Lights......68
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TO OPEN AND CLOSE THE HOOD
To open the hood, two latches must be released. First pull
the hood release lever located under the left side of the
instrument panel.
Second, locate the hood safety latch lever between the
front grille openings to the left of center. Push this lever
to the right to release the hood.To prevent possible damage, do not slam the hood to
close it. Use a firm downward push at the center of the
hood to ensure that both latches engage. Never drive
your vehicle unless the hood is fully closed, with both
latches engaged.
66 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

Front Suspension Ball Joints
The ball joints and seals should be inspected whenever
the vehicle is serviced for other reasons. Damaged seals
should be replaced to prevent leakage or contamination
of the grease.
Steering Linkage
Whenever the vehicle is hoisted, all steering linkage
joints should be inspected for evidence of damage. Dam-
aged seals should be replaced to prevent leakage or
contamination of the grease.
Drive Shaft Constant Velocity Joints Ð 4X4
Models
All four-wheel drive models are equipped with four
constant velocity joints. Periodic lubrication of these
joints is not required. However, the joint boot should be
inspected for external leakage or damage periodically. If
external leakage or damage is evident, the joint boot and
grease should be replaced immediately. Continued op-
eration could result in failure of the joint due to water
and dirt contamination of the grease. This would require
complete replacement of the joint assembly. Refer to the
Service Manual for the detailed replacement procedure.
Body Lubrication
Locks and all body pivot points, including such items as
seat tracks, doors,liftgate and hood hinges, should be
lubricated periodically to assure quiet, easy operation
and to protect against rust and wear. Prior to the appli-
cation of any lubricant, the parts concerned should be
wiped clean to remove dust and grit; after lubricating
excess oil and grease should be removed. Particular
attention should also be given to hood latching compo-
nents to insure proper function. When performing other
underhood services, the hood latch, release mechanism
and safety catch should be cleaned and lubricated.
The external lock cylinders should be lubricated twice a
year, preferably in the fall and spring. Apply a small
amount of a high quality lubricant such as MopartLock
Cylinder Lubricant directly into the lock cylinder.
Windshield Wiper Blades
The rubber edges of the wiper blades and the windshield
should be cleaned periodically with a sponge or soft cloth
and a mild nonabrasive cleaner. This will remove accu-
mulations of salt or road film.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 235
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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
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Shifting out of Transfer Case Neutral (N) . . . 204
Reformulated Gasoline................... 184
Refrigerant............................ 234
Release, Hood.......................... 66
Remote Keyless Entry.................... 17
Remote Sound System Controls............ 130
Replacement Tires...................... 180
Reporting Safety Defects................. 284
Restraints, Child......................38,45
Restraints, Occupant..................... 24
Rocking Vehicle When Stuck.............. 167
Rotation, Tires......................183,264
Safety Checks Inside Vehicle............... 54
Safety Checks Outside Vehicle.............. 54
Safety Defects, Reporting................. 284
Safety Information, Tire.................. 167
Safety Tips............................. 53
Schedule, Maintenance................... 263
Seat Belt Maintenance................... 252
Seat Belts............................24,25
And Pregnant Women.................. 30
Child Restraint......................38,52Extender............................ 31
Front Seat............................ 25
Inspection........................... 54
Reminder........................... 101
Seats................................. 61
Adjustment.......................... 61
Bench............................... 63
Easy Entry........................... 64
Lumbar Support....................... 63
Reclining............................ 62
Security Alarm.......................21,102
Selection of Coolant..................... 259
Selection of Oil........................ 228
Self-Adjusting Brakes.................... 243
Sentry Key............................. 9
Service and Maintenance..............262,263
Service Assistance...................... 280
Service Contract........................ 282
Service Manuals........................ 284
Setting the Clock....................... 105
Shift Speeds, Manual Transmission.......... 151
Shifting.............................. 146
Manual Transmission.................. 150
INDEX 297
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