2004 DODGE DAKOTA manual transmission

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
CONTENTS
mA Word About Your Keys................. 9
NKey-In-Ignition Reminder................ 9
NSentry Key Ð If Equipped................ 9
mIgnition And Steering Lock Ð If Equipped....11
NManual Transmissions...................11
NAutomatic Transmissions.................12
mIlluminated Entry.......................12
NVehicles Equipped With Power Door Locks....12
mDoor Locks...........................13
NManual Locks.........................13
NPower Door Locks Ð If Equipped..........14NChild Protection Door Lock...............16
mRemote Keyless Entry Ð If Equipped........17
NTo Unlock The Doors (Four Door Vehicles)....17
NTo Lock The Doors.....................18
NUsing The Panic Alarm..................19
NProgramming Additional Transmitters........19
NGeneral Information....................20
NTransmitter Battery Service...............21
mSecurity Alarm System Ð If Equipped.......21
NTo Set The Alarm......................21
NTo Disarm The System...................22
2

General Information
This device complies with part 15 of FCC rules and with
RS-210 of Industry Canada. Operation is subject to the
following conditions:
1. This device may not cause harmful interference.
2. This device must accept any interference that may be
received including interference that may cause undesired
operation.
NOTE:Changes or modifications not expressly ap-
proved by the party responsible for compliance could
void the user's authority to operate the equipment.
IGNITION AND STEERING LOCK Ð IF EQUIPPED
Manual Transmissions
Depress and hold the release button located between the
ignition switch and the instrument panel. Turn the igni-
tion key to LOCK and remove the key.
Manual Transmissions
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 11
2

To Resume Speed
To resume a previously set speed, push and release the
RESUME button. Resume can be used at any speed above
50 km/h (30 mph).
To Vary The Speed Setting
When the speed control is on, speed can be increased by
pressing and holding the ACCEL button. When the
button is released, a new set speed will be established.
Tapping the ACCEL button once will result ina2mph
(3.2 km/h) speed increase. Each time the button is
tapped, speed increases so that tapping the button three
times will increase speed by 6 mph (9.6 km/h), etc.
Tapping the COAST button once will result ina1mph
(1.6 km/h) speed decrease. Each time the button is
tapped, speed will decrease. For example, tapping the
button 3 times will decrease the speed by 3 mph (4.8
km/h), etc.
To decrease speed while the speed control is on, press
and hold the COAST button. Release the button when the
desired speed is reached, and the new speed will be set.
To Accelerate For Passing
Depress the accelerator as you would normally. When the
pedal is released, the vehicle will return to the set speed.
NOTE:When driving uphill, at elevations above 2,000
feet (610 Meters), or when the vehicle is heavily loaded
(especially when towing) the vehicle may slow below the
SET speed. If the vehicle speed drops below 30 mph (48
km/h), the speed control will automatically disengage. If
this happens, you can push down on the accelerator
pedal to maintain the desired speed.
Vehicles equipped with a 5±speed manual transmission
should be operated in 4th gear under the above condi-
tions.
Vehicles equipped with a 4±speed automatic transmis-
sion may exhibit several 4-3 downshifts under the above
conditions. To reduce the frequency of the downshifts
and to improve vehicle performance, it is advisable to
lock out overdrive by pressing the O/D OFF button
located at the end of the gear shifter.
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 75
3

INSTRUMENT CLUSTER DESCRIPTION
1. Engine Coolant Temperature Gage
The temperature gage indicates engine coolant
temperature. Any reading within the normal
range indicates that the cooling system is oper-
ating satisfactorily. The gage needle in V6 and V8
engines will likely indicate a high temperature when
driving in hot weather, up mountain grades, in heavy
traffic, or when towing a trailer. If the needle rises to
260É (hot mark), stop the vehicle, shift into N (Neutral)
and elevate engine speed for 2-3 minutes. If the
temperature reading does not return to normal, seek
authorized service immediately.
CAUTION!
Do not leave your vehicle unattended with the
engine running as you would not be able to react to
the temperature indicator if the engine overheats.
The gage pointer will remain near its last reading when
the engine is turned off. It will return to a true reading
when the engine is restarted.
2. Voltage Gage ± If Equipped
When the engine is running, the gage will
indicate the electrical system voltage. During
normal electrical load, the pointer will remain near the
center of the scale. If the pointer moves to either the
high or low sections, and remains there during normal
driving, the electrical system should be serviced.
3. Tachometer
This gage measures engine revolutions per minute (rpm
x 1000).
4. Shift Indicator Light
A small triangle lights to signal the most economical shift
point for vehicles equipped with a manual transmission.
See the Manual Transmission Operating description in
section 5 of this manual for details.
5. Turn Signal Indicators
When a turn signal is activated, a right-pointing or
left-pointing arrow lights up and flashes to indicate the
INSTRUMENT PANEL AND CONTROLS 99
4

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

Temperature gages may not show accurate readings.
When the engine is not running, turn the ignition switch
to ON to obtain accurate readings.
17. Airbag Indicator
The indicator lights and remains lit for 6 to 8
seconds when the ignition is first turned ON. If
the light does not come on when the ignition is first
turned on, or the light stays on or comes on while
driving, have the airbag system checked by an autho-
rized dealer.
18. Low Fuel Warning Light
This indicator lights when the fuel gauge reads
1/8 of a tank or less.
19. ABS Warning Light
This light monitors the Anti-Lock Brake Sys-
tem which is described elsewhere in this
manual. This light will come on when the
ignition key is turned to the ON position and
may stay on for 5 seconds. If this light remains on or
comes on during driving, it indicates that the anti-lockportion of the brake system is not functioning and that
service is required. See your authorized dealer imme-
diately.
20. Transmission Oil Temperature Warning Light
This light indicates that there is excessive
transmission fluid temperature that might
occur with severe usage such as trailer tow-
ing. If this light comes on, stop the vehicle
and run the engine at idle or faster, with the transmis-
sion in NEUTRAL until the light goes off.
21. Security
The light will flash rapidly for approximately 15 seconds
when the vehicle theft alarm is arming. The light will
flash at a slower rate after the alarm is set. The security
light will also come on for about three seconds when the
ignition is first turned ON.
22. Cargo Lamp
The Cargo Lamp light will illuminate when the Cargo
Lamp is activated from the Head Lamp switch.
102 INSTRUMENT PANEL AND CONTROLS

STARTING AND OPERATING
CONTENTS
mStarting Procedures....................144
NManual Transmission..................144
NAutomatic Transmission................144
NNormal Starting......................144
NEngine Block Heater Ð If Equipped........146
mShifting.............................146
NAutomatic Transmission................146
NManual Transmission..................150
mFour-Wheel Drive Operation..............151
NNV 233 Transfer Case Operating
Information/Precautions................151
NShifting Procedure - NV233 Transfer Case....155NNV244 Transfer Case Operating
Information / Precautions...............157
NShifting Procedure - NV244 Transfer Case....160
mLimited-Slip Differential Ð If Equipped.....162
mParking Brake.........................163
mBrake System.........................164
NRear Wheel Anti-Lock Brake System........164
NFour-Wheel Anti-Lock Brake System Ð If
Equipped...........................165
mPower Steering........................166
mRocking The Vehicle....................167
mTire Safety Information..................167
5

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