2004 DODGE DAKOTA odometer

NDaytime Running Lights (Canada Only)......69
NLights-On Reminder....................69
NFog Lights Ð If Equipped................69
NCargo Light Ð If Equipped...............70
mMultifunction Control Lever...............70
NTurn Signals..........................70
NPassing Light.........................70
NHigh Beam / Low Beam Select Switch.......71
NWindshield Wipers.....................71
NWindshield Washers....................72
mTilt Steering Column Ð If Equipped.........73
mElectronic Speed Control Ð If Equipped......74
NTo Activate...........................74
NTo Set At A Desired Speed................74
NTo Deactivate.........................74
NTo Resume Speed......................75NTo Vary The Speed Setting................75
NTo Accelerate For Passing................75
mOverhead Console......................76
NCourtesy/Reading Lights.................76
mCompass/Temperature Mini-Trip Computer...77
NUS/M Button.........................77
NReset Button..........................77
NGlobal Reset..........................77
NStep Button..........................78
NAverage Fuel Economy (AVG ECO).........78
NDistance To Empty (DTE)................78
NTrip Odometer (ODO)...................78
NElapsed Time (ET)......................78
NC/T Button..........................79
NCompass/Temperature Display............79
NAutomatic Compass Calibration............79
56 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

also known as the9Party9mode because it allows the
doors to stay open for extended periods of time without
discharging the vehicle's battery.
The brightness of the instrument panel lighting can be
regulated by rotating the dimmer control up (brighter) or
down (dimmer). When the headlights are ON you can
supplement the brightness of the odometer, trip odom-
eter, radio and overhead console by rotating the control
up until you hear a click. This feature is termed the
ªParadeº mode and is useful when headlights are re-
quired during the day.
Club Cab/Quad Cab models may have an optional
switched dome lamp that may be operated by pressing
the lens.
Battery Saver
To protect the life of your vehicle's battery, Load Shed-
ding is provided for both the interior and exterior lights.
If the ignition is off and any door is left ajar for 15
minutes or the dimmer control is rotated upwards for 15
minutes, the interior lights will automatically turn off.If the headlamps remain on while the ignition is cycled
off, the exterior lights will automatically turn off after 5
minutes. If the headlamps are turned on and left on for 15
minutes while the ignition is off, the exterior lights will
automatically turn off.
NOTE:Battery Saver mode is cancelled if the ignition is
ON.
Headlamp Delay
To aid in your exit, your vehicle is equipped with a
headlamp delay that will leave the headlamps on for 60
seconds. This delay is initiated when the ignition is
turned OFF while the headlamp switch is on, and then
the headlamp switch is cycled off. The headlamps will
remain on for 60 seconds. Headlamp delay can be
cancelled by either turning the headlamp switch ON then
OFF or by turning the ignition ON.
Headlights, Parking Lights, Panel Lights
When the headlight switch is rotated to the first
position, the parking lights, taillights, side marker
lights, license plate light and instrument panel
lights are all turned on. The headlights will turn ON
when the switch is rotated to the second position.
68 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

COMPASS/TEMPERATURE MINI-TRIP COMPUTER
This feature allows you to choose between a compass/
temperature display and one of five trip conditions being
monitored.
US/M Button
Use this button to change the display from U.S. to metric
measurement units.
RESET Button
Use this button to reset the following displays to zero:
Average Fuel Economy
Trip Odometer
Elapsed time.
Global Reset
If the RESET button is pressed twice within 3 seconds
while in any of the 3 resetable displays, the Global Reset
will reset all 3 displays.
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 77
3

Step Button
Use this button to choose or cycle through the four trip
conditions.
Average Fuel Economy (AVG ECO)
This display shows the average fuel economy since the
last reset.
Distance To Empty (DTE)
This display shows the estimated distance that can be
traveled with the fuel remaining in the tank. The distance
is calculated by multiplying the amount of fuel remain-
ing by the projected fuel economy. The distance predicted
will change every few seconds to a higher or lower
number as these factors change. The DTE will read zero
when the fuel gauge reads ªE.º
This display cannot be reset.
Trip Odometer (ODO)
This display shows the distance traveled since the last
reset.
Elapsed Time (ET)
This display shows the accumulated ignition ON time
since the last reset.
78 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

23. Malfunction Indicator Light
This light is part of an onboard diagnostic
system which monitors the emissions and en-
gine control system. If the vehicle is ready for
emissions testing the light will come on when the
ignition is first turned on and remain on, as a bulb
check, until the engine is started. If the vehicle is not
ready for emissions testing the light will come on
when the ignition is first turned on and remain on for
15 seconds, then blink for 5 seconds, and remain on
until the vehicle is started. If the bulb does not come
on during starting, have the condition investigated
promptly.
If this light comes on and remains on while driving, it
suggests a potential engine control problem and the need
for system service.
Although your vehicle will usually be drivable and not
need towing, see your dealer for service as soon as
possible.
CAUTION!
Prolonged driving with the MIL on could cause
damage to the engine control system. It also could
affect fuel economy and driveability.
If the MIL is flashing, severe catalytic converter
damage and power loss will soon occur. Immediate
service is required.
24. Door Ajar
The Door Ajar light will illuminate when the
ignition is ON and either one of the passen-
ger doors is opened.
25. Odometer/Trip Odometer Button
Press this button to toggle between the odometer and the
trip odometer display. Holding the button in resets the
trip odometer reading.
26. Odometer/Trip Odometer
The odometer shows the total distance the vehicle has
been driven.
INSTRUMENT PANEL AND CONTROLS 103
4

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

WARNING!
²Do not use a tire, wheel size or rating other than
that specified for your vehicle. Some combina-
tions of unapproved tires and wheels may change
suspension dimensions and performance charac-
teristics, resulting in changes to steering, han-
dling, and braking of your vehicle. This can cause
unpredictable handling and stress to steering and
suspension components. You could lose control
and have an accident resulting in serious injury or
death. Use only the tire and wheel sizes with load
ratings approved for your vehicle.
²Never use a tire with a smaller load index or
capacity, other than what was originally equipped
on your vehicle. Using a tire with a smaller load
index could result in tire overloading and failure.
You could lose control and have an accident.
²Failure to equip your vehicle with tires having
adequate speed capability can result in sudden
tire failure and loss of vehicle control.
CAUTION!
Replacing original tires with tires of a different size
may result in false speedometer and odometer read-
ings.
Alignment And Balance
Poor suspension alignment may result in:
²Fast tire wear.
²Uneven tire wear, such as feathering and one-sided
wear.
²Vehicle pull to right or left.
Tires may also cause the vehicle to pull to the left or right.
Alignment will not correct this condition. See your dealer
for proper diagnosis.
Improper alignment will not cause vehicle vibration.
Vibration may be a result of tire and wheel out-of-
balance. Proper balancing will reduce vibration and
avoid tire cupping and spotty wear.
STARTING AND OPERATING 181
5

Power Door.......................... 14
Lower Anchors and Tether for CHildren
(LATCH)............................ 42
Lubricating Oil........................ 248
Lubrication, Body....................... 235
Lug Nuts............................. 213
Lumbar Support........................ 63
Maintenance.......................... 226
Maintenance Free Battery................. 232
Maintenance Procedures.................. 226
Maintenance Schedule................... 263
Schedule9A9......................... 274
Schedule9B9......................... 265
Malfunction Indicator Light............103,224
Manual, Service........................ 284
Manual Transmission..............144,150,245
Fluid Level Check..................... 245
Lubricant Selection.................245,260
Shift Speeds......................... 151
Mirrors............................... 58
Automatic Dimming.................... 59
Electric Powered....................... 60Outside............................. 59
Rearview............................ 58
Modifications/Alterations, Vehicle............ 5
Mopar Parts........................225,284
Multi-Function Control Lever............... 70
New Vehicle Break-In Period............... 52
Occupant Restraints...................... 24
Odometer............................ 103
Trip ............................... 103
Oil, Engine.........................226,259
Capacity............................ 258
Change Interval...................... 227
Dipstick............................ 226
Disposal............................ 229
Filter...........................229,259
Filter Disposal....................... 229
Identification Logo.................... 228
Materials Added to.................... 229
Pressure Gauge....................... 100
Recommendation..................228,258
Synthetic........................... 229
INDEX 295
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