2004 DODGE DAKOTA open gas tank

WARNING!
²Remove the fuel tank filler tube cap (gas cap)
slowly to prevent fuel spray from the filler neck
which may cause injury.
²The volatility of some gasolines may cause a
buildup of pressure in the fuel tank that may
increase while you drive. This pressure can result
in a spray of gasoline and/or vapors when the cap
is removed from a hot vehicle. Removing the cap
slowly allows the pressure to vent and prevents
fuel spray.
²Never allow any lit smoking materials near the
vehicles while removing the cap or filling the
tank.
²Never add fuel to the vehicle when the engine is
running.
Fuel Tank Filler Tube
NOTE:
On some models, the fuel tank filler tube has a
restricting door about 2 inches (50 mm) down from the
opening. If fuel is poured from a portable container, the
container should have a flexible nozzle long enough to
force open the restricting door.
CAUTION!
To avoid fuel spillage and overfilling, do not ªtop
offº the fuel tank after filling.
NOTE:When the fuel nozzle ªclicksº or shuts off, the
fuel tank is full.
NOTE:Tighten the gas cap until you hear a ªclickingº
sound. This is an indication that the gas cap is properly
tightened.
The Check Engine light will come on if the gas cap is
not properly secured. Make sure that the gas cap is
tightened each time the vehicle is refueled.
STARTING AND OPERATING 187
5

HAZARD WARNING FLASHER
The flasher switch is on the top of the steering column,
just behind the steering wheel. Press the flasher switch
and all front and rear directional signals will flash
intermittently.
Press the switch a second time to turn off the emergency
flashers.
This is an emergency warning system and should not be
used when the vehicle is in motion. Use it when your
vehicle is disabled and is creating a safety hazard for
other motorists.If it is necessary to leave the vehicle to go for service, the
flasher system will continue to operate with the ignition
key removed and the vehicle locked.
ADDING FUEL
On some models, the fuel tank filler tube, on vehicles
equipped with a catalytic converter, has a restricting door
about 2 inches (50 mm) inside the opening. If using a
portable fuel container, it should have a flexible nozzle
long enough to force open the restricting door.
WARNING!
A fire may result if gasoline is pumped into a
portable container that is in a vehicle or on a truck
bed. You could be burned. Always place gas contain-
ers on the ground while filling.
208 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

Whenever a change is noticed in the sound of the exhaust
system, when exhaust fumes can be detected inside the
vehicle, or when the underside or rear of the vehicle is
damaged, have a competent mechanic inspect the com-
plete exhaust system and adjacent body areas for broken,
damaged, deteriorated, or mispositioned parts. Open
seams or loose connections could permit exhaust fumes
to seep into the passenger compartment. In addition,
inspect the exhaust system each time the vehicle is raised
for lubrication or oil change. Replace as required.
WARNING!
Exhaust gases can injure or kill. They contain carbon
monoxide (CO) which is colorless and odorless.
Breathing it can make you unconscious and can
eventually poison you. To avoid breathing CO, fol-
low the preceding safety tips.
Cooling System
Inspection
Coolant protection checks should be made at every 12
months (before the onset of freezing weather, where
applicable). If coolant is dirty or rusty in appearance, the
system should be drained, flushed and refilled with fresh
coolant. Check face of radiator for any accumulation of
bugs, leaves, etc. If dirty, clean the radiator core by gently
spraying water from a garden hose at the back of the core.
Check the reserve tank tubing for condition and tightness
of connection at reserve tank and radiator. Inspect the
entire system for leaks.
With the engine at normal operating temperature (but
not running), check the coolant pressure cap for proper
vacuum sealing by draining a small amount of coolant
from the radiator drain cock. If the cap is sealing prop-
erly, the coolant will begin to drain from the reserve tank.
Do not remove the pressure cap when the cooling system
is hot.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 237
7

Turn Signal.......................... 99
Flat Tire Stowage....................... 215
Flooded Engine Starting.................. 145
Floor Console.......................... 88
Fluid, Brake........................... 260
Fluid Capacities........................ 258
Fluid Level Checks
Automatic Transmission................ 245
Brake.............................. 243
Cooling System....................... 237
Power Steering....................... 234
Transfer Case........................ 248
Fog Lights..........................69,257
Four Wheel Drive...................... 151
Operation........................... 151
Four-Way Hazard Flasher................. 208
Freeing A Stuck Vehicle.................. 167
Front Axle............................ 248
Fuel................................. 184
Adding............................. 186
Filler Cap........................... 186
Filter.............................. 231
Gasoline............................ 184Gauge............................. 100
Materials Added...................... 186
Octane Rating........................ 259
Requirements.....................184,258
System Hoses........................ 241
Tank Capacity........................ 258
Fuses................................ 253
Garage Door Opener..................... 81
Gasoline............................. 184
Gasoline, Reformulated.................. 184
Gauges
Coolant Temperature................... 99
Fuel............................... 100
Oil Pressure......................... 100
Speedometer......................... 100
Tachometer.......................... 99
Voltmeter............................ 99
Gear Ranges........................100,147
Glass Cleaning......................... 251
GVWR............................... 191
Hazard Warning Flasher.................. 208
292 INDEX